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 launched the Shatter the Stigma campaign to coincide with the 2023 Mental Health Week.

Dr Kathryn Turner, Executive Director for Metro North Mental Health, welcomed the roll out of the campaign.

“After a successful implementation in the Wide Bay and Mackay Hospital and Health Services, we were pleased to launch the campaign here at Metro North to mark Mental Health Week,” Dr Turner 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.

Lisa Jones, Director of Lived Experience, Metro North 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,” Lisa 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 included eye-catching T-shirts, stress balls, banners, and cupcakes. There were also printed and online pledge cards where staff could pledge what they will do to help Shatter the Stigma.