April 5 at 7 pm
USF Tampa Concert Hall
Details here
This Is My Brave (TIMB) is a national nonprofit using the power of storytelling to break down the stigma surrounding depression, anxiety, trauma, mental illness and substance abuse.
Their vision “is to one day live in a world where we don’t have to call it ‘brave’ to talk openly about mental illness. We’ll simply call it talking.”
This Is My Brave – The College Edition is a live presentation of essays, original music, poetry and comedy performed by a dozen USF students living with – or loving someone with – a mental illness or substance use condition.
Dr. Kristin Kosyluk, Director of the STigma Action Research (STAR) Lab at USF’s Department of Mental Health Law and Policy has been evaluating This Is My Brave’s data for 7 years.
STAR Lab research shows that this project is helping to reduce stigma and increase empowerment, improve beliefs about recovery and the willingness of audience members to seek treatment. You can explore their research here.
USF’s student storytellers apply to participate, then spend several months preparing – supporting one another as they share personal experiences.
The STAR Lab website explains that This Is My Brave aims “… to end the stigma surrounding mental illness by sharing personal stories of individuals overcoming mental illness through poetry, essay and original music, live on stage, through stories submitted and published to the TIMB blog, and via the TIMB YouTube channel.”
“Through the sharing of stories and experiences of those in recovery, we provide a sense of community and hope – and encourage others to share their stories.”
“We believe that each time one of us shares our story, there’s another crack helping to break down the stigma of mental illness. Right now, it’s time to #LiveBrave and bring mental health issues into the spotlight because they’ve been in the dark too long.”
April 5 from 7-9:30 pm
USF Concert Hall (MUS 101)
3755 USF Holly Dr
Tampa FL 33620
Details here
