SPREADINGTHELOVE

We've all heard the word so now let's explore what stigma means, why is it harmful, and how do we overcome it? The Merriam-Webster defines stigma as “a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.” To stigmatize someone with a mental health condition is to mislabel and mistreat them with shame and disrespect. In truth, stigma arrives in countless forms such as ridicule, banter, prejudice, discrimination, harassment, and intimidation. Stigmat

In the wake of the tragic suicide of Washington State quarterback, Tyler Hilinski, athletes, coaches, and sports fans alike expressed their heartfelt condolences to family and friends of the football star via social media. While Hilinski’s death went viral and came as a tragic shock to the sports community, it also brought up a subject that is hardly talked about, if at all, in our society: the mental health of student-athletes (and athletes in general, for that matter). As a

This past weekend was the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards (aka the VMAs). Each year, the VMAs credits artists and their music. With trendy categories like “Video of the Year” and “Best New Artist” it draws worldwide attention. All of this attention is a great way for artists to connect with fans watching. Most of the time, the awards come along with noble speeches and lots of thanks but every once in awhile, there are memorable moments that people don’t forget; and this year's VM

I was living in the dark for so long. I hated it. Man, I'm scared of the dang dark. For a good portion of my adolescent life (I want to [embarrassingly] say between ages 7 and 17), I would check under my bed for a murderer. Every. Single. Night. I hated being alone in the dark (and I’m not going to lie, I still sleep with a stuffed animal- ask my roommate). But I digress because this darkness I am referring to is not the 6 square feet underneath the mattress or the un

It was no surprise to me when I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I sat in a room across from a nice lady at a desk who robotically read off a series of questions all regarding the way that I felt on a daily basis. Throughout the conversation, it took everything in me to not break down and cry. As I answered “yes” to question after question, I felt so defeated. I did not want this. I did not want to admit that yes, I do panic at the idea of leaving my house or

Easter 2017 is a special day for Spreading The Love as the new non-profit's official website has launched. The launching took place just one day after Spreading The Love became a non-profit and the website is just one of many finalized projects that supporters can expect in 2017. The website will allow individuals to learn more about the non-profit and it will make it easier for individuals to donate, share, and join the movement. One of the most anticipated parts of the webs

After months of hard work and anticipation it's official: Spreading The Love is a 501c3 non-profit. The movement is dedicated to raising awareness and putting up a fight against bullying, the stigma surrounding mental illness, and suicide. Spreading The Love began as an anonymous Twitter account in October 2013 and has since grown significantly, nearly reaching the milestone of 100,000 followers. The account has provided support for thousands of individuals from across the gl