October 4th – 10th is Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme is ‪#‎IamStigmaFree‬
“Research, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, indicates that harboring stigma has quite a negative effect on those afflicted with mental illness, and often delays the process of coping as well as healing. If affected persons feel that they are being treated as outsiders or outcasts, this can exacerbate depression and increase the risk for suicidal thoughts and suicide itself.” – full article here.

There are many great ways to get involved this week.

One in four American adults are living with a diagnosable mental illness in a given year, but many of them are afraid to reach out for the help they need. “A New State of Mind” features just a few of the millions of Californians who are refusing to stay silent while untreated mental illness takes an unnecessary toll on our families and communities. Their stories of hope, resilience and recovery will change the way you think about mental illness.
A New State of Mind: Ending the Stigma of Mental Illness (HD) from Each Mind Matters on Vimeo.

Learn more about Mental Health and get your lime green gear.
http://www.eachmindmatters.org/get-involved/

Join PEERS in attending a stimulating morning as The Psychotherapy Institute presents a showing of the award-winning film, Mind/Game: the Unquiet Journey of Chamique Holdsclaw, followed by a discussion with the producer/director, Rick Goldsmith, Doug Moorhead, MD, Gigi Crowder, LE, and Andrea Lappen, PhD.
Saturday, October 17th, 2015, 10am-12:30pm
La Peña, Berkeley
More Information Here.
https://www.facebook.com/events/504779819695410/