MAY 2024 EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER Live Well. Work Well. Breaking Down Mental Health Stigma May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national • Talk openly. Break the silence surrounding health observance dedicated to shedding light on mental health by initiating open and honest mental health conditions and fostering conversations with friends, family and understanding and support for those experiencing colleagues. By sharing personal experiences or them. Mental illnesses are among the most common listening without judgment, you can create a safe health conditions in the United States. space for others. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness • Choose your words carefully. Avoid (NAMI), 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health stigmatizing words and use person-first disorder each year. Despite the prevalence of language emphasizing the individual, not their illnesses and increasing recognition of mental health condition. as a critical component of overall well-being, stigma • Encourage equality between physical and remains a significant barrier to receiving treatment mental health conditions. Mental illness is a and support. The fear of judgment and medical condition, so it should be treated just discrimination often prevents individuals from like a physical ailment. seeking help. • Speak up. Is you suspect someone is struggling with their mental health, send them messages of NAMI reports that nearly 60% support or help them get on the path to of adults with mental illness treatment. didn’t receive mental health By taking proactive steps to reduce mental health services in the previous year. stigma, you can help create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to seek help. Together, we can break down the barriers that stand in the way of healing and acceptance. It’s imperative to raise awareness and educate others about mental health to combat stigma and create a more compassionate and supportive society. Here are some tips for reducing the stigma associated with mental health • Educate yourself and others. Understanding the complexity of mental illness, including substance use disorders, can help dispel misconceptions. Take the time to learn about mental health conditions, symptoms and treatments.