Kaily, a friend of our blog community, wrote this in reference to our 2012 NAMI Walk Orange County. I thought you’d enjoy an update and connection.
Hey All,
Just want to encourage an all out effort at fundraising as we near the walk day. We are more than half-way to meeting our team goal of $1000.00!
I also want to acknowledge our new walkers/team members and thank them for choosing to team up with us and Bring Change 2 Mind (BC2M.)
How is everyone coming on purchasing our team t-shirt? It has occurred to me that some of you may already have a BC2M t-shirt of a different style than the one with the BC2M logo on the front. That is great and meets the purpose of uniting us all as a team representing BC2M.
We’ve had two donations made to our Team – way awesome! I’ll be sending emails thanking them for their generous and thoughtful donations.
Let’s keep recruiting team members and fundraising right til the last minute.
Thank you, everyone, for your comittment to our team and cause. You all have been doing a great job! Let’s keep it going!
As always, contact me with any questions, concerns, etc.
Kaily
If it wasn’t for Kaily, I wouldn’t be a part of BC2M. Thank you Kaily.
– Sana Quijada
Take the Bring Change 2 Mind Pledge
The fear of stigma and discrimination can have a devastating effect on those living with mental illness. Change happens one person at a time. If you are living with a mental illness, know someone who is, or just want to help, take our pledge to help end stigma.
I pledge to follow the Bring Change 2 Mind principles:
For people living with mental illness:
- I am living with a mental illness that is treatable and manageable.
- I am a valuable and valued person and I deserve to be treated with respect.
- I am responsible for the decisions and choices I make in my life.
- Educating myself about the symptoms of my illness, and any side effects I may have from treatment, will help me find and use the resources I need to work toward stability.
- Communicating about my experiences with others will help them support me in difficult times and keep me “on track.”
- If I am feeling suicidal, it is critical that I reach out for help, for in the face of real pain and suffering, it is others who can help me with a commitment to live.
- I can reduce stigma and discrimination in myself and in others by being open about living with mental illness, naming it out loud and raising people’s awareness.
For everyone:
- It is likely that someone I know is living with a mental illness and that fear of stigma or discrimination may be preventing them from accepting their illness and seeking help.
- I can make a difference by learning about mental health issues and the devastating effects of stigma and discrimination.
- If someone I know exhibits sudden changes in behavior, I will pay attention and reach out to them.
- If someone I know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, I will take it seriously and make every effort to ensure they get help.
- I will not perpetuate or tolerate stigma or discrimination of any kind and will commit myself to changing the way society views people living with mental illness.
That was great encouragement regarding living with Mental Illness Blessings to you!
thank u, nurse! big smile demonstrating sense of community perceived. this is important. keep on.