ST. LOUIS — St. Louis Story Stitchers want people to know it's OK to start talking and healing.
"This project was a staple to nail down how we wanted to combat the stigma and how we wanted to encourage our community to let go of this stigma's," Emeara Burns said.
Burns is one of three project leaders for the 'Perception Isn't Always Reality: Mental Health Project.' Branden Lewis and Chris Pendleton are also project leaders.
The project aims to make mental health a priority and to reduce the stigma of mental healthcare among Black youth.
Research, writing and development of the project began in October 2023.
PSAs include videos, billboards, transit posters and radio ads which are all part of the project. Music selections including two new songs called "Can You Tell?" and and "Victor Not Victim", on the Story Stitchers’ 10 Year Anniversary Album, "Keep On Marching On", available on all major music platforms was creating as well. Even podcasts were created as part of the project and are available on all major podcast platforms.
Locations for people to spot the campaign include in north St. Louis and St. Louis County, at Metrolink stations and along interstates and in neighborhoods.
Transit Posters and Windshields
- North County Transit Center
Metrolink stations
- Grand Blvd
- North Hanley UMSL
- Civic Center
- Emerson Park IL
"The ideal response would be for them to stop, think and decide that they want to open up to somebody. Hopefully it's somebody they can trust," Burns said.
The project has the participation of 10 adult artist mentors and 10 young people ages 16-25.
Burns said we need to invest in our youth because they are facing different challenges.
"Dealing with anxiety and dealing with depression, you know homelessness came up," Burns said.
This project was made possible with a $121,798 grant from the Youth Bridge Community Foundation.
Teens and young adults living in the St. Louis region are encouraged to apply to join the Stitchers Youth Council.
Story Stitchers has the support of community partners like St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones and other organizations including:
- City of St. Louis Department of Health
- City of St. Louis Office of Violence Prevention
- St. Louis Mental Health Board
- Saint Louis Public School District
- Provident Behavioral Health
- Affinia Healthcare
- Youth in Need
- Covenant House
- Delmar DivINe
"It does feel good when you have a community and a support system," Burns said.
"Just realizing we all hurt and we all deal with pain and different ways. It's OK to talk about it and hurt," Burns said.
Burns says although the project timeline is through May 2025, she says the lessons learned will extend far beyond that.
"I don't think this campaign will be done at all in 2025, I think it will be the start of something great," Burns said.
If you'd like to get involved or donate to Story Stitchers, you can click this link.
To follow or view PSA's you can head to Story Stitcher's social media on TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube.
If you are struggling with your mental health, help is available through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.