StoppingStigma_Oct_2026

Stopping Stigma | October 2026 5 Continued from page 4 Not everyone needs clinical treatment and whether or not this is required, reaching out for support from any trusted individual right away is essential. Otherwise, negative thinking could escalate and result in more severe and longer lasting symptoms of depression and anxiety. If these issues are not addressed, thoughts of suicide or other harmful behaviors could develop. For example, many individuals self-medicate with alcohol or other drugs. “Very few people have only substance use or only mental illness. Alcohol and drug use ultimately leads to traumatic incidents with mental health impacts,” shared Irakli (Eric) Kakauridze, DHSc, MPH, CPS, who serves as help because they fear being locked up in an institution even if they are not considering self-harm.” Rev. Flores shared that Black and Brown communities, as well as the Latino population, are raised with “much stigma, especially about men. They believe that if you need help, you’re ‘crazy’. We all grew up with this stigma, so we never asked for help. We’re taught that men never cry,” he shared. Cultural and Religious Groups Dr. Womack and Rev. Bolivar Flores, Chief Operating Officer at Sunrise Group of Companies and Vice President of the New Jersey Coalition of Latino Pastors &Ministers, shared insightful observations from the African-American and Latinx communities. “In communities of color, the last people they want to call is law enforcement, who generally lack training and empathy to help people having mental episodes — even those who aren’t violent,” according to Dr. Womack. “Others may say an individual needs help and the person with the difficulties may not agree or understand. They may not want to seek “ Mental health shouldn’t be a taboo topic. Everyone should ask for help for mental health the same as for a headache or anything else. ” Irakli (Eric) Kakauridze, DHSc, MPH, CPS the NJ4S [NJ Statewide Student Support Services] Hub Director for Hudson County at Partners in Prevention. “Many refuse to seek help or if they do, it’s done in private,” Dr. Kakauridze added. Requesting support is the key. Individuals who are comfortable sharing their experiences publicly undoubtedly encourage others to seek help when needed. “On any scale, sharing makes a tremendous difference — for ourselves and others,” said Shauna Fuzes, Vice President, Public Affairs and Member Services at the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) and an AIR Board member, who has publicly shared that she lost her brother to suicide and experienced a suicidal crisis herself. “It may seem that reliving these experiences would be re-traumatizing, but that is not necessarily the case. When I have opportunities to share my story, I feel invigorated. I appreciate opportunities to help others realize that healing is possible.” Observations Specific to Different Populations and Settings Continued on page 6