Stigma: A Community Challenge
National Mental Health Awareness Month

May 3, 2004

Stigma refers to a cluster of negative attitudes and beliefs that motivate the general public to fear, reject, avoid and discriminate against people with mental illnesses. Stigma is a pervasive barrier to understanding the gravity of mental illnesses and the importance of mental health.

Stigma leads others to avoid living, socializing, working with, renting to or employing people with mental disorders. Stereotypes and a lack of awareness of what to look for and where to get help combine to create a “stigma” that holds many people from seeking the treatment they need. The US Surgeon General reports stigma is the key factor preventing many people from recognizing mental health problems in themselves and their family members – much less seeking professional help.

The World Health Organization found that mental illnesses rank first in terms of causing disability in the United States and, collectively, are the most prevalent health problem in America today- more common than cancer, and lung and heart disease combined. One in 5 adults has a diagnosable mental disorder, while one in 10 children has a serious mental health disorder. If left untreated, these illnesses can lead to work/school failure, physical illness, substance abuse and even suicide.

Education and awareness about mental illness are a family’s and community’s first line of defense against the impact of mental illness. Everyone should be aware that mental illness is treatable and with early identification and new treatment approaches, the success rate is even higher than the success rate in treatment for heart disease. A community’s attitude and determination to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness is a first step.

Lubbock Regional MHMR Center provides public crisis services, assessments, referrals and mental health treatment. Lubbock also has a local affiliate of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and NAMI Texas, NAMI Lubbock. NAMI is a non-profit organization, a grassroots coalition of families, friends, and people living with mental illness. Support groups and education are available to persons with a mental health diagnosis and to family members and the community.

The month of May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month. Several awareness activities are planned this month. NAMIWalk is being held in Austin, May 15, 2004. People all across Texas will be participating to help raise funds for NAMI Texas and local NAMI affiliates while increasing visibility for mental health awareness in Texas. Anyone interested in walking in the NAMIWalk or making a contribution to support NAMI Lubbock or NAMI Texas, please contact NAMI Lubbock at 783-9268. The Mental Health Awareness Month dinner will be at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, May 25, 2004, at Oakwood Baptist Church. Joe Lovelace, the former NAMI Texas Advocacy Consultant and the new Executive Director of NAMI Texas, will be the guest speaker. Mr. Lovelace will present an update on last year’s legislative changes in mental health care and a look ahead to next year’s legislative session. For reservations, call NAMI Lubbock, 783-9268.