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.

Join the Speakers Bureau VIEW ALL SPEAKERS

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

Marissa Montelongo

Mental health is quite real, especially for those who don’t like to admit it—such as myself. I have not necessarily…

meet Marissa

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

Mike McCarthy

My name is Mike McCarthy and I live with severe bipolar and clinical depression mental illness disorders…

meet Mike

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

Veronica Martinez

My name’s Veronica and I’m a mother of a 17 year old young man and an 12 year old beautiful girl. I speak from my heart when I tell you…

meet Veronica

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

    Per guidance from the Sacramento County Public Health Officer, the “Mental Illness: It’s not always what you think” project postponed the 2020 May is Mental Health Month art displays and instead published the 2020 Mental Health Month Virtual Art Gallery.

    Art Displays
  • Journey of Hope

    Per guidance from the Sacramento County Public Health Officer, the “Mental Illness: It’s not always what you think” project has decided to postpone the Journey of Hope exhibit until further notice.

    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.

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