More than 48 million people in this country have some form of mental illness. Yet only around half of those people get treatment.

Why?

For many, the stigma associated with mental illness creates and/or compounds feelings of shame, isolation and fear of exposure.

You see, stigma is caused by either the wrong information (misperception), or no information at all (ignorance). Either one of which can cause a tremendous amount of fear, which is really what stigma is. Stigma = fear.

The good news is - stigma can be conquered. How? By those with a mental illness sharing their stories.  And by those without an illness - listening and learning.