Words By Mary Jennings
Stigma is defined as a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
Sometimes harmful terms like “nut case”, “shrink”, “head job”, “crazy”, and “Lunatic” are used to
describe someone in mental pain.
I was recently asked,
"How do we remove the stigma from seeking help for mental illness?"
My answer is through education, open conversation and speaking out.
Knowledge saves lives!
According to the news, two family members noticed changes in their loved ones’
behavior but didn't seek help. As a result, a teenager and her mother
killed five people; three under the age of 14.
This type of drastic change in behavior doesn't normally develop overnight
so this heartbreaking story may have been prevented if the victim's family
members had sought help sooner.
Mental illness doesn't have a face, color, economic status, religion, gender or age.
Every mind has a breaking point so anyone including you can have a mental illness
occur at any time. Educate your children about mental illness and have open conversations
about their fears. Ask them about their day and truly listen.
There was a little boy who was a straight "A" student until transferring into a new class.
The nine-year-old told his mother his teacher didn’t like him. The mother said, do your
homework the way the teacher told you.
He went to his room and wasn't seen until the next day when his father was passing
by his bedroom, he thought his son was kneeling on the floor completing his homework.
His father did not disturb him, he went to work. A little later his father received a call
from his wife stating their son was dead.
The father thought he was kneeling doing homework but his son had tied a scarf around
his neck and hung himself.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide call the National Suicide
Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255. If it's a life threatening emergency, dial 911.
If you or a love one is experiencing mood swings; increased drinking/self-medicating,
lack of interest in things once enjoyed, have become withdrawn from friends and family
then talk to a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist for help.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AND LIVE EVENTS
