Educate Yourself and Others

Everyone knows a little about mental health issues but knowing the facts about mental illness can help you educate others and reject stigmatizing stereotypes. They are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing. Understanding mental health isn’t only about being able to identify symptoms and having a name for these conditions but dispelling many false ideas about mental health conditions as well.

– See more at: https://www.nami.org/stigmafree#whatisstigmafree

I live with a child who suffers with this disease for most of her life.  We still have such a long way to go in understanding, diagnosing, treating and accepting this disease and the other problems that go along with it like addictions and other self harming activities.  We also need to better equip the caregivers and families of those who suffer.  Their daily lives can be just as painful and frustrating at times.  Learning to see the person and not the illness is not always easy.  There are days I really do not like my child.  I will never stop loving her but try hugging a porcupine and see how you feel afterwards.  My goal this coming month is to focus on what I have learned and continue to learn.  I hope something here will help you too!

Peace be with you!

And please be #stigmafree with me!