StoppingStigma_Oct_2026

8 New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma “I’ve also seen stigma in researchers, though it’s subtle,” Dr. Swarbrick added. “The stigmatizing language is terrible.” She also shared that she has brought in people with lived experience (i.e., with depression and other mental health challenges) to contribute to studies, and the researchers expressed doubt that they could participate. “The focus of the research also sometimes perpetuates stigma. Sometimes just only looking at brain scans or biomarkers misses opportunities to show the outcomes that people can and do live full contributing lives,” Dr. Swarbrick said. Marie Verna, MPAP, Senior Health Policy Analyst, NJAMHAA, had a difficult experience that is one of numerous examples of stigma and discrimination in the health insurance industry. She had to pay 50% of her treatment for bipolar disorder; by contrast, 80% of medical care was covered by her insurance plan. “It was my first taste of discrimination, and it incited my interest in advocacy. When I received this information from the insurance company, I instinctively knew I couldn’t sound angry or upset because I'd be labeled as 'agitated'," she added. While there are many more examples that stigma still exists in many settings and situations, there is also evidence that progress is being made. “Stigma is very apparent and it’s an ongoing issue to tackle, but there is some light on the horizon. People are becoming accustomed to asking for help, and there is more open- mindedness about the impact of mental health on youth and adults,” Dr. Kakauridze said. Another positive sign is an increasing demand for knowledge, for example Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid. “This is a great step forward,” Dr. Kakauridze said. “Stigma is such a strong word, and it’s recognized more and more due to people’s work shining a light on what stigma is and how to overcome it. I’m very optimistic about youth and adult mental health.” Attitudes In Reverse (AIR) was the first organization that understood talking directly with students was critical for saving young lives, according to Baker. To date, the AIR Team has educated more than 260,000 youth, parents and school staff. AIR offers help-seeking during the program, which led to high percentages – for example, 50% of a 6th grade class in north Jersey – indicating they were struggling and/or concerned about friends. “This was a number coming out of COVID. Most other middle schools report identifying up to 17% of their students as looking for help for themselves or for a friend,” Baker said. Many people have observed a reduction in stigma resulting from the pandemic. As more individuals experienced depression and anxiety in response to COVID — not just the illness itself, but also its impact on mental health due to isolation and fear; employment and financial instability; and other aspects of people’s lives — mental health conditions began to be seen as universal, rather than affecting only others outside of anyone’s immediate social circle. Evidence of Progress Being Achieved Continued from page 7 Continued on page 9