Everyone experiences emotional ups and downs from life’s daily challenges. Mental health conditions, however, go beyond these reactions and become something long lasting and almost uncontrollable.
With proper treatment and understanding, individuals can realize their full potential, cope with the stresses of life, work productively and make meaningful contributions to society.
Understanding mental health is not only about being able to identify symptoms and having a name for these conditions. It involves local communities, the federal government, research institutions and outreach programs. Each piece contributes to our understanding of mental health—if one is missing, the picture isn’t complete.
But, it all starts with YOU.
This #MentalHealthMonth take the pledge to be #StigmaFree with these three simple steps.
- Educate Yourself
Be sure to know the true facts about mental illness so you can educate others and reject stereotypes.
- See the Person and Not the Illness
Each person living with a mental health condition has their own journey that says more about them than their diagnosis. Whether you live with a mental illness or are a friend, family member, caregiver or medical professional getting to know a person, always treat them with kindness and empathy.
- Take action
We can take action now as we push for better legislation and policies to improve lives for everyone. By lending your support you can assist the millions of individuals in need.
Through powerful words and actions, we will shift the social and systemic barriers for those living with mental health conditions and encourage acceptance and understanding.
To learn more information and to take the pledge, visit https://www.nami.org/stigmafree.
To get help from a Florida Network of Youth and Family Services agency near you, visit http://flnet.digitalopps.com/Responsive/findhelp.php.