Deconstructing Stigma

McLean’s international public awareness campaign is more than a series of larger-than-life photographs of people affected by mental illness. Each story is told through the eyes of the campaign’s participants as they boldly tear down the misconceptions of mental health. Not statistics or nameless faces, the volunteers in this project are everyday people—just like you.

Changing Attitudes About Mental Health

Traveler walks by Deconstructing Stigma exhibit

Changing Thoughts

While the initial physical installation is located at Boston’s Logan Airport, Deconstructing Stigma is much more than just portraits on a wall.
Deconstructing Stigma participant Tian

Changing Lives

Stigma—it’s an ugly word, and it’s even uglier to experience. Yet 75% of people with mental illness say they have endured the pain of stigma.

Join the Campaign

Participants in Deconstructing Stigma

Want to get involved? Help us reach out to the millions of people worldwide who are unaware of the impact that mental illness has on their lives.

Tell Your Story
Participants in Deconstructing Stigma

Meet the Participants

Sean is one of many Deconstructing Stigma participants who are bravely telling their mental health story to help us break down misconceptions about mental health.

Vaidehi

Ron

Mary

Brandon

More Stories

Let’s Collaborate

Attendees at a public education event

Would you like your company or organization to join us in changing attitudes about mental health? Tell us more about how you’d like to collaborate.

Collaborate
Attendees at a public education event

Engage With Us

Deconstructing Stigma participant Meghan

Press Coverage

Deconstructing Stigma has been featured in many publications, including The Boston Globe and Psychology Today. Find out more on the campaign website.
Deconstructing Stigma participant Maurice

Mental Health Resources

Check out our list of organizations throughout the U.S. and around the globe that are there to support each and every psychiatric condition.