Health America used the national attention to spark a conversation about how people whose mental illness is addressed before Stage 4 can recover quickly.This year, the nonprofit is promoting the theme “Life With a Mental Illness” to demystify some of the common misconceptions about various mental health issues. Sharing experiences is critical in ridding mental illness of its stigma, stated Paul Gionfriddo, president and CEO of Mental Health America “Mental illnesses are common and treatable, and help is available,” Gionfriddo said. “We need to speak up early – before Stage 4 – and in real, relatable terms so that people do not feel isolated and alone. Sharing is the key to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental illnesses and to showing others that they are not alone in their feelings and their symptoms.”Mental Health America is encouraging the public to share what mental illness feels like to them and to promote their stories with the hashtag #mentalillnessfeelslike. The hashtag is a great icebreaker, but there’s plenty more people can do to spread awareness about mental health issues and the help change the public perception of mental illnesses.Get A Move OnA brief, yet potentially meaningful, first step toward spreading awareness about mental health issues is taking the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ pledge. “Individuals, companies, organizations and others can all take the pledge to learn more about mental illness, to see a person for who they are and take action on mental health issues,” says the National Alliance on Mental Health.With that warmup done, there are other steps a stride or so longer than than the first two.Leaders in faith-based groups can go here to start the conversations about mental health issues in their communities, while minority interest groups can go here and over here. And youth counselors can go here.Individuals can also make waves without being a part of a charitable organization. Anyone can download this proclamation and forward it to their city leaders to have it read at local events.