Community Network Anchor Rockford Region

05/29/2026

Mental Health Awareness Month is almost over, but the need to keep these vital conversations alive continues. One of the best ways you can continue to combat mental health myths and misperceptions is simply by talking about it.

You don't have to be an expert to make a difference. You can help normalize the topic by making mental health a part of the conversation in your home.

If you haven't struggled with a mental health challenge yourself, don't be afraid to educate yourself and ask questions. Approach the topic with sensitivity and without judgment. Talk with children and youth about their feelings.

Awareness is just the beginning. Let's work together to keep the conversation going! 🗣️✨

SOURCE: National Federation of Families

05/29/2026

Thanks for representing us, Linsey! Steps like this go such a long way in breaking down silos and building the connected, supportive systems our communities need to thrive! 👏

05/22/2026

Telling someone that they should just "get over" or "snap out of" a mental illness delegitimizes that illness. It can place blame on the individual, as if their illness is a choice.

Think about it this way: you wouldn't tell someone to stop feeling the pain of their broken arm; it doesn't work. Neither does telling someone to stop feeling the pain or symptoms of a mental illness.

Instead, when you ask how someone is feeling, just listen. Sometimes, simply knowing someone is there to hear them makes the biggest difference. 💙💙💙

SOURCE: National Federation of Families

05/15/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and YOU can help stop mental health myths and misperceptions!

We don't question when someone needs to take medication for a physical illness - so why is there often a stigma when it comes to mental health? When people question or look down on those using prescribed mental health medications, it can feel incredibly invalidating.

Let's end that stigma around mental health medications and help others understand that medication prescribed for mental health diagnoses is no different than medication that's prescribed for physical illnesses!

SOURCE: National Federation of Families

05/13/2026

Pictures from yesterday's Regional Convening #4 at Kishwaukee College! Thank you to all who attended!

05/11/2026

UPDATE: Congratulations to Grace Heimerdinger-Baake and Nicole Wall, our winners! Thanks for participating, everyone!

Have you heard?? We're celebrating our FOURTH Community Network Anchor Regional Convening tomorrow! To celebrate, we're giving away TWO $10 Starbucks gift cards! To enter:

1. Like our page (if you haven't already)!
2. Comment "CNA"

The winners will be announced on Friday! Don't forget to tag someone who needs to to hear about our initiative, so they can enter the giveaway too!

Disclaimer: We will never ask for your personal info via a link. This giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook or Instagram. By entering, entrants confirm that they’re 18+ years of age and release Facebook/Instagram of any and all responsibility. No purchase necessary to be entered into giveaway.

05/08/2026

Did you know that using mental health diagnoses as adjectives can actually cause harm?

For example, referring to a meticulous person as OCD or calling the changing weather bipolar diminishes the seriousness of these disorders and contributes to bias and prejudice.

Let's reduce bias and show respect for those living with these challenges by educating ourselves and choosing our words with care!

SOURCE: National Federation of Families

05/07/2026

Our Anchor Specialists, Christy (left) & Linsey (right) had a great time at the Illinois State Board of Education's Wellness Conference earlier this week. An extra special part of the conference was seeing friend and fellow colleague, (IDPH)'s Senior Advisor to the Director, Julia Strehlow (middle)!

05/07/2026

05/05/2026

We need your voice to help us improve youth access to mental and public healthcare. Refreshments are included... and we'll pay you for your time!

Register to join us next week at our Community Network Anchor Regional Convening, a night designed to bring together the voices who have lived experience navigating mental and public health systems.