Ann D.’s Post

May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Let's prioritize our mental wellbeing and support those around us. If you're in Canada, you can reach out to organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) for resources and support. Here are some ways to observe Mental Health Awareness Month: - Educate yourself: Learn about mental health conditions, signs, and symptoms. - Reduce stigma: Use respectful language and encourage open conversations. - Support others: Listen actively and offer resources when needed. - Prioritize self-care: Take care of your own mental health and wellbeing. - Get involved: Participate in local events, fundraisers, or awareness campaigns. Remember, mental health matters! Let's work together to create a supportive community. If you need immediate support, you can call the Canada Suicide Prevention Service at 1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741 (24/7).

Question — Why is raising awareness about mental health important for men? Men Suffer Too! Men’s Retreat Embassy Suites Hotel by Hilton Bethesda, MD October 4 - 6 Reserve your seat now! www.mentalhealthtalk.live (Bookstore) ——————————————— Attention, men! I need your support! As part of our Men Suffer Too! Initiative, we're working to boost mental health awareness, reduce stigmas, and encourage men to seek mental health services comfortably. Here’s how you can help: Please send us a 15 to 30-second video answering this question: “Why is raising awareness about mental health important for men?” Just dive straight into your response—no need to repeat the question or state your name. Send your videos to leslie@mentalhealthtalk.live. Let's unite to make this a global movement! Share around the world! By sending videos to leslie@mentalhealthtalk.live, you grant us permission to use your videos for marketing Mental Health Talk and its related projects. Please note that this permission is given without expectation of compensation or rewards. Odis James III Wayne Lesane Joshua Montgomery, DMS, MPH, PA-C

10th October, Mental Health Awareness Day ✨ & 2-Year Celebration 🎊 🎊 On October 10th, we join the global community to observe Mental Health Awareness Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness and breaking the stigma around mental health. For us, this day holds even greater significance, as it marks the 2nd anniversary of the founding of our Suicide Awareness Organization. From the very beginning, our mission has been clear: to create hope and save lives by promoting mental health awareness, especially for adolescents and young adults. Over the past two years, we have conducted numerous outreaches across various platforms—schools, churches, mosques, FM stations, TV, markets, and conferences—touching the lives of thousands. Through educational sessions, counseling services, and community engagement, we’ve seen a remarkable shift in mental health knowledge and understanding, offering individuals the tools to overcome emotional struggles. As we reflect on these accomplishments, we remain dedicated to carrying this message forward. Mental health is not just a topic for one day, but a daily mission. However, this day helps us take a step back, evaluate our progress, and gear up for the work that lies ahead. With each life touched, we move closer to a future where mental health is embraced and supported by all. Together, let's create hope ♥️

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and its an important time to focus on our well-being. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is celebrating Mental Awareness Month with the "Take the Moment" campaign. The campaign focuses on: “Fostering community connection,” which encourages individuals to participate in no-cost education classes, presentations, and support groups that reflect their experience. Examples of these include NAMI Family-to-Family, NAMI Family & Friends, NAMI Homefront, NAMI Basics, and NAMI In Our Own Voice. “Encouraging open conversations,” which fosters an environment where people feel comfortable discussing their personal experience and seeking help when needed. “Empowering individuals to act now,” which ignites a sense of urgency around taking control of one’s own mental health journey through resources that include the NAMI HelpLine and those offered by local NAMI state organizations and affiliates. “NAMI’s Take the Moment campaign is a reminder that amidst life's chaos, we all deserve a moment to refocus, recharge and nurture our mental health,” said NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. To Learn More: https://lnkd.in/ebqfyWi5

🗣️ The Power of Conversation: Let's Talk Before Time to Talk Day! Hello LinkedIn community, As we approach Time to Talk Day on 1 Feb 24, a significant initiative run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in England, in partnership with Co-op, and embraced UK-wide in collaboration with Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), See Me in Scotland, Inspire in Northern Ireland, and Time to Change Wales, it's crucial to highlight the impact of conversation on mental health. Time to Talk Day, launched in 2014 by Time to Change, aims to create supportive communities by encouraging conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about mental health. We all have mental health, and by talking about it, we can support ourselves and others. Let's pledge to make time for meaningful conversations, not just on 1 Feb 24, but every day. Together, we can foster a culture of openness and support communities across the country to have more mental health conversations than ever before. If you have a story about the positive impact of a conversation, feel free to share it below. Let's inspire each other to prioritise the power of connection. #TimeToTalk #MentalHealthMatters #Wellbeing

Community is a cornerstone of mental health support, particularly evident in initiatives like R U OK? Day. This important campaign highlights the significance of meaningful connections within our communities. By encouraging open conversations about mental health and well-being, R U OK? Day empowers individuals to reach out, check in, and offer support to those who may be struggling. In times of uncertainty or distress, our community becomes a lifeline, providing a safe space for vulnerability and sharing. Through the simple act of asking, ""Are you okay?"" we signal our willingness to listen, understand, and support one another through life's ups and downs. R U OK? Day reminds us that a single conversation can make a world of difference, offering hope, validation, and a reminder that we are not alone. Furthermore, the collective support and compassion within our communities can help break down stigma surrounding mental health issues, fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding. By coming together to support one another, we create a culture of care and empathy where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. In essence, community and initiatives like R U OK? Day play a crucial role in promoting mental health and well-being. Through the power of connection and support, we can create stronger, more resilient communities where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.

“I’m plodding along.” Something I’ve heard myself saying recently when I’m asked how I’m doing by other people. I used to respond with “not too bad” but in all honesty I started to use the word ‘plodding’ as it’s far more descriptive of how I often feel - like the world is moving forwards, when I’m struggling to keep up. Especially on those days when my anxiety and/or depression are in the driving seat. Today is #TimeToTalk day, a campaign to end mental health stigma and discrimination, which was run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness in partnership with Co-op. The campaign runs UK wide, with Scottish Action for Mental Health and See Me in Scotland, Inspire Therapeutic & Wellbeing Services in Northern Ireland and Time to Change Wales. The day is all about creating supportive communities by having conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about mental health. We all have mental health and by talking about it we can support ourselves and others. Research shows that talking about mental health reduces stigma, helping to create supportive communities where we can talk openly about mental health and feel empowered to seek help when we need it. Use today as an opportunity to talk and open up about how you’re really feeling when someone asks “how are you?” It could end up being the conversation that you needed to have. #MentalHealth #Wellbeing

🌍 Let's End the Stigma Around Mental Health 🌈 Today, as we observe World Mental Health Day, it's crucial to spotlight the importance of improving our mental well-being and supporting those around us. Mental health challenges, from depression to bipolar disorder, affect 1 in 4 people globally. Yet, the stigma surrounding these issues often prevents individuals from seeking the help they need. By raising awareness, we can take essential steps towards a more accepting and supportive society. We're all in this together 🤝. Fostering open conversations about mental health can pave the way for significant change. Whether it's talking to a friend or attending a World Mental Health Day event, every action counts. It's heartening to see organisations across the UK embracing this day with seminars, online events, and fundraisers aimed at breaking the silence and supporting mental well-being. I encourage everyone to participate in these uplifting initiatives and contribute to the broader conversation. Let's also remember the power of staying connected and active. A chat with a trusted colleague, a walk in the park, or just taking some 'me-time' can do wonders. By focusing on our mental health and advocating for better resources and awareness, we can contribute to a healthier, more supportive world. 🌟 #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthAwareness #SupportAndTalk

We want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has submitted reports to StigmaWatch over the past few days. Thanks to you, we've seen the highest number of StigmaWatch reports ever! Your contributions are invaluable in the fight against mental health stigma. Every report you submit helps us to: Raise awareness: By highlighting real-life experiences of stigma, we can educate the public and challenge negative perceptions. ️ Advocate for change: With your reports as evidence, we can push for more inclusive and supportive environments for everyone. Break down barriers: Together, we can create a society where people feel comfortable seeking help for mental health concerns without fear of judgment. StigmaWatch is a powerful tool, and it's only effective because of your participation. Thank you for making a difference! To learn more about the StigmaWatch program or to make a report, visit https://lnkd.in/dVRkH855

World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10 each year, aims to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilize efforts to support mental health globally. Initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, it seeks to reduce stigma, promote mental well-being, and advocate for better mental health services. Each year, the day is marked with a specific theme. In 2023, the theme was "Mental health is a universal human right," focusing on ensuring everyone has access to quality mental health care regardless of their circumstances. Events, campaigns, and discussions typically take place worldwide, addressing issues like stress, depression, anxiety, and the mental health impact of global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts to mark this day include policy advocacy, educational programs, and community outreach to encourage open discussions around mental health.