Make The World FACE Mental Illness

Mid-day update!

I subscribe to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) newsletter, and was delighted to find the following in my inbox this morning:

DBSA Launches National “Facing Us” Campaign

On August 10 in Orlando, the DBSA National Conference had a surprise addition to its agenda: the unveiling of “part one” of DBSA’s innovative, new national campaign, “Facing Us,” three artistic contests for consumers and film students. The contests, offering 27 cash prizes (totaling nearly $5,000), solicit personal video stories, artwork and PSAs that will

• Show the world the real face of those with depression and bipolar disorder.
• Support those diagnosed to create, and face, a better future.
• Help people understand and face the reality that you can’t “think away” or “just deal with” these illnesses.

The Facing Us website explains contest instructions in full detail. It also hosts the contest’s video clips, which can also be seen on popular websites like YouTube and MySpace.com. The Facing Us site showcases a promotional clip by award-winning actress and playwright Victoria Maxwell—a witty, “face first” monologue about recovery and bipolar disorder.

On November 1, DBSA launches “part two” of the campaign: an online “clubsite” for consumers with everything from the winning entries to online wellness books, journals, recovery tips and plans, e-cards … and so much more for consumers to share with each other.

The video and art contests are just the beginning. Visit FacingUs.org to find out more … and “face the camera.”

Yeah baby!

I think this is a great idea. I’m not a filmmaker or artist (other than writing, but I don’t think that’s why they’re looking for), nor do I make online videos, but I encourage any of you who can do these things to participate!

What kinds of ideas do you have?

Visit the DBSA landing page to sign up for their newsletter.