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.

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:


Kris

In 2022 I had a manic episode which landed me in the hospital. My whole life until that moment had been difficult, but I was now engaged to be married........

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

Help Eliminate Stigma and Discover Mental Health Resources for First Responders

02/12/2026

The New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma invites you to join us on February 12, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for Stronger than Stigma: Mental Health Resources for First Responders.

January / February NAMI NJ Online or In-Person Support Groups

01/26/2026

The following groups are being offered online, using the Zoom platform:...

Council News

Council News

The Council Mourns the Loss of Legendary Anti-Stigma Leader Dr. Patrick Corrigan

02/04/2026

The New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Patrick Corrigan, PsyD., who was well known for his extensive and impactful stigma-related research, publications, teaching and other contributions to the behavioral healthcare community

Stigma Council Mourns the Passing of Gov. Richard Codey and Honors his Legacy

01/20/2026

Richard J. Codey, the 53rd governor of New Jersey and a lifelong public servant who had a remarkable gift for making complete strangers feel like the most important people in the world, died Sunday, January 11, 2026, at his home in Roseland, surrounded by family, after a brief illness. He was 79.

Stopping Stigma with Expert and Personal Insights in Time for Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 5-11, 2025)

10/03/2025

Council Publishes Stopping Stigma with Expert and Personal Insights in Time for Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 5-11, 2025) – Click here to read this publication.