DON T MAKE IT WEIRD INC
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Mission Statement
Mental health affects us all, but too often, we avoid the topic. At Don't Make It Weird (DMIW), we're changing that conversation. We believe that talking about mental health shouldn't be uncomfortable or taboo. It should be as normal as discussing physical health. That's why we're here – to break down barriers, offer support, and create a community where everyone feels safe to share their experiences and seek help. Before the avoidance becomes dire. Whether you're dealing with mental health challenges yourself or supporting a loved one, you're not alone. We offer resources, referrals, education, and a network of people who understand what you're going through. From support groups to suicide prevention training, we're here as a resource. We believe all our experiences, both positive and negative, contribute to and affect our mental health. At DMIW we aim to create an environment with as many positive experiences, learning opportunities and tools as possible so when negative experiences happen, we are better equipped to handle them in mind, body, and spirit. Join us in our mission to make mental health conversations a natural part of everyday life. Because when we talk openly about mental health, we save lives. Remember: It's okay to not be okay. And it's more than okay to talk about it. Don't Make It Weird. Let's talk about mental health.
About This Cause
Dear Generous Benevity Donors, We have opened a FREE Mental Health Resource Center in Buford, Georgia. My son, Harry Miller, made national news when he retired from Ohio State Football for mental health reasons in March 2022. It was hard to believe that a 5-Star Valedictorian on his way to becoming a high-round draft pick could suffer such an illness. He was instantly placed in a newer, more important role, mental health advocate. Since that time, I was met with hundreds, if not thousands of emails from parents and family members with similar stories. Realizing the need, I trained with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to become a Certified Peer Specialist – Parent with a goal of a Community Center to help those in need. Some sobering statistics to explain in part why we opened our doors and have a strong emphasis on youth and teens. Since 2010 there has been a 161% increase in major depression in school-aged boys, and 145% increase for girls *(US National Survey on Drug Use and Health). The 2022 Georgia Student Health Survey asked 6th-12th graders: -How often do you feel stressed? The answers ranged between 88%-92% of the time, with 9th graders feeling the most stressed. - In the past 30 days have you experienced intense worries or fears that got in the way of daily activities? 43% of students responded, “Yes”. - When asked if they had seriously considered suicide, 13% said they had. Georgia Department of Public Health states suicide is the leading cause of death in the 10–14-year-old age group, with males accounting for 79%. At DMIW-MHRC we are offering positive learning experiences and events to combat this serious health crisis. Besides offering FREE quarterly QPR Suicide Prevention Classes and Youth Mental Health First Aid, aimed at coaches, teachers, and parents, we are also open for quiet after school study space and have a “Life Skills Club for Teens” that meets once monthly (Communication Skills, Time Management, Organization, Personal Finance, Coping with Failure, Basic Car Maintenance, and more). We are committed to helping Student-Athletes via monthly meetings with Mental Performance Coaching by Certified MPC’s to discuss Performance Anxiety, Loss in Confidence, Mindfulness & Mediation, among other common issues. These skills also apply to student’s test taking, Performing Art students, and truly, everyone. We offer Peer Support to walk beside parents whose child(ren) live with mental health challenges, as well as additional FREE educational classes and events each month. Mental health IS health. Mental illness IS illness. Just like any other illness, it can be chronic, it can be mild or severe, it may or may not require medication, it can be life-threatening, it requires monitoring, and it deserves the same amount of attention and support. We hope you will join us in our mission to break the stigma while building a resilient, compassionate, and loving community. We are supported 100% by fundraising events, DMIW Golf Scramble (DMIWgolf.com) in October and a Cornhole Tournament in May, along with generous local individual and business donors. We are truly a center built “For the Community, By the Community”, and are grateful for the support we receive to keep the “Doors open and lights on” to help others. Kristina Miller, CPS-P VP and Director DMIW-MHRC