RHI Profile of the Week: Suffer Out Loud
A nonprofit organization leading an effort to reduce suicide rates in Montana by changing the stigma associated with mental illness.
Suffer Out Loud is a nonprofit with the mission of reducing the suicide rate in Montana by lowering the stigma associated with mental illness. It is run by volunteers seeking to create a community in which talking about mental illness and struggles is encouraged. Suffer Out Loud does not provide any direct services for those struggling with mental illness or thoughts of suicide, but instead promotes conversation about mental illness and reaching out for support from others.
Suffer Out Loud is located in Bozeman, MT, where they host workshops throughout the year. Many of their workshops introduce participants to various self-care techniques such as counseling, yoga, art therapy, mindfulness, and more.
On their Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts, Suffer Out Loud normalizes sharing about mental illness and challenges that people face. Their social media presence aims to combat a social media culture of only posting about personal highlights and covering up challenges. A couple of times each month, they host a social media take-over from various mental health professionals. Last week, Lindsey, a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Nutritionist and Be Body Positive Facilitator in the state of Montana, took over their social media for a day to share what she has learned from her work.
In addition to their work on social media, Suffer Out Loud is rolling out a program next month to sponsor counseling sessions for people who can’t afford them. This will serve as another way to break down barriers to accessing mental health services.
Cassie Jackson, one of the co-founders of Suffer Out Loud, grew up in Havre, MT and was personally impacted by mental illness and suicide. She has always been aware of the resources that we have in Montana but found that many people aren’t able to reach out for help due to stigma. Founding Suffer Out Loud was her way to address the problem of stigmatization of mental illness.
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental illness or thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). Where there is help, there is hope. You don’t have to face these challenges alone.
To learn more about Suffer Out Loud, follow them on social media:
Facebook!
Instagram!
Website & Blog!