What's Happening

This month and always, TTI strives to ensure qualifying people in our service areas get the appropriate support and quality of care to live healthy, fulfilling lives in their communities.

Anyone can have a mental illness, just as they can have a physical illness. No one asks for either one. We need to show compassion for people living with mental illness just as we would for people with cancer, diabetes, or heart disease.

May is a time to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma so many experience. Stigma is a barrier to accessing mental healthcare. Not only does mental illness cause pain, distress, and loss, but it can trigger a social reaction — prejudice — which is as limiting as the condition itself. Reducing stigma encourages people to seek the help they need for what we know are treatable conditions – and can result in significant improvements in individual and family lives.

Some ways to reduce stigma:

• Educate yourself and others.
• Be conscious of language.
• Get treatment.
• Don’t isolate yourself.
• Don’t let stigma create self-doubt and shame.
• Show compassion for those with mental illness.
• Choose empowerment over shame.