More than half of people with mental illness don't receive help. Often, people avoid or delay seeking treatment due to concerns about being treated differently or fears of losing their jobs and livelihood. That's because stigma, prejudice and discrimination against people with mental illness is a big problem in our communities.
Stigma often comes from lack of understanding or fear around mental illness. Inaccurate or misleading information seen in representation in the media contributes to the stigma surrounding mental health.
Source: Mental Health America
According to the American Psychiatric Association, Researchers have identified different types of stigma: (see chart below)
Public stigma involves negative or prejudiced attitudes others have about mental illness.
Self-stigma refers to the negative attitudes, including internalized shame, people with mental illness feel about themselves and their disability.
Institutional stigma, is more systemic, involving policies of the government and private organizations that intentionally or unintentionally limit opportunities for people with mental illness. Examples include lower funding for mental illness research or fewer mental health services relative to other health care.
Source: American Psychiatric Association
You Aren’t Alone Project
The You Aren’t Alone Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to forming a network of ongoing support for mental health and wellness in Baton Rouge and beyond so that no one ever has to feel alone. The project exists to encourage understanding, erase stigmas, and to invest in building the right relationships that will continue moving this initiative forward. You can learn more about their programs and upcoming events by visiting their website here.
NAMI Louisiana Video Series
Sharing Hope
Sharing Hope is a three-part video series that explores the journey of mental wellness in Black communities through dialogue, storytelling, and a guided discussion on the following topics:
Youth and Mental Wellness: “How Do You Heal?”
Community Leaders and Mental Wellness: “The Art of Healing”
Black Families and Mental Wellness: “Smiling On Our Journey”
To learn more about Sharing Hope you can click here.
Compartiendo Esperanza
Compartiendo Esperanza is a three-part video series that explores the journey of mental wellness in Hispanic/Latinx communities through dialogue, storytelling and a guided discussion on the following topics:
Youth and Mental Wellness: “Sanando Juntos”/“Healing Together”
Community Leaders and Mental Wellness: “Las Raíces de Nuestra Sanación”/“The Roots of Our Healing”
Latinx Families and Mental Wellness: “La Mesa”/“The Table”
To learn more about Compartiendo Esperanza you can click here.
To organize a viewing and discussion of Sharing Hope or Compartiendo Esperanza in Baton Rouge, please contact Tatiana Gonzalez at NAMI Louisiana at tgonzalez@namilouisiana.org.