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Have you ever wondered what psychosis really is? Is it true that if you have schizophrenia you’re more likely to be a danger to others? Is depression something that’s genetically transmitted? Can you die from anxiety?
Most of us don’t know the answer to these questions and yet they reflect our perception of mental health. Mental health has become something scary, shameful, a taboo.
We want to change this: correct misconceptions by breaking the silence. And how do we do this? We do this by talking.
Here's a video that we made to help patients and their friends and family better understand different mental health conditions. In this example: Generalised Anxiety Disorder. This way we can create a better awareness of what it is and how it feels to have mental health difficulties.
Time to Talk Day
On Thursday the 4th of February it’s Time to Talk Day. The aim is to get everyone talking about mental health. It’s a day where you can ask questions and be as curious as you want about mental health.
For example, did you know that:
- Dark chocolate reduces stress.
- Lady Gaga struggled with an eating disorder.
- A lot of people hear voices and yet don't have schizophrenia.
There is still a lot to be learned. And learning works best by asking questions and trying to understand.
Learning and sharing
It's important to us that you have the opportunity of learning more about mental health. Every time a person learns something new about mental health we are raising awareness, we are changing the culture around mental health.
Time to talk day is also a day where you can feel the courage to share difficult experiences you've had with mental health. This allows you to claim your experience, become closer to those around you by letting them understand you and your struggles better.
Talking about mental health issues is scary. It can make you feel vulnerable, afraid of being judged and misunderstood. So choose who you want to share your little secret with, trust them and allow them to see another side to who you are. And this is how step by step, talk after talk we will create a world where mental health can come out from its shadows.
Start talking!
So whether you’re curious to learn something new or willing to share an experience with someone, join us in celebrating Time to Talk Day. Along with Mind and Bristol Mental Healh.
Are you up for talking to us? Tweet us at @Minddistrict to help us raise awareness, fight stigma and create a better culture for mental health. Take the plunge. Start talking!