During May, National Mental Health Awareness Month, Rebecca’s Dream recognizes all who live with mental health issues by raising awareness and compassionate understanding of depression and bipolar disorder as real diseases.

Through a social media campaign ”Today I…”, personal stories of hope, as well as, tips and techniques to improve your mental health, Rebecca’s Dream encourages everyone to live their best possible life not only during the month of May but every day of every week of every month of every year.

Your life is an occasion.
Rise to it.

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“Dreams come true; without that possibility,
Nature would not incite us to have them.”

-John Updike

“IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD”

‘’IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD” contains information about: ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, stigma, symptoms and ways to cope.

Author and illustrator Marlee F. Is a teen living successfully with depression. As Marlee struggled to understand her thoughts, feelings and moods she created “IT’S ALL IN YOUR HEAD.” Marlee’s passion became helping teens easily understand they are not alone during difficult mental health challenges ~ help she wishes she had during her early years of confusion and shame.

Mental disorders don’t discriminate.

One in five teens are affected by some form of disorder severe enough to impact their daily lives.
However, with professional help and self-care most teens feel better within 4-6 weeks.

Tips & Tools

“How to deal with stigma”

  • Get treatment. You may be reluctant to admit you need treatment. Don’t let the fear of being labeled with a mental illness prevent you from seeking help. Treatment can provide relief by identifying what’s wrong and reducing symptoms that interfere with your work and personal life.

  • Don’t let stigma create self-doubt and shame. Stigma doesn’t just come from others. You may mistakenly believe that your condition is a sign of personal weakness or that you should be able to control it without help. Seeking counseling, educating yourself about your condition and connecting with others who have mental illness can help you gain self-esteem and overcome destructive self-judgment.

  • Don’t isolate yourself. If you have a mental illness, you may be reluctant to tell anyone about it. Your family, friends, clergy or members of your community can offer you support if they know about your mental illness. Reach out to people you trust for the compassion, support and understanding you need.

  • Don’t equate yourself with your illness. You are not an illness. So instead of saying “I’m bipolar,” say “I have bipolar disorder.” Instead of calling yourself “a schizophrenic,” say “I have schizophrenia.”

  • Get help at school. If you or your child has a mental illness that affects learning, find out what plans and programs might help. Discrimination against students because of a mental illness is against the law, and educators at primary, secondary and college levels are required to accommodate students as best they can. Talk to teachers, professors or administrators about the best approach and resources.

  • Speak out against stigma. Consider expressing your opinions at events, in letters to the editor or on the internet. It can help instill courage in others facing similar challenges and educate the public about mental illness.

Source: Mayo Clinic Staff

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