I am a clinical psychologist with a self-help book on happiness that will be released in the next month. Ironically, I spend most of my day talking about unhappiness, since the majority of my patients are suicidal teenagers. But, quite often I encounter well-meaning parents who encourage their suffering child to keep depression a secret. And to keep suicidal thoughts a secret.
The problem is that secrets imply shame, which means the emotional load just got a lot heavier. Secrets also promote isolation, creating a lonely barrier between loved ones and professionals who may have been potentially helpful.
On March 20th, 2020, I want to spread a message about suicide prevention awareness and the need to destigmatize mental health. I have ordered thousands of these post cards because I have this dream of flooding social media with images of people all around the world holding this postcard and using the hashtag #10StepsEndTheStigma.
The response I have gotten so far has been amazing. People from all over the world are sending their address, awaiting their postcard, and eager to support this dream of mine. My heart is so damn full.
But I need your help. I can't do it alone.
I am here because I want to raise money to spread this important message. The money you donate will go towards shipping costs. As it turns out...A heck of a lot of people in the UK are mental health advocates. Which is fantastic. And expensive.
If you or someone you know has struggled with mental illness, please donate to this cause. If your teenage years were difficult, please donate to this cause. If you have mourned a celebrity who has taken his or her own life, or admired some distant stranger for being brave enough to share his or her own struggle -- please donate to this cause.
I have this idea that if one person out there who is suffering sees this social media message and feels less alone, then we have made a difference.
