Let's Talk About It!

Some say “ignorance is bliss”, but I say “knowledge is power”, especially when it comes to understanding mental health related disorders. Why? Because for too long, mental health has been seen as an old taboo lurking in the shadow of darkness, leaving it vulnerable to misunderstanding, shame and stigma. Societal lack of understanding and misperceptions that are often spoken through phrases such as, “snap out it” – “get over it” –or, “your just being lazy” – wounding words that only add to the suffering of the person already in distress. An unbalanced world where we move at warp speed in understanding technology but yet, move at a snail’s pace in understanding the global importance of mental health and all that it entails.

Importance in understanding that “invisible” illnesses are real. Mental health disorders are real. Depression is real. Chronic pain is real. The disease of addiction is real. Serious, life-altering conditions that come into our lives without permission, and the very reason we need to improve our understanding about mental health in general, for it is in understanding and knowledge that we can begin creating a healthier environment for solutions and recovery. Solutions that can begin by advocating our need for a more effective mental health support system, one that would provide accessible mental and behavioral health services and resources. By understanding that the body, mind and spirit are all connected and equal in requiring our overall attention for optimum health and wellness. To end old, wounding judgements relating to mental health and start learning about what truly is, the very core element of our human existence. To create and establish a new sense of awareness, a new open dialogue, while incorporating proactive resources, such as “life skills education” for our youth as this would enhance the development of healthy coping skills, essential for all areas of life. To share comradery and support for one another as we educate and empower ourselves as individuals, families, and communities.

And lastly and most importantly, to share that I am sincerely thrilled to announce that all are cordially invited to attend our Project Challenge, “Let’s Talk About It!” - “A Mental Health & Wellness Community Resource Event” being held on April 20th at the Long Beach Public Library, located at 111 W. Park Avenue, from 6:00pm – 9:00pm. A free event where a gathering of over 20 well-known organizations, agencies and local providers will be in attendance to share support and resource information as we talk about mental health and wellness, suicide prevention, addiction and recovery, “Sandy” related stress, stress management and so much more. An opportunity to start our own “ripple effect of HOPE”; one, that breaks the chains of painful isolation, stigma and shame so that the freedom of asking for help without hesitation is championed as a sign of real strength. One, where the darkness of “stigma and shame” become words of the past, and the light of “support and unity” become the words of the present and future. To create a new state of mind!