Hello everyone! Welcome back to the 4th installment of Building Mental Health as a Community. Before we get started, I’d like to apologize for this monthly blog coming late - in the spirit of breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health struggles, I have had some of my own this past month. Nevertheless, we are back to our work of erasing stigma surrounding mental health and creating a safe space in the community to voice mental health-related topics.

Today will be a continuation of the last blog, answering the important question of how mental health is stigmatized within our society and what we can do on an individual level to fight that stigma. For this question, we turned to the community, and here is what they had to say:

“This is such an important topic. As an intern at NAMI KDK (Kane-south, Dekalb, and Kendall Counties), I had the privilege to interview numerous community mental health advocates with personal experience with mental health conditions about the challenges we face accessing mental health care as well as their insights into solutions. If it’s helpful, you’re welcome to reference the free resource, and I’m happy to answer any questions or reach out to the folks who donated their time to the project. Thanks for your vital work!” Mental Health & Spirituality: An Advocacy Resource

Riven H. Sire, MSW

“In my opinion and past experience, I believe that society has become way too comfortable with placing a mark of disgrace on anyone that experiences MH issues. You are labeled, separated and depending on your culture, dismissed. As a MH advocate and activist, my mission is to change this stigma with solutions and normalizing conversations surrounding MH”.

Stephanie H., Founder & CEO of iShine iRock LLC

“Another stigma I observe is people feeling they don’t deserve treatment because someone else has it worse. ‘My anxiety isn’t THAT bad’. You know? But it doesn’t help anyone if you continue to suffer”

Helen, Assistant Director

It’s easy to feel isolated when experiencing mental health issues or fall into the cycle of “it could be worse.” It is important to remember that there are so many resources out there for us and that we should not stay silent in the battle against mental health stigma. We appreciate the community giving us their ideas and perspectives to share with others.

Stay tuned for more upcoming interactive blogs where we reach out to the community to slowly help break down the stigma surrounding mental health, and work to educate others in the process! Have an amazing month!