In case you aren't aware, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has coined the slogan "CureStigma".   As featured on their website, curing stigma is important because "one in five Americans are affected by mental health conditions. Stigma is toxic to their mental health because it creates an environment of shame, fear and silence that prevents many people from seeking help and treatment. The perception of mental illness won't change unless we act to change it" ( https://www.nami.org/mentalhealthmonth).  The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has focused many of our efforts and campaigns this year to fight various forms of stigma related to sexual assault, veterans asking for help, substance use disorders and suicide awareness.  It feels only fitting to incorporate NAMI's slogan into this month's newsletter. 

 

Just this week, I was asked to present the Florida Veterans Support Line (1-844-MyFLVet) to the state-wide County Veteran Service Officers.  This incredible group of 130 veterans specialists spent four days in Safety Harbor learning about new programs and services to help veterans across our state.  When I had the chance to present, I started with a story about a suicidal veteran who called the Veterans Support Line looking for help.  I purposefully chose that story in an effort to break down the stigma related to veteran suicide.  We know veterans and non-veterans alike avoid seeking help due to a perceived shame, disgrace or weakness associated with mental health issues.  The Crisis Center is proud to be our community's Gateway to help, hope and healing.  However, stigma is our biggest barrier to ensuring that no on in our community has to face crisis alone. 

 

So, what's the answer to combating stigma?  I believe we have to change the conversation at the grass-roots level.  For example, we should not equate ourselves with our mental health issues or diagnosis.  Also, we must encourage each other as we move through the treatment process by providing a safe place to talk and just be together because isolation can lead to self-doubt, self-blame and shame.  Finally, we can all use social media or other venues to speak out against stigma.  Our words of support can instill hope and courage in others!  And, as always, please call 2-1-1 or visit our website at www.crisiscenter.com for ideas, suggestions or assistance.  

 

Hoping to #CureStigma,  

 

Clara