‘Hope gardens’ aim to dispel stigma of mental illness

3 years ago

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Several local organizations are joining together through the Yellow Tulip Project to plant “Hope Gardens” next week, as a way to remind people that there is help and hope for those living with mental illness. 

Starting at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Fort Fairfield Health Center, yellow tulips will be planted at numerous local sites.

 The United Way of Aroostook and Northern Light AR Gould Hospital have collaborated with Portland-based nonprofit The Yellow Tulip Project, which focuses on smashing the stigma that surrounds mental illness and building a community that is aware that help and hope exist. 

“These are dark times for so many and it is so important for our community members to reach out and get the help they need and to never forget how loved they are.  We need to talk about mental illness, not suffer alone or feel ashamed,” said Sarah Ennis, United Way of Aroostook executive director.

The organization was founded by Julia Hansen, who experienced the heartache of depression and mental illness. The silence and stigma that surround mental illness kept her from reaching out for help initially. It took the tragedy of losing her two best friends to suicide in 2015 and 2016 for her to find her voice and speak out.  Her idea to create a space for youth to eradicate stigma, build community, and inspire productive conversations about how to combat the rising rates of suicide became The Yellow Tulip Project.  

Yellow tulips represent happiness and hope.  They also reminded Julia of her friends; the tulip was one friend’s favorite flower and yellow was the other’s favorite color. 

 The public is invited to join in the planting event in Fort Fairfield.  Psychiatrist Danhong Zhao, MD, PhD, and mental health nurse practitioner Leane Saucier, PMH-NP, will speak about the stigma surrounding mental health and the impact that stigma can have on people receiving the care and support they need and deserve.

 Yellow tulips will also be planted at multiple locations of Northern Light AR Gould Hospital, Aroostook Mental Health Center, Aroostook County Action Program, the city of Presque Isle and the Northern Lighthouse.  Students and staff of these organizations, and even some local Girl Scouts, will be planting the bulbs.

“September is Suicide Prevention Month and this year it is more important than ever to be there for each other and take steps to prevent suicide,” said Dawn Roberts, Community Health & Volunteer Coordinator at the hospital. 

“Our hope is that this project will inform the general public about the mental health services available in our community and open dialog that can help someone that is struggling. We hope people will join us in the celebration. Through learning the signs of someone struggling, you could save a life,” Roberts said. 

 After a long winter, the tulips will remind the community of perseverance and the renewal of spring.  

If you or someone you know is suffering from mental illness, please contact 211 Maine to find area resources or call the Maine Crisis Line at 1-888-568-1112 to be connected to mobile crisis intervention 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.