A local mental health advocate is hoping Halloween costume wearers will be cognizant of the stigmas associated with some of the attire and attractions of the holiday weekend.

Jessica Smiley with Heritage Behavioral Health Services says Halloween can be a difficult time for individuals with mental illnesses as there are a lot of unhealthy stigmas surrounding this holiday and oftentimes only adds more untruths to those stigmas.

According to Smiley, often the perception that people with mental illnesses and their experiences are scary but that could not be farther from the truth. She points out mental health conditions are very common as one in five individuals will experience some form of mental illness.

Smiley hopes those struggling will surround themselves with good support and those enjoying scary movies be aware the portrayals of mental illness are often exaggerated and inaccurate.