The Benny Fund is Official!

The Benny Fund, an organization dedicated to raising mental health awareness and fighting the stigma associated with mental illness, is pleased to announce that we are an official 501(c)(3) public charity.   More details on our mission, events, and fundraising opportunities are coming soon.  We would like to thank everyone for their continued support on[…]

You Are Mentally Ill Vs. You Have a Mental Illness: Knowing the Difference

“There is a big difference from being something and having something, and knowing that difference will help you better understand your mental health experience and help you better be aware of the unfortunate fact that others saying you are something only perpetuates isolation and stigmatization and impedes societies ability to learn about mental health.” Read[…]

Young men in crisis may not be crying out for help, but it’s desperately needed

“Boys don’t cry, or at least they’re not supposed to.  Yes, the old, unreconstructed machismo that was once all too synonymous with being a man has been partly driven back; men are more likely to open up and talk about their feelings.  But discussing anxiety, depression and mental distress is still seen as weak or[…]

Behind the Yellow Door, a Man’s Mental Illness Worsens

“With no other treatable illness do we wait for someone to hit bottom before providing treatment even though acute signs and symptoms are apparent. Why do we, the families of people living with serious mental illnesses, have to continue waiting and weeping?” Read the Letter to the Editor “The man in the house, a 42-year-old[…]

What’s Your Story: Danielle Hark’s “Coming Out of the Bipolar Closet”

“You start to think everyone would be better off without you. You feel broken and unfixable, so why go through it all? Why? Things are hopeless. You begin to feel numb or dead inside, so you drink or take drugs, or hurt yourself just to feel something. You think you deserve to be scarred or[…]

Cost of not caring: Stigma set in stone

“The failure to provide treatment and supportive services to people with mental illness – both in the community and in hospitals – has overburdened emergency rooms, crowded state and local jails and left untreated patients to fend for themselves on city streets.” “The federal government has set so many barriers to getting care, which they[…]

‘Black Box’ Warning on Antidepressants Raised Suicide Attempts

“Until that black box warning there was a progressive decrease of suicides among young people,” he says. “Now, I do think some kids are suffering because they just aren’t getting the right treatments. And for many that’s medication combined with some type of therapy.” Read the Full Article Source: NBC News, Joan Raymond

What’s Your Story? “Depression is a friend, not my enemy” by Conor Cusack

“For those people who are currently gripped by depression, either experiencing it or are supporting or living with someone with it, I hope my story helps. There is no situation that is without hope, there is no person that can’t overcome their present difficulties. For those that are suffering silently, there is help out there[…]

Conor Cusack Speaks out About Mental Health and Depression

“Former Cork, Ireland Hurler Conor Cusack was lauded last October after he spoke openly and movingly about his battle with depression and subsequent recovery in a searingly honest blog post.  Cusack has since emerged as a pioneer for addressing mental health issues in Ireland and has become a regular public speaker around the country.” “Depression is[…]