In observance of mental health awareness month, SPARK will be addressing the mental health issues in our communities and highlighting the connections between discrimination and stress, along with the resulting impacts on relationships, employment and overall health.
A wealth of psychological research shows that discrimination can exacerbate stress. Moreover, discrimination-related stress is linked to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, even in children. In a recent report on the state of Stress in America™, the American Psychological Association found that nearly seven in 10 adults (69 percent) in the U.S. report having experienced any discrimination, with 61 percent reporting experiencing day-to-day discrimination, such as being treated with less courtesy or respect, receiving poorer service than others, and being threatened or harassed. (Source)
Throughout the month of May, SPARK invites you to share your mental health experiences with us using the hashtag #LetItBeGlorious. We want to hear your personal stories of recovery, struggle, or hope. We believe that one of the ways to combat mental health stigma is to create intentional spaces where members of our communities can freely express themselves and connect with others in the same situation. Tag SPARK on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and add your voice to the conversation by sharing creative content such as poetry, inspirational quotes, photos, videos, song lyrics and messages of support.
