End the Stigma

Mental illness affects people of all ages, genders, races, religions, and cultures. When it comes to stigma each of us can do something even if we cannot do everything.  First, it starts with believing:

• You can make a difference 
• You can help change how mental illness is viewed 
• You can change your language to be inclusive and supportive 
• You can be an engaged bystander by appropriately intervening when you witness discrimination, prejudice, bias, or incorrect terminology. 

Do you pledge to end the stigma?

Together, we can end stigma and create hope.  We can shift the social and systemic barriers for those living with mental health illness and encourage acceptance and understanding.   

I pledge to . . . 

• Show compassion by reaching out to those in need of help 
• Not let anyone suffer in silence 
• Have the courage to speak up 
• Challenge stereotypes and attitudes 
• Not tolerate or perpetuate stigma 
• Teach by sharing my own experiences with mental illness and encouraging others to share their stories with me 
• Encourage others to speak about their experiences 
• Listen to mental health experiences without judgement  
• Avoid using stigmatizing words like “crazy,” or “psycho” in everyday conversations. 
• Not discriminate against people with a mental illness 
• Learn in order to change 
• Demand a change in how we view and address mental illness 
• Help lead the way 

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