The See Me campaign is to raise awareness, and remind the community that we are all people, with stories, and families and NAMES. Our disorders, struggles, trauma, and experiences don’t define us.

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We often look away when we see people who are experiencing mental health challenges, addiction, and even survivors of sexual assault, or abuse. These individuals are also someone’s mom, dad, son, daughter, brother or sister. Do we See Them? Or do we see their struggle instead?

 

Mental health and addiction continue to be misunderstood and rarely spoken of in America. Yet each year, mental health issues will personally impact one in four people in the U.S. – approximately 25 percent of us. More than 22 million people have a substance use disorder.

 

Mental illnesses and substance use disorders – just like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes – are treatable health issues. Stigma linked to mental health and addiction often keeps people from seeking the help they need.

 

One in two of us will have a mental health issue during our lifetime.

 

These issues do not discriminate; they affect the young and old, rich and poor. People of all races, and backgrounds struggle with trauma, mental health, and addiction. Let us not forget, we are all one decision away from a totally different life.