World Mental Health Day

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and Friday, October 10th is World Mental Health Day. It is also the 2nd Annual “Light up the World in Purple” day to recognize the importance of mental health wellness and the de-stigmatization of the issues that surround mental illness.

According to Wikipedia, over 25% of people ages 18 and older – about one in four adults – suffer from a diagnosable mental health issue in any given year. However, the stigma surrounding mental illness is a major barrier that prevents many people from seeking the mental health treatment they need.

Amanda Todd

Amanda Todd was a teen in Port Coquitlam, BC, who, after many years of bullying and cyber-abuse, on October 10, 2012, lost her battle against depression and the mental health issues that beset her. For Amanda, and others like her, the online harassment and bullying can greatly contribute to spiraling decline into hopelessness with dire consequences. The feeling of isolation that these victims face is overwhelming, but as the statistics above bear out, they are by no means alone.

Light Up Purple

In honour of Amanda Todd – and in acknowledgement of all those who face this adversity every day – on World Mental Health Day, we are “Lighting Up Purple”. Our Haute Note Blog background and Social Media avatars will all be purple… (Not that Lorie needs an excuse for that.) …and we’ll be tweeting the hashtag #LightUpPurple.

Please join us in showing your support and bringing attention to mental health, its major effects on peoples’ lives worldwide, and, attempting to help remove the stigma from this condition.

For more information on Amanda’s story and to find out ways that YOU can “Stay Strong”, please visit: AmandaToddLegacy.org/

 

Light Up Purple – Carol Todd – PSA