NAMI-GC College Outreach Program
Questions about NCCOP? Want to help? Contact nccop@namigc.org.
For more information, referrals, support, and education about serious mental illness, call NAMI of Greater Chicago at (312) 563-0445, or visit the NAMI of Greater Chicago website, namigc.org.
“It's helpful to start talking about the issues with people you feel really close to. Confiding in only my closest friends and family members really helped me become more assertive in seeking treatment and reassured me that people are capable of understanding.”
“Talk about it! People have stigma because they don't fully understand what it's all about. So don't be afraid to discuss it with people and let them know what is really going on. Mental illness is not as uncommon as people think it is.”
“Let people know that 1 in 4 persons have a mental illness in their lifetime and that everyone has someone in their family that has it. Talk about it more freely and correct people when they speak about mental illness incorrectly.”
“I would say that, at least for those not affected with mental illness themselves, it is important to be strong and to be vocal about ‘normalizing’ mental illness. Millions of college students suffer from stress, anxiety, and depression, and it is extremely important that this be out in the open. If students (and individuals, for that matter!) know that these feelings are "normal", they are more likely to seek help, to have hope, and to get better. Conversely, if they don't get help or if they are unable to help themselves, these conditions are more likely to worsen, and even to turn into more malicious forms of mental illness, like schizophrenia. For all of these reasons, it is extremely important to recognize that mental illness is normal and okay. Only then can we truly combat it.”
“-If you are mentally ill: Talk to people (friends, family, even total strangers) and realise for yourself that they still love and respect you after they hear your story. Don't be afraid to reach out for help: what you consider a stigma may not be judged so by everyone else. It takes courage, but you'll discover there is help and love for you.
-If you are recovering: Share your experiences if the subject comes up, if you feel comfortable with that.
-Everyone: it's all about love.”
“Even at a person's weakest, they are their strongest….a label ought not to be ‘the end all, and be all’ of a person. With a label, or stigma, please remember you are more than your illness. To be more than stigma, you may need to first overcome yourself…begin with working on your self-esteem:‘I am worthwhile,’ or my favorite (yes, you may use my favorite belief): "I am all of that and a low-fat bag of chips." (hahaha). Practice respectful humor. Maybe smile once or even twice a day. With every breath say, yes, you are MORE than stigma can ever be. Stigma is a nothing at all. You are something special!”
Want to add your tips? Send an email to nccop@namigc.org.
Want to learn more about the signs and symptoms of mental illness? Go to Signs & Symptoms.
For listings of resources that may be able to help, please visit Campus & Community Resources.