Sixteen (16) men and women from different walks of life united to create this collaboration. They openly share how they are rising above depression, anxiety, addiction, sexual abuse, and other traumas.

Through their powerful stories, they want their readers to know:

There is hope.

You are not alone; we are all in this together.

Help is available.

You can thrive in spite of what you've been through in your past.

When we don't talk about what troubles us, we increase stigma. When we don't talk about mental health, we reinforce the message that "we can't talk about it" - and that couldn't be further from the truth!

When we don't talk about mental illness, we increase the shame that people feel - shame caused by stigma. When people feel ashamed of their challenges, they don't seek help. When people don't seek help, bad things happen to them and to the people who love and support them.

It's time to break the stigma, one story at a time!

In our homes, let's talk about it.

In our schools, let's talk about it.

In our civic clubs, let's talk about it.

In our congregations, let's talk about it.

In every community, let's talk about it.