Recognition programs for mental illness in schools

I run an online support network to aid those suffering from eating disorders, or those who are a victim to self harm (https://www.facebook.com/splintersrecovery). From talking to these individuals suffering, I have come to realise that the large majority are extremely secretive about their unhappiness, making me realise just how lonely mental illness is. My goal is to spread worldwide awareness (by first starting in my home country, Australia) of mental disorder recognition. That is, being able to recognise when somebody is hurting close to you. My wish is for there to eventually be programs in all Junior and Senior schools (both for students and for parents) explaining red flags to look for when somebody is hurting, and explaining ways to aproach them without them reacting in a negative way. With all mental disorders, early recognition is so important. For example, if an individual suffers for more than 40 months with anorexia nervosa, they have a 10% chance of recovery, but, if their illness had been recognised earlier, they would have a much better chance at leading a happier life. This is an alarming figure to me, and makes me realise just how important early recognition is. From my experience at school, mental disorders are something many people joke about, because they either don't understand them, or think that people who have them are attention seeking. This is not the case, though-almost all people with mental illnesses hide them for a very long time before being found out (if ever). I want to change this public stigma, by spreading awareness in schools in Australia as a first step. I want anyone suffering from a mental illness at school to feel like somebody understands them, and I can't stress enough how important early recognition is. I want parent awareness through schools as well, so that they can recognise if their child is hurting. The biggest issue with mental illness is that many don't want to recover, and, in a sense, are 'addicted to their sadness'. This is why programs are needed to encourage recovery, and to get rid of the public stigma of shame and embarassment surrounding these disorders. I urge you to please sign this petition, so that I can write a letter to the Australian Governement regarding this case. I am aiming for 1,000 signatures to make this an extremely strong argument, so please, get signing!

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