International We Are Not Broken Day – Jan. 17, 2027

International We Are Not Broken Day
Categories:
Tags:
AwarenessMental Health
Where:
International
Date change rule:
Every January 17
Holiday emoji:
🫂

International We Are Not Broken Day arrives every January 17, serving as a powerful reminder that trauma, mental illness, and physical differences do not diminish a person’s inherent value. This day challenges the harmful societal narrative that labels individuals as ‘broken.’ Join the movement to foster understanding, promote self-acceptance, and celebrate the resilience within us all.

Want to sponsor International We Are Not Broken Day? Learn how

Expected International We Are Not Broken Day Deals

For International We Are Not Broken Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to impactful awareness and support initiatives. Organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Mental Health America (MHA) often partner with corporate sponsors for donation drives and advocacy campaigns. Look for brands such as Lululemon or Starbucks, known for their mental wellness initiatives, to offer special programming or matching donation opportunities to mental health charities. Local businesses might host workshops on resilience or offer discounts on wellness services, with proceeds benefiting support groups. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as January 17 approaches.

Platform Guide for International We Are Not Broken Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #WeAreNotBroken. Share stories of resilience, self-acceptance, and support to inspire your community.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #WeAreNotBroken. Join the conversation by sharing resources, challenging stigma, and advocating for mental wellness.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #WeAreNotBroken. Create a community event or post a video discussing the day’s importance and personal stories.

Social Media Tips for International We Are Not Broken Day

Individuals

Share your personal story of resilience, or simply post a message of solidarity to those who feel unseen. Use the hashtag #WeAreNotBroken to connect with others.

Creators

Produce content that debunks myths about mental illness or trauma. Interview advocates, share educational resources, or create art that promotes self-acceptance and healing.

Brands

Launch an awareness campaign that highlights the strength and value of all individuals. Partner with mental health organizations or donate a portion of sales to support services.

Organizations & Brands for International We Are Not Broken Day

  1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

    Founded in 1979, NAMI is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the U.S. dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness through advocacy, education, support, and public awareness.

  2. Mental Health America (MHA)

    Established in 1909 by Clifford W. Beers, MHA is the nation's leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all Americans.

  3. The Jed Foundation (JED)

    Founded in 2000, JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults. They partner with high schools and colleges to strengthen mental health safety nets.

  4. Lululemon

    Founded in 1998 in Vancouver, Canada, Lululemon is an athletic apparel company that has expanded its mission to include mental wellness initiatives. They offer programs and resources focused on mindfulness and mental health.

  5. Starbucks

    Founded in Seattle in 1971, Starbucks is a global coffeehouse chain that has committed to supporting mental health through employee benefits and partnerships. They often promote mental wellness resources and awareness campaigns.

  6. The Trevor Project

    Founded in 1998, The Trevor Project is the world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people. They provide 24/7 crisis services and advocate for LGBTQ youth mental health.

  7. Born This Way Foundation

    Co-founded by Lady Gaga and her mother Cynthia Germanotta in 2012, this foundation is committed to supporting the wellness of young people and empowering them to create a kinder and braver world. They focus on mental health and anti-bullying.

International We Are Not Broken Day Hero

Clifford W. Beers

Clifford W. Beers (1876–1943) was an American mental health advocate who, after his own experiences with mental illness and institutionalization, founded the National Committee for Mental Hygiene in 1909, which later became Mental Health America. His autobiography, 'A Mind That Found Itself,' exposed the harsh conditions of mental asylums and sparked the mental hygiene movement, advocating for humane treatment and preventative care.

History of International We Are Not Broken Day

According to authors Gilliland and James, ‘crisis’ refers to human perception of an event or situation as an intolerable difficulty beyond one’s coping skills. This event can manifest itself in many forms, but the crisis stems from the emotional reaction of the individual to the event or situation. This crisis may cause the individual to respond in a pathological manner if the crisis becomes too overwhelming. Some extreme reactions include both homicidal and suicidal tendencies. The crisis itself can cause serious damage to an individual’s cognitive, affective, and behavioral states.

Individuals in crisis are usually those who have suffered from psychological trauma. Trauma renders a person helpless and powerless as a result of the overwhelming force of the triggering event. The traumatic event triggering the crisis usually alters the victim’s psyche. This traumatic event or situation often destroys the individual’s sense of control, connection, and meaning. The individual’s response to this trauma is similar to the body responding to distress. The psychological trauma represents a condition of acute distress causing a disturbance in one’s balanced state, thereby creating psychological disequilibrium — a result of the failure of the individual’s regular coping skills to respond to the psychological trauma. As a result of this response, the individual will suffer from acute distress paired with functional impairment.

The degree to which trauma can cause functional impairment to the victim varies from mild to severe. Without any form of relief from the crisis, the individual may become more disturbed and his or her behavior may become more disruptive to normal. It is for this reason that people with these conditions are labeled as ‘broken.’ An organization called We Are Not Broken, however, has been established to correct these misconceptions, thus instituting the International We Are Not Broken Day in 2019.

International We Are Not Broken Day timeline

1873
Charles Myers is Born

British psychologist Myers, who first diagnosed individuals plagued by physical trauma and mental issues, is born.

1988
“Crisis Intervention Strategies” is Published

The book “Crisis Intervention Strategies” by Gilliland and James is published.

2019
The We Are Not Broken Organization

The We Are Not Broken organization is established in Georgetown by Nichola Cotto.

2019
International We Are Not Broken Day is Declared

International We Are Not Broken Day is declared by the We Are Not Broken organization.

How Businesses Can Celebrate International We Are Not Broken Day

Local businesses can honor International We Are Not Broken Day by fostering an inclusive environment and promoting mental wellness. Consider hosting a free workshop on stress management or resilience, or partnering with a local mental health charity for a donation drive. Retailers could highlight products from brands that support mental health initiatives, while cafes might offer a ‘pay-it-forward’ option for a coffee, encouraging kindness. The key is authentic engagement that champions acceptance and support for all individuals.

International We Are Not Broken Day FAQs

When is International We Are Not Broken Day?

In 2027, International We Are Not Broken Day is observed on Monday, January 17. This annual event encourages self-acceptance and promotes a more inclusive understanding of human experience.

What does 'We Are Not Broken' mean?

It signifies a powerful affirmation that a person’s experiences, whether with mental health struggles or physical conditions, do not define their value or capacity. The day emphasizes that these aspects are part of the human condition, not indicators of being ‘broken.’

How many people are affected by mental health conditions globally?

The World Health Organization estimates that nearly one billion people worldwide are affected by mental health conditions. This staggering figure underscores the urgent need for greater understanding, support, and the dismantling of stigma promoted by International We Are Not Broken Day.

How can I support International We Are Not Broken Day?

Engage by listening to and validating the experiences of others, especially those who have faced trauma or mental health challenges. Volunteer for a local support group, participate in awareness campaigns, or simply offer a kind word to someone who might need it.

How to Observe International We Are Not Broken Day

  1. Read up on crisis intervention

    Do some research on crisis, trauma, and their effects on human psychology. This is a good way to celebrate International We Are Not Broken Day.

  2. Be kind

    Be a little nicer to and more tolerant of those who are physically and emotionally struggling. A little kindness can go a long way.

  3. Share your thoughts on social media

    Join the conversation on social media. Use the #InternationalWeAreNotBrokenDay hashtag.

5 Important Facts About P.T.S.D.

  1. Eight in 100 people will have P.T.S.D.

    Studies show that approximately seven to eight out of 100 individuals will experience post-traumatic stress disorder (P.T.S.D.) in their lifetime.

  2. Women vs. men

    Women are usually more susceptible to P.T.S.D. than men.

  3. Recovery

    Half of all P.T.S.D. patients generally recover without treatment in three months.

  4. P.T.S.D. may become a social handicap

    Individuals who suffer from P.T.S.D. may face challenges at work, in social gatherings, or places where they are required to interact with others.

  5. Face-to-face therapy is best

    Face-to-face therapy is considered the best form of direct therapy for those suffering from P.T.S.D.

Why International We Are Not Broken Day is Important

  1. It’s an opportunity to show love and empathy

    International We Are Not Broken Day helps us see trauma survivors and patients in a different light. It gives us an opportunity to be more compassionate.

  2. It creates awareness about trauma

    International We Are Not Broken Day helps generate awareness about how people are plagued by trauma in all its forms. Learn all there is to know.

  3. It provides a community for trauma survivors

    This day seeks to give trauma survivors a voice and a community. This enables them to feel a sense of belonging.

International We Are Not Broken Day dates

Year Date Day
2027 January 17 Sunday
2028 January 17 Monday
2029 January 17 Wednesday
2030 January 17 Thursday
2031 January 17 Friday