PDF May 2019 Week Four

DMH MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

NEWSLETTER

May 2019

Week Four

What is Stigma? Why is it a Problem?

Stigma is when someone views a person in a negative way just because they have a mental health condition. Some people describe stigma as a feeling of shame or judgment from someone else. Stigma can even come from an internal place, confusing feeling bad with being bad.

Navigating life with a mental health condition can be tough, and the isolation, blame and secrecy that is often a result of stigma can create huge challenges to reaching out, receiving support and living well.

Stigma causes people to feel ashamed for something that is out of their control. Worst of all, stigma prevents people from seeking the help they need. For a group of people who already carry such a heavy burden, stigma is an unacceptable addition to their pain.

What Helps Versus What Hurts

TALKING TO SOMEONE EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES

"I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help."

"We all go through times like this."

"You might not believe it now, but the way you're

feeling will change."

"Just snap out of it. Look on the bright side."

"You are not alone in this. I'm here for you. We will get through this together."

"You'll be fine, stop

worrying. Shouldn't you be better by now."

"Talk to me, I'm listening."

"Here's my advice."

How Can We Help To Eliminate Stigma?

1. Talk Openly About Mental

Health

2. Educate Yourself and

Others

3. B e Conscious of

Language

4. E ncourage Equality

Between Physical and Mental Illness

5. Show Compassion for

Those with Mental Illness

6. Choose Empowerment

Over Shame

7. Be Honest About

Treatment

8. L et the Media Know

When They're Being Stigmatizing

9. Don't Harbor Self-Stigma

Made on a Mac

SCHOOLS

National Children's

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS DAY 2019

Suicide is the

2nd

LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH in

Vermonters aged

15-34

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

80%

of those thinking about suicide want others to be aware of their emotional pain and to keep them

from dying.

UMatter

1 in 10

middle school and high school students have made a suicide

plan in the last 12 months.

Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Preventing Suicide:

EVERYONE

Has A Role To Play

Using the "S" word

Talking to friends about suicide does not make them more likely to attempt suicide. In fact, talking about suicide gives an opportunity for help.

National4CShTilEdPreSnT'sO HELPING A FRIEND

1. Listen -- Show you care

MENT"AHowLarHe yEouAfeeLlinTgHtodaAy?W" ARENESS DAY 2019

"I'm here for you if you want to talk."

2. Ask -- Be direct and caring in your questions

"Are you thinking about killing yourself?"

3. G et Help -- Go to an adult or call a professional to help

"Will you go see the counselor with me, I think they could really help."

4. O ffer Hope -- Remind them that they matter to you and

others, they have unique strengths and abilities. "I know you are going through a tough time, but things will get better. I am on your side, we will get through this!"

UMatter, YYA Workbook

It Is IMPORTANT That You Take Them SERIOUSLY.

Where to Get Help:

CRISIS TEXT LINE

Text VT to 741741

Free 24/7, Confidential

LOST? NOT SURE HOW TO

APPROACH YOUR FRIEND AT RISK?

SEIZE THE

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