If It's Okay

The If It’s Okay campaign aims to tackle the negative impact that shame has on those with experience of mental illness.

What is the If It’s Okay campaign?

"It’s okay to not be okay" is one of the most famous lines in mental health campaigning. But for many people struggling with a mental illness, they don't believe it is. 

Shames means people may hide their mental illness, even from those closest to them. 

It can stop them from getting the help and support they need, isolating themselves or withdrawing from opportunities. 

To tackle this, members of the UK Anti-Stigma Alliance have created If It’s Okay, a campaign running across Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England. 

63 per cent of Scots surveyed who are experiencing mental illness still feel ashamed. 60 per cent think there is still a great deal, or fair amount of shame associated with mental illness. 60 per cent think that people with mental ill health are portrayed negatively in the media 28 per cent of people in Scotland would not want someone with experience of a mental illness to look after their child 22 per cent believe the term ‘crazy’ is acceptable. 9 per cent of Scots think that people with mental health problems should be ashamed of their illness. *The survey was carried out across the UK by Censuswide of 2002 people across the UK (including 501 in Scotland). Polling took place from 15th February 2024 to 21st February 2024.

When people who experience more complex, long-term mental illness want to tell someone what they are going through, they are judged, dismissed, isolated and discriminated against.  

Instead of feeling like "it’s okay to not be okay", they are made to feel ashamed. 

We want to give a voice to those who don’t feel that it is okay to speak up about their struggles and what they’re going through.  

Maybe someone close to you is struggling and feeling ashamed. It’s time for us all to play a part and change this. 

If it’s okay to not be okay, then why are people still being discriminated against? 

How can you tackle shame?

How can you help someone overcome shame?

  • Check your attitude and behaviour.
    Sometimes we can indirectly make someone feel ashamed without intending to. Think back to how you have responded when someone has told you they are struggling, and the impact your reaction could have had. 

  • Start a conversation with someone if you’re worried. 
    Try starting a conversation with someone you think might be ashamed. It's not easy opening it up. In fact, it can be one of the hardest things to do.  
    Get tips here on how to start a conversation

  • Relate to someone about a time you felt ashamed. 
    Perhaps you felt shame before and can help someone by relating to what they are going through. Start a conversation, listen and, if you think it will help, let them know about a time when you’ve felt it wasn’t okay to not be okay. 

  • Find out more about how you can tackle stigma and discrimination.

What can I do to overcome shame?

  • Start a conversation with someone you trust. 
    Find someone you can trust and you know will listen. Open up a conversation about how you feel. It can feel difficult, so give yourself time and try different ways to plan what you'd like to say.
    Tips on how to start talking.

  • Practice self-compassion.
    Self-compassion is key to overcoming feelings of shame.

    It starts with knowing that you deserve help, support and care. Make time for you, and do something that can help. That can meanspending time with friends or family, a walk, cooking your favourite meal, arts and crafts.

    Whatever way you choose to practice, give yourself time and know you deserve it. There are also specific things that have been found to help self-compassion, including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Compassionate Mind Training.

  • Get support for your mental health 

How to tackle shame for everyone

"Shame can prevent you from asking for help in the first place, it can delay the process of recovery, and it is the main catalyst to stigma, especially self stigma and discrimination"

Bridget

Personal stories

Shame affects people in lots of different ways, and stems from different places. We spoke with some of our volunteers and supporters to find out more about the impact.

Tommy's story

Tommy's story
Paul's story

Paul's story
Denise's story

Denise's story
Angela's story

Angela's story

Social Assets to Download

If It's Okay was launched in March 2024 in partnership with the UK Anti-Stigma Alliance - Time to Change Wales, Inspire in Northern Ireland and Mind in England.

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