For those walking a personal journey

 

• I am walking a journey over which I have control

• We are all on a continuim of mental health. Although there are days I struggle, there is help and help is always available for me.

• I am a valuable person and I deserve to be treated with respect and dignity by others and myself.

• I am responsible for the decisions and choices I make in my life and take full responsibility for my actions.

• Educating myself about the symptoms of my condition, and any side effects I may have from treatment, will help me find and use the resources I need to work in maintaining my stability.

• Communicating about my experiences with others will help them support me in difficult times.

• If I am feeling suicidal, it is critical that I reach out for help, for in the face of real pain and suffering, it is others who can help me with a commitment to live.

• I can reduce stigma in myself and in others by becoming an example of how one can live and thrive with a psychiatric disorder and not be controlled by it.

• I agree to engage in positive self-care and allow the healing properties of the expressive arts to assist in maintaining a health lifestyle.

• I will promote to others the importance of self-care and encourage their involvement in the expressive and creative arts.

 

For Friends/Family walking the journey

 

• Should someone I know being living with a psychiatric diagnosis I will support and encourage them to engage in proper self-care and treatment in order to thrive along their journey.

• I agree to promote the healing powers of the expressive arts by actively participating and encouraging others to participate in the expressive arts.

• If someone I know exhibits sudden changes in behavior I will pay attention and reach out to them.

• If someone I know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, I will take it seriously and make every effort to ensure they get help.

• I will not engage in or tolerate stigma of any kind and will commit myself to changing the way society views people living with psychiatric conditions.

• I can personally make a difference by educating myself and others about mental health issues and the devastating effects of stigma and agree to promote the positive message that people can/do thrive while living with these conditions.