1. www.LetsTalkCO.org www.Hablemos.org
Let’s Talk Colorado Conversations grounded in Communications and Social Science
Supported by: State Innovation Model (SIM) Initiative

2. How We Say Things Matters
FrameWorks Institutes’ mission:
To advance the nonprofit sector's capacity
to frame the public discourse on social problems.
Key content—Frameworks takes the message that needs to reach the public and frames it so that it is more effective
NOT
Mental disorders represent four of the ten leading causes of disability worldwide. Nearly 18 percent of adults in the U.S. reported having a mental, behavioral or emotional disorder. In 2014, an estimated 22.5 million Americans aged 12 and older self-reported needing treatment for alcohol or illicit drug use, and 11.8 million adults self-reported needing mental health treatment or counseling in the past year. By 2020, mental and substance use disorders will surpass all physical diseases as a major cause of disability worldwide. In Colorado, one in five people need mental health services and Colorado consistently ranks in the top ten states for high suicide rates. Colorado is also seeing an upward trend in indicators for methamphetamine, heroin and prescription opiate abuse.
Beyond Awareness of Stigma: Moving Public Understanding to the Next Level

3. Dominant frames in the U.S.
Fatalism
Individualism
Success and/or failure is a result of personal actions and responsibility
Individual is the fundamental focus of moral concern
Tribalism
Needs of one group are paramount to the needs of other groups
Identified group is the fundamental focus of moral concern
Fatalism
Whatever happens is unavoidable
Social problems are too big and complex to be solved

4. How culture plays a role
What they think.
What we say…
CULTURE
In the most simple of ways, culture acts as a filter between what we say and what others think. Coming up we’ll see a powerful example of this.
What things are tied up in our culture?
Beliefs, biases, values…

5. Changing our Narrative Changes our Thinking
2002
2011
Only 42% understood that infants can communicate before they learn to speak Public unsure whether babies’ cries were “conscious manipulation” or expressions of genuine need
96% understood that infants can communicate before they learn to speak 85% understood that for infants, cries and signals indicate a genuine need for adult attention

6. Shifting our conversations
Establish a positive definition of mental health
Appeal to audience’s values
Make it a collective issue
Use a “wide-angle lens” in storytelling
Avoid crisis messaging
Social math

7. Example - messaging for men:
For men or women who care:
It’s courageous for a man to admit when he’s struggling, anxious, or overwhelmed. If he’s brave enough to talk to you, listen to him. Just listen.
For men, about men:
You don’t have to have a heart-to-heart with a man you know to stand shoulder-to-shoulder. When he seems irritable or angry or just not himself, spend some time with him. Let him know he matters.
Directly to men:
It takes strength to tell someone you’re unhappy, stressed, or scared. It could be the first step to feeling better. Take a deep breath and talk to someone.
Work stress, money problems, or family worries can get anyone down. When you’re struggling or feel overwhelmed, don’t go it alone. Talk to someone.

8. Let’s Talk Partners

9. Resources Let’s Talk Colorado: https://letstalkco.org/
Hablemosco Colorado:
Framing toolkit:
Early Childhood Shared Message Bank:
Blog regarding framing: beyond-family-bubble-to-village-model/
Stigma: health-we-automatically-think-of-mental-illness-75ce3fc532b2

10. Discussion: Glenn Most, PsyD Executive Director
West Pines Behavioral Health
Patty Boyd, RD, MPH
Strategic Partnerships Manager
Tri-County Health Department