OBJECTIVE:
The Hi F.I.V.E. movement aims to promote mental wellness by increasing social dialogue of mental health issues. It seeks to create Friendships by Inviting conversation and Valuing everyone’s gift in order to erase stigma. Through increasing awareness and various campaigns, the Hi F.I.V.E. Movement hopes to create safe spaces where people feel free to disclose mental health issues and history without the fear of shame or judgment from others. The Hi F.I.V.E. Movement aims to inspire a cultural change locally and internationally.
BACKGROUND:
Stigma and discrimination have a very negative impact on people living with mental illness. Many people with mental health issues/illness often live in secrecy fearing that others will notice and discriminate against them. Stigma is defined as “beliefs and attitudes about mental health problems and illnesses that lead to the negative stereotyping of people living with mental health problems and illnesses and to prejudice against them and their families” (Mental Health Commission of Canada, 2009, p. 19). Often times, stereotypes about people with mental illness are based on ignorance, misunderstanding, or misinformation. The danger of labeling and stereotyping is that it may lead to views that those suffering with mental illnesses are not people but rather reduced to their illness.
There are many societal myths relating to mental illness: “mental illness is an excuse and people who claim to have it should just snap out of it” or “those with mental illness are dangerous and violent” or “mental illness means you are crazy”. These are mistaken beliefs that may lead those who hold them as true to mistreat, make fun of, dismiss, and discriminate against those living with mental illness. When people struggling with mental illness internalize stigma, they develop shame and often end up isolated from others in the community and may avoid taking on challenges to reach their potential. Furthermore, those living with a mental illness often avoid seeking help because they often anticipate stigma and discrimination against them.
SPIRIT OF THE INITIATIVE:
A core aim of this initiative is to encourage, educate, and inspire open conversations about mental health and invite kindness and friendship towards anyone experiencing mental health issues. In addition, the initiative hopes to end stigma that may prevent individuals with mental health issues from accessing help and to foster a culture of understanding, dialogue, friendship and support. This initiative goes beyond challenging stigma, it promotes: Kindness , conversation , friendship , and treating everyone with RESPECT.
All the materials, pledge, posters are FREE to be used by any individual or organization that wants to communicate that their spaces are safe and stigma free zones.
TAKE THE PLEDGE
THIS PLEDGE INVITES YOU TO REFLECT AND COMMIT TO THESE PRINCIPLES AND COMMUNICATE TO OTHERS THAT YOU AND THE SPACES WHERE YOU WORK AND LIVE ARE SAFE SPACES.
ONCE YOU PLEDGE, PRINT THE IMAGE BELOW THE PLEDGE AND HAVE IT VISIBLE IN YOUR SPACES (OFFICE, HOME, ETC)
TAKE THE PLEDGE:
IF YOU WANT TO BRING HI F.I.V.E. TO YOUR ORGANIZATION, CONTACT US AT drerikahorwitz@gmail.com
There is no cost to adopt it. We are happy to guide you and help create a plan.
