Welcome! So, you want to make a difference for yourself or others living with mental illness? Well, we’ve created a place for you to do just that. In this course, you'll learn how to be a NoStigmas Ally through self care, peer support & advocacy. The training is offered as both a free online course and in-person workshop to best fit your needs!
The Ally Training consists of three modules: Self Care, Peer Support & Advocacy.
(Approximately 60 minutes per module)
Self Care Basics
Self Care Approaches
5 Bridges Wellness
Peer Support Basics
Providing Peer Support
Crisis Situations
The Need for Advocacy
How to Take Action
Increase Your Impact
Each 20 minute lesson is progressive and unlocks the next lesson along with access to resources and member perks, like access to the NoStigmas Ally Group, NoStigmas Meetups, online counseling from BetterHelp.com and a free year subscription to Headspace the mindfulness meditation app.
The Results
In an 2021 evaluation conducted at the Illinois Institute of Technology, the Ally Program was shown to have statistically significant positive outcomes in the following areas:
HELP SEEKING INTENTIONS – Increased with 4.9 points on a scale from 0 to 50 after the training.
PEER SUPPORT INTENTIONS – Increased with 2.4 points on a scale from 0 to 20 after the training.
PEER SUPPORT SELF-EFFICACY – Increased with 3.3 points on a scale from 1 to 25 after the training.
SELF-ESTEEM – Increased with 3.2 points on a scale from 0 to 40 after the training.
ADVOCACY – Increased with 2.5 points on a scale from 0 to 20 after the training.
RESOURCES – Increased with 0.8 points on a scale from 0 to 12 after the training.
STIGMA STRESS – Decreased with 3.3 points on a scale from 0 to 20 after the training.
STIGMA RESISTANCE – Increased with 3 points on a scale from 0 to 25 after the training.
INTERNALIZED STIGMA – Decreased with 2.4 points on a scale from 0 to 25 after the training.
Review the complete NoStigmas Ally Program– Evaluation Report and the Journal of Public Mental Health publication.
Thank you to our study participants and NoStigmas Advocates. A special thanks to Lindsay Sheehan, PhD, CRC, LCPC and her doctoral students at Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago Health Disparities, National Consortium on Stigma & Empowerment, Lewis College of Science and Letters, Psychology Department.
Training Options
We offer the Ally Training as both an online course for individuals or small groups, as well as an in-person training workshop at school and the workplace.
Example Training Materials
Every lesson and module contains downloadable transcripts, module recaps and an editable course guidebook.
NoStigmas Introduction
NoStigmas is a place for you to be yourself and connect with like minded individuals about what mental health it’s really like. No matter where you’re at, there’s a spot for you here!
By connecting to NoStigmas, you can learn how to communicate about mental health, find support, share your voice, find local activities and participate in global activism.
This is a network of compassionate, educated and inspired individuals that share the goal of eliminating stigmas about mental health. By becoming a part of our community, you agree to uphold our core goals which include personal responsibility, community and advocacy. We believe that anyone can find a way to include these values in their everyday life, and create a ripple effect that brings awareness to mental illness and prevents suicide.
What is NoStigmas?
NoStigmas is a network of individuals, organizations and health care advocates working together toward community, support and equality. We’re a vehicle for you to share your story, explore your wellness plan, organize meaningful events and create awareness that prevents suicide. The support program includes a learning center, resource directory and peer group.
So, why get involved? Because we believe change starts with the individual. You get to help create a world with NoStigmas!
What We’re Not
NoStigmas is not Crisis Intervention. If you’re in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, please contact local emergency services or the Suicide Prevention Hotline (800) 273-TALK. NoStigmas also doesn’t offer counseling or other direct services. If you need assistance finding psychological or other community services, please visit our resources directory to check for help in your area.
NOSTIGMAS CORE VALUES
We all have a responsibility for our own mental health.
A person is not defined by their diagnosis and should be treated as an individual.
No one should feel alone in their mental health journey.
It’s important to speak up when you need support or see someone who does.
It’s essential to use non-stigmatizing, respectful language when communicating about mental illness and suicide.
Everyone deserves equal access to the care they need.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY, COMMUNITY, & ADVOCACY
We believe everyone can and should take responsibility for their own mental health. Your wellness journey is your own, and it has unique steps that only you can recognize and choose to take. Self-care is an essential part of your own health and your ability to advocate for yourself and others.
While you alone can take steps toward wellness, we also believe that none of us should have to experience that journey alone. That’s why we foster a community dedicated to supporting each other in an environment of acceptance and equality. Our individual journeys are unique, and we are whole people with rich identities beyond a diagnosis. We believe in speaking up when we see someone in need of support, and not being afraid to ask for that support ourselves.
Advocacy can also happen in a world outside our own community. As both a community and individuals, we're able to take action that promotes mental health equality and suicide prevention. This includes raising awareness about mental health, advocating for the use of non-stigmatized language, promoting access to mental health treatment, and generally taking a stand to further the cause of mental health awareness.
By living these core values, we strive to make our community full of empowered NoStigmas Advocates!
What does it mean to be a part of the NoStigmas COMMUNITY?
You have the opportunity to take ownership of your mental wellness and get connected with like minded people. It means learning to be an advocate for yourself, for your community, and for the cause of mental health equality. You’ll have access to learning materials, resources, and the peer network to help you along the way.
Benefits and Responsibilities of Membership
Taking responsibility of your mental wellness can be a very difficult step, but it is one that comes with empowering rewards. Through authentic connection, you’ll be able to participate in a supportive community that helps you build an accessible path of wellness. You're responsible for respecting the core values, interacting with people with compassion and understanding, and taking positive action in your own way.
It's also important to get educated and learn the language of NoStigmas. If you’re writing or speaking as an advocate, be sure to do so in a strong, clear, conversational voice. It's knowledgeable and informed, but still compassionate and approachable. It's like talking to somebody who really gets it! Since advocacy is about promoting positive change, focus on inspiring action with positive language. Encourage people to take action and ownership of their mental health path.
Thanks for being a part of this mental health community. Through your stories, support and advocacy, we can create positive and lasting change for those affected by mental illness and suicide. We’re so glad you’re here!