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Fight Stigma

One in four Americans will experience a mental disorder this year. Stigma will prevent at least half of them from seeking the treatment they need.

Stigma

Stigma is a cluster of negative attitudes and beliefs that motivate the public to fear, reject, avoid and discriminate against people with mental illness. It is a barrier to treatment and prevents many people from seeking help that is available. The best way for us to overcome stigma is to raise awareness and educate.

The fact is that mental illness is a common, treatable biological brain disorder. It is not the fault of the individual or the family. It is not a sign of weakness. It is a real condition, and recovery is possible.

Below are links to information and resources to learn more and help fight the stigma of mental illness.

Mental Illness Awareness Week 2010, WTAE TV

National Anti-Stigma PSA Featuring Glenn Close

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's Anti-Stigma PSA

View NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's 30-second television public service announcement (PSA), funded by the Staunton Farm Foundation.

The Stigma of Mental IllnessTV Episode

This 30-minute episode appeared on the regional talk show "What's On Your Mind" in May 2009. A collaboration between NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania and MHA of Westmoreland County, this program was funded by the Staunton Farm Foundation.

staunton farm foundationThank you to the Staunton Farm Foundation for its support of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's anti-stigma initiatives.

NAMI Stigma Buster Alerts

NAMI StigmaBusters is a network of dedicated advocates across the country and around the world who seek to fight inaccurate and hurtful representations of mental illness.

The Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma (ADS Center)

This web site offers a wealth of useful information related to stigma and discrimination associated with mental illnesses that describes what they are, what works to counter them, and what resources are available. Descriptions of innovative international, national and local anti-stigma/anti-discrimination initiatives and programs can assist you in identifying and implementing specific activities to build understanding and knowledge related to people with mental illnesses and to counter discrimination and stigma in communities, schools, and workplaces. Information on resources such as articles, fact sheets, brochures, books and research are provided on issue areas such as employment, housing, healthcare, the media and many more. Numerous resource organizations are listed to help landlords, employers, insurers, healthcare providers, educators, and others better understand mental illnesses, the people who have them, and their rights.

"Open Minds/Open Doors"

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania, with the support of the Staunton Farm Foundation and in partnership with the Pennsylvania Anti-Discrimination Campaign, has developed an anti-stigma initiative. This initiative will provide information and education with the goal of reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. The Anti-Stigma Initiative proposes to reduce the stigma of mental illness through a comprehensive campaign targeting the media, general public, individuals with a mental illness and their families, and policymakers.

  • Faces of Recovery: The Anti-Stigma/Anti-Discrimination Initiative on Mental Illness slide show

    • Additional Resources

    Bring Change 2 Mind
    Mayo Clinic
    No Kidding, Me Too
    Anti-Stigma 1-in-5 Workbook & Resource Guide

     

     

    This page was last modified on: July 13, 2011 11:58:51am