Imagine a world where having a mental illness is as commonly accepted as having the flu.
It's hard to fathom given the obvious stigma attached to mental health issues. Despite the fact that millions of people suffer from mental health disorders, only 25 percent of those who experience them feel that others are understanding about their illness. Each Mind Matters, California's mental health movement organization, is hoping to change that.
In the organization's PSA above, multiple pop culture personalities from Andy Dick to Pamela Anderson speak out on the importance of shattering stereotypes and eliminating stigma from mental health. The group partnered with the beauty brand Philosophy's Hope & Grace initiative to create the "We Are The Movement For Mental Health" campaign in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May.
The PSA is a powerful reminder that negative associations with mental illness can do a lot of damage. Research shows that stigma can often prevent mental health patients from seeking proper treatment.
"When support is needed, it's okay to reach out because people can and do get better," the stars in the video state. "And we make it possible by speaking up, being open and honest and living stigma free."
We couldn't agree more.
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If you -- or someone you know -- need help, please call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. If you are outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention for a database of international resources.
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If you have a story about living with mental illness that you'd like to share with HuffPost readers, email us at strongertogether@huffingtonpost.com. Please be sure to include your name and phone number.
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