Earlier this month, MADO Healthcare participated in The Kennedy Forum Illinois’ On the Table 2018 Discussion. This annual event takes place in May during National Mental Health Awareness Month. Now in its 5th year, the event gathers Chicago area residents, businesses and caregivers to participate in individual discussions regarding mental health awareness, available access to care and advocacy.
MADO Healthcare hosted 5 discussion groups. Topics ranged from what it is like to live with a mental illness to what skills and support are needed to live independently in the community and to ways MADO Healthcare can better support both clients, caregivers and staff in the work we do and the care we provide. One client shared about the weight of the stigma surrounding a mental health diagnosis saying, “ wishing you were stronger and feeling like people are always better than me” is a daily struggle. Many discussed wanting society to recognize and treat those living with a mental illness with respect, understanding and equality. Many clients also talked about the importance of learning about one’s diagnoses, “I learned a lot about my bipolar disorder and everything I learned, I learned from [MADO].”
Helping to elevate the conversation around mental illness continues to be important work. MADO Healthcare was again proud to gather so many of our people who are devoted to understanding, caring for and advocating for those diagnosed with a mental illness to participate in this annual event.