Students from a US university have come together to help battle the stigma against mental health, using those suffering from the illness to create a series of striking pictures.
The University of California, Los Angeles' (UCLA) 'All of Us: A Campaign to Rethink Mental Health' campaign was created with a desire to change the way people think about and respond to mental illness.
UCLA students recently unveiled their #ENDTHESTIGMA photo series which features young people living with mental illness alongside comments that have been made when they've decided to open up about their experiences.
In an email to Buzzfeed, All of Us co-founder and fourth year UCLA student Savannah Badalich wrote: "The statements were meant to highlight how subtle yet hurtful these comments can be, how they can silence individuals, and, worse, how they can prevent those struggling from seeking future support or counseling."
"Stigma is the biggest barrier to individuals going to get counseling, and we want to end that stigma."
Mental Health
Useful websites and helplines:
- Samaritans, open 24 hours a day, on 08457 90 90 90
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
- Young Minds offers information to young people about mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Students Against Depression, a website by students, for students.
- HopeLine runs a confidential advice helpline if you are a young person at risk of suicide or are worried about a young person at risk of suicide. Mon-Fri 10-5pmand 7pm-10pm. Weekends 2pm-5pm on 0800 068 41 41
- HeadMeds - a straight-talking website on mental health medication
- Student Minds supports students across the UK to bring about positive change on their campuses through campaigning and facilitating peer support programmes. To join the community or launch a student group contact the charity on hello@studentminds.org.uk