Why I Want NoStigmas to Be a 'Mental Health Melting Pot'

I don’t remember much from grade school history (suicide loss and anxiety had a way of erasing my brain), but the concept of “The Melting Pot” has always stuck with me. People from all over the world, regardless of their ethnicity or religion, could come to the United States of America and be woven into the fabric of the nation. The imagery was beautiful to me.

Of course, I now understand the reality and purpose of such teachings. But, I’m still an idealist. I think that’s a big reason I designed NoStigmas as a global community where people can find judgment-free support, no matter their background. A melting pot, of sorts.

In a recent video, one of our community members Tiffany said, “It takes a village.” She was referring to the generosity of spirit that her family brought to the U.S. from Trinidad and Tobago. Those values are woven into the fabric of her community, and now the NoStigmas community as well. That foundation stays strong, even through disharmonious times.

However, we cannot rest on the laurels of our forefathers. We must continue to be diligent in the pursuit of mental health equality for all people. It will mean temperance from the desire to point fingers and call names. It will take fortitude to stand up for what is right, while still maintaining a voice of quiet strength. But mostly, it will require patience. With the system, with each other, with ourselves.

But this doesn’t have to be a chore! Coming together today to plant the seeds of equality that will be harvested by our children and their children should be a joyful process. We can surround ourselves with forward-thinking people and celebrate our differences. Let’s do good work together. Let’s be kind to each other. Let’s hold on to that beautiful dream of “The Melting Pot” and mental health equality for everyone.

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Photo via contributor.