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How do you convey strength when the tears don't stop running down your face? My daughter's fall into the deep hole of depression and eventual admittance to a psych ward. Our journey,our hope-to share and learn the whys,whats and the ways of mental illness. Specifically the downward drain of depression that can happen to any of us. #StopTheStigma

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

#StopTheStigma-The Campaign that arose from Conflict

Cristyl had asked me to stop writing about her, and I  honestly replied, "It stopped being about you a long time ago."

When I found myself all alone, with no direction and no idea where to start, I promised myself no other parent would have to go through the same ordeal.  The frustration and fear felt during my daughter's hospital stay can not be explained or comprehended unless you've gone through it.  Because of this I started a campaign - #StopTheStigma.  Ironically I faced that stigma among my own family- they didn't want me to share this part of our history.  Sadly, with each day that goes by I realize this is not only my family history, nor is the view only my family's.  I realize the stigma of mental illness is true in all cultures, but it's almost a visible wall in the Latino community.  Conversations come to a halt, and if continued they are in whispers.  What's up with that??  We can not heal or accept if we don't acknowledge. For me, that's the message and hope behind the campaign - to be the catalyst for education and compassion.

The past month has been a whirlwind series of posts, events, discussions, webinars, and even a radio show to bring attention to the campaign and its' mission.  The final goal is to have events all through the nation during July, "National Minority Mental Illness Awareness Month" and to create a centralized website sharing these events as well as having a place where anyone seeking help can find organizations ready to help. But first things first.  On November 9 I will join in the NAMI Broward walkathon.  NAMI is the group that helped me get through my initial questions, and I can think of no better way to return their kindness and goodwill.  If you could join my team- NUNCA ALONE, with donations and/or walking with us it would be most appreciated and acknowledged if you'd like me to do so.

Hopefully #StopTheStigma will open lines of communication. Will it work? I think so. Thankfully it has in my family; this past week my daughter posted words of encouragement on the team page.






14 comments:

  1. Que bueno que exista este tipo de apoyo!

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  2. Ya sabes mi amiga, vamos con el apoyo ! gracias por poner de vos para esta noble e importante causa

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  3. Amiga I am truly amazed with everything you are doing and how you have turned such a difficult ordeal into an inspiration to help others. You rock and I will be with you on that walk in spirit! xoxo

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  4. Una causa que no podemos dejar de apoyar, gracias BB.

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  5. Families like to keep mental illness in the closet but nobody gets better that way.

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  6. Que causa más noble y que bien que personas como tu esten apoyando esta causa.

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  7. Me alegro que tú hija esté mejor y haya dado ese primer paso de escribir un mensaje positivo para los demás. La lucha continúa.

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  8. La verdad que las enfermedades mentales, en muchas familias, no solo latinas, son tratadas como un tabú. Me alegra que hayas tenido el valor de apoyar esta campaña y exponer tu caso personal. Sigue adelante… estas haciendo un estupendo trabajo de sensibilización.

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  9. Thanks for creating awareness for such an important topic, ignored by many.

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  10. This is a very important subject,, Thank you for treating it like it is.,, not a tabu

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  11. Estás haciendo un trabajo magnífico. Un abrazote enorme.

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  12. Excelente causa! Muchas gracias por tan valiosa información! Lo comparto!

    ¡FELIZ DÍA!ॐ
    http://mamaholistica.com

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  13. Excelente campaña! Lástima que a la salud mental le prestemos tan poco cuidado!

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