Uploaded October 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Storytelling. It has been used for eons to bridge worlds between people, uniting them.
This three-part animated video series will bring you along a journey into the stories of people who bravely share how stigma in the healthcare system has impacted their lives, what has helped bridge these gaps, and what their hopes are for the future.
Three individuals with lived and living experience of mental health complexities, substance use issues and experience with the justice system were recently brought together by BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services to share their individual narratives and wisdom of experience. Through open-dialogue discussions, guided by words of hope and encouragement from peers of similar experience and, alongside the teachings of an honoured community Elder, the storytellers were asked questions about stigma or discriminations which had created harm for them, as well as questions about their healing journey through systems of care.
This is video #1 of the three-part series. It is a look into the destructive and pervasive nature of stigma in our communities, including healthcare settings. The storytellers describe how stigma and discrimination has impacted their health, the care they received, and their ability to fully engage in their individual lives and reach their potentials.
Led by BC Mental Health and Substance Use, these videos are a part of the "Understanding Each Other Together (UNITE)” Project: a journey into our experiences of stigma to celebrate diversity and create change. The videos were created in collaboration with student designers from Emily Carr University.
Our highest hope is to disrupt stigma, demystify mental health and substance use, and highlight the positive role that healthcare providers can play in the road towards wellness. By sharing their stories, we can create space for more stories, more dialogue, and more healing – together as a community.
Storytelling. It has been used for eons to bridge worlds between people, uniting them.
This three-part animated video series will bring you along a journey into the stories of people who bravely share how stigma in the healthcare system has impacted their lives, what has helped bridge these gaps, and what their hopes are for the future.
Three individuals with lived and living experience of mental health complexities, substance use issues and experience with the justice system were recently brought together by BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services to share their individual narratives and wisdom of experience. Through open-dialogue discussions, guided by words of hope and encouragement from peers of similar experience and, alongside the teachings of an honoured community Elder, the storytellers were asked questions about stigma or discriminations which had created harm for them, as well as questions about their healing journey through systems of care.
This is video #1 of the three-part series. It is a look into the destructive and pervasive nature of stigma in our communities, including healthcare settings. The storytellers describe how stigma and discrimination has impacted their health, the care they received, and their ability to fully engage in their individual lives and reach their potentials.
Led by BC Mental Health and Substance Use, these videos are a part of the "Understanding Each Other Together (UNITE)” Project: a journey into our experiences of stigma to celebrate diversity and create change. The videos were created in collaboration with student designers from Emily Carr University.
Our highest hope is to disrupt stigma, demystify mental health and substance use, and highlight the positive role that healthcare providers can play in the road towards wellness. By sharing their stories, we can create space for more stories, more dialogue, and more healing – together as a community.
