You Have the Power to Stop Stigma

Mental health, and your attitude towards mental health, is in your hands. What you choose to do today, impacts how you feel tomorrow.

While stigma and fear around mental illness often prevents people from reaching out for help, you can help reduce stigma by educating yourself and others about mental health.

Learn about the ways to take care of your own mental health, and how to provide support for those who are showing signs that might indicate a mental health change. It is important to know that factors, such as discrimination, systemic racism, stress and fear, can harm the mental health and overall well-being of yourself and your peers.

Sometimes it feels impossible to live a good, happy life with a mental health condition – but with support from the community and loved ones, it’s possible to feel hopeful and lead a meaningful and positive life.

One voice – your voice – can make all the difference for someone living with a mental illness.

Common Mental Health Conditions

Advocate.

Use your voice, in person or online, and share your mental health journey to raise awareness about the effects of stigma. It’s not always easy to take a stand, but your courage can help remind and educate your peers that mental illness is common and looks like you and me.

Apply to be a Speaker

Mental Health Services

Local mental health services for Transitional Age Youth

The Source

The Source- 24/7 support to youth up to age 26 & caregivers, during times of crisis. Priority given to current & former foster youth, or caregivers of a foster youth. Call/Text (916) 787-7678 or visit us on our website https://thesourcesacramento.com/.

Youth Help Network (YHN)

Free support and resources for all youth ages 16-25 in Sacramento County. Call/Text (916) 860-9819 for support Monday – Friday from 9 AM – 7 PM. Connect with us on Instagram for inspiration and resources @youthhelpnetwork.

Stop the stigma and make a difference in your community

  • Lend your support to someone who might be experiencing a challenging time in their mental health journey. Even small actions, like following through with your plans to hang out or sending a quick text, can provide someone with much needed encouragement and hope. No one should have to experience this alone.
  • Start a conversation today and you can change what happens tomorrow. If you, or someone you know, is feeling anxious, depressed or stressed by school, work or life at home, reach out to someone you trust for support—a friend, teacher, parent or school counselor.
  • Recognize the signs. Sometimes friends or family exhibit new or different behaviors that are hard to differentiate and understand. Certain behaviors may be associated with a mental illness or other concerns and it’s important to know what to look for. By knowing the signs, you’ll know when to offer help and act.
  • Advocate. Use your voice, in person or online, and share your mental health journey to raise awareness about the effects of stigma. It’s not always easy to take a stand, but your courage can help remind and educate your peers that mental illness is common and looks like you and me. If you hear someone joking or making fun of mental illness, remind them that it’s not OK.
  • Prioritize mental health by incorporating healthy habits and positivity into your everyday life. A positive change in your routine, or in someone else’s, can be the most important first step to feeling better tomorrow. It’s important to care for family and friends in their time of need, but self-care is just as essential to maintain your mental health.
  • To learn more about what people with mental health conditions are going through, how support can be provided or to get involved, explore StopStigmaSacramento.org, or call 211 to be referred to culturally competent, recovery-focused mental health 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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Resources

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