ST.AN.DE’S PRINCIPLES

I REALIZE THAT MENTAL ILLNESS IS TREATABLE AND MANAGEABLE.

I UNDERSTAND THAT EVERYONE IS A VALUED PERSON AND DESERVES TO BE TREATED WITH RESPECT.

I WILL REFRAIN FROM BLAME, SHAME, SECRECY, SOCIAL EXCLUSION, STEREOTYPES OR DISCRIMINATION.

I WILL CHANGE THE LANGUAGE I — — USE WHEN I TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND I WILL EDUCATE THOSE WHO — — USE STIGMATIZING LANGUAGE. I KNOW THAT WORDS MATTER.

I WILL EDUCATE MYSELF ABOUT THE SYMPTOMS OF MENTAL ILLNESS AND ANY SIDE EFFECTS THAT MAY OCCUR FROM TREATMENT PLANS.

I WILL — — USE APPROPRIATE RESOURCES TO WORK TOWARDS THE STABILITY OF A LOVED ONE OR MYSELF.

IF I AM FEELING SUICIDAL, I WILL REACH OUT FOR HELP. IF I KNOW SOMEONE IS EXPERIENCING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, I WILL TAKE IT SERIOUSLY AND MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THEY GET HELP.

I WILL REDUCE STIGMA IN MYSELF AND IN OTHERS BY BEING OPEN ABOUT LIVING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS, NAMING IT OUT LOUD AND RAISING PEOPLE’S AWARENESS.

I WILL HELP CHANGE THE WAY PEOPLE VIEW MENTAL HEALTH. I WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Take The Pledge

Join the campaign to raise to awareness for people living with stress, anxiety and depression and to help end the stigma.

Promote acceptance and actively challenge social stereotypes. Through powerful words and actions, we will shift the social and systemic barriers for those living with mental health conditions and encourage acceptance and understanding.

Individuals, companies, organizations and others can all take the pledge to learn more about mental illness, to see a person for who they are.

Join us. Change a mind and save a life. Pledge to end stigma!