Rebecca’s Dream Celebrates 10 Years

Foundation kicks off 10th Anniversary with “10 Ways to Fight the Stigma of Mental Illness Campaign”

CHICAGO, IL — September 8, 2015 — Rebecca’s Dream, an organization with roots in Illinois helping families world-wide, will celebrate 10 years of fighting the stigma of mental illness on November 7, 2015.

Rebecca’s Dream is celebrating this milestone by launching a public education and advocacy campaign, highlighting concrete steps that individuals can take to educate themselves about the disease and to fight the stigma often associated with mental illness.

“We know that this change, like all change, happens gradually and over time, and we have made tremendous strides in our goal of eliminating the stigma of mental disease during the past 10 years,” said Norm Cutler, co-founder of Rebecca’s Dream. “Today, rather than being whispered about in the corner, bipolar disorder has entered into the lexicon of everyday conversation. The campaign we launch today builds upon our past work, offering concrete actions individuals can take to make progress towards fighting the stigma of mental illness, while supporting the individuals and families who live with these diseases.”

Ten steps you can take to fight the stigma of mental illness:

  1. Educate yourself about depression and bipolar disease by visiting Rebecca’s Dream’s website at rebeccasdream.org
  2. Share your knowledge about mental illness with a friend.
  3. View a Webinar on Teen Depression on Rebecca’s Dream’s website, click teen depression
  4. Use respectful language when talking about mental health issues and individuals who suffer from these diseases.
  5. Understand the struggles of young adults suffering with mental illness. Listen to “Should I or Shouldn’t I? Disclosing a mental health condition” podcast on Rebecca’s Dream’s website.
  6. Lend support to a friend or family member who may be suffering. Offer compassionate listening without judgement and don’t be afraid to ask, “Are you OK?” or “What can I do to help?” Helping Others
  7. Speak up and correct misperceptions about Depression and Bipolar Disorder Advocacy
  8. “Like” Rebecca’s Dream on Facebook
  9. Attend “Tell Me What You Remember” a theatrical production at the Filament Theater between November 11-15 and November 19-22. This remounted production interprets the struggles of individuals and families dealing with bipolar disease and depression.
  10. Make a donation to Rebecca’s Dream Donate

“We hope to share the message that individual actions matter, and every single one of us can make a difference in fighting the stigma of mental illness,” said Gail Cutler, co-founder of Rebecca’s Dream. “During the past 10 years we’ve facilitated thousands of small actions which have made an impact on the way we all think, talk, and live with mental illness. That’s the heart of our message and the foundation of this campaign.”

Throughout the years Rebecca’s Dream has developed and expanded programming which reaches a wide-range of audiences through traditional and social media, health fairs, theatrical productions, schools, community-based programming, and mental health professionals.

Programming and educational efforts are supported by volunteers and donors who host fund-raising events topped off with an annual benefit. This year’s 10th Anniversary Benefit will be held on Saturday, November 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ravinia Green Country Club. During the past 10 years Rebecca’s Dream has raised more than $1,000,000 for programming and support.

Gail and Norm Cutler, Rebecca’s parents and the founders of Rebecca’s Dream are available for interviews and can share their personal stories of a family who has dealt with a host of issues ranging from suicide to mental health stigma. Contact Kathleen Illes for more information.

Media Contacts:
Kathleen Illes
847-681-1986 or 773-960-0413
illeska@comcast.net