Despite the success of mental health awareness week and a noticeable shift in attitudes over recent years, mental health stigma and discrimination is still a huge issue.
Did you know, nine out of ten people with mental health problems say that stigma and discrimination have a negative effect on their lives?
Often, people with mental health issues say that social stigma and the every day discrimination they experience can make their health issues worse and be a barrier to recovery.
From finding employment, safe housing or simply being included in a community, negative perceptions of people with mental ill health can trap people in a cycle of illness.
We are on a mission to smash this stigma, one bite at a time. Through our #JustCheck campaigns, pro-mental health food experiences and raising awareness, we want to promote a positive mental heath revolution!
It’s vital we all work together to break down prejudices. Here are 5 quick ways we can all tackle stigma…
1. Talk openly about mental health with our friends, colleagues and peers
2. Educate ourselves on the facts surrounding mental health
3. Challenge stigma when we see it, whether on TV, in person or on social media
4. Be conscious of the language we use when talking about mental health
5. Be there for your friends and family and #JustCheck they are really okay
6. Get involved with the Time To Change campaign
Time To Change is an amazing campaign on a mission to change the way people think and act about mental health problems. They work directly with employers, the community and young people to tackle stigma at all levels. You can learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved on their website.
We all have the power to tackle mental health stigma. Today, why not reach out to one of your friends to #JustCheck that they are really okay? It’s down to us to break open the conversation.
Thanks and stay safe,
James
Team FINK