Why Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders?
Mental health impacts everyone. All social classes, all races, all professions, all genders. The stark reality is:
%
ONE in FIVE U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
%
ONE in TWENTY U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
%
ONE in SIX U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
%
By age FOURTEEN, 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins
%
By age TWENTY-FOUR, 75% of all lifetime mental illness begins
SUICIDE is the SECOND leading cause of death among people aged TEN to THIRTY-FOUR
*Sourced from National Alliance on Mental Illness 2022
Stigma is a problem that prevents policymakers from crafting laws free of discrimination and stops health care workers and first responders from providing the best possible care. Stigma keeps people from seeking the treatment they need, robs them of their joy in life, their well-being, and worst case, results in ultimate harm. This narrative needs to change.
We are an organization that believes in the power of connection. We exist to unite institutions and organizations working in the mental health and substance use disorders space to create resources, generate funding, bring clarifying awareness, and address the issues around mental health and substance use disorders. Together, we will pose a grand challenge to our friends, family, employers, health care providers and governments to end the stigma around mental health and substance-use disorders to establish true well-being.
How We Tackle Stigma, Together
People suffering from mental health issues and substance use disorders experience stigma, shame, and fear - often preventing them from accessing care and devastating people across our country. Stop Stigma Together is the nation's only large-scale initiative working across disciplines to de-silo the efforts of medical, psychiatric, therapeutic, research, and social groups to build a landscape that destigmatizes mental health and substance use disorders.
Guided by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine 2016 report, Ending Discrimination Against People with Mental and Substance Use Disorders: The Evidence for Stigma Change, we've developed and operationalized a unique 5-year strategic plan that focuses specifically on tackling all three areas of stigma and creates a holistic approach to mental health care that is rooted in partnership and collaboration. Our initiative has engaged in hundreds of informational and partnership outreach meetings, gathered a national steering team comprised of the nation's leading non-profit, mental health, behavioral health, and substance use disorder organizations, organized several subject-matter summits that engage industry professionals from across the country, and developed key metrics projects, including participation in the 2024 General Social Survey, to accurately measure stigma around the United States.
Stop Stigma Together aims to break down the barriers associated with mental health stigmas (structural, social, and self), promote understanding and empathy, and provide a supportive environment for organizations and individuals across the country. We play a pivotal role in fostering growth, learning, and collaboration within the mental health community by uplifting the voices and stories of people with lived experience of mental health conditions (PWLE), funding new research, convening key stakeholders to share best practices, and facilitate meaningful conversations, and engaging in advocacy and policy change. Collectively, we can destigmatize perceptions about mental health and substance use disorders and bring hope and healing to people all over the United States.
our mission
To unite our passion, drive and expertise into powerful strategic actions that end the stigma around mental health and substance use disorders.
our vision
A country free of stigma, with the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors that supports everyone with mental health and substance use disorders.
our leadership
Our leadership is a diverse group of individuals united by their passion to stop stigma surrounding mental health & substance use disorders. Meet them here!
OUR MOTIVATION
The numbers speak for themselves. See the mental health and substance abuse trends impacting individuals across the United States. Hear some of their stories.
STIGMA
stig·ma [noun]
- A set of negative and unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something
- A mark of shame or discredit
- An identifying mark or characteristic
YOUR STORY IS POWERFUL
You should share it.
At Stop Stigma Together, we believe that your story holds transformative power. By sharing your experiences with mental health and substance use disorders, you illuminate the path towards understanding and acceptance. Your narrative humanizes the struggles faced by millions, fostering empathy and connection within our community. Together, we break down barriers and challenge misconceptions, paving the way for healing and support. Your voice matters. Submit your story today and join us in building a more compassionate and inclusive world.