Recovery from mental illnesses and substance use disorders is possible. In fact, many people with mental illnesses or substance use disorders lead healthy and fulfilling lives. While the journey to recovery may be challenging, you can have a big impact on people who are struggling by imparting a sense of hope and informing them of the resources available to support their recovery process. In fact, how you interact with people with mental illness or substance use disorder can impact their belief in the possibility of their own recovery. How you talk to others about the possibility of recovery can help to end stigma. Today’s challenge highlights the possibility of recovery and includes some videos of individuals in recovery.

Learn More

READ:

Recovery from a Substance Use Disorder is Possible

Visit Shatterproof’s website to read about the possibility of recovery from substance use disorders and to see some powerful recovery stories and resources.

Recovery from a Mental Illness is Possible

Visit Mental Health America’s website to read about the journey of recovery from mental illness and the tools and supports that make it possible.

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WATCH:

Examples of Recovery from Substance Use Disorders

The video What Can be Done to Overcome Stigma? showcases two residents of the Northwest region of the Lower Peninsula in Michigan and who describe their recovery experiences with substance use disorders. By sharing their stories and the impact stigma has had on them, they hope to create a community that is more compassionate toward people with substance use disorders.

Examples of Recovery from Mental Illness

The video Never Give Up showcases two residents of the Northwest region of the Lower Peninsula in Michigan who are in recovery from their mental illness who hope to spread the message that recovery is possible.

Take Action

Share the Message that Recovery is Possible

Share the message that recovery from mental illnesses and substance use disorders is possible! Post one or two of the following graphics on your personal or professional Facebook or Instagram with the hashtags #reducestigma21days #reducethestigma #mentalhealthawarenessmonth.

Social Media Posts

Question of the Day

What can you do to help those around you understand the possibility of recovery?

Join the Discussion

Record Your Activities for the Day

The challenge is designed to spur change – in mindsets, behaviors, opportunities and practices. Please help us keep track of how individuals are engaging with the 21-Day Stigma Challenge resources and actions. Each action you take, each resource you review, will add a ticket in your name to the drawing for one of five $100 gift cards at the end of the challenge.

Engagement Tracking Form

Do You Want To Learn More? Check Out These Additional Resources:

Spread the Message to Youth

Start a Young People In Recovery Chapter. There are currently none in Michigan and they can go a long way toward spreading the message that recovery is possible.

Spread The Word!