One in every six children (and one in every five adults) experience mental illness in a given year. And yet, mental health conditions still carry a great deal of stigma that make it difficult for individuals needing assistance to seek help. Hence, many children suffer silently, which often makes their problems worse. By reducing the mental health stigma, we can help more people get the help they need.

The first step in reducing mental health stigma is to learn more about mental health. As stigma is maintained and perpetuated by common misconceptions, learning more about the signs, medical etiology, and behaviors associated with mental disorders can help us to speak more conscientiously on issues of mental health. Consider these websites as a starting point to educate yourself:

https://www.nami.org/mhstats

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health

https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/index.htm

Mental health legislation is critical to extend the reach of insurance coverage and essential programs for mental health services. Contact your senators today and make your voice heard:

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