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One in four of us will experience a mental health issue during our lifetime. When we experience mental health, psychosocial and intellectual disabilities we will likely face stigmatization and marginalization preventing access to care and support. In many countries around the world this leads to neglect, incarceration, and immobilization.

1in4
OF US WILL EXPERIENCE A MENTAL HEALTH ISSUE DURING OUR LIFETIME
50
MILLION PEOPLE HAVD DEMENTIA, WORLDWIDE
LIFESPANS CAN BE REDUCED BY
20
YEARS
IN SOME COUNTRIES
98%
OF PEOPLE RECEIVE NO TREATMENT

Mental health, psychosocial and intellectual disabilities affect billions of people in profound ways. Of all people with mental illness or intellectual disability, 85% are in low and middle-income countries. Mental and behavioral problems reduce lifespan by as much as 20 years. In some countries, 98% of people with mental illness and intellectual disability receive no treatment.

 

Despite the depth and breadth of the issue, most governments and non-profits neglect to address mental health needs. These needs are often ignored because of the stigma related to the issue, which then leads to the marginalization of both the issue and the people living with mental health conditions.

 

Witness Change seeks to elevate stories of mental health and to humanize this neglected issue, in order to break down the stigma. Through partnerships with organizations advocating on a global level as well as those making tangible impact locally, we support and amplify their work to make lasting change. Our goal is to create a world where mental health is recognized as a global health priority and a society where people living with mental health issues are seen, heard and valued.

Our Impact

These are just some of the highlights and impact of our work throughout the In My World project

Grassroots efforts to free the chained
We funded Mental Health Advocacy Foundation, a Ghanaian grassroots organization, to free and support mental health patients living in chains.
Supported Handicap International
Our advocacy helped our partner, Handicap International achieve four years of funding for their mental health programs.
Launched local campaigns
Launched local impact campaigns to affect attitude in local environments, including Refugee images on the streets of Valencia, Spain
Freed 80 imprisoned mental health patients
Our documentation of imprisoned mental health patients in South Sudan directly led to their freedom.
Influenced a global medical supplier
Our work convinced a global medical supplier to make antipsychotic medication available in the global south at rates patients could afford.
Storytelling workshops with local activists
We ran four storytelling workshops with local activists to teaching photography and storytelling techniques to promote self advocacy.
See the project in full at onedayinmyworld.com
We’re making change
Your donations make our work possible and change a reality.
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