Clinical research shows that storytelling can help process emotions or anxiety to help overcome any challenge those feelings may be putting in your way. Whether it’s catching up with a friend, talking to a professional, or even writing in a journal sharing your story can help you heal. At Stop Stigma Sacramento, we see have also seen that sharing your story can help destigmatize misconceptions around mental health through our Speaker’s Bureau. The Bureau is composed of community members living with or caring for someone with a mental illness who offer to share their stories publicly to promote positive attitudes of living with a mental illness and sharing messages of wellness, hope, and recovery.
All it takes is one person to share a similar story with someone who may be struggling to realize they are not alone. By being so open and honest about their experiences Speaker’s Bureau members are helping people across Sacramento start or continue on with their mental health journey. We have heard directly from the members that it has helped with their healing journeys. To hear more about the impact of the Speaker’s Bureau we chatted with a few of our members about their experience.
Stop Stigma Sacramento: How has joining Speakers Bureau helped in your mental health journey?
Vanessa Marie Niño-Tapia: I am so grateful to have joined the Stop Stigma Sacramento Speakers Bureau because sharing my story allowed me to honor what I had gone through and be able to move forward. I have found an additional community of supporters, encouragers, and people who can empathize.
Cameron Sykes: I took a flyer for Stop Stigma and how to become a speaker, sat on it for almost six months, and then I finally took a shot. Me picking up that flyer, almost 10 years ago, has catapulted me into a life that I wouldn’t have expected of such happiness, joy, abundance, and love. And it was all because I picked up that flyer and decided to share my story with Stop Stigma Sacramento.
La Viola Ward: Being part of Stop Stigma Sacramento has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has allowed me to use my voice to break down barriers, challenge misconceptions, and connect with others who share similar experiences. This work has reinforced the importance of community support in mental health advocacy.
Stop Stigma Sacramento: Can you remember a time you saw/felt the positive impact of the Bureau for the community?
Leneae Sanders: Stop Stigma has allowed me to have a voice in arenas that I might not have been able to reach on my own. I cherish the times that I have been able to reach out in those brief speaking engagements and know that I have informed or shared something that impacted someone else’s journey.
Natalie Schwemley: This group has really impacted my life because it’s helped me come out of my comfort zone a little bit. Speaking at schools or different businesses within Sacramento reminds me how impactful it is. I can help people get started on their own journey and provide resources, which has made me feel really grateful to be in the place that I am today. I believe that everyone deserves to get that relief that they need. I’m glad that I can be a resource for others and hope that it helps more people and that we can keep lowering the stigma around mental health.
Diane Mintz: Thanks to the Stop Stigma Speakers’ Bureau and other programs we are seeing some major changes in how people think about, speak about, and respond to people with mental illness. We have a long way to go, but I am very encouraged and grateful for the impact the Speaker’s Bureau has made on the community and beyond. Because the Speaker’s Bureau allows us to share our experience and hope, others are doing the same. It feels so good to help change lives and even save lives!
If these stories inspired you or you want to get out in your community to help others, please consider joining the Speakers Bureau! We are always looking for new members to expand our reach. Please also reach out if you would like to have a Bureau member come speak at an event. All it takes is one person to feel seen by another to start on a healing journey. The Speakers Bureau hopes to be able to help many across the Sacramento community on their mental health journey. Learn more at: StopStigmaSacramento.org/get-involved.