On October 6, 2008, the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (<- you gotta love those Canadians!), with the support of Manulife Financial, launched Let’s Face This – Confront the Stigma of Mental Illness. As the name suggests, Let’s Face This is a grassroots, web-based campaign to bust stigma and promote public awareness and education about mental health. And – as the name suggests – the campaign really does want you to face this.

When you visit Let’s Face This, you can add your picture to a growing tree of people who – like you – want to help promote public awareness and education of mental health issues. You can also add your name and a message.

Of course, Let’s Face This isn’t just about showing off your pretty mug in the name of kicking stigma’s ass. The website also provides:

• Information about mental illness, including a glossary, resources, and tips on how to get help.
• The opportunity to donate funds to Sunnybrook’s cause.
• Tips on how to raise funds for Sunnybrook (you know, for those of us who can’t afford to plunk down a nice chunk of change).
• A free downloadable poster you can hang to help promote awareness and updates on community events, in case your in the Sunnybrook vicinity.

At the time of this post, 822 people have added their pictures to the Let’s Face This tree. Head on over and add your own!

Image: SXC

Post from: Blisstree

Let’s Face This: Canada’s Confronting The Stigma Of Mental Illness

Sometimes I write a post dedicated to particular mental health awareness days, and sometimes I just provide a round up of all the awareness events taking place throughout a particular month.

I chose the former for World Mental Health Day because I stumbled across I Believe: A poem for World Mental Health Day on YouTube this morning, and really wanted to share it.

The poem isn’t specifically geared toward mental health awareness; rather, the awareness of all that is and all that can be good, hopeful, and compassionate in the world. And isn’t that what mental health awareness days are all about? Spreading the word? Spreading awareness, good news, hope, and compassion?

Yes, I believe so.

Check out the video, and if you like it and have a YouTube account, let the kid know. And, if you have any plans for World Mental Health Day, let me know below!

Post from: Blisstree

Poem For World Mental Health Day

Today was the last day for the “Top 5 Ways To Be A Mental Health Advocate” series here at Mental Health Notes.

And, if you missed it, you don’t have to scroll through the site trying to find each post – I’ve rounded them all up for you right here!

Number One: Stop Yourself And Others From Promoting Mental Health Stigma. People with any kind of illness – mental illness included – are up against a lot. Refraining from using stigmatizing words and committing actions that contribute to stigma is a great way to be a mental health advocate!

Number Two: Get Involved With Mental Health Advocacy And Research Organizations. Nationwide (and worldwide!) mental health advocacy and research programs have their stuff together, and they can help you learn about mental health and advocate for mental health awareness.

Number Three: Get Involved With Mental Health Support Groups. Support groups have been around for a looooong time. It’s because they work. If you join a support group in your area, or create one where once one never existed, you can learn more about yourself and your loved ones as well as promote mental health awareness.

Number Four: Educate Yourself And Others About Mental Health. Education is the key to…well, everything. Stigma, abuse, and bigoted thoughts and behaviors often stem from ignorance, so educate yourself about mental health and then go out and educate the world!

Number Five: Get Involved With Mental Health Politics. Band together with other mental health advocates to make our government hear us and create useful mental health legislation.

If you have any more suggestions on how to become a mental health advocate, or personal stories about how you have advocated for mental health awareness, feel free to share in the comments!

Image: SXC and Karolina K

Post from: Blisstree

Round Up Of The Top 5 Ways To Be A Mental Health Advocate

See that cheesing rocker to the right?

Well, he’s the reason I missed Wednesday night’s DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows on PBS.

I couldn’t help it. I had to watch the American Idol finale. I got really wrapped up in this season, so I had to find out which of the Davids won at the exact moment he won.

Anyway, the good news (aside from David Cook winning American Idol) is that PBS has made it possible for us to watch DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows online. I hope to do this sometime this weekend, but if anyone beats me to it, feel more than free to share your thoughts here!

Image: Newscom

Remember! You have until May 31, 2008 to enter the Mental Health Notes Birthday Giveaway, and forever to join the This Is Why I ROCK! series!

Post from: Blisstree

Update: Watch DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows Online

If you aren’t already counting down the hours until you find out which of the Davids is going to be the next American Idol (which, I am), turn your channel to your local PBS station tonight at 9 p.m. and watch DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows, the first 90-minute component of “a multi-dimensional PBS project that explores the disease’s complex terrain, offering a comprehensive and timely examination of this devastating disorder.”

About the Program:

“By weaving together the science and treatment of depression with intimate portrayals of families and individuals coping with its wide-ranging effects, the film raises awareness and eliminates the stigma surrounding this prevalent disease, underscoring the fact that whether we are battling it in our families, our workplaces, or in our own minds, depression touches everyone.”

During DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows, you’ll hear from mental health consumers who are living with depression, and scientists involved with neurological research and new treatments for depression.

Make sure you stick around afterward, as Jane Pauley hosts TAKE ONE STEP: Caring for Depression, with Jane Pauley and experts offer advice about recognizing and treating depression.

And, if anyone who watches either DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows or both DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows and TAKE ONE STEP: Caring for Depression, with Jane Pauley and wants to share their thoughts in a guest post here at Mental Health Notes, I’d be more than happy to oblige!

Image: Newscom

Remember! You have until May 31, 2008 to enter the Mental Health Notes Birthday Giveaway, and forever to join the This Is Why I ROCK! series!

Post from: Blisstree

DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows Tonight On PBS