Mental Health Awareness Month | May 2019
Join ADAA and Help Us #BreaktheStigma
Nearly 450 million people worldwide are currently living with a mental illness, yet nearly two thirds of people with a known mental illness never seek treatment. ADAA is dedicated to helping those living with anxiety, depression, and co-occurring disorders and their loved ones find treatment, support, and resources. This May - for Mental Health Awareness Month - we encourage you to help us #breakthestigma associated with mental health disorders by sharing your story to inspire those facing similar challenges and supporting our work so we can continue our mission to provide free resources for those in need. Thank you!
Your Story - Like These - Can #BreaktheStigma
Please Don’t Tell Me to Pray My Anxiety Away


"I’ve been pretty much battling with anxiety and depression most of my life for various reasons. However, the reason I’ve realized that possibly made my mental health quite difficult to bare was the fact that my parents in the beginning weren’t all that supportive. I assumed because I was honest and upfront with them about my issues, it would be easier to overcome them. I definitely thought wrong.."
Why Getting Hit by a Ball Actually Makes Me Feel Better
"My name is Simon Bank. I am 12 years old and I am from Los Angeles, California. I have Generalized Anxiety Disorder with Obsessive Thoughts and I am not ashamed of it. I was first diagnosed when I was 7 years old. At that time, I did not know why I was going to a therapist, or even what a therapist was. When I think back, anxiety has been a part of my life ever since I can remember...
  
...I chose to work with ADAA because I believe that their mission meets my mission to help people BEAT ANXIETY. I also chose ADAA because they are an organization that is not just talk and actually do what they talk about. If you need help they will help you find help. To help people like me get through anxiety please donate to my cause and to ADAA. "
A Long Line of Depression and Anxiety: The Stigma Stops Here

"Why can’t you just be happy?

You know, you have it better than most people? You should be appreciative.

These are things I have heard since I was officially diagnosed with depression in 2000. It’s insane to think that in 2018, I still hear this from friends and family." Read more.
Follow ADAA on Twitter @Got_Anxiety &
Join our May Twitter Chat
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, ADAA will hold a Twitter Chat on May 15, 2019 from 2:00-3:00 pm ET under the title: #Mythbusters . ADAA member experts Dr. Kevin Chapman, PhD, and Dr. Debra Kissen, PhD, MHSA, will be hosting the chat which will focus on common myths surrounding anxiety and the actual corresponding facts. Use the hashtag #Mythbusters to join the conversation and ask questions!

We invite you to share this exciting event with friends, family and colleagues using our graphic! Be sure to follow @Got_Anxiety for updates about this chat.
Your Gift In Action
Create Your Personal Mental Health Awareness Fundraiser
Through Facebook!
Want to raise mental health awareness but don't know how? You and your Facebook friends can support causes that are important to you (like ADAA!) by raising funds and awareness without leaving Facebook! Start your own Facebook fundraiser here today .

Anxiety and Depression Association of America | 8701 Georgia Ave. Ste. 412 | Silver Spring, MD 20910 240-485-1001 | information@adaa.org | Learn more at: www.adaa.org