Passport Rotary Club member and Ronkonkoma resident Taylor Quaranta knows firsthand the importance of ending the hurtful stigma of not communicating about mental health issues, and how critical it is to simply talk to someone about it.
That’s just one of the reasons why Quaranta jumped at the opportunity to kick start a social media effort to promote the notion that people can and should openly talk about struggles with mental health issues and to seek help.
The Geneseo graduate came home from college one year and was proactive in talking to friends and loved ones about her struggles.
“I was home for the first time, and it just hit me. I sought out help. My diagnosis changed my life, all for the better. I became a happier, more balanced person,” said Quaranta.
Every year, Rotary International selects a new President. This is done at leadership levels all across Rotary groups right down to local districts.
As part of their service initiatives, a new District Governor picks which cause or endeavor they will pursue. Many times multiple Rotary districts, especially those close to one another, will collaborate on civic issues.
A call to action was put out to the local chapter to raise mental health awareness. That is how the “Don’t Bottle It Up” campaign was created by Rotary District 7255, which encompasses Rotary groups across Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Every Thursday on Facebook, Rotatrians are encouraged to share their feelings on the importance of raising mental health awareness and to encourage those who suffer to do exactly as the social media campaign says: “Don’t Bottle It Up.”
“People should not be ashamed. Mental health struggles are quite common, with one in four people experiencing them. There are many ways to seek help and not feel trapped,” added Quaranta.
The goal of the “Don’t Bottle It Up” campaign is to break the stigma of not talking about mental health issues, raise awareness, and increase mental health access to those who need it.
The long term goal is for the Rotary social media campaign to grow and expand, to eventually include targeted outreach for military members, first responders, law enforcement, and students.
“At first, I didn't have the knowledge or support system to realize ‘I can get help for the things I'm experiencing.’ Seeking help transformed my life. It saved my life,” concluded Quaranta.
In the meantime, if you or someone you know are struggling with mental health issues, you can call Response of Suffolk County at 631.751.7500.
You can also call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
Please feel free to visit @RotaryDistrict7255 on Facebook for more information on their “Don’t Bottle It Up” campaign.