Fighting the Stigma Around Mental Illness and Addictions:

Let’s Talk About It!

Mental Health and Addictions Stigma

The stigma that surrounds mental illness and addictions is acritical issue that prevents people from getting the help that they need.

We must break through the fear, shame, and silence that keeps people from reaching out.

• Nearly one in five people suffers from a diagnosable mental illness within each calendar year in the U.S.

• Nearly one in 12 reports having a drug or alcohol dependency.  

• People with mental illness and addictions are part of our community. They are friends, coworkers, neighbors, and loved ones.

Youth Impacts

• Approximately 9 million children in the United States have serious emotional problems at any given time.  Yet only 1 in 5 of these children is receiving appropriate treatment.

• An average of eight to ten years pass between the onset of symptoms until the time when young people get help

• Misperceptions about mental illnesses can prevent children and their families from seeking help.

The Business Case

• Most individuals with mental illness and substance abuse disorders are gainfully employed

• Approximately 90% of adults classified as having a substance abuse disorder and 72% of individuals with a mental illness.

• In the US, 39 million adults age 18-54 (the ‘working population’) experience a mental illness and/or substance abuse disorder each year

• Productivity decline related to mental illness and substance abuse disorders costs US employers $17 billion each year.

How Can We Help?Learn how to talk about itWe know that talking about mental illness and addiction is important for

breaking down stigma and helping people find the help that they need. 

• Be positive. Respond to people with mental illness or addiction challenges as individuals.

• Learn. Education is the key to eliminating stigma and discrimination.

• Change your language. Describe the person first, not the illness. (For example, Sue is “a person living with schizophrenia,” or “a person who has schizophrenia”; not “a schizophrenic.”)

• Support people. Support the efforts of people with mental illness and addiction challenges to re-enter society, to obtain meaningful work, and decent affordable housing.

• Speak up! Don't be afraid to let others know of your mental illness or addiction. 

How Can We Help?Advice on reaching out to help others

Seeking help for yourself, your friends or your family members is an important undertaking.  When you reach out to others to offer your support, remember:

• Express your concern and sympathy.

• When you ask for more details, listen to the answers and continue the conversation.

• Ask what you can do to help (for example, rides to medical appointments).

• Reassure your friend that you still care about him or her, and be sure to include him or her in your everyday plans—going out to lunch, catching a movie, taking a jog.

• Remind your friend that mental illness is treatable. Offer your help in identifying and getting the right kind of care.

• If a friend is having a psychiatric emergency, ask them what kind of help they need and respond immediately. It is important to give them hope and encourage them to seek support, including calling a crisis line, or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1.800.273.TALK (8255).

How Can We Help?Getting help for others

Seeking help for yourself, friends or family members is an important undertaking. In order for you to confidently look for help, get the facts first. Here is a way for you to break down the process:

• Read about it. Identify symptoms and do some research

• Talk about it. Talk with your friend or family member

• Find out about it. Find what resources best match the situation you are in

• Talk about it some more. Continue to talk with the family member or friend you are advocating for because this is a journey to recovery

How Can We Help?Resources for getting help

Emergency Number 911

(Use only in the case of extreme fire, police or medical emergencies)

Crisis Line 1-503-655-8585

(Call 24-hours per day to find help for a mental health crisis)

David Romprey Oregon Warm Line 1-800-698-2392

(Provides support by people in recovery for people who need someone to talk to)

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) 1-503-344-5050

(Contact NAMI of Clackamas for information on mental health support, education, and outreach)

How Can We Help?The Open Minds Open Doors Campaign

How Can We Help?The Open Minds Open Doors Campaign

Media Components: Television advertising Radio Advertising Print Earned Media Web

How Can We Help?The Open Minds Open Doors Campaign

Community Components: Community Champions Seal of Commitment Program Youth Media Contest Stand Up For Mental Health!

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Let’s Talk About It!