Not everyone will agree with this, but I believe we are already well on our way to reducing, and possibly ending, the stigma around mental health.
It’s happening now, in towns and cities, schools and boardrooms, and even Zoom calls, as more and more people begin to feel comfortable talking about their own mental health, the struggles they’ve experienced, and what they’re feeling right now, during this stressful COVID-19 pandemic.
These conversations, taking place in the context of a new sense of what is normal, are building momentum that could reap benefits for years ahead leading to greater acceptance of mental health challenges and greater tolerance for those who are struggling with them.
It’s hopeful and positive, but any momentum can stall and that’s why the work that NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is doing and their recent video contest called “Ending the Silence” is so important.
NAMI is looking for videographers or anyone who has an urge to get behind the camera and film a video on ending the silence around mental health.
The contest seeks entries for a chance to win up to $5,000.
The videos will be used in NAMI’s Ending the Silence for Students program, an evidence-based project that helps educate middle and high school students about the warning signs of mental health conditions and what they can do if they know someone who is showing symptoms.
Do you have a story to tell about mental health? Entries are due by Jan. 11.
For more information, including entry details, see the NAMI website. Or, send your questions to Jennifer Rothman at Jrothman@nami.org.