‘Stop the Stigma’ in Connecticut During Mental Health Month

I've heard many unkind words aimed at individuals with a mental illness such as whack job, psycho, schizo, and lunatic just to name a few. Your help is needed  to help 'stop the stigma.'

May is National Mental Health Month. Over 44 million American adults have a mental health condition and mental health issues continue to rise among our youth. This is where NAMI comes in. 

Do you have a friend or loved one who suffers from a mental health issue? The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) sure could use your support to help 'Stop the Stigma,' but what does that actually mean? According to nami.org., those who experience mental illness are often labeled and seen as their condition and nothing more. They are repeatedly:

• Held responsible for their condition
• Expected to change their thoughts and behaviors
• Avoided, isolated, and chastised
• Viewed as dangerous and unpredictable

For Mental Health Month in Connecticut, NAMI has put together two 5k walks to help raise awareness and funds which support local programs in your community to help individuals and families and educate people about mental health conditions. The two Connecticut NAMI walks are coming up soon.

The two NAMI Walks are both on Saturday, May 18 at Bushnell Park in Hartford and at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. For both Walks, check-in begins at 9 am and the Walks kick off at 10 am. For all the Walk information and a complete list of the many Mental Health Awareness Month related events going on throughout Connecticut, visit this link.