Your Story Can Shine a Light
The #WhenYouKnow campaign is deeply rooted in the belief that stories have transformative powers:
they can heal, inspire, and initiate change.
Our mission is to break down the wall of stigma surrounding mental health challenges in Polk County by bringing your story to light. Too often, people suffer in silence with struggles like anxiety, depression, the impact of trauma, substance abuse, or thoughts of suicide or violence.
Your story of struggle, recovery, and resilience can shine light on this shared human experience of mental health challenges and give someone else the strength to begin to transform their own life.
Upcoming Event
Conversations in Behavioral Health:
The Power of Hope & Healing
Date: May 1, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. Networking, 9 a.m. Program begins
Where: Polk State College Center for Public Safety Campus
1251 Jim Keene Blvd
Winter Haven, FL 33880
This event will offer valuable insights for individuals facing mental illness, trauma, addiction recovery, abuse, and related challenges, as well as for those supporting loved ones through these struggles.
This event is FREE to the public. Registration is required.
In partnership with
From Silence to Support
Mental health and substance abuse issues touch nearly every family, yet they often remain shrouded in secrecy and shame. In silence, these issues grow. When shared, they become a bridge to understanding and support. #WhenYouKnow draws out the crucial moments when understanding, healing, or the need for change becomes clear, emphasizing that mental health is a collective journey.
By telling these stories, we hope to normalize mental health and substance abuse discussions in Polk County and reduce the stigma that has kept many people suffering in silence.
The Power of Your Story
Enlighten and Educate to Foster Empathy
Through your stories, we will educate Polk County on the realities of living with mental health or substance abuse challenges, dispelling myths and highlighting truths while fostering deeper empathy and connection within the community.
Inspire Action
Showcasing real-life examples of how individuals have navigated their darkest times inspires others to recognize their own moments of awareness and take the first steps toward healing.
Normalize Mental Health to Shape the Future
Your stories will not only help shape policies and practices affecting mental health and substance abuse treatment but also aim to normalize mental health as an integral part of human well-being, encouraging open conversations about mental health and substance abuse challenges
The Shift in Mental Health Awareness Starts Here
#WhenYouKnow aims to create a ripple effect of awareness and change. As more members of our community share their stories, we anticipate a cultural shift in Polk County, where mental health and substance abuse is treated with the same urgency and openness as physical health.
This shift can lead to more robust support systems, better resources for those in need, and a society where mental well-being is prioritized.
Your story has the power to challenge the status quo, influence decision-makers, and ignite community-wide action that makes mental health and substance abuse care accessible and effective for everyone.
Share Your #WhenYouKnow Story
Your experience might just be the lifeline that frees someone else from their struggles. #WhenYouKnow shines a light on those pivotal moments when understanding, healing, or the need for change becomes clear and transformation begins.
If you’re ready to share your transformative moment with our community, complete the form below. We are profoundly grateful for your courage and willingness to help others realize what can happen when they know, too.
These Polk County residents shared their inspiring stories.
