The stigma around mental health keeps many people from sharing how they are really doing with someone that can help. It’s time to be heard.
Download some prompts that may be helpful in writing your story.

Single Mom, Age 35

Overwhelmed; my son’s struggles in school were adding daily to my own anxiety. He’s so smart, but it hadn’t been demonstrated in his grades. How could I help him succeed? Judged; his impulsive behaviors and uncontrollable energy seemed to be alienating friends and family and I was feeling alone. I couldn’t shake the belief that they blamed his behaviors on poor parenting. Desperate; I know he didn’t want to feel this way, but what do I do? Where do I begin?

“ADHD,” said the Psychiatrist, as he began to share the results of the testing. I hadn’t even realized just how tense my body had been, but as he spoke, I felt the tension begin to release. The puzzle pieces were starting to come together, and it all made perfect sense. Receiving a diagnosis to begin understanding what has been contributing to his underperformance at school was the stepping stone we needed. I began to feel relief.

“Behavioral intervention,” the psychiatrist explained, as he described the first treatment strategy. I let out the breath I had been holding in. I wasn’t a “bad mom.” I simply didn’t have the tools that I needed that were specific to my son and our family. Seeking a diagnosis was the right choice, for all of us, and I began to feel validated.

“Medication,” he psychiatrist continued, as he explained the benefits of this additional treatment option. My eyes welled with tears. He doesn’t have to feel this way. Medication could allow him to finally show the world the kind, passionate, and incredible boy that I know is longing to be seen. I began to feel hope.

Our journey to this point has been strenuous, but here we were, with a new beginning. I am not naïve enough to think that we won’t still encounter obstacles, but I know that this new journey will be different – because this new journey, it’s starting with hope.

Are you Stigma Savvy?

For Youth

Because of these common myths, youth may not seek help from their caregiver:

Myth

My parents will be
disappointed in me

Fact

My parents love me and want
me to be safe

Myth

I'll lose friends

Fact

Real friends care about who I am;
I am not just a diagnosis

Myth

A diagnosis will ruin my future

Fact

A diagnosis can help direct me toward
the best resources for me

Myth

My parents already have enough
to worry about

Fact

My parents want to know what is going on
with me and want to help

Learn More About Your Mental Health Diagnosis

Other Diagnosis

For FAMILIES

Because of these common myths, parents may not seek treatment for their caregiver:

Myth

Admitting something is wrong with my child is like
admitting something is wrong with me

Fact

Nothing is “wrong” with my child; they just need
different resources and supports

Myth

Claiming a kid has a mental illness is an excuse for
bad behaviors or bad parenting

Fact

Mental illness can affect anyone and is
not reflective of parenting

Myth

A diagnosis will ruin their future

Fact

A diagnosis provides better resources and
can help with personal success

Myth

It costs too much money to go to a behavioral
health provider

Fact

There are many resources available to help
if money is a barrier

Myth

It means letting go of the dream
of a perfect life

Fact

There is no such thing as perfect; A mental
health diagnosis can help ensure a better
life for the entire family

Myth

We don’t need help; This can be
handled as a family

Fact

The support of family is important,
but services can help the family as a whole
to best support each other

Start the Conversation

Check out the links below to find ideas, resources, and ways to start the conversation with your youth.
Try a local shop for coffee or hot cocoa
Take a walk in the park
Sign up for an art class
Design and plant a garden
Picnic in the local park
Look for a good time and place to chat
Understand their concerns
Acknowledge their feelings and listen
Lend a helping
hand
Understand their needs

Learn More About Your Loved Ones Diagnosis

Other Diagnosis

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 form

Contact us for help with resources or questions.

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

This campaign effort is a collaboration between Mental Health Service Provders throughout Ottawa County.

The stigma around mental health keeps many people from sharing how they are really doing with someone that can help. It’s time to be heard.
Download some prompts that may be helpful in writing your story.

Single Mom, Age 35

Overwhelmed; my son’s struggles in school were adding daily to my own anxiety. He’s so smart, but it hadn’t been demonstrated in his grades. How could I help him succeed? Judged; his impulsive behaviors and uncontrollable energy seemed to be alienating friends and family and I was feeling alone. I couldn’t shake the belief that they blamed his behaviors on poor parenting. Desperate; I know he didn’t want to feel this way, but what do I do? Where do I begin?

“ADHD,” said the Psychiatrist, as he began to share the results of the testing. I hadn’t even realized just how tense my body had been, but as he spoke, I felt the tension begin to release. The puzzle pieces were starting to come together, and it all made perfect sense. Receiving a diagnosis to begin understanding what has been contributing to his underperformance at school was the stepping stone we needed. I began to feel relief.

“Behavioral intervention,” the psychiatrist explained, as he described the first treatment strategy. I let out the breath I had been holding in. I wasn’t a “bad mom.” I simply didn’t have the tools that I needed that were specific to my son and our family. Seeking a diagnosis was the right choice, for all of us, and I began to feel validated.

“Medication,” he psychiatrist continued, as he explained the benefits of this additional treatment option. My eyes welled with tears. He doesn’t have to feel this way. Medication could allow him to finally show the world the kind, passionate, and incredible boy that I know is longing to be seen. I began to feel hope.

Our journey to this point has been strenuous, but here we were, with a new beginning. I am not naïve enough to think that we won’t still encounter obstacles, but I know that this new journey will be different – because this new journey, it’s starting with hope.

Are You Stigma Savvy?

Take the Quiz>

For Youth

Because of these common myths, youth may not seek help from their caregiver:

Myth

My parents will be
disappointed in me

Fact

My parents love me and want
me to be safe

Myth

I'll lose friends

Fact

Real friends care about who I am;
I am not just a diagnosis

Myth

A diagnosis will ruin my future

Fact

A diagnosis can help direct me toward
the best resources for me

Myth

My parents already have enough
to worry about

Fact

My parents want to know what is going on
with me and want to help

Learn More About Your Mental Health Diagnosis

Other Diagnosis

For FAMILIES

Because of these common myths, parents may not seek treatment for their caregiver:

Myth

Admitting something is wrong with my child is like
admitting something is wrong with me

Fact

Nothing is “wrong” with my child; they just need
different resources and supports

Myth

Claiming a kid has a mental illness is an excuse for
bad behaviors or bad parenting

Fact

Mental illness can affect anyone and is
not reflective of parenting

Myth

A diagnosis will ruin their future

Fact

A diagnosis provides better resources and
can help with personal success

Myth

It costs too much money to go to a behavioral
health provider

Fact

There are many resources available to help
if money is a barrier

Myth

It means letting go of the dream
of a perfect life

Fact

There is no such thing as perfect; A mental
health diagnosis can help ensure a better
life for the entire family

Myth

We don’t need help; This can be
handled as a family

Fact

The support of family is important,
but services can help the family as a whole
to best support each other

Start the Conversation

Check out the links below to find ideas, resources, and ways to start the conversation with your youth.
Try a local shop for coffee or hot cocoa
Take a walk in the park
Sign up for an art class
Design and plant a garden
Picnic in the local park
Look for a good time and place to chat
Understand their concerns
Acknowledge their feelings and listen
Lend a helping
hand
Understand their needs

Learn More About Your Loved Ones Diagnosis

Other Diagnosis

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 form

Contact us for help with resources or questions.

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

This campaign effort is a collaboration between Mental Health Service Provders throughout Ottawa County.

The stigma around mental health keeps many people from sharing how they are really doing with someone that can help. It’s time to be heard.
Download some prompts that may be helpful in writing your story.
Youth Prompts >Parent & Family Prompts >

Single Mom, Age 35

Overwhelmed; my son’s struggles in school were adding daily to my own anxiety. He’s so smart, but it hadn’t been demonstrated in his grades. How could I help him succeed? Judged; his impulsive behaviors and uncontrollable energy seemed to be alienating friends and family and I was feeling alone. I couldn’t shake the belief that they blamed his behaviors on poor parenting. Desperate; I know he didn’t want to feel this way, but what do I do? Where do I begin?

“ADHD,” said the Psychiatrist, as he began to share the results of the testing. I hadn’t even realized just how tense my body had been, but as he spoke, I felt the tension begin to release. The puzzle pieces were starting to come together, and it all made perfect sense. Receiving a diagnosis to begin understanding what has been contributing to his underperformance at school was the stepping stone we needed. I began to feel relief.

“Behavioral intervention,” the psychiatrist explained, as he described the first treatment strategy. I let out the breath I had been holding in. I wasn’t a “bad mom.” I simply didn’t have the tools that I needed that were specific to my son and our family. Seeking a diagnosis was the right choice, for all of us, and I began to feel validated.

“Medication,” he psychiatrist continued, as he explained the benefits of this additional treatment option. My eyes welled with tears. He doesn’t have to feel this way. Medication could allow him to finally show the world the kind, passionate, and incredible boy that I know is longing to be seen. I began to feel hope.

Our journey to this point has been strenuous, but here we were, with a new beginning. I am not naïve enough to think that we won’t still encounter obstacles, but I know that this new journey will be different – because this new journey, it’s starting with hope.

Are You Stigma Savvy?

Take the Quiz >

For Youth

Because of these common myths, youth may not seek help from their caregiver:

Myth

My parents will be
disappointed in me

Fact

My parents love me and want
me to be safe

Myth

I'll lose friends

Fact

Real friends care about who I am;
I am not just a diagnosis

Myth

A diagnosis will ruin my future

Fact

A diagnosis can help direct me toward
the best resources for me

Myth

My parents already have enough
to worry about

Fact

My parents want to know what is going on
with me and want to help

Learn More About Your Mental Health Diagnosis

DepressionBipolar DisorderAnxietyADHDAutismObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)Other Diagnosis

For FAMILIES

Because of these common myths, parents may not seek treatment for their caregiver:

Myth

Admitting something is wrong with my child is like admitting something is wrong with me

Fact

Nothing is “wrong” with my child; they just need
different resources and supports

Myth

Claiming a kid has a mental illness is an excuse for
bad behaviors or bad parenting

Fact

Mental illness can affect anyone and is
not reflective of parenting

Myth

A diagnosis will ruin their future

Fact

A diagnosis provides better resources and
can help with personal success

Myth

It costs too much money to go to a behavioral
health provider

Fact

There are many resources available to help
if money is a barrier

Myth

It means letting go of the dream
of a perfect life

Fact

There is no such thing as perfect; A mental
health diagnosis can help ensure a better
life for the entire family

Myth

We don’t need help; This can be
handled as a family

Fact

The support of family is important,
but services can help the family as a whole
to best support each other

Start the Conversation

Check out the links below to find ideas, resources, and ways to start the conversation with your youth.
Try a local shop for coffee or hot cocoa
Take a walk in the park
Sign up for an art class
Design and plant a garden
Picnic in the local park
Look for a good time and place to chat
Understand their concerns
Acknowledge their feelings and listen
Lend a helping
hand
Understand their needs

Learn More About Your Loved Ones Diagnosis

DepressionBipolar DisorderAnxietyADHDAutismObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)Other Diagnosis

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 form

Contact us for help with resources or questions.

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

This campaign effort is a collaboration between Mental Health Service Provders throughout Ottawa County.

The stigma around mental health keeps many people from sharing how they are really doing with someone that can help. It’s time to be heard.
Download some prompts that may be helpful in writing your story.
Youth Prompts >Parent & Family Prompts >

Single Mom, Age 35

Overwhelmed; my son’s struggles in school were adding daily to my own anxiety. He’s so smart, but it hadn’t been demonstrated in his grades. How could I help him succeed? Judged; his impulsive behaviors and uncontrollable energy seemed to be alienating friends and family and I was feeling alone. I couldn’t shake the belief that they blamed his behaviors on poor parenting. Desperate; I know he didn’t want to feel this way, but what do I do? Where do I begin?

“ADHD,” said the Psychiatrist, as he began to share the results of the testing. I hadn’t even realized just how tense my body had been, but as he spoke, I felt the tension begin to release. The puzzle pieces were starting to come together, and it all made perfect sense. Receiving a diagnosis to begin understanding what has been contributing to his underperformance at school was the stepping stone we needed. I began to feel relief.

“Behavioral intervention,” the psychiatrist explained, as he described the first treatment strategy. I let out the breath I had been holding in. I wasn’t a “bad mom.” I simply didn’t have the tools that I needed that were specific to my son and our family. Seeking a diagnosis was the right choice, for all of us, and I began to feel validated.

“Medication,” he psychiatrist continued, as he explained the benefits of this additional treatment option. My eyes welled with tears. He doesn’t have to feel this way. Medication could allow him to finally show the world the kind, passionate, and incredible boy that I know is longing to be seen. I began to feel hope.

Our journey to this point has been strenuous, but here we were, with a new beginning. I am not naïve enough to think that we won’t still encounter obstacles, but I know that this new journey will be different – because this new journey, it’s starting with hope.

Are You Stigma Savvy?

Take the Quiz >

For Youth

Because of these common myths, youth may not seek help from their caregiver:

Myth

My parents will be
disappointed in me

Fact

My parents love me and want
me to be safe

Myth

I'll lose friends

Fact

Real friends care about who I am;
I am not just a diagnosis

Myth

A diagnosis will ruin my future

Fact

A diagnosis can help direct me toward
the best resources for me

Myth

My parents already have enough
to worry about

Fact

My parents want to know what is going on
with me and want to help

Learn More About Your Mental Health Diagnosis

DepressionBipolar DisorderAnxietyADHDAutismObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)Other Diagnosis

For FAMILIES

Because of these common myths, parents may not seek treatment for their caregiver:

Myth

Admitting something is wrong with my child is like admitting something is wrong with me

Fact

Nothing is “wrong” with my child; they just need
different resources and supports

Myth

Claiming a kid has a mental illness is an excuse for
bad behaviors or bad parenting

Fact

Mental illness can affect anyone and is
not reflective of parenting

Myth

A diagnosis will ruin their future

Fact

A diagnosis provides better resources and
can help with personal success

Myth

It costs too much money to go to a behavioral
health provider

Fact

There are many resources available to help
if money is a barrier

Myth

It means letting go of the dream
of a perfect life

Fact

There is no such thing as perfect; A mental
health diagnosis can help ensure a better
life for the entire family

Myth

We don’t need help; This can be
handled as a family

Fact

The support of family is important,
but services can help the family as a whole
to best support each other

Start the Conversation

Check out the links below to find ideas, resources, and ways to start the conversation with your youth.
Try a local shop for coffee or hot cocoa
Take a walk in the park
Sign up for an art class
Design and plant a garden
Picnic in the local park
Look for a good time and place to chat
Understand their concerns
Acknowledge their feelings and listen
Lend a helping
hand
Understand their needs

Learn More About Your Loved Ones Diagnosis

DepressionBipolar DisorderAnxietyADHDAutismObsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)Other Diagnosis

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 form

Contact us for help with resources or questions.

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

This campaign effort is a collaboration between Mental Health Service Provders throughout Ottawa County.