05/26/2022
APCA is providing this information as part of our Mental Health Awareness Month campaign. Mental health IS health.
Close to 1 billion people worldwide are living with a mental disorder. Nearly 1 in 5 adults in the US live with a mental illness and more than 26 million people will not be treated. Too often, people avoid or refuse mental health treatment because of the stigma attached to it. As a society we are making progress to , but there is still much to do.
Please join APCA as we work to support our community of healthcare professionals who find themselves, a colleague, or a loved one affected by this global healthcare issue. Visit https://www.apca.org/mental-health-resources/ to learn more.
So, what can you do? Talk about it, normalize it. (makeitok.org)
Do say:
· “Thanks for opening up to me.”
· “I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”
· “Is there anything I can do to help?”
· “I’m here for you when you need me.”
Don’t say:
· “It could be worse.”
· “We’ve all been there.”
· “You’ve got to pull yourself together.”
· “Maybe try thinking happier thoughts.”
For additional information, please visit psychiatry.org/patients-families/stigma-and-discrimination.
Learn about Stigma, Prejudice and Discrimination Against People with Mental Illness