[…] to identify real solutions. We also thank Tipper Gore for her dedicated support of this important initiative and for her tremendous courage and commitment to ending the stigma and discrimination experienced by the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Any individual or family personally affected by severe mental illness knows only too well […]
[…] discrimination against millions of Californians and require health insurance plans to cover severe mental illnesses just like other physical illnesses. It also will strike a blow against stigma, which still prevents too many people from seeking treatment they desperately need. It is especially important to realize that treatment indeed works—the treatment success rates for […]
[…] Awareness Week. In September 1979, 284 individuals from around the country met at the University of Wisconsin in Madison to establish the fledgling organization. Fueled by public stigma, a woefully inadequate mental healthcare system, and scientific ignorance about mental illness, these courageous pioneers set into motion a national movement that thrives today. Two decades […]
[…] but equal in America’s race relations and fueled a great civil rights movement. Today, this report must be used to fuel a broad national movement to end stigma and discrimination based on mental illness—and equally uphold the principle of individual dignity for those who suffer through no fault of their own. As a society, […]
[…] illnesses. Suicide occurs because of biological factors in the brain that distorts rational thinking. It does not result from lack of character or courage. Yet ignorance and stigma endure. It was offensive and alarming—but sadly illustrative—when Governor Jesse Ventura last year declared that people who commit suicide are "weak and feeble-minded" and that he doesn’t "have […]
[…] the nation's first White House Conference on Mental Health. Last month, the U.S. Surgeon General issued the first Report on Mental Health, emphasizing the need to overcome stigma and provide treatment for serious mental illnesses. "Mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression) are severe, biological brain disorders," Flynn noted. "In essence, that […]
[…] "Forty-four states still have laws that restrict the right of some people with treatable brain disorders to vote. Even if those laws are seldom applied, they represent stigma, prejudice, and discrimination against people with mental illness. We intend to challenge them, if necessary, while building a movement to demonstrate that we count too." Mental […]
[…] A "new image of mental health" will emerge, focusing on early recognition, effective treatment, rehabilitation and recovery for most patients. The Internet is helping to overcome the stigma of mental illness. It preserves anonymity while providing information about treatment options, current research, screening tests, on-line question and answer sessions with practitioners, and virtual support […]
[…] Kennedy (D-RI) in disclosing publicly that he has battled depression since adolescence, takes medication, and regularly sees a psychiatrist. His candor will help to break down the stigma that still surrounds mental illness. His example may make a difference in the lives of millions of Americans who otherwise suffer in silence. Treatment works-if you […]
[…] of suicides in communities served by ABC affiliates. NAMI's concern is based in part on the fact that the show, set in a criminal psychiatric hospital, promotes stigma by focusing on "the most extreme, hopeless cases" and presenting people with mental illnesses as "killers, crazies and freaks." In a letter to producer Peter Berg, […]
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text “NAMI” to 62640, or email. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).
