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Get ready to break the stigma and end the silence on mental health on May 5, also known as National Silence the Shame Day! This day was founded by music executive Shanti Das in 2017 as a way to raise awareness and start conversations about mental health issues that are often kept hidden or stigmatized. It's a day to show support for those struggling with their mental health and to encourage open and honest discussions about this important topic. So let's use this day as an opportunity to speak up, listen, and help break down barriers surrounding mental health.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Shanti Das's Mission Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Former music executive Shanti Das aims to combat mental health stigma following her public disclosure of struggling with depression and launches the Silence the Shame initiative.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>'National Silence the Shame Day' Proclamation</div><div class='timeline-text'>May 5 was officially recognized as National Silence the Shame Day, designated to bring understanding and awareness to mental health issues.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Major Fundraising Effort</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first significant fundraiser for Silence the Shame was held, raising funds to provide mental health resources and education for underserved communities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Growth of Awareness Campaigns</div><div class='timeline-text'>Silence the Shame’s awareness and grassroots advocacy efforts reached new heights, with major celebrities and corporations supporting mental health initiatives.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Expansion Amidst Pandemic</div><div class='timeline-text'>In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Silence the Shame amplified its digital programming to offer increased mental health support through social media platforms and virtual sessions.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Start a conversation about mental health</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use National Silence the Shame Day as an opportunity to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Start a conversation with friends, family, or coworkers about the importance of mental health and how we can support and uplift each other.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Practice mindfulness and self-care</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time for yourself on this day to reflect, meditate, or engage in activities that promote self-care and improve your mental well-being. This could include yoga, journaling, or simply taking a walk in nature.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a mental health workshop or event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many organizations and communities host workshops and events on National Silence the Shame Day to educate and raise awareness about mental health. Attend one of these events to learn more and show your support for the cause.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your story or support someone else's</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you feel comfortable, share your own experiences with mental health or lend a listening ear to someone else who may be struggling. This can help break the silence and create a supportive community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a mental health organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Consider making a donation to a mental health organization that aligns with your values and supports those affected by mental illness. Every contribution helps make a difference in the lives of others.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings awareness to mental health and destigmatizes it</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Silence the Shame Day provides a platform for people to speak openly about their struggles with mental health without fear of judgment or shame. By bringing these issues to light, we can break the stigma surrounding mental illness and promote understanding and support.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages individuals to seek help and support</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Silence the Shame Day reminds us that it's okay to not be okay and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. By encouraging people to reach out for support, we can make sure that no one suffers in silence and everyone receives the help they need.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes self-care and compassion</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>With all the pressure of daily life, it's important to take care of our mental well-being just as much as our physical health. On National Silence the Shame Day, we are reminded to prioritize self-care and show compassion towards ourselves and others who may be struggling with mental health issues.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Mental Health Disorders Are More Common Than You Think</h3><p class='facts-content'>One in five U.S adults experiences mental illness each year, and one in twenty-five U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year, shedding light on the ubiquity of this issue.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Half of All Mental Illness Begins by Age 14</h3><p class='facts-content'>About 50% of mental health disorders begin by age 14, stressing the importance of early intervention and treatment to curb potential long-term consequences.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Depression is the Leading Cause of Disability Worldwide</h3><p class='facts-content'>The World Health Organization found depression to be the leading cause of disability worldwide – it can affect people’s ability to work or complete education, and disrupt their relationships. </p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Suicide is the Second Leading Cause of Death Among 15-29 Year Olds</h3><p class='facts-content'>Suicide resulting from mental health disorders becomes a significant concern, with it being the second leading cause of mortality among young adults worldwide. </p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Stigma and Discrimination Prevent People From Seeking Help</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many people with mental health issues won't seek help due to the stigmas attached, making Silence the Shame Day's mission significantly important in promoting open conversations about mental health.</p></div></div>
National Silence the Shame Day is celebrated on May 5 every year. In 2024 National Silence the Shame Day will occur on a Sunday.
2023
May 5
Friday
2024
May 5
Sunday
2025
May 5
Monday
2026
May 5
Tuesday
2027
May 5
Wednesday
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