But you can use your illness to help others. Education is the most powerful tool you can use to counter any shame you may feel about your mental illness and to make sure others understand.

One way is to share your mental health journey with others. Sharing your story about mental illness or recovery can be empowering both for you and for others who are struggling with a mental illness. Use your story to prove that harmful stereotypes about mental illness are not true, and to encourage others to speak up and seek help. There are many ways to share your story. Here are some places you can share: https://nostigmas.org and https://thisismybrave.org/.

You can also share positive messages about mental health, either on social media or in open discussions with friends and family. Even if you have never struggled with depression or mental illness, you can be a mental health advocate.

Words Matter

For starters, be aware of how mental illness is discussed around you. Avoid using hurtful words and labels such as “nuts”, “crazy,” or “strange” when talking about yourself or someone else with a mental illness. Use respectful language. Instead of “the mentally ill” use “people with a mental illness.” Instead of “committed suicide” use “died by suicide.” And speak up if you hear others using harmful language.

If you suspect that someone may be in a crisis or is struggling with their mental health, send messages of support and assist them in getting the help they need. If you see someone post a status on social media that indicates they are struggling, reach out to them or someone who knows them. If you think they are jn danger of harming themselves, you can also report their post to the social media site.

As we head into the New Year, make a resolution to be part of the solution.

Support local and national mental health organizations and crisis centers. Volunteer or donate to organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to support this life-saving work.

You can also start or sign a petition, write to your elected representatives, start a mental health blog, or spread mental health awareness in some other way. Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) can provide ideas and support for advocacy initiatives.