NISA aims to replace negative images of mental health

A new mental health campaign hopes to counter negative stereotypes with images of resiliency and strength.

The Northern Initiative for Social Action (NISA) is launching its Mental Health in Action campaign to coincide with the national Bell Let's Talk Day — which will raise funds and awareness around mental health issues on Jan. 27.

“This came right out of our discussions with our members at NISA, who are saying, 'We really want to talk about the positives,' ” said Shana Calixte, NISA's executive director. “Whenever we see a story about mental health, you always see someone holding their head, looking down and feeling quite sad.

"(We wanted) different images.”

Last year, NISA launched its Heroes campaign, and showcased many of its employees and members dressed up as superheroes. The idea is to showcase their resiliency and promote inclusion. The goal: To help change the image of people with mental illness.

Those heroes included The Resiliency Defender, The Recovery Warrior, and the Guardians of Inclusion.
They're all featured in the organization's 2016 calendar.

The Mental Health in Action campaign features those heroes on municipal bus advertisements, with positive messages including, “You are not alone” and “Recovery is possible.”

Calixte said she hopes people who see the ads will be able to relate to the message or maybe realize there is life beyond mental illness.

More information about NISA is available at their website.