About Us
Our Purpose
We’re committed to reducing Montana suicide rates and shifting the stigma around mental health, one conversation — and one life — at a time.
Mission
We envision a future where all Montanans can safely and comfortably ask for and access mental healthcare when, where, and how they need it.
Vision
Suffer Out Loud was established in 2017 with the mission to decrease the stigma around mental health, lower Montana’s suicide rates, and create a supportive community across Montana where we can come together and suffer out loud.
It can be scary to reach out for help, but Suffer Out Loud provides a supportive community for individuals when there is nowhere else to turn.
What does it mean to ‘suffer out loud’?
Montanans are known for grit, stoicism, and a spirit of independence. But these qualities can also have a dark side. When we feel stressed, isolated, lonely, or hopeless, that ability to endure without complaint can make it harder to break down our walls, and talk about our struggles.
Suffer Out Loud is about having the courage to be vulnerable: talking about the tough feelings we’re experiencing; acknowledging when life isn’t the social media highlight reel it’s made out to be; having difficult conversations and asking for help; and checking in on those around us who might be fighting invisible battles.
Suffer Out Loud is changing the stigma around mental health. It takes courage to be open about these issues. But no matter how alone we might feel at times, we are in this together. When we ‘suffer out loud,’ we’re breaking the trail for more people to get the help every Montanan deserves.
Our blog is a meaningful platform to share real experiences with the community. Your story can help us reach someone who needs to feel less alone. If you are inspired to share your story, reach out.
We connect Montanans with compassionate, effective mental health resources through our mental health scholarship program, community events, and spreading awareness about resources people can access across Montana.
How It Started
After Cassie Jackson–founder of Suffer Out Loud–lost her sister to suicide in 2008, she felt very isolated in her grief. As she grieved, she realized how many people are affected by mental illness or have lost a loved one to suicide, but also how hesitant Montanans are to discuss suicide and mental health. This stigma creates barriers to addressing mental health and makes it much harder to heal. Cassie knows that starting difficult conversations around mental health will save lives.
Support Our Work
Every gift makes a difference in the fight to lower Montana’s suicide rate and change the lives of real people.
Get In Touch
Use this form to send questions or share ideas. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.