Recognizing that there are stigmas associated with those who suffer from mental illness is the first step toward healing. Those of us who fight the stigmas associated with mental illness hope for education, awareness, and advocacy against the stigma. I belong to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Where I am currently undergoing training to become an IOOV (In Our Own Voice) presenter. This will allow me to go on speaking engagements with various organizations to demonstrate how one who suffers from a mental illness can educate others on the struggle and hope that we live with.
A Few Mental Health Statistics:
19.86% of adults are experiencing a mental illness
251-310 million people worldwide suffer from depression
2.3 million Americans are affected by Bipolar Disorder
If I can help one person by writing this blog, I feel I am a success. Further education and advocacy are necessary to chip away at the social stigma.
Take good care,
Christine
"Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." -- Ruth Bader Ginsberg