Social Awareness for Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders

Stop the Judgment.
Start the Conversation.

Because no young person should be too ashamed or embarrassed to ask for help.
You Can Help
A collage featuring various image of troubled young people being comforted and consoled by a loved one

What We Do

We’re working to dispel the stigma of substance use and mental health disorders.

A collage featuring various image of troubled young people being comforted and consoled by a loved one

Mental health disorders and substance use disorders often go hand in hand.

Some young adults self-medicate using substances to cope with emotional or mental health issues. Many who become addicted are too scared or embarrassed to ask for help.

The stigma of being judged traps them in a cycle of shame and substance use that often ends in depression, overdose — and worse.

A collage of photos featuring members of the Stop the Judgment Project team

How We Do It

By creating more societal compassion for young people with substance use and mental health disorders.

A collage of photos featuring members of the Stop the Judgment Project team
  • Educating the public on the dangers of substance use – particularly opioids and fentanyl – which have caused skyrocketing numbers of overdoses and poisonings in our area and across the country.
  • Creating awareness of the complexity of substance use when combined with mental health disorders, and how these two diseases often are linked.
  • Supporting families who are on this lonely journey with a young loved one or have lost a child to substance use.
  • Helping to fund projects that make measurable positive changes in the community’s ability to recognize and respond to overdose.
Open quotation marks in Stop The Judgment brand purple
We hope to prevent other parents and families from having to experience the pain that is in our hearts every time we open our eyes.
Sherry Jo Matt, founder of Stop The Judgment Project, headshot
Sherry Jo Matt
Founder, Stop The Judgment Project
Image

Show Your Support

Looking for a unique way to support our organization and mission? Help spread some awareness by purchasing branded apparel and items with our vibrant and colorful logo. All proceeds go directly to our cause.

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We Need Your Help

Please consider making a donation to Stop the Judgment Project. Your contributions will help us on our mission of ending the stigma of mental health disorders and substance use disorders in young adults
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