Wellways Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) Dubbo gathered members of the community together at the community garden on Thursday for its fight against the stigma existing around Mental Illness.
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HASI is a community mental health service delivered across NSW to provide recovery-focused support to adults experiencing mental health issues.
The event, 'Stampede Stigma' was held in conjunction with Mental Health Month, with a theme of 'No two zebras stripes are the same'- just like no two people are the same, and no two people who have mental illness are the same.
HASI Coordinator Anne King said the day we see the stigma dissipate is the day she is holding out for.
"Mental illness can affect any person at any time. We need to be educated and have an understanding, and people who are suffering need to be able to feel as though there is support and that they're life is worth fighting for," she said.
"Three out of four people with mental health issues experience stigma and discrimination.
"Most other people are entirely unaware that it's happening.
"Every person experiences a bad day. A day where they feel as though they can't get out of bed and they just want to stay in the pyjamas all day. Imagine how someone with a mental illness would feel; they experience that feeling every day."
Mrs King said people need to learn about mental health, be aware of their language, call out stigmatising language, connect with others and treat mental and physical health equally.
"We want people to know that you can get better no matter what illness you're facing. It starts with baby steps, and there are services like ours out there that can go on that journey with you."
If you are currently struggling with anxiety or depression call Beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.
