NAMI Eastside: Reducing Stigma

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NAMI EASTSIDE
Family Resource Ctr.
16315 NE 87th Street
Suite B-11
Redmond, WA 98052
425-885-NAMI (6264)
info@nami-eastside.org

Reducing the Stigma of Mental Illness

"...Thanks to research and the experiences of millions of individuals who have a mental disorder, their family members, and other advocates, the nation has the power today to tear down the most formidable obstacle to future progress in the arena of mental illness and health. That obstacle is stigma. Stigmatization of mental illness is an excuse for inaction and discrimination that is inexcusably outmoded....We have acquired an immense amount of knowledge that permits us, as a nation, to respond to the needs of persons with mental illness in a manner that is both effective and respectful." - From Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General. http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth/chapter1/sec1.html

NAMI Eastside encourages everyone to take action on a daily basis to reduce the shame and stigma that is wrongly associated with mental illness. Become knowledgeable about the facts surrounding brain disorders and when appropriate share this information with friends, employers, public officials and especially the media.

SILVER RIBBON CAMPAIGN FOR THE BRAIN:

We encourage everyone to wear the same silver ribbon that Ron Howard wore when we accepted the Best Directory Academy Award for A Brilliant Mind. The silver ribbon is a symbol that you can proudly wear to tell others that you recognize mental illnesses as treatable brain disorders. To purchase your silver ribbon, please contact the NAMI Eastside Office or attend one of our monthly educational forums.

STIGMABUSTERS:

StigmaBusters is a group of dedicated advocates across the country and around the world who seek to fight the inaccurate, hurtful representations of mental illness. Whether these images are found in TV, film, print, or other media, StigmaBusters speak out and challenge stereotypes in an effort to educate society about the reality of mental illness and the courageous struggles faced by consumers and families every day. StigmaBusters' goal is to break down the barriers of ignorance, prejudice, or unfair discrimination by promoting education, understanding, and respect

To join the StigmaBusters or read the latest StigmaBuster alerts, navigate to http://www.nami.org/campaign/stigmabust.html.