Breaking Taboo

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Breaking Taboo

Breaking Taboo aims to Educate, Inspire, Create, and Transform. We Educate, Create, Inspire, and Transform while Saving Lives. We are national & international.

Project Breaking Taboo aims to do just that- Break the Taboo surrounding Mental Health & Suicide Prevention while providing accessible education and Saving Lives. Project Breaking Taboo will aim to do just that— Break the Taboo surrounding Mental Health Issues. We Provide accessible Education to the public on mental health and suicide prevention. We Create modern, digestible information through a variety of mediums on a variety of mental health subjects. We Inspire open, compassionate conversations on sensitive or otherwise "taboo" topics- while teaching people how to do so. We Transform the way Mental Health is being treated, viewed, and talked about. We believe that in order to solve a problem, we must focus on the root cause: its a taboo subject that people are afraid or ashamed to even discuss. In order to save lives, we must kill the silence, and in order to kill the silence we must break the taboo. By promoting awareness on mental health and suicide prevention we save lives! We actively encourage conversations instead of stigmatizing them. Our mission is to educate and provide practical tools everyone can use including survival, step by step application, help, information, and resources. These tools that can save lives in times of crisis. Tools that people can take away with them to gain better mental health every day. Tools that inspire others to live a life without shame and frustration. Our message is that mental health is just as important as physical health, and should be treated that way. We are creating a world where help is accessible for everyone who wants it without taboo. A world where we can talk about our emotions and mentality. We encourage real discussions, conversations, and education around mental health. We work with our communities and schools while pulling research and providing education & awareness through a variety of platforms in order to solve the challenge of bringing important, life saving knowledge to the public. Through a team of dedicated and passionate hearts, we aim to bring about a wave of social change and to serve as an inspiration to the entire world.

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A FEW FACTS:

--- 1 in 4 individuals are diagnosed with a mental health condition.

--- Many people with mental health conditions remain undiagnosed and untreated.

--- In the latest CDC figure over 40,000 suicides were reported.

--- Someone in our country dies by suicide about every 12 minutes.

--- Suicide continually outranks homicide, meaning, more people are killing themselves than killing each other.

--- Second only to "accidents", Suicide is the second leading non-medically related cause of death. (However, many "accidents" are potentially unreported suicides.)

--- Suicide is a phenomenon that does not discriminate. It hits all age groups, genders, ethnicities, and cultures.

--- These numbers have not gotten any better, and in fact, have been climbing throughout history.

--- The only year suicide numbers remained steady was year 2020.

--- Many mental health conditions and suicides go unreported.

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It might be hard to hear, but it is happening all around us. Do not turn a blind eye. For some reason, there seems to be have been a hesitancy or incapability from society to DO SOMETHING. In the USA, a society seemingly obsessed with improving health and prolonging life, suicide appears an anathema. The reason may not lie in the fact that our society as a whole does not want to do something about Suicide, but it is that MOST PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW THAT 90% OF SUICIDES CAN BE PREVENTED. Yes, 90%. The public holds a surprisingly avid amount of myths surrounding this controversial topic, due to a general lack of education. MOST OF US DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT SUICIDE, OR THAT WE CAN DO SOMETHING TO PREVENT IT, OR THAT IT IS ACCEPTABLE TO TALK ABOUT IT. There is too much we do not know about this topic --- but we need to start. We need to start speaking out instead of bottling things up and shutting down in silence. Silence is not the answer. Why the silence? Because of another truth of our world today: The topic of “Suicide”-- even “Mental Health” in general, suffers from an incredibly biased taboo.

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Dictionary definition:

"ta·boo
təˈbo͞o,taˈbo͞o/
noun

a social or religious custom prohibiting or forbidding discussion of a particular practice or forbidding association with a particular person, place, or thing. synonyms: prohibition, proscription, veto, interdiction, interdict, ban, restriction"

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So far, the problem is, people are afraid of this topic. They do not know how to approach it, even though we all know someone or know of someone who has suffered it. We may have silently suffered from it ourselves, and if so, then we are the lucky ones still surviving. But others were not so lucky. Including some people you may have admired: Robin Williams, Kurt Cobain, Tony Scott, Hunter S. Thompson, Marilyn Monroe, Ernest Hemingway, to just name a few of the many celebrities, a few out of the millions of humanity that have gone. Many more may still go unreported and undiagnosed. Perhaps you have lost someone personally, and if not, it is more than likely that someone in your life is suffering from suicide depression-- and you may be missing the signs, or if you suspect something, you may have no idea where to start in order to offer them guidance and help. Everyone needs a little help, every now and then. The question is, DO YOU KNOW HOW TO HELP? Hindsight is always 20-20, but I for one am sick of going to memorial services, and hearing too little too late. I never want to hear anything like this again: "Now that I think about it, it seemed that he might have been depressed, but I wasn't sure, and I didn't know what to do." The power of ONE conversation can SAVE A LIFE, but we must be willing and ready to have that conversation. ARE YOU AWARE? Are you aware of all of the signs, all of the resources, all of the steps to take? Would you be ready to help, if/ when this occurs to someone in your own life? Wouldn’t it be great if everyone knew this? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this was a common fact, taught in school systems and passed around as common knowledge? Wouldn’t it be great if we could make a difference in the lives of our friend, colleague, child, parent, stranger—anyone out of the millions who may be going through this? Think of the social change it would bring, the potential lives it would reach, and ultimately, save. Do you know what to do if you are feeling such things yourself? It's okay. We are all human. We will teach you how. That is the goal of BREAKING TABOO.

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Right now, suicide is a monster that no one wants to break—but, it is only through de-mystifying the monster by speaking out & banding together as a team that we can break it! Only through awareness can we SAVE LIVES. Because… Silence Kills. It is time to Break the Taboo. Sincerely,

Team Breaking Taboo

"Kill Silence. Save Lives." Project

20/10/2026

What if someone had taught you about mental health before you started struggling?

In 2001, teenager picked up a magazine about bipolar disorder, glanced at the cover, and put it down.

Eight or nine months later, she was diagnosed with that very condition in a psychiatric ward.

It’s a powerful reminder of why mental health education matters.

In our latest article, crystal lancaster shares 8 ways to protect your mental health while living with a mental health condition — drawing from personal experience and lessons learned along the way.

Swipe to find out ➡️ and read full article breaking-taboo.org

How different would our lives be if mental health education started in childhood?

You can’t self-care your way out of every mental health challenge.

Sometimes you need more than rest, exercise, or a positive mindset.

You need understanding. Community. Support. Treatment. And the knowledge to recognize when something isn’t right.

💚 Our latest article explores 8 ways to protect your mental health when living with a mental health condition.

Swipe for a preview — and find the full article at breaking-taboo.org.

Save this for yourself. Share it with someone who might need it.

What you don’t know about your mental health can affect how you care for it. 🧠

Recognizing symptoms, understanding treatment options, and knowing when to seek help can make a meaningful difference.

Knowledge doesn’t eliminate every challenge, but it gives us tools to navigate them.

And the more we understand, the less power stigma has.

💚 Knowledge is power. Explore more mental health articles, personal stories, and resources at breaking-taboo.org (link in bio).

Being strong doesn’t mean doing everything alone. 💚

When you’re struggling with your mental health, having someone who recognizes when you’re not yourself can make all the difference.

A strong support system isn’t just about having people to talk to. It’s about having people who know how to support you when things get difficult.

But what does a good support system actually look like?

Read our latest article, “8 Ways to Protect Your Mental Health,” at breaking-taboo.org.

You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy.

15/10/2026

When a public figure’s death makes headlines, conversations spread quickly. But are those conversations helping—or potentially causing harm?

Talking about su***de is important. How we talk about it matters just as much.
Swipe to learn why. ➡️

The way su***de is portrayed in the media and discussed online can influence vulnerable individuals.

Sensationalized coverage can increase risk, while responsible reporting that emphasizes hope, recovery, and access to support can have a protective effect.

Our words have consequences. Let’s use them responsibly.

When someone dies by su***de, it’s natural to search for answers.

But speculation, oversimplification, and romanticized tributes can do more harm than good.

We don’t always know someone’s private circumstances, and su***de is rarely the result of one single event.

Compassion doesn’t require speculation.

Responsible conversations about su***de don’t mean avoiding the subject.

They mean speaking openly without sensationalizing, acknowledging the complexity of su***de, sharing accurate information, and reminding people that effective support is available.

We can honor someone’s life while keeping prevention in the conversation.

Silence doesn’t prevent su***de. Education, connection, early intervention, and access to care can make a difference.

If you’re concerned about someone, ask directly whether they’re thinking about su***de. Listen without judgment, take their answer seriously, and help them connect with support.

💚 Stop silence. Save lives.

In the U.S., call or text 988 for free, confidential crisis support.

***dePrevention

09/10/2026

Mental health training can spark change. But how do we make that change last? 💚

(Read full article www.breaking-taboo.org)

Workplace mental health education plays an important role in reducing stigma, increasing awareness, and creating more supportive environments.

But research shows that lasting change takes more than a single workshop or training session.

So what makes mental health initiatives truly effective? How can organizations turn awareness into action—and create workplace cultures where employees feel genuinely supported?

Studies point to several key factors that can help make the difference.

🔎 In our latest article, we explore what the research reveals about workplace mental health training, the challenges of sustaining progress, and how organizations can build on these efforts to create meaningful, long-term change.

👉 Read the full article at Breaking-Taboo.org. Link in bio!

Because awareness is the beginning. Lasting change is the goal.

Stop silence. Save lives. 💚

07/10/2026

🎙️ Join us LIVE tonight at 8 PM ET on TikTok!

One of the topics we will cover is:
Why do hospitals need psychologists? 🏥🧠

When we think about hospital care, we often think about doctors, nurses, medications, surgeries, and physical recovery. But what happens to our mental and emotional well-being when we’re facing illness, injury, chronic pain, a frightening diagnosis, or a major life change?

Tonight, I’m joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Jessica Leigh to talk about the important role psychologists play in hospital settings—and why caring for the mind can be an essential part of caring for the whole person.

We’ll be talking psychology, healthcare, the mind-body connection, and what patients may be going through beyond what we can see.

Bring your questions and join the conversation. 💛

Stop silence. Save lives.

06/10/2026

Mental illness doesn’t always look like mental illness. 🍂🧡

For Mental Illness Awareness Week, let’s remember that someone can smile, show up to work, spend time with friends, achieve incredible things—and still be struggling behind the scenes.

There is no single way mental illness “looks.” A good day doesn’t erase the hard ones. Success doesn’t make someone immune to struggling. And asking for help is never something to be ashamed of.

We can’t always see what someone is carrying. So let’s lead with compassion, check in on one another, and keep making these conversations easier to have.

And an important reminder: struggling doesn’t erase accountability.

Mental illness can affect how someone feels, thinks, or behaves. But it isn’t an excuse to hurt, manipulate, disrespect, or abuse others.

You can have compassion for what someone is going through and expect accountability for how they treat you.

Understanding someone’s behavior doesn’t mean accepting harmful behavior.

Mental illness deserves understanding—not judgment. And everyone deserves to be treated with respect.

Stop silence. Save lives. 💚

03/10/2026

October 4–10 is Mental Illness Awareness Week 🧡

Mental illness affects millions of people, but stigma, misunderstanding, and silence can still make it incredibly difficult to talk about what we’re going through—or to ask for help.

This week is about changing that.

It’s about educating ourselves. Having the conversations we’re sometimes afraid to have. Challenging misconceptions. Checking in on the people we love. And remembering that mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, lifestyle, or how “together” their life may appear.

Awareness matters because the more openly we talk about mental illness, the less power stigma has—and the easier it becomes for people to seek support, recovery, and get help.

A note on compassion: Understanding mental illness doesn’t mean excusing harmful or abusive behavior. We can reduce stigma and have empathy for what someone is experiencing while still holding people accountable for how they treat others. Compassion and boundaries can coexist.

Mental Illness Awareness Week may last seven days, but these conversations matter all year long. 🧡

Stop silence. Save lives.

30/09/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Month 💛 But as September comes to a close, the conversations shouldn’t.

Mental health doesn’t follow a calendar. Neither does pain. Neither does healing. And neither should support.

If you’re struggling in October, December, or any ordinary day in the middle of the year, you still deserve to reach out. You still deserve to be heard. You still deserve help.

And if someone you love is struggling, keep checking in—even after the yellow ribbons and Su***de Prevention Month posts disappear from your feeds.

Su***de prevention is more than a month. It’s something we can practice all year long through connection, compassion, conversation, and reminding each other that we are not alone- even if it may feel like it at the time.

As September ends, let’s keep the conversation going. 💛

Stop silence. Save lives.

***dePrevention

21/09/2026

the myths coming next:

🍂 How much of what you know about su***de is actually true?

September is Su***de Prevention Month—and prevention starts with understanding.

Unfortunately, some of the things we’ve been taught or heard about su***de simply aren’t true. And those misconceptions can affect how we recognize warning signs, respond to someone who’s struggling, and talk about su***de in the first place.

💛 So this month, we’re separating MYTH from FACT.

Over the next several posts, we’ll break down common su***de myths and share what the evidence actually tells us.

How many do you think you’ll get right?

Follow along, save the post, and share it with someone who could benefit from knowing the facts.

Stop silence. Save lives.

MYTH 🍂 Talking about su***de doesn’t plant the idea. Asking directly can create an opening for someone to tell you what they’re really going through. Don’t be afraid to start the conversation. 💛

MYTH 🍁 Any talk about su***de or not wanting to be alive should be taken seriously. Instead of dismissing someone as “attention-seeking,” ask what’s underneath the words—and listen.

MYTH 🌾 Su***de is complex. There usually isn’t one single cause, and reducing someone’s pain to one event can overlook everything else they may be carrying. Compassion starts with recognizing the whole person.

MYTH 🍂 A suicidal crisis can feel permanent while someone is inside it—but feelings and circumstances can change. With support, treatment, connection, and time, people can and do make it through suicidal periods.

MYTH 💛 Su***de prevention matters. Recognizing warning signs, having honest conversations, reducing isolation, connecting people with support, and making help accessible can all play a role in prevention.

MYTH 🍁 Professional care can be incredibly important—but you don’t have to be a mental-health professional to care, listen, check in, or help someone connect with support. Sometimes simply showing someone they don’t have to carry everything alone matters.

Not everyone who needs help knows how—or feels able—to ask for it.

Someone may be afraid of being judged, feel like a burden, not know what to say, or believe that no one will under

18/09/2026

Have you ever felt like you know someone you’ve never actually met?

A parasocial relationship is a one-sided emotional connection with a public figure, influencer, creator, celebrity, or fictional character who doesn’t personally know you.

In the age of social media, these relationships are everywhere. But what happens when online connection starts taking the place of real-life connection?

Swipe to read our newest article →
Full article available www.breaking-taboo.org

16/09/2026

In case you’re having a hard time, I’ve been there too.

I’ve lost friends to su***de. I know how impossible things can feel. That’s why I want you to know…

💛

Here are a few gentle reminders for the hard days.

Save this or send it to someone who might need it.

It’s su***de prevention month.

When you’re in the middle of something painful, it can feel permanent.

But emotions change. Circumstances change. Life changes.

You don’t have to solve your entire future based on how you feel in one painful moment. Give yourself time to see what comes next. 💛

Maybe you don’t feel strong right now.

But think about everything you’ve already survived — the heartbreaks, losses, disappointments, lonely nights, and moments you weren’t sure you could handle.

You’re still here.

Sometimes strength doesn’t look like being fearless. Sometimes it simply looks like making it to tomorrow.

A difficult chapter can take up so much space that it starts to feel like the whole story.

It isn’t.

You are still your humor. Your curiosity. Your memories. Your dreams. Your weird little habits. Your favorite things. Your possibilities.

What you’re going through is part of your life. It is not all that you are. 💛

You don’t always need a huge reason to keep going.

Sometimes it’s tomorrow morning’s coffee. Your pet waiting for breakfast. A song you haven’t heard yet. The next episode. A conversation. The first cool day of fall. Something that makes you laugh unexpectedly.

Small things aren’t meaningless just because they’re small.

Sometimes they’re exactly what carries us through.

There are versions of your life you haven’t lived yet.

People you haven’t met. Places you haven’t been. Songs you haven’t discovered. Inside jokes that don’t exist yet. Ordinary Tuesdays that may someday become some of your favorite memories.

You cannot see the whole story from the chapter you’re standing in.

There is more ahead. 💛

You don’t have to wait until things become unbearable to reach out.

You’re allowed to say, “I’m struggling.”

You’re allowed to tell someone you need company, support, professional help, or simply someone to listen.

Needing other people is part of being human. Reaching

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