Stigma is shame. Shame causes silence. Silence hurts us all.
Objective
The objective of National Day Without Stigma is to eliminate the shame and discrimination surrounding mental health disorders by creating communities of understanding, support, and help-seeking.
Take Action in Your Community
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Fight Stigma Today
1. Watch Your Language.
We commonly hear the phrases "That's so crazy!" or "She's crazy!" Yet, every time we do that we attach folks with mental health disorders to all things unbelievable, ridiculous, negative, and sometimes dangerous. Also, remember that a person is not defined by his or her mental health disorder, so always put the person first. For example: Suzy has bipolar disorder. Suzy is not bipolar.
2. Chalk Your Support.
Join the National Day Without Stigma movement by chalking positive and supportive messages about mental health. Grab your chalk and download messages to use from our Electronic Action Kit.
3. Reach out.Are you or someone you know struggling with a mental health issue? Speak up and reach out. Getting the right help can vastly improve the lives of people with mental health disorders.
- Are you or the person struggling on a campus? Reach out to your Counseling Center, Health Center, or Dean of Students office to access resources.
- Not on a campus? Search for mental health services yourself, call your primary care physician or local hospital, or call 1-800-273-TALK. Their operators can point you toward local service providers.
Our Goals when Taking Action
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To give people the language and skills they need to have a conversation about mental health.
- To reduce stigma by promoting awareness about the prevalence of mental health disorders and effectiveness of seeking help.
- To create a supportive environment on campuses and in communities in which people can speak up and seek help for mental health.
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To eliminate any shame and discrimination experienced by students, whether they experience stigma about their identity, service, abilities, or any characteristics that define who they are.
Stigma is shame. Shame causes silence. Silence hurts us all.
For more information about National Day Without Stigma, contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
"Words can’t express the impact that Active Minds has had on me personally and professionally...I have learned to work with a wide range of people, and I have learned more about mental health issues in the past two years than I believe I ever would have if I hadn’t become a member of Active Minds. Most of all, my work with Active Minds has enabled me to openly discuss my own mental health issues."