Mental Illness It’s not always what you think

Mental illness impacts every ethnic, racial, economic, religious and age group. Roughly one in every five adults will experience a diagnosable mental health condition during their lifetime. Many never seek help or treatment because of the stigma, discrimination or shame they experience. However, with education, support and treatment, people can—and do—recover and live fulfilling lives.

You have the power to stop stigma and discrimination.
Learn the facts, start a conversation, ask for help.

The Facts

Stories from our Speakers Bureau

It will take the voices of many to stop stigma and discrimination in our community. Hear first-hand stories of hope and recovery as shared by Sacramento County residents.

Join the Speakers Bureau

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

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

Lina Lee

Sad. Anxious. Lonely. Hopeless and in despair. These are some signs of depression. Nobody would choose…

meet Lina

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

Are you looking for help?

Learn more about services and support available in Sacramento County.

Services
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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