Natasha Tracy's Newsletter April 2023 Edition Welcome to my Newsletter. It's where I have a chance to talk to you, my
readers, and offer information that can help those with mental illness and their loved ones. Thanks for reading. Welcome to my new readers! It's great to have you. In this edition, you'll find: - Mental Health Awareness Month information and articles
- Articles and videos you may have missed including one on ECT representation on
TV
- An Instagram image and quote about a book you have to read
- A message from NAMI about their May campaign
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Mental Health Awareness Month Information It probably surprises no one that I don't really care for the idea of mental health awareness month. Sure, talking about mental health is a good thing, and sure, we all have mental health, but that's not what requires awareness; it's the
realities of mental illness that require awareness. Now, to be fair, there is a mental illness awareness week in October, so that's something, I just wish we wouldn't substitute mental health where mental illness belongs. It shows that we're scared of the words "mental illness," which is weak and wrong. We are not weak. We are strong. And there is nothing wrong with talking about mental illness. Period. All that being said, here's what you might want to know about Mental Health Awareness Month: - May is Mental Health Awareness Month each year. It has been observed since 1949.
- During this month, the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) "joins the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Together, we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness."
- This year, NAMI is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with their More Than Enough campaign.
- If you're comfortable and in a place in your life to do so, I always
encourage sharing your personal story of mental illness. It adds to the chorus of others talking about the realities of mental illness.
- For information on joining NAMI's campaign, sample tweets, and graphics, see here.
Featured
Articles Share some of these article to raise awareness: What You May Have Missed Here are some new articles you might have missed from the Bipolar Burble and Breaking Bipolar blogs: The Archives |
Insta-Instagram April 20, 2023 "This book had its original printing in 2000 but in 2020, it
celebrated its 20th anniversary with a new version. If you aren't one of the 1.5 million+ people (really) who have read it, you absolutely need to. It elucidates those who don't believe they are sick, those who repeatedly stop taking their medication, and people with addictions. If any of those people are in your life, this book will be your godsend. Truth be told, I've recommended this book for years thanks to its stellar reputation and what I've known of it, but actually reading the words was something I never had time for. Until now. And now that I have, I see I should have recommended it all-the-more. This book is as close to a bible for family members of those with serious mental illness and a lack of insight or denial of addiction as you could imagine. It will give you compassion and empathy for your loved ones and scripts for how to help them. In short, it's incredible. I feel like you need to buy it so you
can underline portions, but if that's not possible, then get it from the library. The time you spend reading this book could save your loved one's life." To get the book (disclaimer: I am not in any way connected to this book), go here. April's Final Words (Yes, I'm aware that I'm
writing these words in May, but let's all just pretend this went out two days ago.) That's it for now, folks; I'll catch
up with you again next month! Please consider sharing mental illness messages during this month in whatever way you're comfortable. Here is what NAMI says about their campaign this year. I really like what they have to say here and agree with it: “It’s an opportunity for all of us to come together and remember the inherent value we each hold — no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability. We want every person out there to know that if all you did was wake up today, that’s more than enough. No matter what, you are inherently worthy of more than enough life, love and healing. Showing up, just as you are, for
yourself and the people around you is more than enough.” |
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