Free Counseling for Military Families across U.S.

Over 350 registered projects in 42 countries and 43 states in the U.S. participated in A Week to Change Direction on June 9 – 15th.

Our goal was to increase knowledge, raise awareness and increase support for efforts that are working to change the culture of mental health globally so that all in need receive the care and support they deserve.

Give an Hour is a national non-profit organization that has been providing free mental health services and working to change the culture of mental health since 2005. A Week to Change Direction, a global public education initiative was a dedicated week of action, advocacy and culture change around mental health, held on June 9 – 15th.

“A Week to Change Direction is just the beginning of the huge movement towards mental health awareness!”

Organizations, corporations, universities, communities, and individuals were encouraged to educate their communities on the Five Signs of Emotional Suffering, which are personality change, agitation, withdrawal, poor self-care, and hopelessness, and to take-action in their communities to remove the barriers that prevent those in need from seeking and receiving care.

As part of A Week to Change Direction, participating organizations and individuals were empowered to become part of the solution by taking actions that raise awareness in their communities. Participation from high-profile organizations including Facebook, Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute and its Okay to Say campaign, IBM, Aetna, Florida State University and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“We know this is just the beginning of an amazing movement to continue the conversations to change direction.”

A Week to Change Direction was a global effort with projects registered in 42 countries including Australia, Burundi, Canada, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Italy, India, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Turkey, Tanzania, United Kingdom, Uganda, and the United States.

“Mental health disorders are increasing in every country around the world and are expected to cost the global economy $16 trillion by 2030. While we are beginning to see a shift in perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors, there is much more that needs to be done to save lives and resources,” said Barbara Van Dahlen, Ph.D., Founder, and President of Give an Hour. “We are honored to have hosted the first-ever globally-coordinated week-long effort focused on changing the way we think about, talk about and address mental health, emotional well-being and mental illness.”

During A Week to Change Direction and all year long, VA’s partnership with Give an Hour expands our ability to reach Veterans with lifesaving resources and support where they live, work and thrive.

In addition we created 27M impressions and reached 10M using #ChangeDirection!

A Week to Change Direction is part of a broader public health initiative called the Campaign to Change Direction, which was launched by Give an Hour in 2015. The effort began in the United States and is now being adopted in other countries, with 700 partners worldwide.

The Campaign to Change Direction encourages everyone to know the Five Signs of Emotional Suffering. Those who see the signs of emotional suffering in themselves or someone they love are encouraged to reach out and seek – or offer – help.

“This is something very close to my heart. Let’s change direction together and end the stigma of mental health.” 

The conversation will continue on World Mental Health Day on October 10th 2019. Please visit www.changedirection.org for details.

Together we can #ChangeMentalHealth.

Links:

• More About Give an Hour
• Join the Global Conversation on Mental Health.

• Look who joined us! (PDF)
  
• Thank you! (PDF)