On May 2, in honour of Child and Youth Mental Health Week, May 1 to 5, 2017, students and staff members across will be participating in an event aimed to reduce the stigma experienced by those struggling with mental health challenges.
Stigma refers to negative stereotypes and is often associated with mental illness. Stigma is a key reason why those experiencing mental health concerns often do not seek help.
This YouTube Video demonstrates the collective action we are encouraging schools, workplaces and our communities to participate in.
How to Break The Stigma
On May 2 (or during Mental Health Week), please use a phone to record participants helping to Break the Stigma. Each participant will write one word that stigmatizes those struggling with their mental health on their tongue depressor. Together symbolically Break The Stigma and offer words that show care and hope, written on the participant’s hand or post it note/cue card. Tweet your videos/pictures with the hashtags #yrdsbMH #yrdsbBreakTheStigma.