iMatter Anti-Stigma Campaign

The numbers are striking. In a letter published online by the Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership, Dr. Matt Samocki cites the results of a recent Gallup Poll.  That poll found that seven in ten people are struggling with a mental health issue right now but only 33 percent have sought help. Reasons cited include concerns about the stigma of a mental health issue and the lack of access to quality, affordable treatment.
Dr. Matt Samocki is the executive director of the Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership.
To address the issue of stigma, the Mental Health Partnership is looking for help with their iMatter Anti-Stigma campaign. That help means people stepping forward to share their stories about anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and many other challenges.  Samocki writes, “We invite you to join us in creating a culture where it is normal to talk about mental health in all forms. Sharing your story can help someone else know that they are not alone.”

To take part, there are some different options. You can write about your story or ask for help in summing it up on paper.  Think one to three pages.  Another option is to speak in a video. The GLBR Mental Health Partnership has the resources to send over a video production crew to capture your story.  Before your story is shared, you’ll have the opportunity to review it. 

Click here to see past examples of the iMatter Anti-Stigma campaign. If you’d like to participate, contact Courtney Soule, Communications Director with the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance and the Great Lakes Bay Mental Health Partnership at csoule@greatlakesbay.org or by calling 989-274-0279.