YMCAs around the world are joining forces to support a major mental health campaign: #IAMWHOLE.
The campaign is calling on people to take a stand by challenging others when they see or hear harmful language, be mindful of the words they use and to learn more about the impact mental health stereotypes and insults can have.
YMCA’s own research, One Million Voices, discovered that 35% of young people around the world don’t have access to information on mental health.
The campaign is being fronted by UK rock band, Nothing But Thieves – who have recorded an exclusive version of the title track from their hit album ‘Broken Machine’ to support the campaign- as well as last year’s campaign lead Jordan Stephens from Rizzle Kicks.
Johan Vilhelm Eltvik, World YMCA Secretary General said:
“Negative language surrounding mental health is so engrained into our everyday language it makes it almost impossible to tackle stigma if we don’t change the way we talk about people experiencing mental health difficulties.
“While everyone knows how damaging insults can be, it’s the more subtle elements of how we talk about the issue that really discourages young people from speaking out.
“Most of us use words unintentionally, not realising the damaging consequences of our comments. We need to start challenging people on the way they talk and also challenge ourselves. This is why we support the #IAMWHOLE campaign to help everyone better understand mental health and tackle stigma one word at the time.”
To find out more about the campaign visit : #IAMWHOLE campaign on World Mental Health Day