You never know when you, a loved one, or a stranger on the street might have a mental illness. In a time where mental illness is a huge problem in our society, it is important that every citizen does their part in helping prevent future tragedies at the hands of someone who has a mental illness.
The mental health system is in crisis! There is a shortage of hospital beds that result in people not getting the treatment they need. This results in homelessness, them being jailed, or ending up doing something awful that hurts themselves or others.
People don’t get help many times because of the stigma that is attached to mental illness. Most people with a mental illness can recover with the right help and it is important that someone suffering with a mental illness gets the help they need.
A huge part of what all individuals need to know is where a person can go to get help. Before that, however, they need to know what signs and symptoms to look for.
Today I came across a very promising initiative. It encourages people to learn the 5 signs of mental illness. They are asking people to join others in signing a pledge that they will learn these signs and share them with everyone they know.
Please join The Campaign to Change Direction in learning these signs. You could save a life!
Picture Credits: The Campaign to Change Direction
Bipolar Bandit (Michelle Clark) 
Signed. Thank you for sharing this.
I have a similar history to yourself in being diagnosed with bipolar after a mental breakdown and psychotic episode. But it’s taken me 20 years to get my head around my illness, accept it and not be ashamed of it.
So my advocacy journey is just beginning. I believe knowing the signs of mental illness is important too