Message from the Founders
We aren’t going to hold back. We can’t hide our disgust for mental illness. We. Hate. Mental. Illness! Mental illness is a thief. Mental illness is a coward. Mental illness is the greatest demotivator of all time. Untreated mental illness disrupts families and floods lives with tears and sorrow. Mental illness raises more questions than answers. Mental illness brings with it a dense fog which causes a sufferer to question their very reality and identity.
And, up until now, mental illness is winning. Winning? Yep, mental illness is winning the battle of perceptions. Mental illness is winning the battle of dialogue. The convincing force behind mental illness causes far too many to suffer in silence. Too taboo to talk about, mental illness often convinces its victim to hide in the shadows and remain quietly incarcerated. “No one will understand”, is an oft repeated message from the captor. “You brought this on yourself”, is another popular phrase. “Your friends and family will think you are crazy if you tell them. You are all alone in this fight and no one will ever help you. There’s no need to even try.” The messages from this sinister illness are convincing and persuasive. The battle is not, and will not be easy.
It’s time we take a firm stand as like-minded individuals and develop a community of caring collaborators. Those who are suffering need our help. As a critical mass, we can begin to steer the conversation among our peer groups; we can verbalize our commitment to seek help if we are suffering or to offer genuine assistance to those around us who are suffering. We can each choose to educate ourselves on the latest treatments and therapies. We can learn who the best and brightest doctors and therapists are in our community and share those referrals with others.
We’re hopeful millennials and post-millennials will do what generations before were unable to do, and that is: to view mental illness for what it really is, rather than an unfortunate character flaw. Consider this an invitation to make a difference within the circle of your influence.
Join the movement!
Inspiration for Our Logo
Jordan Butler, the graphic designer who designed the logo for The Emily Effect, also designed the logo for End the Stigma. Below is his explanation about what the logo means. Find Jordan online at his website.
Heritage
When we set out to design the “End The Stigma” logo, we started with the roots already in place with “The Emily Effect”. We wanted the typeface, colors, and three line symbol that make up the Emily Effect brand to have some influence on the identity for End the Stigma, but wanted it to be clear, distinct, and identify with youth and their parents. The final logo captures the essence and heritage of The Emily Effect and kicks off this teen-centered brand with a unique look. For more information on the symbolism behind each piece of the logo, please read below.
The “E”
By turning the three lines from the Emily Effect logo horizontal we were able to replace the “E” in the word “End” and have a direct tie between the two logos.
The Period
The period was added at the end to symbolize something that we hope to finish (end). The period is used when closing of a sentence or thought. There is a finality to what we’re hoping to accomplish. We hope that eventually people do not associate a stigma with mental disorders in young people.
The Blocks
The three “blocks” that contains the three words in the logo are another simple tie back to The Emily Effect. The bold blocks also help to make the identity a little more bold, and more appealing to our younger audience. The idea came to us when we considered the individual nature of depression and anxiety. The separate blocks represent the individuals struggling with a mental disorder and grouping them together to form the logo suggests the gathering of individuals within our organization.
Talk To The Hand
The word STOP came to mind as we worked on the logo. This led to a secondary “stop sign” symbol which is a very literal call for people to stop the judgement and end the stigma.
