#EndTheStigma #HeadsTogether

If all of a sudden you found yourself with a runny nose, cough, fever and congestion you might wait a while, try over the counter medication and eventually if you continue to get worse, see a physician. You may not be happy about being sick, but you would seek professional help and probably wouldn’t see this illness as a weakness or personal failure.

The same can be said for things like a broken bone, diabetes, heart disease or other diagnosable illness.

So what if your symptoms included losing interest in things that you enjoyed doing, like going out with friends or playing sports or a favorite hobby? Perhaps trouble falling asleep because your mind was racing with intrusive thoughts about death or dying? Maybe you felt hopeless, sad or empty for a good part of your day? What would you do then? Would you seek medical help?

I would hope the answer is YES, but unfortunately that is not often the case. Many times people choose to  ignore these symptoms and isolate themselves from others. They don’t reach out for help because they see these symptoms as a personal weakness or flaw. They don’t recognize that these are signs of a true medical issue. This stigmatization of mental health issues is a huge problem stopping people from getting the treatment they need.

Depression and other mental health issues can affect anyone.

Depression and other mental illnesses with proper care CAN bet treated!

It is NOT a weakness, personal flaw or something to be ashamed of.

We need to end the stigma and work together to provide education and support for those that need it.
Check out the awesome video for the Heads Together Campaign going on now in the UK!

If you or someone you care about is silently suffering from symptoms of depression,  please reach out for help, the same way you would seek out a doctor for a broken bone or the flu.

For those of you in the northern NJ area interested in a free therapy consultation you can reach me at 908-337-3710, email: cfmaksimow@maximize-wellness.com or visit my website:  Maximize Wellness Counseling  & Coaching LLC  to take the first step.

If you are not local and unsure where to begin, go to the Psychology Today Website and put in your zip code to find therapists near you.

If you are feeling suicidal or at risk for hurting yourself of others you can reach out to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline website today.