NEW ORLEANS — Amid a citywide landscape cluttered with self-serving signs and messages, one local business is providing love to locals with no strings attached. Maison Vie New Orleans Therapy and Counseling is running a month-long initiative that coincides with World Mental Health Day on Thursday, Oct. 10, as part of its mission to support people and families with health and happiness.
The organization is promoting black and white unbranded signs that offer encouragement to anyone facing a difficult challenge, suffering from depression or any mental health issue, experiencing marital problems, or simply having a bad day. The signs will be placed in front of homes throughout Greater New Orleans. But rather than promote a business, a politician, or a service, they simply share such inspiring messages as, “You Are Worthy of Love,” “Don’t Give Up,” and “Your Mistakes Do Not Define You.”
“Mental health still has a stigma where many people feel isolated or are afraid to reach out for help but many others are going through the same or similar issues in their lives,” said Susan Harrington, a marriage and family therapist, and the founder of Maison Vie, which provides low-cost therapy and counseling that assists individuals, couples, families, and children with resolving common concerns.
One in five U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year according to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration while the National Alliance of Mental Health reports that suicide is the second leading cause of death among people from ages ten through 34.
“Our hope is that when people see these signs, both literally and figuratively, they realize they aren’t alone, that people care, and there are resources that can help,” said Harrington. “Everyone, no matter who you are, needs help at one point or another.”
Harrington, in conjunction with the Don’t Give Up Movement sprouting up across the nation, invites locals to get involved. If you’d like to request your own signs, or get more information on counseling services, email info@maisonvieneworleans.com or call (504) 452-5937.
