STAND OUT TO STOP STIGMA

Campaign to End the Stigma of Mental Illness in Mercer County

“People with mental illnesses are probably the most socially excluded group in New Jersey.(NJ Governor’s Mental Health Task Force Report. March 31, 2005). Stigma and prejudice about mental disorders punish individuals, families and communities. People with mental illness are hurt by direct comments and by the loss of access to critical community resources - friendships, work, school, housing, insurance, medical care and even connection to their faith communities.  T hey are hurt by the inadequate treatment available, treatment that pales in comparison with treatment for “medical” illnesses such as heart disease.  They are hurt by the shame of internalized stigma. They and their community are hurt when two-thirds of diagnosable, treatable mental illness goes untreated because the stigma of mental illness can be more challenging than the illness itself.

 The time to end this stigma is NOW. A coalition of organizations including the Mercer County Department of Human Services, NAMI Mercer, The United Way of Greater Mercer County, the Mental Health Board and Mental Health Professional and Human Services Advisory Councils of Mercer County, are initiating a Campaign to End the Stigma of Mental Illness in Mercer County. Other organizations are signing on as partners. Read the rest of the campaign statement.

Stories of People Standing Out to Stop Stigma

Mary Jo Codey

My Story. Thirty personal accounts and true stories of real people and their experiences with mental illnesses. These people have confronted stigma and discrimination, but with help and hope are in recovery or know someone who has experienced recovery. They have chosen to share their stories to inspire others and help people understand that mental illnesses are real, common, and treatable—and that recovery is possible. From the Eliminating Barriers Initiative Website

Links to Anti-stigma Websites

Shadow Voices This website is an extension of the Shadow Voices documentary of people living with mental illness – with additional interviews, stories, comments and resources. Shadow Voices was produced by Mennonite Media as a special presentation of the National Council of Churches USA. It has a special focus on faith as a resource for recovery.

Courageous Recovery Website of Carol Kivler, NAMI NJ In Our Own Voice presenter, who is taking her personal story of recovery from depression across the country.

The ADS Center. A great source of materials, research and models of programs to end stigma. SAMHSA's Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma (ADS Center) provides practical assistance in designing and implementing anti-stigma and anti-discrimination initiatives by gathering and maintaining best practice information, policies, research, practices, and programs to counter stigma and discrimination; and actively disseminating anti-stigma/anti-discrimination information and practices to individuals, States and local communities, and public and private organizations.

BeyondBlue. Great website by the Government of Australia with programs, resources, research, weblinks, stories and assistance. Its goal is to increase capacity of Australia to prevent and deal effectively with depression. But it's totally relevant to the U.S. as well.