The iMatter Anti-Stigma Campaign:

Let's normalize mental health

The Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership works to ensure that everyone in the region knows where to turn for help when struggling with a mental health challenge, seeks help without fear of stigma and receives prompt access to excellent care regardless of demographics, environments, or experiences.

We are excited, with the help of the Midland Area Community Foundation, to bring you a Midland County-specific round of stories as part of the iMatter Anti-Stigma Campaign. This storytelling component follows efforts aimed to equip residents with mental health resources with the recent mailing of the Mental Health Resources and Pre-Plan Checklist in 2023.

This work is made possible by the MACF and supports one of the Foundation’s core Focus Areas – Caring for our People. The Midland Area Community Foundation exists to cultivate the power of giving within our community, support long-term transformation, and help ensure all residents thrive.

A recent Gallup poll found that on average, seven in ten people are struggling with mental health challenges right now. Yet only 33 percent of people get help because of societal stigma, the fear of repercussions at work, and the lack of access to quality, affordable treatment.

It is important that we create parity between how we think about mental health and how we think about physical health, as the two often impact one another directly. Just as it would be inconceivable to not go to the doctor for a broken bone, it is imperative that we normalize prioritizing our mental health as part of the culture of overall wellbeing.

In that spirit, we want to help reduce the stigma around mental health by sharing personal, first-hand experiences. Please take a few minutes to hear from a few more courageous people taking charge of their mental health.

From trauma, to ADHD with depression, to self-harm and the impact that mental health can have on families and more, our hope is that you find something that resonates here, can relate to someone with a similar story, take action to connect to care if you need it, or encourage someone else to do the same.

Together, let's help listen to our neighbors and remember the importance of creating a culture where it is common to talk about mental health.

In health and wellness,

Dallas Rau

Executive Director

Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership

Midland County iMatter Anti-Stigma Campaign Stories:

Badger Beall

Badger talks about learning adapt after an ADHD diagnosis later in life and his experience with depression before finding out how to cope.

Nicole Ford

Nicole Ford, Chief of Police in Midland tells the story of how suicide impacted her family and shares her perspective that sometimes people who need help look a lot like people who don't.

Stacey Gannon

Stacey shares her story about growing up with a family member who experienced mental health challenges and supporting others along the way.

Jimmy Greene

Jimmy shares his story of dealing with a troubled environment growing up as a child and how he's worked to overcome it.

Shawna Ruple

Shawna describes going through medical school and dealing with burnout, high expectations, overwhelm, and suicidal thoughts.

Bre Sklar

Bre shares her journey with MST (military sexual trauma) and other types of trauma and the path to getting help.

Rob Vallentine

Rob shares his story with coming to terms with childhood sexual abuse and how he's worked to overcome it and be a voice for other survivors.

Help the Midland County Mental Health Coalition by Completing a 5-minute Survey

The Midland County Mental Health Coalition, in partnership with Saginaw Valley State University is administering a brief survey to Midland County residents in an effort to better understand the challenges residents face related to the availability, access, affordability, and awareness of mental health services and resources in the community.  Read more in the Midland Daily News.

It is important that all community members are able to access and afford these types of mental health services when needed. The information gathered from this survey can help Midland County stakeholders to understand the challenges residents face. Once we understand the challenges, programs and strategies can be created to address them.  

In order to take part in this survey, you need to be at least 18 years of age and currently reside in Midland County, Michigan. The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. The survey will be available until January 31, 2024. 

We really appreciate your time and input as efforts are made to understand and reduce the challenges to mental health services in Midland County. 

Interested in telling your story?

Are you inspired and up for sharing your story, too? Join us in the next round of the iMatter Anti-Stigma Campaign and share your story via video or article. Not a writer? No worries, we can help and talk about different options!

Those interested should start by filling out the iMatter Anti-Stigma Storytelling Interest Form here.

You can also reach out to Courtney Soule at [email protected]

About the Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership:

The Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership is an initiative within the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance that advances anti-stigma and community culture, expands workplace mental health programs, and enhances mental health provider access.

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Support our work:

Click here if you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to help us advance anti-stigma and community culture, expand workplace mental health programs and enhance mental health provider access.

Stigma | Workplace | Access