[…] have "devastating" effects. While discussing and prioritizing mental health is important, many teens do not want to talk about their thoughts or feelings. "Because there is often stigma attached to mental health conditions, children can feel ashamed to talk about their worries, obsessions, compulsions, impulsivity, and other behavioral problems," states an article by NAMI. […]
[…] can exacerbate false stereotypes about the mentally ill. “When you blame people with mental illness for things like mass shootings, it’s not just untrue,” said Angela Kimball, head of NAMI. “It keeps people from seeking help even when they need it. It spreads unjustified fears about the mentally ill and worsens the stigma around it."
Looks at how literature has shifted to include more themes of mental illness in recent years and the spike in authors sharing their stories through memoirs and novels contributes to the greater effort to break down stigma.
Claire Bien and Rebecca McCann talk about their struggles and recovery from mental illness as part of NAMI's In Our Own Voice community education program IOOV helps to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health conditions. Bien is the author of Hearing Voices, Living Fully.
[…] we choose to share with the world," she said. "It's powerful when we let others in to see the truth — and frankly, it helps end a stigma. We need to talk about mental health because if we continue to brush it aside, it continues to be misunderstood and more shrouded in secrecy. It's […]
Thr Departmenyt of Defense's policy toward mental health coniditions is inconsistent, even as it tries to eliminate stigma that discourages people from seeking help The military still has much work to do. "e've barely scratched the surface.
[…] on “Red Flag” laws that included call-in questions from the public. Ron talked about the fact that people with mental illness are more often the victims of violence than the perpetrators. He discussed how the rhetoric around mass shootings and mental illness is damaging and the importance of reducing stigma and discrimination around mental illness.
For a live on-air segment highlighting Mental Illness Awareness Week, Dan Gillison, NAMI CEO, discussed the increase in mental illness amid the pandemic and breaking stigmas that keep many from seeking help. “We meet you where you are, not where we want you to be," he says about helping those struggling with mental health. He […]
"Amazing presentation with amazing presenters! You 100% erased any stigma I used to associate with mental illness." -Audience member "Several of the mental health staff stated that they saw recovery as a real option—for the first time ever." -Audience member "Presenting this program is the single most effective thing I am doing to maintain […]
Ending the Silence is a free, evidence-based, 50-minute session designed for middle and high school students. Your students will learn about mental health conditions through a brief presentation, short videos, and personal testimony from a young adult who describes their journey to recovery. NAMI Ending the Silence presentations include two leaders: one who shares an […]
NAMI HelpLine is available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264,
text “NAMI” to 62640, or email. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).
