Today, January 17th, 2024, marks International We Are Not Broken Day. International We Are Not Broken Day is recognized as a day dedicated to remembering all victims of trauma or mental health. This day creates awareness that no matter who you are, what traumas, disorders, or illnesses you may be dealing with, you are human, and we are altogether neighbors. The word “Broken” means that something is not working. But, whatever hardships you are dealing with in this life should not define you. This day serves to end those misconceptions and bring light to those struggling with mental illnesses.

International We Are Not Broken Day was created in 2019 by the We Are Not Broken Organization, established in the same year by Nichola Cotto. Nichola Cotta created this organization as a way to rewrite the narrative that those who struggle with mental health are “broken.”

Here are some ways you can participate in International We Are Not Broken Day:

1. Read up on the crisis of intervention

2. Be kind to those around you

3. Share your thoughts and spread awareness on social media with the hashtag #InternationalWeAreNotBrokenDay

4. Have a self-care day with friends

5. Practice self-love

If you or someone you know suffers from mental illness, call or text 988 for instant support. To further learn how to recieve support for mental health issues, visit FindSupport.gov.

References: 

Mirzaliyeva, M. (2022, July 19). International we are not broken day. National Today. https://nationaltoday.com/international-we-are-not-broken-day/