Health

HEALTH • Winter 2016 9 JOIN THE CONVERSATION Connect with us and join the conversa on. Help make mental illness in children and young adults a "mainstream health issue." Defini on of STIGMA: A set of nega ve and unfair beliefs; a mark of shame or dis- grace. For genera ons, miscon- cep ons about mental illness, that it is a sign of weakness or a character flaw, have discour- aged millions of people of all ages who live with a mental condi on from disclosing their illness and seeking profession- al counseling and treatment to manage their illness. THAT'S CHANGING. The SHINE Ini a ve has strong faith and belief that by engaging in genuine dialogues with young people, their parents, teachers, and other caregivers, about the true facts of mental illness, what it is, what are its causes, how to seek help, and how to be a suppor ve caregiver, we can empower this genera on of people and those that will follow to overcome s gma and to promote mental wellness. What evidence do we point to as signs of change? The classroom conversa ons we've had with thousands of adolescents and young adults in high schools and colleges across Central Massachuse s. They are asking to be em- powered and educated about mental illness because they recognize the importance and value of total wellness. The growing popularity of SWAT – Student Wellness Advisory Teams. School administrators, o en prompted by their students, are invi ng the SHINE Ini a ve to work with faculty and students alike to promote messages of hope, inspired through their own crea vity, words, and lived experiences. visit www.theshineini a ve.org or call 978-870-1494 We know that half of life me cases of mental illness begin by age 14. Imagine the difference we can all make in someone's life if we begin to accept, recognize, understand and treat men- tal illness as just that – an illness. It all begins with an open mind and an honest dialogue. Won't you add your voice to our conversa on?

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