Busting Stigma, One Conversation at a Time
by Cassie, Founder and Executive Director
I used to think it was cliché or too simple to say, “We have to work to reduce stigma surrounding mental health.”
It’s not that I thought the sentiment and meaning behind it wasn’t valuable, but I really believed it was oversimplified, lacked nuance.
But, now, I see it quite differently.
People are gravitating toward reducing stigma around mental health challenges, conversations and experiences. In fact, we are witnessing the power of safe spaces play out before our very eyes as we connect community members through events offered by The P.A.M. Alliance.
After our All Sips, No Stigma Coffee Conversation, we felt energized, empowered and optimistic. Then, we hosted our first book club discussion about Matt Haig’s memoir, “Reasons to Stay Alive.”
If we had to choose a single word to recap them, it would undoubtedly be, “Wow.”
The first informal coffee chat took place around a table at a small-town coffee shop, a lovely place where people love to gather. What we expected might last an hour approached four hours – a solid two about mental health and then getting to know each other better as humans over the course of the next two.
We discussed a wide range of topics, including the need for cross-system and cross-municipality collaboration, the power of local mental health advocates, and the importance of a variety of organizations and perspectives entering these conversations. That’s not to mention the obvious challenges surrounding the cost and availability of mental health care and health care - especially in rural areas and for working class people, who many times, earn too much to qualify for available public support but too little to pay for the level of care they need or want.
The group also felt strongly about reducing stigma, and, just by being at the table, these P.A.M. Champions already are taking meaningful steps to break through those barriers with an emphasis on trust and empathy.
Book club was equally as invigorating. Matt Haig’s account of his experience with mental health is as real as it gets. Written in easy-to-digest language, it highlights his journey overcoming suicidal thoughts and learning how to live happily and healthy again.
The circle of attendees at book club was open and honest – again, with trust, vulnerability and empathy as the foundation to make the conversation possible. With our wonderful partners, Naturally Empowered Living and Blanchardville Public Library, we reached a great group of people who all contributed to the powerful discussion.
The book led us into talking about grappling with levels and various depths of depression. Stigma. The power of expressing your emotions. Wondering about caregivers getting the support they need while they support others.
And that’s only the surface.
As we approach an important awareness and fundraising month for The P.A.M. Alliance in August 2026, we hope we’ll be connecting with many more P.A.M. Champions. From a quick conversation to a full-blown discussion about the possibilities ahead with what we can do together, we’re thrilled to be on this journey alongside a community of passionate people.
Wow indeed.