#MentalHealthMonth: How You Can Help #B4Stage

Having a mental illness still has a major stigma attached to it, and often overlooked as being overworked or stressed. While it make be true for a few small situations, that is not often the case. As a society, we need to change the way we see mental health but one person cannot do it alone. 

How does changing the views of mental illnesses help those who could have a mental condition?

It brings awareness to their symptoms enough to get it checked out and diagnosed. These early symptoms might not ever become serious. Like a cough, they often go away on their own, and are nothing to fear. But when they do not go away, it typically takes ten years from the time they first appear until someone gets a correct diagnosis and proper treatment.

Stages of Mental Conditions

By that time, their symptoms could be worse, and that is what the B4Stage4 initiative is trying to prevent. They want people to know that even if you think you have a mental illness, go get it checked out. 

So how can we give those who suffer the courage to get checked out? By being advocates. It can be as small as reaching out on social media (click here for sample tweets and Facebook posts) or as large as organizing a community run or walk to raise money. One person cannot change the way we see mental illness, but it's a start!

You can also help us by just being informed of the risk factors, taking a preliminary screening, and talking with your family and friends about the B4Stage4 initiative and how they can help as well.

Together, we can make a difference.