Tanager Place is recognizing National Mental Health Awareness Month in 2022 with a
twist that everyone can relate to – food!
According to Mental Health America, nearly 1 in 2 Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition at some time in their life. However, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 60% of adults with a mental illness don’t receive care.
Tanager Place’s awareness campaign, centered around food puns, aims to reduce the stigma around discussing mental health with a relatable, approachable message. Campaign materials with phrases like “Let’s Taco Bout It”, “Mental Health Matters a Latte” and “Even Tough Cookies Talk About Their Feelings” will be found throughout the community during the month of May.
Stigma-reducing campaigns have proven effective in persuading people to seek help for mental health concerns. Communities implementing these campaigns have shown demonstrable effects, with people feeling more comfortable talking about their own mental health concerns, as well as decreases in the number of people who were reluctant to receive help.
Community members can participate in this campaign in a variety of ways, including participating in a Tanager Place community event this month, purchasing a food puns t-shirt, sharing their own story regarding mental health challenges publicly and supporting others who share their stories. Community members may also consider making a donation to the Tanager Place Equity & Inclusion Fund, which allows Tanager Place to serve clients who may not otherwise be able to afford their treatment costs. Details for all of these can be found at TanagerPlace.org/MentalHealthMonth.
Tanager Place helps youth and families overcome challenges and find mental wellness. Through a mix of
prevention, treatment and outreach, we give families hope, and youth the tools to be successful.
