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IF IT’S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY…

The If It’s Okay campaign aims to tackle the negative impact of shame on those with mental illness.

What is the If It’s Okay campaign?

This is the second phase of the If It’s Okay campaign, which we first launched in March 2024, alongside our partners in the Anti-Stigma Alliance. Polling carried out in Northern Ireland last year to support the campaign found that 64% of people with experiences of mental ill health have felt shamed because of it.

Inspire is calling on people to mean it when they say, “It’s okay not to be okay”. We are also appealing to the public to challenge shame and discrimination directed against those living with mental health diagnoses. It aims to understand what the “It’s okay…” phrase might actually mean for someone living with mental illness.

Maybe someone close to you is struggling and feeling shame. Remember: you can play your part in changing that. We all can.

If it’s okay not to be okay, why are people still facing discrimination?

Hear from those with lived experience

I’ve felt shame all my life because of my mental health. I have felt self-shame and guilt when I became unwell. I felt shame from people I know when they realised I had a mental illness. If it’s okay not to be okay, then why do we need this campaign? There is still a lot of judgement from people and mental health is still misunderstood. If you are needing support, reach out for help, stand up, speak out and fight for your mental health. 

Need Support

We are here for you. If you’re over 18 and live in Northern Ireland, get in touch with our Infoline:

Our phonelines and webchat are open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday.  

What can you do?

  • We can check our own attitudes and behaviour to see if we are maybe causing someone to feel shame. Think about how you responded when someone has told you that they are struggling. What impact did your reaction have?
  • Start a conversation with someone if you’re worried about them. If they are feeling shame, starting a conversation can be difficult. Why not reach out and make it easier? Get tips here.
  • Perhaps you felt shame at some point in the past and can help another person by relating to what they are going through. Start a conversation, listen and, if you think it will help, let them know about your own experiences. That should help them feel less alone.
  • Find out more about shame by understanding what it means for those living with serious mental illness.
  • Start a conversation with someone. Talk about what you’re going through. Find someone you can trust and speak to them about how you feel. Get tips here.
  • Self-compassion is key to avoiding feelings of shame. There are a few ways we can practise self-compassion and it starts with knowing that we deserve help, support and care. Make time for yourself, from spending time with friends and family to going for a walk, relaxing in the bath or having a massage. Whatever it is, give yourself the time that you know you deserve. There are also specific actions that promote self-compassion, including mindfulness-based stress reduction and compassionate mind training.
  • Get support for your mental health.
  • Share your own ‘If it’s okay…’ story on social media, using #IfItsOkay.
  • Share If It’s Okay assets on social media and demonstrate your support using #IfItsOkay. You can download these resources below.
  • Watch out for the language others use and the ways in which mental illness is portrayed all around you. Let’s speak up.
  • Take a pic of one of our posters and tell everyone what you do to tackle shame.
  • Tell us how you show self-compassion.

Social media assets for download

Downloadable poster for If it's okay campaign
Downloadable poster for If it's okay campaign

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