Stand Up for Mental Health

Do you remember the time, way, way long ago, when cancer was considered a "taboo" word?  No one talked about having cancer.  It was as if cancer was contagious, and if you talked about it, you'd catch it.

Same with diabetes.

Same with autsim.

Same with many, many, health challenges.

But time passed, people became more educated and aware, and now, it's nothing to walk by two people in the coffee shop and hear them discussing cancer, or a child with autism, or any other plethora of health issues.  People talking about those formerly taboo topics have taken the shame, taken the power, away from them.  Now mainstream conversations, and publicly supported challenges, all were once like the elusive forbidden fruit - you knew it was out there, but no one ever spoke of it.

So now it's time to do the same thing, shed the same light and awareness about mental health.

C'mon.  You know what I'm talking about.  The stigma of having a "mental issue" is shrouded in shame.  Embarrassment.  The fear of being ostracized, of having your "secret" ruin your life.

It's time to make a change and time for mental health conversations to move from private offices and whispered corners.  It's time to help those with mental challenges the same way we help those with cancer, and other serious illnesses.  No one ever asks for diabetes or cancer.  Well it's the same with mental health.  No one asks to be bipolar, or to have depression.  No one.

If you're so inclined, please check out the Stand Up for Mental Health campaign.  You'll find a ton of resources for those suffering with mental illness, for those supporting those with mental illness, and for those interested in helping mental illness become less taboo.

Additional resources...

Mental Health Statistics and Facts

Where to Find Mental Health Help

Join the Stand Up for Mental Health Campaign