Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder are widespread. In 2005 there were an estimated 24.6 million adults age 18 or older who experienced serious phsycological distress (SPD), which is highly correlated with serious mental illness. Among 18-25 year olds, the prevalence of SPD is high (18.6 % for 18-25, vs. 11.3% for all adults 18+) yet this age group shows the lowest rate of help-seeking behaviors. Further, those with mental health conditions in this age group have a high potential to minimize future disability and pursue recovery if they receive the right support and services early on. This campaign seeks to reach adults ages 18-25 with a message of acceptance and understanding of mental illness. It hopes to encourage friends to offer their support to a friend who has been diagnosed with a mental illness. It encourages people to go to www.whatadifference.org for more information.
Feb 252010
Everyone has some level of mental issue, no matter how mild or severe. Blame it on stress, pressure, genetics, whatever, the human brain isn’t a thing of perfection, it comes with its flaws. *nods*
yes–i agree about dogs. unconditional love can help a great deal. it is so helpful. sometimes reading the posts and knowing i am not alone is so helpful. thank you for sharing and being so brave in doing so…
“Everyone has friends”..
..
Does family count? Family members can be friends.
Thats a very misleading advertisement. Not everyone has “friends”, in fact friendship as most people define it is misleading. People usually only like you when you live up to their standards and have something they want. People with mental health issues are likely to end up homeless and dead because most so called civilized people simply dont give a damn.
its sad i suffer from bi polar and get stigma from my own kids and family its very sad
‘
Here, have one of my tears
This is so true. If you have no friends and you can afford to take care of a dog, I recommend adopting one from the shelter. They are very comforting and provide unconditional love. Also, you can socialize with other dog owners at dog parks, pet stores, and other dog events.
they’re right
Thanks for sharing this video. It is so true. I have lost several ” so called friends” when they found out about my mental health issues. The stigma is awful but we are more than just our mental ilnesses, we are humans who breathe and have hearts and feelings and do not deserve to de discriminated against. Stop discrimination against those who suffer from mental health issues!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Imagine if he had one less friend…
So true….and the system does nothing while those who dont suicide become hermits…abandoned all alone….mocked…slandered…hated…yet the receptionist smiles politely and hands you an appointment card…good luck and thanks for posting
this is a GREAT video… i wish i would’ve seen this before i helped work on a commercial for mental health awareness in my city… this is what we came up with: h t t p : / /w w w . y o u t u b e . c o m/ w a t c h ? v = m n g 1 0 v 8 E x Y 4 … its called “We are More Then Our Diagnosis”
oh my goshness, this video makes me cry. Shout out to my friend Paul, I have Multiple Personality Disorder and he has always been there for me
Same here dude, I feel you. I live with Bipolar Rapid-Cycling Disorder and life with some two-faced ‘friends’ is a pain in the rectal region.
Well, you’ve also got me to chat to over here if you want to talk to another person with a mental illness
Read Explaining colours to a blind man. Not only will it enlighten many as to what living with a mental illness is like, it also gives comfort to those sufferers who think there is no hope and that they are alone. It is very informative, sometimes shocking but also very funny in parts. All in all, a good read and highly recommended.
ill be your frnd
Is this talking about the friends in the guys head? I’m confused :
obviously you don’t have a real friend then.
it’s a disease not a “condition” it’s a chemical imbalance in the brain and is genetic. People that have stigma against mental illness are the first to have it themselves. Better go get checked out dude.
So what your sayin is i need more black friends….IM ON IT!!!
I have no friends… sad face
I met a clinically-diagnosed “bipolar”. Prolonged research via PubMed suggests the condition is very often a cynical fraud+hoax, used to explain/excuse/justify:
irrational
immoral
self-centered
deceitful
selfish
vindictive
unpredictable
unreasonable
vicious
vile/evil misconduct, to procure drugs/welfare checks/attention/sympathy.
Advice how to deal with these cheats: RUN! Shun them immediately. Forever. It’ll save time & grief. Find someone worthy of your kindness/affection. You’ve been warned!
off that* list
nah….scratch angelina off hat list
isnt*