iMatter Anti-Stigma Campaign | Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance

top of page

The iMatter Anti-Stigma Campaign aims to decrease stigmas and open up the conversation that everyone deals with mental health from a variety of different perspectives regardless of demographics, environments or experiences.

In the following stories, you’ll hear from people from all walks of life. Their stories might sound like yours or someone you know. Resoundingly, you’ll also hear messages of hope.

We hope that the iMatter Anti-Stigma Campaign begins to eliminate the stigma around mental health, and beyond that, show you the strength of the human spirit, the power in community and connection and that you are not alone. For those interested in sharing their personal story around mental health, please contact Dallas Rau using the following email address: rau1d@cmich.edu or click the following link to fill out the iMatter Interest Form.

If you or someone you know is struggling, dial 988, call the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or text BELONG to 741741.

iMatter Videos and Articles

Shawna Ruple

Shawna Ruple

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

Julia Kepler

Julia Kepler

After taking a Youth Mental Health First Aid with the Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership, Julia Kepler never imagined she would soon use those skills to help save a life. Her story shows just how powerful it can be when someone knows how to recognize the signs and step in with support.

Sara Pasterz

Sara Pasterz

Sara discusses how there are many times where she could have faltered and done some negative things. She explains how important it is to end the stigma.

Rebecca Hamilton

Rebecca Hamilton

Hear Rebecca's story of how partial and inpatient hospitalization programs helped her feel truly heard and cared for. With the support of compassionate caregivers and her faith, she found the connection she needed to begin healing.

Gina Hunyh

Gina Hunyh

Gina tells the story of losing her best friend at an early age, and how as a child, you don’t really learn how to deal with grief and loss.

Nicole Ford

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.

Gina Anayana

Gina Anayana

Gina Anayana shares her story with depression following some major life changes, motherhood and how she was able to care for herself through a tough time.

Andrew Dalton

Andrew Dalton

The pandemic brought on changes for Andrew and he realized he needed to make a change in routine habits to support his mental health in addition to his ongoing commitment to therapy. Watch more below.

Anonymous Parent

Anonymous Parent

Getting my child help: An anonymous first-hand account of navigating the mental health system. Read more below.

Matt Felan

Matt Felan

Matt Felan shares his story about supporting a family member with mental health concerns and being proud of their ability to ask for help. Watch more below.

Rob Vallentine

Rob Vallentine

Rob Vallentine shares how therapy has played an important role in overcoming childhood sexual abuse. He is open about sharing his story because he knows that stigma loves silence. Watch more below.

Hannah Maine (Story)

Hannah Maine (Story)

Finally putting a diagnosis to feelings of anxiety and depression in college helped Hannah Maine move forward. She is now a champion for normalizing and talking about mental health, and hosts a podcast called Totally Mental. Read more below.

Mark Bassett

Mark Bassett

Mark Bassett shares how therapy has played an important role in overcoming negative thoughts and self-talk. Read more below.

Carole Evans

Carole Evans

Carole describes how she doesn't walk around feeling like an empty shell anymore. Now, she love to be in a room of people, and is always dancing.

Bre Sklar

Bre Sklar

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

Julia Kepler

Julia Kepler

Another powerful story from Julia Kepler. When a young person in crisis turned to her for help, she quickly used the skills she learned in Youth Mental Health First Aid - and reminds us why self-care matters when supporting others.

Megan Farison

Megan Farison

Hear how Megan learned that she needed professional help and to focus on her mental health.

Jimmy Greene

Jimmy Greene

Jimmy Greene shares his story of dealing with a troubled environment growing up as a child, how he's worked to overcome it by going to therapy.

Jacqueline Kareus

Jacqueline Kareus

Jacqueline Kareus shares her journey with mental health as a clinician and the tools she uses to maintain her wellbeing.

Brynna Foster

Brynna Foster

Brynna Foster shares her experience with navigating anxiety and depression for several years and how therapy has helped her and her loved ones understand her needs.

Andrea Krotzer-Burton

Andrea Krotzer-Burton

After dealing with anxiety and depression as a child, Andrea came to know and address stigma as an adult. She now works in the mental health field and is passionate about breaking misconceptions. Watch more below.

Dr. Ashley Ghose

Dr. Ashley Ghose

After experiencing burnout, anxiety, and learning about having high-functioning partial dyslexia later in life, Dr. Ashley Ghose details how therapy and coaching have helped her overcome life’s roadblocks.

J.W. Fisher

J.W. Fisher

J.W. Fisher discusses the unique position employers are in to address mental health and shares why he implemented a workplace mental health program. Watch more below.

Aimee Allen

Aimee Allen

After a significant loss in high school, Aimee Allen started struggling with mental health, finding her way back through therapy, self-care and self-esteem. Read more below.

Sue Smith

Sue Smith

Sue Smith talks about dealing with bipolar disorder and how she has found and created a community by starting a support group to help and connect with others in the region. Read more below.

Isaac Dieterman

Isaac Dieterman

A story of overcoming substance use, Isaac Dieterman is now a counselor helping others on their path to a better life. Read more below.

Stacey Gannon

Stacey Gannon

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

Joe Volk

Joe Volk

Joe Volk shares his story about how his recovery and gratitude every day, has had a lot to do with his mental health.

Badger Beall

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.

Christine Perry

Christine Perry

In this powerful iMatter Anti-Stigma Campaign story, Christine shares how her faith and hope have shaped her mental health journey with bipolar disorder - and how she continues to learn, grow, and choose life every single day.

Ryan Griffus

Ryan Griffus

Hear Ryan's inspiring story of how he overcame childhood trauma, neglect, and homelessness.

Margaret Felan

Margaret Felan

Margaret Felan shares her story about dealing with mental health challenges, the importance of having a support network, combatting stigma and why it's important to ask for help.

Jeff Larsen

Jeff Larsen

After a few career changes, dealing with self-doubt and thoughts of self-harm, Jeff was able to get help and solidify his purpose through therapy. Watch more below.

Sarah Brooks

Sarah Brooks

Sarah shares her story of anxiety, the importance of finding the right tools for you and the importance of reaching out. Read more below.

Hannah Maine

Hannah Maine

Finally putting a diagnosis to feelings of anxiety and depression in college helped Hannah Maine move forward. She is now a champion for normalizing and talking about mental health, and hosts a podcast called Totally Mental. Watch more below.

Seth Perigo

Seth Perigo

Therapy in any form is an important tool in maintaining mental health. Seth Perigo shares how it’s become a regular part of his routine and the benefits he’s experienced from talking to someone. Watch more below.

Monica Burton

Monica Burton

Monica Burton, BSHS/M, shares her experience with PTSD and MST after a career in the military and the inspiration behind pursuing a career in the mental health field. Read more below.

Courtney Soule

Courtney Soule

Taking a holistic approach to brain and body health is how Courtney Soule manages multiple sclerosis, an incurable autoimmune disease that impacts the brain and spinal cord. Read more below.

Beth Sorenson Prince

Beth Sorenson Prince

Many women experience postpartum issues with mental health. Beth Sorenson Prince shares her experience with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) and brings hope to other mothers. Read more below.

To connect or to ask questions, contact us at: msamocki@greatlakesbay.org

A Certified Non-Academic Partner of the National Network of Depression Centers

bottom of page