The Campaign Goal
The goal of the Campaign to Change Direction is to change the culture of mental health in America so that all of those in need receive the care and support they deserve. The Campaign encourages all Americans to pay attention to their emotional well-being – and it reminds us that our emotional well-being is just as important as our physical well-being.
In order to change our culture, we have to start with a common language, and learn the Five Signs.
What Can I Do To #ChangeMentalHealth?
Thank You for Helping Us Change Direction!
Learn the Healthy Habits of Emotional Wellbeing…
(Click to open pop-up definition)
Take Care
Eat well, sleep well, exercise
Check in
With family, friends & counselors
Engage
You can’t be healthy emotionally if your relationships aren’t
Relax
Be active, meditate, garden, dance, love, cook, sing…
Know
Know the Five Signs of emotional suffering
If you recognize that someone in your life is suffering, now what?
You connect, you reach out, you inspire hope, and you offer help. Show compassion and caring and a willingness to find a solution when the person may not have the will or drive to help him- or herself. There are many resources in our communities. It may take more than one offer, and you may need to reach out to others who share your concern about the person who is suffering. If everyone is more open and honest about mental health, we can prevent pain and suffering, and those in need will get the help they deserve.
Help us #ChangeMentalHealth by hosting a screening of Into the Light in your community.
Into the Light Airs on PBS Memorial Day 2018
Into the Light focuses on Brendan O’Toole, a former Marine, and his struggle to assimilate back into society after returning from war and Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, founder and president of Give an Hour, as she comes to the realization that she needs to share her own story.
Ultimately this is a film about trust…the trust we put in one another so we can feel safe to tell our stories. The film’s purpose is simple and direct: to serve as a conversation starter for millions of people to change the culture around mental health, mental illness and emotional well-being.
Culture change happens faster if leaders and champions step forward to set examples for others to follow.
Film Changes Direction
As we know, films play a critical role in our society. They reflect our culture and shape our perceptions, attitudes, and behavior. Film Changes Direction, a new feature of the campaign, identifies and promotes films that engage, inspire, and educate.
Help us spread the word and #changementalhealth by sharing our new 2018 Jumbotron Public Service Announcement/PSA.
As a longtime advocate for some of the most vulnerable members of our society, we are honored that Richard Gere has lent his powerful voice in this public service announcement to help us educate all Americans about the Five Signs of Emotional Suffering and ensure those in need receive the support they deserve so we can all be part of the solution to end homelessness.
Join the Conversation
Show you Know the Signs! Take a selfie with the message “I know the signs,” OR tell us who you are learning the signs for OR who you are sharing the signs with, on your hand. Five fingers, Five Signs. Help your message spread by tagging others and using the hashtag #ChangeMentalHealth.
18.2
Americans have a mental health condition
69.7
was spent on mental health care in the United States in one year
30
of those who are homeless have a mental illness
90
of people who die by suicide have a mental disorder.
Eight regions have joined the Campaign to Change Direction, including the entire state of New Hampshire!
Take a look at how they are making in impact in their areas and, if you live in one of these regions, join their effort.
Stay in the know with articles, events and press coverage of the Campaign.
Looking for a way to support the Campaign to Change Direction?
Shop through one of our partners to raise funds for Give an Hour, the lead organization behind the Campaign.
In 2015, Give an Hour launched the Campaign to Change Direction to change the culture of mental health so that all in need are able to receive the care and support they deserve. Just as we know the signs of a heart attack, we can all learn the Five Signs of emotional suffering that tell us someone is in pain and needs help. By harnessing the skills and generosity of those willing to give, Give an Hour provides help and hope to those in need. Learn more at giveanhour.org.
We are proud to announce that Give an Hour has received a 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator! Attaining a 4-star rating indicates that Give an Hour exceeds industry standards and outperforms most nonprofits in our area of focus. This is an exceptional designation from Charity Navigator that sets Give an Hour apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness.
They withdraw or isolate themselves from other people. Someone who used to be socially engaged may pull away from family and friends and stop taking part in activities he or she used to enjoy. In more severe cases the person may start failing to make it to work or school. Not to be confused with the behavior of someone who is more introverted, this sign is marked by a change in someone's typical sociability, as when someone pulls away from the social support he or she typically has.
They seem overcome with hopelessness and overwhelmed by their circumstances. Have you noticed someone who used to be optimistic and now can’t find anything to be hopeful about? That person may be suffering from extreme or prolonged grief, or feelings of worthlessness or guilt. People in this situation may say that the world would be better off without them, suggesting suicidal thinking.