On October 10th, World Mental Health Day, our Success Over Stigma (SOS) program proudly joined communities around the country to raise awareness about mental illness. Led by peers with firsthand experience of mental illness and by families who support loved ones with mental health challenges, SOS’s mission is to combat stigma around mental illness by fostering understanding and compassion.
One of our dedicated speakers, Sue Degraw, shared her thoughts on the impact SOS has had in the community. She highlighted the profound difference SOS makes through Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) for law enforcement. As part of CIT, officers learn to safely handle mental health consumers in crisis. “It’s very important for officers to know how to address mental illness without resorting to violence or aggression. When someone is experiencing symptoms—like hearing voices or feeling suicidal—an officer’s empathy and knowledge can change the outcome.”
Reflecting on her own experience, she recounted a personal story illustrating how such training benefits the community: “I was stopped by an officer for a traffic infraction. I started having a panic attack. Noticing I was visibly shaking and hyperventilating, the officer calmly asked about my condition and then began talking about fishing to ease my anxiety.” This instance showed how compassionate and educated responses can transform situations that might otherwise escalate.
Feedback from these sessions has been overwhelming. “Attendees often express their gratitude, many moved to tears by the stories shared.” Programs like SOS and CIT have expanded awareness, helping communities, especially first responders, to engage with compassion and understanding. As mental health awareness continues to grow, SOS remains committed to its mission, reaching out on important days like World Mental Health Day to inspire a stigma-free future.