Say it out loud.Why does mental health matter?

• Mental health is a core component of our overall health and well-being.

• By promoting good mental health in ourselves and our children we contribute to healthier, happier, more productive lives.

• Treatment can be effective and help is available when needed.

Say it out loud.Why Say it out loud?

Contact. Engagement. Interaction. Connection.

Research tells us that the best way to promote good mental health and reduce stigma associated with mental illnesses is to encourage contact between people who are experiencing mental health and challenges and those who are not.

Say it out loud.What are the goals of Say it out loud?

• To create a dialog across the state on the subject of mental health.

• To normalize the subject of mental health as a key part of our overall health and well-being.

• To get people talking about how to promote good mental health in themselves and their children.

• To encourage people to reach out if they or someone they know need it.

Say it out loud.What’s with the T-shirts?

• Say it out loud creates both virtual and real contact opportunities to share personal stories.

• The campaign is represented by people wearing T-shirts that tell their stories.

• Stories will appear in advertisements and on posters and other printed materials.

• You can wear a T-shirt that says Say it out loud, to help create “buzz” around the campaign.

Say it out loud.What are the messages of Say it out loud?

• Talk with someone who seems stressed or down. Let them know you care.

• Ask for help from someone you trust if you think you or your child might need it.

• Speak to your child’s doctor and teachers about how to encourage social development.

• Encourage policy leaders to make children’s and adult mental health a priority.

• Find out how you can promote good mental health by visiting:

www.mentalhealthillinois.org

Say it out loud.How can you Say it out loud?

• Register on the website www.mentalhealthillinois.org

• Hang posters and hand out palm cards.

• Send a letter to an editor or legislator.

• Submit an article to a newsletter.

• Spread the campaign’s five core messages.

• Call a local newspaper and ask it to run a campaign ad.

• Talk with community groups about sponsoring the purchase of palm cards, posters or T-shirts for distribution at events and gatherings.

Say it out loud.

What is going on in our community?

Thank you.