Do you have an article, picture, poem or story that you would like to share? Please submit it to us at mail@stigmahurts.org. Submissions will be reviewed by the committee and posted to the website. Include your contact information so we can let you know as they are posted!
New in October:
Please take our survey and help us to improve this site!
We have posted the October picture from the calendar. Remaining Calendars are available at the County Connection in the Ocean County Mall. Check out the Awards!! page to see this months winning picture from our "What a Difference a Friend Makes" Calendar Contest.
The first of the artwork from our calendar contest is up. Check out the Awards!! page each month as we add additional artwork from our "What a Difference a Friend Makes" Calendar Contest!!!
The TeenScene has a new poem! And information on how teens can submit their own creative works!
Mental disorders are common in the United States and internationally. An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older, about one in four adults, suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. Even though mental disorders are widespread in the population, the main burden of illness is concentrated in a much smaller proportion, about 6 percent, or 1 in 17 who suffer from a serious mental illness.
The stigma associated with mental illness creates barriers to wellness. Because of the stigma of mental illness people do not seek out treatment early, or sometimes ever. The damage this causes may affect their mental illness, their physical health, their family, friends, coworkers and community.
By increasing mental health awareness and removing stigma we can share a happier, healthier community.
The Mental Health Awareness Committee in Ocean County is working towards the goal of removing stigma. Our Mission and Vision are as follows:
Mission
Ocean County Mental Health Awareness Committee is a county-wide coalition of concerned community members dedicated to removing the stigma associated with mental illness. Our mission is to educate Ocean County residents that mental illness is a treatable brain disorder by promoting awareness and advocacy.
Vision
Ocean County recognizes that all members of our community are endowed with strengths. Ocean County is a community that embraces the diversity of its residents and their contribution to a greater common good.
Please refer to the CALENDAR page for information about upcoming events. If you would like to contact our Committee please do so at mail@stigmahurts.com.
StigmaHurts is part of the Mental Health Awareness Committee of Ocean County, NJ All comments and questions should be directed to mail@stigmahurts.com