StoppingStigma_Oct_2026

2 New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma MESSAGE FROM the Chair “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” This quote came from a famous superhero on the big screen and even more so in life: actor Christopher Reeve, who was an inspiring role model as he persevered to cope with paralysis and became a powerful advocate for increasing research on spinal cord injuries and treatments. While mental illnesses alone can seem insurmountable at times or on a continual basis, stigma can make them even more difficult to cope with — partly because of the shame and embarrassment resulting from stigma and discrimination, which could exacerbate symptoms of mental illnesses, and partly because these situations prevent individuals from seeking treatment. In many cases, stigma and discrimination also make it difficult or even impossible to receive care for those who are comfortable pursuing it — most notably resulting from lack of health insurance coverage or when there is coverage, out-of-pocket costs that are substantially higher than those for medical and surgical care because mental health parity has never been fully implemented and enforced. Just as mental illnesses affect individuals in all walks of life, superheroes are found in many groups, from famous actors and athletes and well-known politicians to many who are not in the limelight. Several everyday heroes are featured in this issue of Stopping Stigma . Some are mental healthcare providers, some have lived experience, and all are advocates. Debra L. Wentz, PhD