When Mental Health 417 got a brand refresh earlier this year, storytelling became the heart of the project. After all, people are made up of stories. We tell stories, listen to them and pass them down through generations. Our stories matter, and Mental Health 417 is a space to share yours with the community.
How stories help
Sharing your story and reading other stories of hope and resilience can make a huge impact.
According to the World Health Organization,
Stories are at the heart of human existence and people are hardwired to respond to them. Stories provide meaning to facts and allow individuals to connect with the information being conveyed, both intellectually and emotionally. Evidence from neuroscience, psychology and behavioral science shows that storytelling has the power to change how people think and to influence their behavior.
The words you share could be the exact thing someone else needs to hear. If we all make an effort to be vulnerable and open about our lives, it can help break down mental health stigma and encourage positive mental health behaviors.
Whenever you’re ready to share your story, we’re here with an open door: The Mental Health 417 Stories Project.
Stories Project
Through the Mental Health 417 Stories Project, we’re collecting and sharing anonymous stories from people in our community to inspire hope, instill resilience, and display humanity, even when it’s hard.
Sharing your mental health story can be intimidating. While someone may be completely comfortable talking about their mental health experience in front of an audience or identifying themselves, others may feel more cautious. We created the Mental Health 417 Stories Project to be a place anyone can come, no matter their comfort level. Everyone’s story deserves to be told.
How does it work?
You can submit your story in-person or online. The Mental Health 417 team is bringing the Stories Project to community events and partnering with businesses and organizations. Keep an eye out for us!
To submit your story, you’ll first choose from our list of four prompts:
- On my hardest day, I wish I could have told myself this
- When I’m having a hard time, this is what I do
- This is what I’ve learned on my journey that I want others to know
- This is how someone showed me kindness
Once you’ve selected your prompt, you’ll write your story on a Stories Project card, or on the online submission form. You’ll have the opportunity to share your name and contact information if you want to share your story in a more in-depth way, but we will never require you to share your name with us.
After you submit your story, we will share it here on Mental Health 417, on our social media channels and on display at community events.
Join the project
If you’re interested in bringing the Mental Health 417 Stories Project to your groups, organizations, businesses or events, please reach out to us at healthpio@springfieldmo.gov. We’ll get you set up with instructions and supplies!