Our Story
Our Story
What Is In Your Paper Bag?
Where PROJECT BLACKBIRD came from – a message from the founder.
PROJECT BLACKBIRD was born from loss, shaped by compassion, and build on the belief that no one should have to struggle in silence.
What is in your paper bag? Are you alright with taking someone else's?
Where it began
In 2018, I was diagnosed with Anorexia. I knew that I struggled with something , but I could not identify what it was. I had recurring thoughts around food, I had become restrictive of certain food groups. I knew there was something wrong, but the topic of eating disorders, anxiety, and depression was not one that was often addressed in my community of friends or family.
My struggles did not look like the definition that I had read in my high school textbooks. I knew I needed help but I was afraid to say it out loud, or admit it to my community. Held and mental health struggles felt shameful – I had failed.
the moment that changed everything
When I finally spoke up to my doctor, I was sent to the treatment center in Los Angeles where I met a young woman with a tattoo of a blackbird on her neck. She was very quiet, almost completely silent, and we spoke only a few words.
Through poetry, we connected deeply on our shared experiences of shame and silence surrounding our eating disorder, and mental health discussion in our communities. In both of our communities, it was not safe or acknowledged to struggle with mental health. We both felt ashamed and alone. We were not so different, and ironically, not so alone.
the paper bad story
My mother used to tell me a story. She would have me imagine putting all of my problems in a paper bag. She would then ask me to imagine placing my paper bad in a big pile of other peoples’ paper bags. Then she would ask me if I would like to trade my paper bag.
This story was not to invalidate my own struggles, but to remind me that everyone has a paper bag, and we cannot always see what is inside of it. This story is told in the film, and began to shape the impact that we build around it.
turning story into impact
I created a film to showcase the experience of this young woman who inspired me to, my hidden hero, and to show others that experiencing mental health challenges is a part of being human. It impacts all communities. I created the film to highlight the importance of connection.
The film has not become part of the non-profit organization PROJECT BLACKBIRD Inc. That tours high shcools, college campuses, and various communities reaching marginalized populations with the mission to #ShedShame around mental health discussion. We screen the film, create a panel where we feature carious public figures, athletes, and celebrities being vulnerable about their own struggles, and ultimately provide a resource fair and free therapy for a year paid for by our organization.
Creating connection
At every event, students complete an anonymous journal prompt: “what is one thing that you struggle with? Have compassion as to why. What is one message of hope that you would like to give to both yourself, and a future PROJECT BLACKBIRD audience member?
They then take home a journal for a previous audience member. Connecting in real time with a member and walking away with the message that they are not alone.
the impact we see
I read every journal prompt, and I meet the hundreds of students and adults who sign up for free therapy.
Recently, A young girl opened up about her struggle with Bipolar disorder. She felt like the worst version of herself and believed there was no hope. She couldn’t afford therapy, and kept silent out of shame.
We signed her up on the spot for a year of therapy. She cried and hugged me. The stigma is real, as is the hope.
why access matters
Therapy is the gift that keeps giving. It’s an intentional space to care for yourself and become the happiest, most peaceful, and most fulfilled version of you.
It can be utilized when times are tough, and when times are good. It is a form of self-love that should be accessible and safe for everyone
you are not alone.
Have compassion for what you might struggle with. What is in your paper bag? What is in theirs? What is one message of hope that you would leave for both yourself and a future PROJECT BLACKBIRD audience member?
We hope you will share with us so that we can share with the fifty blackbird. Together, we can help more blackbirds fly.
Be part of the story
Follow our tour, bring therapy to your community, and help us #ShedShame around mental health.