Healthy New Jersey

New Jersey Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma

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Anxiety, depression, substance use and other mental health disorders have been highly prevalent and continue to increase, especially during traumatic situations, such as natural and manmade disasters. However, many people do not seek help for mental illnesses or substance use disorders because of stigma, whether that is felt by the individuals themselves or expressed by other people in their lives.

Never has there been a better and more necessary time for the New Jersey Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma to forge ahead with its vitally important work to end stigma and discrimination and ensure health equity for all.

Combating stigma starts with education. This website has many resources to make people aware of the myths and the realities. To access resources, click on any of the categories in the Resources menu above.

What’s New from the Council

• Celebrating Council Chair Dr. Debra Wentz: 2025 Rolling Stone Mental Health Awareness Spotlight "Standing for Something Greater"

• Join us in celebrating the Council’s 20th anniversary at A Showcase of the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma on July 16, 2025, featuring keynote presenter Patrick Corrigan, PsyD, MA,      Distinguished Professor of Psychology, Illinois Institute of Technology ! Click here to register and stay tuned for more details!

• The Council is excited to announce the launch of the Sing! for Mental Health Project! Click  here for details!

Stories Inspiring Progress

The best way to eliminate stigma is to educate individuals about mental health and mental illnesses, especially the fact that mental illnesses are real, just like physical health conditions, and should not incite any judgment or discrimination. Such education should include individuals’ success stories.

The New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma invites individuals to share their inspiring stories.

SHARE YOUR STORY

 

Here is one of many examples:


There is hope for you as there was for me

by Emily

Emily: Grossman, MA, CPRP, a member of the Council, Senior Training and Consultation Specialist at Rutgers School of Health Professions, and author of Unlocked: 25 Keys to Recovering from Depression, Anxiety or Bipolar Disorder

Watch the video

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

20th Anniversary Showcase of the Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma

07/16/2025

Join us for an engaging and inspirational celebration of the Council’s 20 years of education and impact! Enjoy a light breakfast and lunch while learning about new and ongoing initiatives to eliminate stigma—including our continued commitment to supporting individuals with both mental illnesses and intellectual/developmental disabilities.

 

We value your voice! Share your feedback, ideas, and get involved as we move forward together! Click here to register to attend!

 

Breaking the Ice: A Community-Informed Conversation on HIV Prevention & Substance Use Care

06/30/2025

This event seeks to expand the capacity and cultural humility of substance use treatment facilities and other organizations who serve populations disproportionately affected by HIV and substance use in Essex and Hudson Counties.....

 

Register for the Mindfulness Workshop, on June 4th!

06/04/2025

Let The Glitter Settle: Mindfullness Practices for Presence, Awareness, and Regulation in Your Life and Working Spaces......

Council News

Council News

Teen suicide: Tellone explains how we can all work together to save our youth

11/15/2024

Honoree at Mental Health Association of N.J.’s Evening of Excellence, details impact her group, the Society of the Prevention of Teen Suicide, is having

Byline:

Tom Bergeron

Publication:

ROI-NJ