Mental disorders are common in the United States and internationally. An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older, about one in four adults, suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. Even though mental disorders are widespread in the population, the main burden of illness is concentrated in a much smaller proportion, about 6 percent, or 1 in 17 who suffer from a serious mental illness.
The stigma associated with mental illness creates barriers to wellness. Because of the stigma of mental illness people do not seek out treatment early, or sometimes ever. The damage this causes may affect their mental illness, their physical health, their family, friends, coworkers and community.
By increasing mental health awareness and removing stigma we can share a happier, healthier community.
Members of the Mental Health Awareness Committe include representatives from: NAMI-Ocean County Ocean County Department of Human Services Ocean County Family Support Organization Ocean County Library Ocean Mental Health Services Ocean Partnership for Children Ocean's Harbor House Preferred Behavioral Health Resources for Human Development as well as dedicated members of the community.
Meetings are open to the public. For information about upcoming meeting please email: mail@stigmahurts.org.
StigmaHurts is part of the Mental Health Awareness Committee of Ocean County, NJ All comments and questions should be directed to mail@stigmahurts.com