From Executive Director Lisa Kelly
I am immensely proud to lead an organization dedicated to supporting the well-being of every person in our community. Our vision for a truly healthy community starts with eliminating stigma through prevention and education.
That is why I want to speak directly about the transformative power of our Community Mental Health Literacy Classes.
The Silent Barrier: Stigma and Misunderstanding
For too long, mental health has been discussed in hushed tones, surrounded by fear and misunderstanding. This silence creates a massive barrier. People often don’t seek help because they:
- Don’t recognize the signs in themselves or others.
- Fear being judged or labeled.
- Don’t know where to turn or how to start a supportive conversation.
Mental Health Literacy is about equipping everyone with the basic tools of understanding and connection.
Three Core Benefits of Mental Health Literacy Classes
Our classes are designed to produce real, measurable change in the lives of individuals and the health of the community.
| Benefit | Impact on the Individual | Impact on the Community |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Early Identification | Learn to distinguish between typical stress and signs of a mental health concern. | Leads to earlier intervention, preventing crises and reducing the need for costly, high-acuity care later on. |
| 2. Stigma Reduction | Gain confidence to speak openly and without judgment about mental health. | Fosters a culture of acceptance and compassion, making seeking help a natural and respected act. |
| 3. Promote a Wellness Approach | Acquire practical skills to reduce stress and promote overall wellbeing. | Builds a culture that includes steps everyone can take to mitigate stress and improve wellbeing. |
“A person who understands mental health isn’t just a better neighbor; they are an essential part of our public health infrastructure.”
Our Call to Action: Investing in Ourselves
As the Executive Director, I view these literacy classes as one of the most cost-effective and highest-impact services we offer.
- For Businesses: Mental Health Literacy improves team morale, reduces absenteeism, and boosts productivity. It’s an investment in your most valuable asset: your people.
- For Schools and Community Organizations: It empowers teachers, students, and staff to contribute directly to a safer, more supportive environment.
- For Individuals: It provides peace of mind, knowing you are prepared to help a loved one or to recognize the need for your own self-care.
We believe that everyone deserves to be literate in mental health. It is a core life skill that drives compassion, resilience, and hope.
We’d like to especially thank 1st Source Bank and the Pokagon Fund for their support of our mental health literacy classes.
Ready to Empower Yourself and Your Community?
Contact us to inquire about bringing a tailored class to your organization: JMarable@mhamichiana.org.
Let us work together to build a community where mental wellness is not the exception, but the expectation.
Sincerely,
Lisa Kelly
Executive Director, Mental Health Awareness of Michiana (MHAM)
At MHAM, we see every day how much connection and support can change someone’s life. Your generosity helps make possible our education classes, Pro Bono Counseling Project, peer support, mental health screenings, and public events that bring people together and open the door to healing. These programs are creating hope for individuals and families across Michiana – and we couldn’t do it without you.
Thank you for being a part of the MHAM family and for making mental health a priority in Michiana.
