New Jersey Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma

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.

“Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all.”

— Bill Clinton

“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor and more unashamed conversation.”

— Glenn Close

Two girls having coffee outside the cafe

“We know that mental illness is not something that happens to other people. It touches us all. Why then is mental illness met with so much misunderstanding and fear.”

— Tipper Gore

“Mental health problems don’t define who you are . They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain but you are not the rain.”

— Matt Haig

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.
Here is one of many examples:

Partners in Care: Having an Ally Strengthens Families

Kayla, a counselor at Integrity House, and Stephanie share the story of Stephanie’s progress toward recovery from depression and substance abuse, becoming stronger for her children and securing employment.

New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies’ Virtual Integrated Case Management Services Conference

11/16/2023

Celebration Case Manager Heroes, November 16, 2023.

New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies’ Fall Conference

10/24/2023

Behavioral Health in Motion, October 24, 2023 at the Pines Manor, Edison, NJ.

The 8th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference

10/19/2023

The NJ Department of Human Services, NJ Department of Health, and NJ Department of Children and Families presents The 8th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference on October 19, 2023 at 9:00am - 3:30pm.

Council News

Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma Member Emily Grossman Publishes Book, Unlocked: From Psych Hospital to Higher Self, Hosts Book Launch Oct. 21st

10/21/2023

Emily Grossman, MA, CPRP, NYCPS-P, a member of the Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma and Founder of Emily Grossman Peer Life Coaching and Training Services, wrote an inspiring book, Unlocked: From Psych Hospital to Higher Self – 25 Keys to Recovering from Depression, Anxiety, or Bipolar Disorder, which will be published on October 17, 2023.

Council Launches Stopping Stigma Newsletter

10/02/2023

Click here to download the inaugural edition of Stopping Stigma, which features the Council members, recent events and ongoing initiatives.

Council Member Emily Grossman to Receive Self-Advocacy Award from Mental Health News Education

05/24/2023

The New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma congratulates member Emily Grossman, MA, CPRP, NYCPS-P, Director of Training, Coordinated Behavioral Care, for being selected to receive the Self-Advocacy Award from Mental Health News Education (MHNE), publisher of Autism Spectrum News and Behavioral Health News.

Official Site of The State of New Jersey