On May 5, National Silence the Shame Day brings an opportunity to continue the conversation about mental health and wellness and erase the stigma associated with mental illness.

Mental illness, like any other health concern, is diagnosed at different stages that may have fewer symptoms and/or impact on our daily functioning. It is important to know that mental illness is treatable and recovery is possible.

Unlike other areas of our health care, many don’t have an affordable or accessible routine plan of care for mental health challenges.For individuals who may have access often suffer in silence due to the stigma of being diagnosed.

National Silence the Shame Day offers education and awareness, opening up conversations about mental health and wellness, mental illness and recovery.

HOW TO OBSERVE

DONATE: Text SILENCE to 707070 to benefit educational programs/awareness for mental health services.

Use #SilenceTheShame to share on social media on May 5th.

Sample Copy for post/video:

• TODAY I am Silencing the Shame around mental health and donating to increase resources. Join me by texting the word SILENCE to 707070.
• Today I will Silence the Shame around stigma in mental health! Please join us and text to give! $5 or $100, every amount helps! Text the word SILENCE to 707070.
• Today I will Silence the Shame and not be afraid to talk about mental wellness! Please help me to raise awareness and funding by texting SILENCE to 707070.

Attend a mental health fair to learn about mental health conditions and how to care for your own mental health and wellness.

If you think you’re the only person dealing with mental health concerns, think again. Visit the blog/hashtag at #SilenceTheShame for stories like yours.

Request an assessment at your next checkup if you feel you may have mental health challenges.

Consider that 1 in 5 Americans suffers from some kind mental illness. A neighbor, family member, coworker, friend, church member or classmate could be struggling with a mental illness but silenced due to the stigma. Find out how you can make a difference to by checking out the resources page.

Some employers offer free, confidential employee assistance programs that include counseling sessions.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24/7 free suicide hotline (1-800-273-8255). Here you can get help or get involved.  Also for confidential help, you can text the word Silence to 741741 from anywhere in the USA to text with a trained Crisis Counselor from Crisis Text Line.#