Distorted Perceptions

Are you seeing clearly?

Does learning someone is experiencing mental health challenges change the way you see them?

Would knowing someone uses substances (such as illegal drugs, alcohol, or psychiatric medication) change your perception of who they are?

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Refocus: Look Again

Refocus: Look Again

a campaign to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and addictions

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Live the message, spread the word.

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A Day in the Life - Distorted Perceptions Animated Video

“A Day in the Life”

This 90 second video shows how stigma impacts daily life.

Let’s talk about stigma.

Start a conversation using our free materials

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Refocus: Look Again is a public education campaign from On Our Own of Maryland’s Anti-Stigma Project, designed to challenge misconceptions and assumptions associated with mental health and substance use. Our goal is to foster change through awareness and dialogue about the real and damaging impact of stigma.

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Take the Pledge

Take the pledge and spread the word!

Mental health and substance use disorders affect 1 in 4 Americans. Stigma associated with these conditions remains one of the biggest barriers to treatment and recovery. Help us fight stigma by signing and sharing our pledge.

I pledge to challenge my own perceptions about people who have mental health and/or substance use disorders
I pledge to speak out and share knowledge to help others recognize stigma
I pledge to become an agent of change by being a part of the conversation to reduce stigma associated with behavioral health