National Silence the Shame Day

On May 5th, National Silence the Shame Day offers an opportunity to continue the conversation about mental health and wellness and to remove the stigma associated with mental illness.

This is also the day when organizations reach out to communities to provide them with the information they need to understand mental health. As many people face feelings of stigma when diagnosed with mental health challenges, it is important for everyone to realize that they are not alone and do not have to live in silence.

History of National Silence the Shame Day

Mental illness, like any other health problem, is diagnosed at different stages. It may have fewer symptoms over time and/or affect our daily activities. It is also important to know that mental illness is treatable and that recovery is possible.

Unlike our other areas of health care, many people do not have an affordable or accessible routine care plan for mental health challenges. Some people who may have been suffered in silence due to the stigma of being diagnosed.

Professional Hip-Hop Organization, IncSilence the Shame Logo. founded Silence the Shame Day on May 5, 2017, to promote positive awareness and education about mental illnesses and to encourage open discussion about mental health.

About Shanti Das

Shanti Das is an entertainment executive, consultant, entrepreneur, mentor, author and philanthropist with an outstanding track record.

Shanti is a 27-year businesswoman in the entertainment business. Her music industry career (intern for Executive Vice President) includes positions at Capitol Records, LaFace Records, Columbia Records, Sony Urban Music and Universal Motown, where she worked directly with a some of the music industry's top talents like Outkast, Usher, Prince, TLC, Toni Braxton, Erykah Badu, and more.

An advocate for many social issues and service projects for the past 9 years, she decided to start her own nonprofit, The Hip-Hop Professional Foundation, Inc. about mental health, youth empowerment and poverty.

The organization's mental health movement is Silence the Shame. Shanti has suffered from depression for many years and has also experienced loved ones affected by a mental health disorder. With Silence the Shame, she hopes to strip the layers of shame and stigma associated with mental health.

How to celebrate National Silence the Shame Day

This holiday can be observed by attending a mental health fair, getting a mental health check-up with a professional or by attending some counseling sessions. People can also learn what they can do to make a difference for people experiencing mental health challenges.

While observing this holiday, everyone should use the hashtag #SilenceTheShame to stand in solidarity with those who are suffering from mental health challenges or experience stigma associated with them and to promote the holiday.

• Attend a mental health fair. They provide information about your mental health condition and how to take care of your own mental health and wellness.
• Visit some blogs and use the hashtag #SilenceTheShame for stories like yours. You are not alone or the only one facing mental health concerns.
• Ask for an evaluation at your next check-up if you feel you may have mental health challenges.
• Some employers offer free, confidential employee support programs that include counseling sessions.
• Also, consider that 1 in 5 Americans has some type of mental illness. A neighbor, family member, co-worker, friend, church member, or classmate may be struggling with mental illness. However, the stigma kept them quiet.
• Find out how you can make a difference for #SilenceTheShame.