Find Unique Ways to Spread Self-Harm Awareness

By now you have probably been involved in the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Ice Bucket Challenge, and if you haven’t, you probably will be in the very near future. This challenge has taken over social media outlets and even the news for the past month. Even though I do have some issues involving the challenge (the obvious waste of water), awareness for this illness has spread and that truly is what counts.

If people can dump buckets of ice water over their heads hoping that people will either donate to ALS and/or turn to the bucket, there could be endless other ways to spread awareness for other diseases and organizations. It’s great that this generation is becoming creative with ways to spread awareness to issues close to their hearts.

However, if we are willing to do crazy things to spread awareness for ALS, we can do just as unique things to spread awareness for other issues – such as mental illness and self-harm.

Many people seem to fear mental illness -- whether it be learning more about it or trying to understand it. They are tough illnesses to wrap your head around, especially if you have never experienced one or know a loved one who has. When it comes to self-harm, many people automatically freeze up and become uncomfortable when the topic is brought forward – almost as if it’s taboo.

That stigma needs to stop because self-harm needs just as much awareness as any other illness.

Make Spreading Self-Harm Awareness Enjoyable

When I was nominated to take part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, I almost backed out because I saw the whole thing as a silly way to waste water. However, when the person who nominated me said that it was not only to spread awareness for ALS, but to all organizations close to your heart – I decided to step up (and suck it up).

Before I spilled the bucket over my head, I said that some organizations worth the donations were Camp Good Days and Special Times and HealthyPlace. Even though I could have easily posted something about the two organizations, I realized that by being a little silly and making it a challenge, the organizations would be remembered in that light.

We need to find ways to make it so the seriousness of self-harm is recognized, but that awareness is spread in a unique and clever way. By doing this, we are making it more memorable and more likely to stick in the brains of others.

Not everyone will always agree with the ways thoughts and ideas are brought forward (I wasn’t totally on board with the ALS challenge). However, by being creative and taking the time to map out ideas, spreading awareness will not only happen, but happen in a fun way.

You can also find Jennifer Aline Graham on Google+, Facebook, Twitter and her website is here. Find out more about Noon through Amazon.com.