Make sure you have read all the factors in Telling Your Story thoroughly and think about the possible outcomes to sharing your story.
Format:
You can share with us your story either written or speech/video/audio recording. Please let us know which format you prefer.
We could do an interview over the phone. And one of our writers will write up your article.
You could also write your own story and submit it to us. We will credit it to you, either under your own name or anonymously.
Consent:
We will need to obtain a signed consent from you.
If you would like to discuss anything that has arisen for you following the sharing of your personal story please do not hesitate to contact us.
Content:
We don’t gloss over difficulties and exhaustion in living with mental illness. But, we really support and emphasise messages of hope and recovery.
We may make some editing to the story (for example: grammar check, cutting the video to appropriate length).
We will show you the final product and give you all the time you need to approve it.
Please let us know if you want us to make any changes. And feel free to ask questions!
Only once you are happy with the final product, we will publish the story on our public domain.
Where will your story be available:
Our stories are posted through our online magazine The Mind Reader
We will always inform you where and how your story will be used: via website, social media, email newsletter, etc. Stories told to WayAhead are also shared to our Facebook, Twitter and mailing list audiences. We currently have about 6000 people who have liked us on Facebook and similarly on our mailing list. So, we are very happy if you would like to use a pseudonym, alias or stay anonymous.
When will your story be posted:
We will let you know when your story has been shared by us. We will also check in with you after your story has been shared.
What happens if you no longer want your story published:
Yes, this would be possible if the story was only published on our website. However, if the story was told as part of your participation in an online video, for example, this might be more difficult.
Note: Before using your personal story, WayAhead will inform you if it is possible to remove it at a later date.
Finally, thank you for considering to share your personal story. We know from research that the sharing of personal stories is the most effective way to reduce stigma and discrimination toward people who experience mental health issues. Your story will be making a difference by reminding those who are going through challenging times there is light and hope.