Not all of the resources on Stamp Out Stigma’s Twitter list have a presence on Instagram, but here are the ones who do.
@blackgirlssmile @nbcdi_ @nabswlive @nationalmedassn @antiracismctr @audrelordeproject @colorofchange @theconsciouskid @eji_org @civilrightsorg @naacp @sistersong_woc
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I would like to add @1of2vics, @notokapp, @themirnavator, @evanderholyfield, @rallyupmagazine, @crwndcrane, and @drvivid.
Super Mario: History of a Hero calendar
counteracting pain and suffering with love and hope
More from Victor. Here’s something he wrote and shared on Facebook yesterday.
I was not raised on the “mean streets” of New York, LA, Chicago, or even Charlotte. I was raised on dirt roads in Plymouth, N.C. I didn’t grow up running from street gangs or having to fight my way home from school. I grew up working in tobacco fields and playing outside with my siblings. I didn’t come home to an empty house, or have to wonder if there would be food on the table. I was raised by two loving parents, one a preacher and the other a school secretary. Still, I know the experience of being a Black man in America. I know what it feels like to try to make yourself small, both literally and figuratively, in order not to make others uncomfortable. I know what it’s like to feel my heartbeat quicken when I look in my rear view mirror and see a police car. Even though I know I’ve done nothing wrong, for a fleeting moment, I fear that this could be the day that I have that fatal encounter; the one I’ve seen play out time and time again for people who look like me.
When I watched George Floyd, gasping for breath with a knee crushing the life from his body, my eyes welled with tears. I don’t know George Floyd, but at the same time, I am George Floyd. I am the Black man who dies tragically, as America gives herself permission to avert her eyes. Of course “he must have done something wrong”, “he should have complied” or, the offender gets a pass because, “we can’t put ourselves in the officers shoes”. True, I can’t put myself in the officer’s shoes, but I can put myself in George Floyd’s shoes. I can see myself clinging to life, begging to breathe, and asking myself “why”. “Why is this happening again?” Every time I see the senseless death of a Black man, I lose a small piece of myself that I can’t get back. A piece of my humanity is taken away and I fear I will someday reach that place where I have nothing left to give; no more hope. Hope that one day racism will end.
For all who know, and care about me I would ask you, rather than George Floyd, envision Victor Armstrong lying on the pavement, gasping for breath, and whimpering, “I can’t breathe”, as an officer casually maintains his submission hold, while 3 other officers stand, or kneel, compliantly by. Hopefully, you would weep for me. For those who don’t know me, picture an African American male you know and respect, “one of the good ones”. Put that man in George Floyd’s place. Does it look different to you now? You don’t have to know George Floyd or his family to feel, empathy. You don’t have to be Black to feel compassion and to grow weary of inhumanity and intolerance.
We need to feel this moment; feel the weight of it. Though you want to avert your gaze, instead, look into the abyss that is racism. Look into the abyss that is intolerance. Look into the abyss that is complacency and indifference, that allows the wound of bigotry to fester. We only move past this together. Whether Black, White, Latinex, Native American, Democrat and Republican, we have to decide that we have seen enough.
Where there is anger and pain, we must counteract with hope, kindness, and unity. Pain and suffering are a force, but there is a greater universal force, and it is love. Love of yourself and of each other, is the force that moves us beyond this moment. It is the fuel that gives us the motivation to say, enough! It is the force that gives us the strength to act, and to demand better for our fellow man. I believe that in the end, love wins. I have to believe that, otherwise, what’s the point? #Enough
hey, you're doing your best
you are not alone
NAMI’s theme this Mental Health Month is “You Are Not Alone.” Whatever you’re feeling, whatever you’re going through, others can relate and help is available to you. Check out @namicommunicate to see the variety of resources they have for you, including the NAMI HelpLine, available M-F, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Eastern. Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email info@nami.org. HelpLine volunteers can answer questions, offer support, and provide practical next steps. They can help you find your local NAMI affiliate.
check in without putting someone on the spot
Ohhhh, these suggestions from Tori Press (@revelatori) are SO good. A little nuance can make all the difference in whether you actually *connect* with the loved one you’re trying to check in with. Thanks, Tori!
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Posted @withregram • @revelatori: “A sequel of sorts to my ‘What I mean when I say I’m fine’ post from a couple of weeks ago—thanks to the many insightful comments that inspired this post! (As someone who self-isolates in a big way when struggling, my personal favorite is the last one.)”
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#revelatori #connection #checkingin #justcheckingin #share #takecare #support #becurious #taketime #holdspace #mentalhealthmonth #mentalhealth #togetherapart
what's blooming wednesday
We are in the middle of another rainy week! I took advantage of a break in the drizzle to go outside and take photos of the flowers in my yard right now. First two are day lilies. The next two photos are a wide shot and close-up of one of our gardenias. We have several, but this is the only one of this variety and the only one blooming right now. The fragrance is phenomenal! Then a shot of our very last azalea bloom. I didn’t think to capture these at their peak. Two hydrangeas, first the oak leaf and then a standard one. I have a huge lace cap one as well, but that one isn’t in bloom yet. And finally, I think a black swallowtail butterfly has laid eggs on my parsley plant! I’ve stopped eating parsley so there will be enough for the caterpillars. 🐛
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#whatsbloomingwednesday #whatsblooming #inbloom #flowers #flowersofinstagram #daylily #gardenia #azalea #hydrangea #oakleafhydrangea #butterflyeggs #blackswallowtail #butterfly #caterpillar #parsley
use grounding techniques to fight anxiety
Let me get real with you guys. This pandemic and its effects on the basic ways we even function in society right now has me low-level anxious virtually all the time. That’s why I love the idea of these simple grounding techniques suggested by Jade at what.is.mental.illness. Practicing any of these will help focus you on the present moment, not your worries about what has happened or what might happen. Can you choose one and do it right now?
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Mario Monday: Super Mario Galaxy 2 is 10
Artwork by Yves Bourgelas, @thebourgyman on Instagram. Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 were games Rader continued to play for the rest of his life.
#realconvo: whatever gets you talking
how to start a #realconvo about mental health
mha greenville answers hotline calls for all of SC
tips for teens (and the rest of us)
join mental health and bullying twitter chat
mha offers free online mental health screening
Mario Monday: living in levi's
learn more about IDONTMIND
Yesterday I shared about #JustCheckingIn from IDONTMIND. Today I want you to learn more about them.
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IDONTMIND is a mental health awareness campaign and lifestyle brand working to defeat the stigma around mental illness. It’s an official program of Mental Health America and raises money for mental health organizations across the U.S. Their website (idontmind.com) is full of useful resources: information about various mental health issues; a journal/blog of interesting articles; and a “find help” page with links to connect you to the support, services, and treatments you need. And there’s a shop page if you would like to support their fundraising.
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One of their regular Instagram features is “ask a therapist.” Scroll through and read some of them, and see if you find them helpful.
just checking in
I saw this graphic from IDONTMIND shared by Crisis Text Line on Instagram and think it’s great, so I’m sharing it, too! We are all struggling, and concerned about how people we love are coping. Here are some simple check-in questions, with IDONTMIND’s explanation below.
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Posted @withregram • @idontmind: “Things are tough right now. It may feel harder than ever to ask how someone is actually feeling or to start a conversation about their mental health. But sometimes, you just have to ask.
“Introducing Just Checking In.
“Ten simple questions to check in with your friends and family. You can do this over the phone, text message, on FaceTime, or even six feet apart — and it only takes ten minutes.
“We want to hear about your conversations! Screenshot your Just Checking In video chats and post them on Instagram. Tag @idontmind and use the hashtag #justcheckingin.
“A few quick things to keep in mind:
• Spend as much time as you want on each question.
• Stay engaged with follow-up questions.
• Keep things judgment-free.
• You don’t have to be an expert, you just have to listen.
• Stay in touch after, and don’t be afraid to connect them to resources on idontmind.com”
looking for a sign? 🍋
Enjoy @whenlifegivesyoulemonsseries on Instagram.