Stigma Free SP is a month-long campaign, during Mental Health Awareness month in May, that encourages Sun Prairie residents to begin conversations about Mental Health, create safe spaces for those that are struggling, and provide support to one another as we remember that mental wellness is important for a healthy, thriving community. Through a series of educational messages, public events, and training opportunities, Stigma Free SP will challenge residents, local businesses, and organizations to sign a pledge committing to open conversation about mental health in our community. Our goal is to normalize the conversation and raise awareness surrounding mental wellness.

Winning t-shirt design provided by a Sun Prairie West High School student!

Wear green on FRIDAYS to show your support for mental health! Purchase your Stigma Free SP t-shirt or trucker hat today!

Loneliness and Social Connectedness

For opportunities to get connected,

please join us:

COLONIAL CLUB WELLNESS FAIR

301 Blankenheim Ln, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

May 3rd, 9am -12pm

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS BAZAAR

220 Kroncke Dr., Door 28, Sun Prairie, WI 53590

May 4th, 10am - 1pm

Presenters:

10:30 - 11:30 Anesis Therapy Center discusses depression & anxiety among youth

12:00 - 1:00 Kim Flood presents HeartMath - Learn to self-regulate your emotions and behaviors to reduce stress, increase resilience and unlock your natural intuitive guidance for making more effective choices.

There is a loneliness epidemic!

  • Loneliness and social isolation among youth increases the risk of depression and anxiety

  • Approximately half of U.S. adults report experiencing loneliness, with some of the highest rates among young adults

  • The rate of loneliness among young adults has increased every year between 1976 and 2019

  • In a U.S.-based study, participants who reported using social media for more than two hours a day had about double the odds of reporting increased perceptions of social isolation compared to those who used social media for less than 30 minutes per day

  • Chronic loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of developing dementia by approximately 50% in older adults

    But….

  • Adults across the globe rate their social relationships, particularly with family and close friends, as the most important source of meaning, purpose, and motivation in their lives

  • Volunteering, taking courses to meet people, learning how to be with ourselves and enjoy it, can all be beneficial

  • Take 15 minutes a day to reach out to someone you care about, look for ways to serve others and make the time count by giving other people your full attention and putting devices away

  • Human beings need social connections to thrive, and being embedded in strong supportive networks can protect our wellbeing when we’re faced with difficulties in life

Stories

“My daughter encountered some bullying at school and it was suggested that she consider counseling. She was very open to the idea and I saw how much it helped her. I had a lot of trauma in my childhood that I hadn’t worked through and it impacted me mentally, emotionally, and maybe even physically, as a grown adult. I had been afraid to go to therapy because I thought it would make me look weak. I had gotten through some really difficult stuff all alone and getting help would feel a little bit like giving up on myself. Seeing my daughter be brave enough to get help was the motivation I needed. I started seeing a therapist and, although I am still working on things, I am in a much better place! I have realized I don’t have to handle things alone - nobody does.”

-Veronica M.

Want to share your story? If so, share a link to a 1 - 5 minute video (YouTube or Vimeo formatting) or a short written story here.

Self-Care Tips & Tricks

Self-care Tips/Tricks

  • Take a walk… exercise!

  • Get a massage

  • Treat yourself to a coffee/tea/beverage

  • Read a book… visit the library

  • Cook your favorite meal

  • Draw, pain, or journal

  • Take a bubble bath

  • Manicure

  • Facila

  • Play video games

  • Play a sport… or watch your favorite sports team

  • Spend time with loved ones

  • Engage in your favorite hobby

  • Get outside and be in nature

How can you support a Stigma Free SP?

Take The Pledge

I acknowledge that mental wellness is important for a healthy, thriving, community. I pledge to break the stigma and build mental wellness by:

ENGAGING in conversations about mental health

CREATING safe spaces for those that are struggling

GROWING my knowledge about mental wellness

Number of Pledges Signed:

165

Want to help end the loneliness and stigma of mental health? One way is to wear green on Fridays during May!

Click here to order your green t-shirt!

Winning t-shirt design provided by a West High School student.

Additional Community Events That Are Supporting Mental Wellness

Where can you get your Green Light Bulb?

  • Colonial Club Health & Wellness Fair on Friday, May 3rd , 9am - 12pm

  • Mental Health & Wellness Bazaar on Saturday, May 4th, 10am - 1pm

  • Sun Prairie Utility starting May 6th during open office hours (while supplies last): Monday - Thursday 7am - 4:30pm and Fridays 7am-11am.