May is as good as a time as any to help reduce the stigma of living with mental and behavioral health issues, raise awareness and share your story. For 70 years, May has been recognized as National Mental Health Awareness Month by organizations such as the
National Alliance of Mental Health (NAMI) and
Mental Health America (MHA). While
Hudson Valley Parent makes an effort year round to bring light to raise awareness and support families with mental illnesses including;
depression,
eating disorders, and
OCD, May gives us a chance to come together as a community to show support to those who suffer.
Eliminate Stigma
Most people living with mental illness or raising a child with one has either been blamed for their condition, bullied or ignored at some point in their life. Symptoms of mental health illnesses and disorders are often brushed off as being “just a phase” or something they could control if they “try harder.” Unfortunately we have seen the stigma escalate conditions that could be treated, or at the very least understood with compassion. We need to stand up to the stigma and raise our voices as a community. Below are 11 ways our Facebook and Instagram communities responded to the question: “How do you fight the stigma?”
Raise Awareness
What is OCD and how to cope?
What is Sensory Processing Disorder?
Real stories of postpartum depression
The controversial side of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
6 signs that point to Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
How to Help
How to recognize the signs and help teens who cut
The benefits of Art Therapy
5 ways to slay anxiety
Tips for raising children without eating disorders
Treating Adolescent Depression