SUN PRAIRIE GROUP LAUNCHES MAY CAMPAIGN TO END LONELINESS & REDUCE MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA

NEWS RELEASE
APRIL 24, 2024
CONTACT: Katie Peterson, 608-400-9276
spwellnesscoalition@gmail.com
 

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month and the Sun Prairie Wellness Coalition (SPWC) is again launching STIGMA FREE SP – a campaign encouraging open and honest conversation about loneliness, social isolation, and mental health.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Community members are invited to two upcoming events to get connected, with discussions about breaking down barriers that treat mental health differently than other health conditions.

Friday, May 3
9 AM-NOON
The Colonial Club Health & Wellness Fair
301 Blankenheim Lane, Sun Prairie

Saturday, May 4
10 AM-1 PM
Mental Health and Wellness Bazaar Professional Learning Center
@ Central Heights Middle School
220 Kroncke Drive, Door 28, Sun Prairie

10:30-11:30 AM - Anesis Therapy Center staff discuss depression and anxiety among youth

12:00-1:00 PM - Kim Flood presents HeartMath: learning to self-regulate emotions and behaviors to reduce stress, increase resilience and unlock natural intuitive guidance for more effective choices

The events are free and food trucks will be on hand serving up local eats.

MENTAL HEALTH AND PHYSICAL HEALTH
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health condition each year.

“Mental health is as important as physical health. Challenges with mental health require a loving and compassionate response from all of us; it is not a weakness or flaw in someone’s personal character.” says Katie Peterson, SPWC Co-Director. “We want to erase the loneliness factor, where the stigma of a person’s struggle causes social isolation and detachment.”

Peterson said lacking social connection can increase the risk for premature death in the same way a life is shortened by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. It can also increase the risk of developing dementia by approximately 50% in older adults. Loneliness and social isolation among children and adolescents increase the risk of depression and anxiety.

“The loneliness factor can also lead to reduced self-esteem and discrimination at work, school and in relationships,” Peterson explained. “As a result, individuals are fearful of seeking the treatment and care that can get them back on a healthy path.”

Peterson added that stereotypes around mental health challenges have shifted in the past few years as young people especially have begun talking more openly about it.

“You see a lot more personal narratives being shared on social media platforms, on television and on podcasts. Hearing from other people who are struggling tells others that they’re not alone, it’s okay to talk about it,” she said.

Visit sunprairiewellnesscoalition.com to read the personal journeys of individuals who have gone through struggles to reach mental wellness.