NNews-Spring-2022

3 Greater understanding of mental illnesses and substance use disorders demonstrates progress toward eliminating stigma. Spring 2022 Continuing Progress toward Eliminating Stigma The normalization of mental illnesses resulting frommany individuals experiencing chronic or intense depression and anxiety for the first time during the pandemic has led to much greater understanding of mental health disorders, which, in turn, is helping to eliminate stigma. As mental illnesses are becoming more prevalent, there is a greater possibility that judgment against these health conditions and the individuals who have themwill continue to decline. While no one would see the situations that lead to development of mental illnesses as positive, the indirect result of less stigma and discrimination is beneficial, as some NJAMHAAmembers have underscored. “It’s a great time to be in this field. We’re finally at a point where we’re seeing some reduction in stigma. We’ve always made an impact on patients’ lives and nowwe can do more,” said Corey Richey, CEO of Recovery Centers of America at Lighthouse. As SUD is more stigmatized than mental illness, additional efforts are needed to build understanding of SUDs as real, chronic health conditions and to eliminate and prevent negative views of individuals who have SUDs. Of course, developing a mental illness or SUD is not necessary— and should not be necessary—to eliminate judgmental views of the disorders and individuals who have them. “The more we learn about mental illness and what we can do to stop the stigma, the sooner people will feel more comfortable talking about mental health as freely as they do their physical health, and we can get more people into treatment earlier,” said Susan Tellone, RN, MSN, CSN, Clinical Director of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, which is a member of NJAMHAA’s Integrated Healthcare Council. Susan Tellone shared the following suggestions to help eliminate stigma:  Use respectful language when talking about mental health conditions.  Challenge misconceptions when you see/hear them.  See the person, not the condition.  Offer support if you think someone is having trouble.  Refrain from using harmful labels. Susan Tellone’s comments and recommendations certainly apply to SUD, as well as mental illnesses and I/DD. Another highly effective way to eliminate stigma is for individuals with mental illnesses and SUD to share their stories—particularly success stories. This is the main focus of NJAMHAA’s campaign, Diverse Faces, Many Lives: New Jerseyans Rely onMental Health and Substance Use Services to Thrive. The campaign includes a brochure and videos in which individuals of various ages and ethnic/racial backgrounds share howmental healthcare, SUD treatment and support services have enabled them to manage their health conditions and achieve their personal goals. I look forward to working with all NJAMHAAmembers and the Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma, to which I was appointed as Chair this year, to continually advance progress toward eliminating stigma and ensuring everyone’s willingness to seek services and ability to receive them. With warmest wishes, Debra L. Wentz, PhD President and CEO [continued from page 1]