Metro North Health is committed to Shattering Mental Health Stigma
Senior Peer Coordinator Imani Gunasekara, Director of Lived Experience Lisa Jones and Admin Support Consumer Engagement Russell Hogarth.
Metro North Health facilities and directorates are this week launching the Shatter the Stigma campaign to coincide with Mental Health Week, 7 – 15th October 2023.
Dr Kathryn Turner, Executive Director for Metro North Mental Health welcomes the roll out of the campaign.
“After a successful implementation in the Wide Bay and Mackay Hospital and Health Services, we are pleased to be launching the campaign here at Metro North to mark Mental Health Week,” she said.
“The Shatter the Stigma campaign is aimed at reducing stigma connected to mental illness and problematic drug and alcohol use and empowering people to seek support for these issues”.
In Australia, 1 in 5 adults experience a mental illness in any given year and 45% of all adults will experience mental illness at some point in their lifetime.
When we factor friends, family, and colleagues into these figures it is likely that most people will either experience mental illness or drug and alcohol issues or know someone who does at some point in their lives.
Lisa Jones, Director of Lived Experience, Metro North and Mental Health knows how important addressing mental health stigma is.
“Although the recognition of mental illness has improved greatly in the last decade, the stigma associated with it remains”, she said.
“The negative beliefs, myths and even the language we use to talk about mental health issues can all have an impact on individuals, their families and their recovery.
“Mental health stigma is often one of the leading causes why people with mental illness do not seek the help and support they need,” she said.
The campaign launch includes eye-catching T-shirts, stress balls, banners and cupcakes. There are also pledge cards where staff can pledge what they will do to help Shatter the Stigma.
Lisa invites everyone during Mental Health Week to think about the role they play in mental health stigma.
“I want everyone this Mental Health Week to get curious about their responses to mental illness. Ask yourself these questions: Do you judge people with mental illness? Could you be more accepting, compassionate, and kind? Are you aware of the impact of the language you use around mental health? The way you respond to a person with a mental illness could help Shatter the Stigma”.
For more information on the Shatter the Stigma campaign including other ways you can get onboard, see the Shatter the Stigma QHEPS page.