WISE - Initiative for Stigma Elimination - One story at a time.
My name is Craig
“If there was anything that I could send out to the world, you know, don’t let the stigma hold you back. If you need help, get help. It’s there, and at the end of the day, when you go home, you will be better.”
Craig’s Story
My name is Gretchen
“Life gets so much better when you’re not constantly worrying about food, your weight, or what you’re going to eat, and you’re able to put that time and energy into a fulfilling life.”
Gretchen’s Story
My name is Jason
“When you share your story, you stop carrying it all alone.”
Jason’s Story
My name is Jana
"Focus on the step, not the staircase."
Jana’s Story
My name is Fernando
“I remember thinking I don’t know how but I know I’m gonna get better and even though I was still suffering a lot there was like a little ray of hope.”
Fernando’s Story
My name is Rachel
"I started to realize that I was strong and I was smart and I was capable. The moment you start to believe that about yourself, other people see it too."
Rachel’s Story
My name is Steve
“It’s not a DIY project, mental health and behavioral health. You do need outside help a lot of times.”
Steve's Story
My name is Autumn
"People don’t understand, it’s not a character flaw, it’s not a choice. I am a human being with goals, dreams, thoughts, aspirations."
Autumn's Story
My Name is Jordan
“It was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in my life … I don’t know where I would be without the people I met, without the help I got.”
Jordan's Story
My name is Tajuanna
“If you have mental health issues it will be okay. You will be okay.”
Tajuanna’s Story

Understand Stigma

Stigma is a major barrier to people struggling with mental health and substance use feeling included in their community and getting the help they need.
Learn ABout Stigma

Upcoming WISE and Partner Events

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Up to Us Group
Apr 21, April 28 & May 5, 6:00 pm CST

Free Virtual Group
WISE

End Stigma Together: The WISE Approach

Stigma 101 Course

Stigma is a major barrier to people getting the help they need. Take time to learn what it is and how to overcome it.

Up to Me/Up to Us

The Up to Me curriculum helps people make choices about if, when, and how they share their mental health and substance use struggles.
A woman holding the safe person 7 Promises decal.

Safe Person 7 Promises

Learn how to respond in a supportive, non-judgmental way when people with mental health and other challenges are ready to share.
Two pairs of hands, one with a darker skin tone and one with a lighter skin tone, gently cradling a red heart-shaped object.

Compassion Resilience Toolkits

Facilitator resources for professionals and caregivers to prevent compassion fatigue.
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Get Involved

Become a partner and collaborate. Join with other organizations and individuals to work to reduce stigma.

Articles From WISE Experts

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~World Health Organization
“Stigma is a major cause of discrimination and exclusion and it contributes to the abuse of human rights.”
~SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
“Substance use disorder is among the most stigmatized conditions in the US and around the world. People do not want to work with, be related to, or even see people with a substance use disorder in public..”
~Center for Addiction and Mental Health
“Health care providers, like the general public, are not immune to stigmatizing attitudes and practices. This can drive people away from seeking help for their mental health, physical health, or substance use issues.”
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