In describing the background pertaining to Mental Health Month and this blog party, the American Psychological Association says:
Congress designated May as Mental Health Month in 1949 to illustrate the importance of mental health issues to the overall health and well-being of American citizens. On May 16, bloggers will come together for a Mental Health Month Blog Party to educate the public about mental health, decrease stigma about mental illness, and discuss strategies for making lasting lifestyle and behavior changes that promote overall health and wellness.
As an advocate for OCD awareness, I like to think this is what I do all of the time: raise awareness, educate, and help reduce stigma. I am fortunate to be part of a wonderful blogging community that understands and supports one another. I often feel encouraged that progress toward these goals is being made.
Then I get out into the “real world.” And I see, with my own eyes, that the stigma and prejudice against those with obsessive-compulsive disorder, indeed all mental health disorders, is alive and well. Outside of my comfortable cocoon, I have experienced, first-hand, how ignorant and close-minded some people still are in relation to mental illness. Discrimination against sufferers is still prevalent in our society.
And so I will keep doing what I’m doing, because we are a long way from where we need to be. I encourage others to not only advocate for mental health issues, but to be aware of, and care for, their own mental health concerns and needs. Good mental health, like good physical health, should not be taken for granted, and most of us will need some help along the way at some point. We are in this together, so it will benefit us all to work toward raising awareness, reducing stigma, and educating the public about all kinds of mental health issues.
ocdtalk 
Good point – “Good mental health, like good physical health, should not be taken for granted.” How easy it is, when we are feeling fine, to just assume that we will always feel that way. And you are also right – most of us will need help of some sort – so it’s a good thing for everyone to advocate for mental health wellness. Thanks for fighting for awareness and education!
Thank you to you too, Sunny…….I know your blog inspires so many people.
Well said, Janet. And a good reminder that outside the close blogging community, there’s still a lot of stigma.
Thanks, Tina. I know it’s easy for me to forget sometimes that not everyone is as accepting and understanding of OCD as the blogging community……..
And thank you for keeping doing what you’re doing!!!
You’re welcome, Jacqui, Thanks for commenting!
Thank you for extending your support and love from beyond your son & his illness to all of us with OCD, Depression, Anxiety, and other mental illness’s – I am truly appreciative.
Your kind words mean a lot to me, Krystallynn; thank you.
As I said, I feel like we are all in this together!
I think what you are doing is amazing!
After the birth of my daughter 3 years ago, I was diagnosed with postpartum depression (I was misdiagnosed because I never told my doctor about the intrusive thoughts). For years, I didn’t tell a single person in fear they would think I was crazy. I honestly had no idea what OCD really was & I never would have thought that what I was experiencing was that.
When I finally couldn’t take anymore suffering alone, I told my doctor about the intrusive thoughts & was diagnosed with Anxiety & OCD.
I began blogging to help others who are dealing with the intrusive thoughts/OCD & Postpartum Mood Disorders so they can know that they are not alone.
Thank you for sharing & I am glad I found your blog!
Thanks, Andrea! I’m glad you found my blog too because it led me to your blog………I look forward to reading more of it. Thanks so much for commenting.
Physical health comes from inside. If your head is cool, everything else will be ok. People should be aware of mental illness, i know why by my personal experience.
Thanks for commenting. No doubt physical health and mental health are often related……….
Thank you for sharing this story to give us tools to help ourselves with this issue.
You’re welcome!
Keep raising awareness and writing this blog because i found it very helpful 🙂 thanks for taking part, it’s people like you that are passionate, which make a difference xx
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. I hope to keep writing for a very long time, and appreciate your support!