Fear of stigma and discrimination remains one of the biggest factors in preventing people from seeking treatment for mental illnesses.
This problem is especially true for older children and young adults struggling with mental health issues who sense additional pressure to “fit in” with their peer group.
State leaders, mental health advocates, and consumers will develop anti-stigma activities for communities throughout Georgia during the 12th annual Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum at The Carter Center on Friday, May 18, 2007.
“Support and compassion from friends can make a big difference on whether or not teenagers and young adults feel comfortable seeking help for mental health issues,” said Dr. Thomas Bornemann, director of The Carter Center Mental Health Program. “Organized efforts to educate people on the prevalence of these diseases and their treatment can affect how mental illness is perceived and help foster a culture of understanding and care for those with mental disorders in our young community.”
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in partnership with the Ad Council, recently launched a national awareness campaign designed to decrease the negative attitudes that surround mental illnesses. The campaign’s public service announcements (PSAs) encourage young adults to support their friends who are living with mental health issues and to play a role in their recovery. The PSAs, titled “What a Difference a Friend Makes,” are being distributed to over 28,000 media outlets nationwide.
Realizing the effect this campaign could have on anti-stigma and discrimination efforts across the nation, Mrs. Carter and the Carter Center Mental Health Program chose to highlight the campaign during the 2007 Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum. Campaign materials will be presented by a representative from the Ad Council and made available to participants. There also will be a presentation on peer support programs for adults and children. Working groups will develop plans to implement anti-stigma projects in communities around the state.
Registration is open to the public at a $25 fee by registering online at www.cartercenter.org/mhregistration. All those attending will participate in forum working groups.
View the full agenda for the 12th annual Rosalynn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum on the Carter Center Web site at www.cartercenter.org/health/mental_health/forum.html.