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.

Opioid Summit 2023: Healing Together From the Opioid Crisis-Replay

06/30/2024

The Replay of this Conference will be available until June 30, 2024

Virtual All-day Conference, CME and CEU Credits Available, Panels, Workshops, Keynote.

Overcoming Stigma & Change Resistance To MAT: The Gaudenzia Case Study

11/30/2023

During this one-hour live presentation, change expert Dale Klatzker, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer at Gaudenzia, will discuss lessons learned from the field.

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.

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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 Member Emily Grossman Inspires Others to Discover the Path to Better Mental Health on Passion, Purpose and Possibilities Podcast

10/17/2023

Emily Grossman, MA, CPRP, NYCPS-P, Founder of Emily Grossman Peer Life Coaching and Training Services and Member of the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma, shared her inspiring story on the Passion, Purpose and Possibilities podcast.

World Mental Health Day 2023

10/10/2023

Today, October 10, 2023, is World Mental Health Day 2023, an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right” to improve knowledge, raise awareness, and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right.

While World Mental Health Day shines a spotlight on opportunities to support mental health initiatives, every-day of the year offers a chance to champion mental well-being!

Click any of the below links to get involved and for more information on World Mental Health Day 2023!

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Official Site of The State of New Jersey