StoppingStigma_Oct_2026

4 Continued on page 5 The following pages are personal experiences directly related to mental health challenges and stigma, as well as observations on a broader scale that further demonstrate how stigma develops and its detrimental impact. Following these enlightening and insightful stories are observations on progress that has been achieved and the need for more efforts to eliminate stigma, as well as recommendations for accomplishing large-scale progress and strategies individuals can use to strengthen their mental health. Specific initiatives that aim to eliminate stigma are also shared. Being aware of our own mental health needs and how to fortify our well-being also helps eliminate stigma with a full understanding that mental health is an integral part of our overall health. With this comprehension, mental health challenges can be accepted and managed the same as physical health issues – as they should be. “If someone falls off a house and breaks a leg, they’re immediately brought to an emergency room. But, if someone has a mental health difficulty, people don’t understand how to respond to it,” stated Christopher Womack, PhD, MBA, MS, MA, Community Advocate. “Each case is very different. It can be gradual onset or more immediate from trauma, such as the loss of a loved one, financial loss or the pressure of life catching up to them. Everyone needs to figure out how to address it.” “We need to accept that some people have unhealthy brains. And we need to understand that unhealthy brains cause distorted and unclear thinking,” said Tricia Baker, CPDT-KA, Co-Founder of Attitudes In Reverse ® (AIR ® ), which aims to eliminate stigma and save lives through mental health and suicide prevention education. She pointed out that suicide was the third leading cause of death among youth and has increased so much that it is now the second leading cause of death in New Jersey. This underscores the importance of education beginning at a young age to help ensure comfort in speaking up about mental health challenges and seeking help. “ By not talking about mental health disorders, we’re perpetuating stigma. ” Tricia Baker, CPDT-KA Continued from page 1 Mental Health Experts and Those with Lived Experience Share Insights and Recommendations for Eliminating Stigma General Observations on Stigma