You Have the Power to Stop Stigma and Discrimination
There are so many ways to join this movement and stop the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. Whether you are interested in joining the Stop Stigma Sacramento Speakers Bureau or simply want to take our pledge to show your support, together, we can change minds, attitudes and outcomes in our community.
Join the Stop Stigma Sacramento Speakers Bureau
It will take the voices of many to stop stigma and discrimination in our community. Scroll through our collection of first-hand stories shared by everyday people in Sacramento County who are living with, or supporting someone else living with, mental illness.
Abby Rotstein
My name is Abby and I’ve been living with OCD since I was 10 years old. I didn’t start talking about…
meet Abby
Alan Candee
I have found that success in life can be expressed as having two components: (1) making good choices…
meet Alan
Diane Mintz
I was trained in 2013 by Stop Stigma Speakers’ Bureau to learn how to share my story and now I am blessed…
meet Diane
Aileen Elikorasmythe-Jones
I died this year as (Elaina’) in 2020 to be reborn and beginning my life as (Aileen) because…
meet Aileen
Lina Lee
Sad. Anxious. Lonely. Hopeless and in despair. These are some signs of depression. Nobody would choose…
meet Lina
Laura Bemis
Hi my name is Laura and I am in my mid 50’s and have been living with a mental illness for over 30 years…
meet Laura
Michael Hansen
Even as a boy, I knew something was wrong. Not just the typical kid stuff, but serious swings in my mood…
meet Michael
Nancy Alpert
There are so many things I would like to do—like keep the house organized, clean the kitchen and empty the garbage…
meet Nancy
Vanessa Nino-Tapia
When I was 22, I had everything to look forward to. I was accepted into graduate school, was planning my wedding…
meet Vanessa
Bill Marr
My name is Bill Marr, I’m 47 years old, I live in Folsom California with my wife Kristina and my 3 children…
meet Bill
Pledge to Stop Stigma and Discrimination
Take our pledge and commit to reducing stigma and discrimination in Sacramento County and beyond. We each have a responsibility to create a safe space for our friends, family, co-workers and neighbors living with a mental health condition.
I Pledge-
Mental Health Art Displays
As part of its efforts to stop stigma surrounding mental health, Stop Stigma Sacramento organized mental health art exhibits throughout Sacramento County to honor Mental Health Awareness Month in May. All art was created by Sacramento County residents to help dispel myths and stereotypes about mental health and promote messages of wellness, hope and recovery.
Art Displays -
Journey of Hope
A collaborative art exhibit that pairs local artists and writers to share stories of hope and recovery, to give others insight, inspiration, understanding, strength, connection and raise awareness.
Journey of Hope
Conversation Starter
Hey, it seems like you’ve got a lot on your mind lately. How are you?
I just wanted to say that I am here if you want to talk about anything – Can we get together this week?
I noticed you have missed a few days of school, and I just wanted to check in with you and see how you are doing.
I haven’t seen you in a while! How have you been?
I know life can feel like a lot sometimes, but if you need someone to talk to, I want you to know I am here.
You’ve seemed a little down lately and I wanted to see how you are doing.
I just want you to know I am here for you if you ever need to talk. You’re my friend and I won’t judge you.
I know things have been hard lately; let me know if you want to talk about it. I’m here for you.