A Make It OK presentation about reducing the stigma associated with mental illness will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, online via Zoom.
Kathy Sell, Crow Wing Energized/Essentia Health, will present the free program. For registration and log in information, visit www.crowwingenergized.org/events .
The most recent Crow Wing County Community Health Survey found that more than one in four adults in Crow Wing County experiences mental illness. Most will wait an average of 10 years before seeking treatment, largely due to the stigma.
By talking about mental illnesses and what people can do to Make It OK, everyone can change hearts and minds about the misconceptions about mental illnesses. The Make It OK campaign is designed to encourage people to talk more openly about mental illnesses and ask for help.
Make It OK was developed in collaboration with HealthPartners, Regions Hospital, the Minnesota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and other community partners to encourage individuals to talk more openly about mental illnesses. By breaking the silence, the Make It OK campaign hopes to de-stigmatize mental illnesses so people will be more willing to seek the care they need.
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When people start talking, they realize that mental illnesses are more common and relatable than people think. And more importantly, people experiencing mental illnesses will be treated with respect, acceptance and be more apt to get the care they need.
