Here Are Some Things You Can Do To Help
Learn and Share: Learn about mental health and talk about it with others, including children. Help people understand that mental health issues are like any other health problem and not something to be ashamed of.
Talk About Feelings: Talk openly about how you feel. Encourage your friends, family, and children to share their feelings too. This makes it normal to talk about emotions and ask for help.
Use Kind Words: Be careful with your words. Avoid saying hurtful things (e.g., someone is “crazy”) or making jokes about mental health. Use words that show you understand and care.
Support Others: Be supportive of people facing mental health challenges. Show kindness and listen without judging.
Share Your Story: If you feel comfortable, share your own experiences with mental health. This can help others feel less alone and encourage them to seek help too.
Ask for Help: It’s okay to ask for help. Encourage others to seek help from professionals without feeling embarrassed.
Speak Up: If you see unfair treatment or hear mean comments about mental health, stand up against them. Be a voice for fairness and understanding.
Spread Good Messages: Support movies, books, and shows that talk about mental health in a respectful way. Share positive stories that show how people can overcome challenges.
Encourage Positive Change: Support making it easier for people to get help for mental health issues in schools, communities, and workplaces.
Celebrate Success: Celebrate stories of people who have overcome mental health challenges. Show that recovery and living a good life is possible. Reducing mental health stigma needs everyone to work together. By being kind, understanding, and talking openly about mental health, we can create a world where everyone feels accepted and supported.
Taking the First Step: One of the first steps in supporting mental health is talking about it. To learn more about starting this important conversation and fighting stigma, check out the resources below!