We believe mental health matters. You may have seen this message around our community. At the Mental Health Association of Cleveland County, it is our goal to address stigma and educate others about mental health. We have worked on connecting with businesses, organizations, and agencies to meet this goal. If you’ve seen this sticker, that means they have signed the pledge below. You can also find a list of business and organizations who have signed this pledge at the bottom of this page.

If you are interested in signing a pledge and receiving one of these free stickers, please fill out the form after the pledge.

The Pledge

We all have mental health, just like physical health. However, historically mental health has not been valued in the same way. This distinction has led to ongoing mental health stigma.

Stigma is the way people carry shame around a topic. When we talk about mental health, stigma can look like calling someone “crazy” or judging someone based on actual or perceived mental health concerns. Stigma can come in many forms, even ways that are unconscious to us. We may even carry stigma around our own mental health. The reality is that we all have mental health. Despite this, the way we have collectively treated mental health has caused many of us to have unconscious judgment and shame about ourselves and others.

Mental health stigma can cause:

• Public misconception about mental health, leading to unfair treatment in any aspect of life including: employment, housing, education, relationships, etc.

• Social isolation & discrimination, leading to individuals being unfairly labeled or defined solely by their mental health concerns.

• Barriers to treatment, leading individuals to be discouraged or feel too embarrassed to seek support in the same way they would for a physical health concern.

To show your commitment to being an advocate for mental health in Cleveland County, read the following statements. If you agree, sign below. You will receive a “We Believe in Mental Health” decal that can be displayed in your personal life or workplace to help reduce mental health stigma in our community.

1. Education - I will educate myself on mental health conditions, available resources, and the lived experiences of those around me.

2. Support - I will prioritize my own mental health and help others access the resources to do the same.

3. Anti-Stigma Culture - I will work to build a culture in my life/business/organization in which mental health needs can be talked about openly.

4. Language - I will practice using de-stigmatizing language that does not unfairly label or define a person by their mental health condition.

Sign the Pledge Now