Why do people say they're ok when they're not? Be Honest.
Break the Stigma
Stigma: A set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something.
For Youth Because of these common myths, youth may not seek help from their caregiver:
Myth My parents will be
Fact My parents love me and want
Fact Real friends care about who I am;
Myth A diagnosis will ruin my future
Fact A diagnosis can help direct me toward
Myth My parents already have enough
Fact My parents want to know what is going on
For FAMILIES Start the Conversation Check out the links below to find ideas, resources, and ways to start the conversation with your youth.
Look for a good
time and place to chat
Understand their
concerns Acknowledge their feelings and
listen
For Everyone Be Helpful, Not Hurtful How can I help?
How are you feeling?
I’m here for you if you need me.
I care about you.
You need to toughen up.
Everyone feels that way sometimes.
Can’t you just snap out of it?
It could be so much worse.
Get Involved Youth Join the Youth Advisory Council
Families Join the Parent Consultant Group
Upcoming Events Check back for upcoming events.
Mission: The Ottawa County Collaborative to Strengthen Youth and Families exists to identify and bridge gaps in services, equip service providers, create community dialogue, and ensure every child in Ottawa County has access to the supports and services they need.StigmaFreeOttawa@miOttawa.org
Contact us for help with resources or questions.
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
Why do people say they’re ok when they’re not? Be Honest.
Break the Stigma.
Stigma: A set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something.
For Youth Because of these common myths, youth may not seek help from their caregiver:
Myth My parents will be
Fact My parents love me and want
Fact Real friends care about who I am;
Myth A diagnosis will ruin my future
Fact A diagnosis can help direct me toward
Myth My parents already have enough
Fact My parents want to know what is going on
For FAMILIES Start the Conversation Check out the links below to find ideas, resources, and ways to start the conversation with your youth.
Look for a good
time and place to chat
Understand their
concerns Acknowledge their feelings and
listen
For Everyone Be Helpful, Not Hurtful How can I help?
How are you feeling?
I’m here for you if you need me.
I care about you.
You need to toughen up.
Everyone feels that way sometimes.
Can’t you just snap out of it?
It could be so much worse.
Get Involved Youth Join the Youth Advisory Council
Families Join the Parent Consultant Group
Upcoming Events Check back for upcoming events.
Mission: The Ottawa County Collaborative to Strengthen Youth and Families exists to identify and bridge gaps in services, equip service providers, create community dialogue, and ensure every child in Ottawa County has access to the supports and services they need.StigmaFreeOttawa@miOttawa.org
Contact us for help with resources or questions.
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
Why do people say they’re ok when they’re not? Be Honest.
Break the Stigma.
Stigma: A set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something.
For Youth Because of these common myths, youth may not seek help from their caregiver:
Myth My parents will be
Fact My parents love me and want
Fact Real friends care about who I am;
Myth A diagnosis will ruin my future
Fact A diagnosis can help direct me toward
Myth My parents already have enough
Fact My parents want to know what is going on
For FAMILIES Start the Conversation Check out the links below to find ideas, resources, and ways to start the conversation with your youth.
For Everyone Be Helpful, Not Hurtful How can I help?
How are you feeling?
I’m here for you if you need me.
I care about you.
You need to toughen up.
Everyone feels that way sometimes.
Can’t you just snap out of it?
It could be so much worse.
Get Involved Youth Join the Youth Advisory Council
Families Join the Parent Consultant Group
Upcoming Events Check back for upcoming events.
Mission: The Ottawa County Collaborative to Strengthen Youth and Families exists to identify and bridge gaps in services, equip service providers, create community dialogue, and ensure every child in Ottawa County has access to the supports and services they need.StigmaFreeOttawa@miOttawa.org
Contact us for help with resources or questions.
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
Why do people say they’re ok when they’re not?
Be Honest. Break the Stigma. Stigma: A set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something.
For Youth Because of these common myths, youth may not seek help from their caregiver:
Myth My parents will be
Fact My parents love me and want
Fact Real friends care about who I am;
Myth A diagnosis will ruin my future
Fact A diagnosis can help direct me toward
Myth My parents already have enough
Fact My parents want to know what is going on
For FAMILIES Start the Conversation Check out the links below to find ideas, resources, and ways to start the conversation with your youth.
Acknowledge their feelings and
listen
For Everyone Be Helpful, Not Hurtful How can I help?
How are you feeling?
I’m here for you if you need me.
I care about you.
You need to toughen up.
Everyone feels that way sometimes.
Can’t you just snap out of it?
It could be so much worse.
Get Involved Youth Join the Youth Advisory Council
Families Join the Parent Consultant Group
Upcoming Events Check back for upcoming events.
Mission: The Ottawa County Collaborative to Strengthen Youth and Families exists to identify and bridge gaps in services, equip service providers, create community dialogue, and ensure every child in Ottawa County has access to the supports and services they need.StigmaFreeOttawa@miOttawa.org
Contact us for help with resources or questions.
Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
