asha international mental health

We Give Hope

A story of friendship & resilience

A story of friendship & resilience

My name’s Hanna, mine’s Jaxon, and we’re seniors at Glencoe High School. Jaxon: those of you who know us know that we’ve been friends for a long time but we got truly close in sophomore year when we were both going through a lot. In the ensuing time, our experiences with mental health have been closely linked and we’re here today to discuss the importance of friendship and support networks in promoting mental health.  Hanna: from initially supporting one another to now working together with an international nonprofit in promoting mental health awareness, Jaxon’s and my stories are closely linked. Jaxon: back in sophomore year, i was dealing with the end an unhealthy relationship and my relationship with my father was hostile and contentious. I was stressed and isolating myself from my friends.  Hanna: at the same time, I was dealing with aftershocks of a death in my family and my existing mental health conditions were especially bad. I was having very severe panic attacks and struggling to stay afloat in areas that used to be easy for me, like school & my other volunteer work.   Jaxon and I had 5 classes together, so we were spending a lot of time with one another. Over a couple of months, we ended up opening up to each other about what we were coping with and I think it surprised us both how much it helped to have someone to talk to.  Jaxon: for the first time in a long time I opened up to someone new about what I was struggling with, and it helped me gain clarity and a...

Thank you for joining us at the Celebration of Hope!

Thank you to everyone who attended the Celebration of Hope on October 24th. It was an inspiring night filled with stories of courage, hope and resilience. We raised just over $40,000 to support our mission to normalize conversations about mental health and inspire hope and healing, one story at a time. We are most grateful to each and every one of our donors for their valuable support.   If you were not able to attend the event, please consider making a gift and join our Circle of Hope. To donate, please click here … We welcome gifts of any size and sincerely appreciate your generous support.   Enjoy the video and pictures… [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/embed?listType=playlist&list=PLtxSrSEfyXJkbvWUsoOSX36BBrK75yT3f&layout=gallery[/embedyt] Event Photos...

2019 Grit & Grace Conference – WOW!

We are still on cloud 9 after the incredible Grit & Grace Conference! Thank you to all who attended and to all who bravely shared their stories. We once again thank our generous sponsors for making this event possible. And thanks to all our hardworking volunteers who gave their precious time to come together to create a community of connection, hope and healing. Together, we are normalizing conversations about mental health and inspiring hope and healing, one story at a time. We can’t wait to see you all at the 2020 Grit & Grace Conference! Thank you for your feedback! Here are a few we would like to share: “Thank you so much. Being at Grit & Grace on Friday was powerful – I laughed so hard and felt such compassion and such connection with the women in the room. I’m at a loss for words to truly describe what I experienced and how important your message is for staff and for those in our service.” “This conference was incredible! I can’t believe how at home I felt here! Thank you for creating such a special environment!” “This conference was very much needed in my life especially at a time like this to help me move forward with my family and self-awareness.” “This conference is amazing! This is my second and I hope to attend others. The speakers were amazing!” “The presentations by Gayathri Ramprasad, Ebony Clarker and Melody Moezzi were particularly outstanding! I also appreciate the theme of health in the face of mental illness.” Enjoy the videos & pictures from the Grit & Grace Conference! [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/embed?listType=playlist&list=PLtxSrSEfyXJltEWhCRKDuVYHPCs7knlam&layout=gallery[/embedyt]...

Kids work to change cultural perceptions of mental health

According to a recent story by KATU reporter and ASHA Board member Genevieve Reaume, data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows white people have the highest rate of suicide in America, but many minorities are expressing grave concern over rising rates. If you take a broader look at suicide rates across cultures, it’s clear many communities are struggling to stop suicides.Younger Americans who’ve got roots across the globe say culture can impact the mental health discussion. Read more… We are deeply grateful to our Youth Storyteller Yamini Rajan and her parents for sharing their perspectives. At ASHA International, we are dedicated to empowering people living with mental health conditions and their families to share their stories to normalize the conversation about mental health, and give...

My Story My SUPERPOWER Storytelling Show was a huge success!

Thanks to everyone who attended our My Story My Superpower Storytelling Show on May 29th. What an inspiring event! It was an evening of laughter, tears and breaking down stereotypes. We are so grateful for our amazing storytellers who shared their mental health journey.   Sharing stories about mental health is hard, and at times, uncomfortable. Molly even asked the crowd if her story made them uncomfortable. She shared that there has never been any positive change without people feeling a little uncomfortable.   Dave’s story of how his family has managed his young daughter’s anxiety was moving. Each day may bring its own challenges but we must reflect that we all have things to be thankful for. He shared a quote, taken from the Berlin Wall that is now tattooed on his arm and provides him strength day to day.   “Right now, someone is dreaming of living your life.”   Mental health affects us all. Sharing stories is the best way we know to give hope.   With your support we are able to shine a light on mental health and end the stigma, one story at a time.   Please consider making a gift today to support ASHA International. Your contribution will allow us to bring our message of hope and well being to more people at school, in the workplace and in our community. Please click here to Give the Gift of Hope today!   Here is feedback from people who attended the event:   “The program last night was amazing. My daughter kept turning to me saying “that’s me!”. She just started seeing an anxiety...
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