Browsing Facebook last week, I saw a post that read: “Name a famous person that you have met.” I quickly posted Glenn Close, who has received three Primetime Emmy Awards, three Tony Awards and three Golden Globe Awards. Several years ago, I attended a fundraising gala with Glenn Close. A framed photo with the actress is displayed proudly in my home. That evening she promoted the BringChange2Mind Campaign mental health awareness and anti-stigma campaign she launched to encourage individuals to talk about their illness.
Glenn’s sister Jesse abused substances and spiraled down emotionally until she contemplated suicide. Following a cry for help, Glenn supported Jesse as she engaged in mental health treatment after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. They recognized that Jesse stored away family secrets, not speaking of the mentally psychotic things she experienced because of mental health stigma. They decided to bring change where individuals can talk about mental illness without feeling shame or fear.
The gala showcased photos of celebrities each diagnosed with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Today you can find photos of Brad Pitt, Lady Gaga, Oprah Winfrey, Alicia Keys, Robin Williams, Serena Williams, Adam Levine, Darryl Strawberry, Michael Phelps and Jimmy Hendrix on the internet, all acknowledging a mental illness. The photos demonstrate that mental illness is not discriminatory, touching individuals of all ages, gender, race, and ethnicity and socio-economic statuses — it can affect anyone.
Celebrities are role models. When they share about their walk with mental illness, it reaches and inspires millions. Their acknowledgment is helping de-stigmatize mental illness. They educate the public who may not otherwise understand, offer help, and even ostracize persons with a mental illness. Sharing their personal experience is opening the door to talk about mental illness. It is helping those with a mental illness have the courage to talk about their secret pain.
Today, an extraordinary gymnast Simone Biles withdraws from events at the 2021 Olympics, sharing that she decided to take care of her mental health. Announcing this to the public speaks loudly that mental health matters. It is hard for me to imagine the emotional and physical stress and social pressure this 24-year-old young adult and other star athletes experience. They have made a lifetime commitment to hours of hard work, physical endurance, and competitions. They endure separation from family and friends. They face public scrutiny, and social media can be their friend or enemy. These mental stresses can be a perfect storm leading to mental health issues.
Everyone is vulnerable to stress with family, health or finances. Work, meetings, deadlines, public speaking and relationships with coworkers and supervisors can be stressful. School is starting soon children will experience the mental pressure of tests, homework and social stresses.
On behalf of the mental health community, I extend a thank you to Simone and other celebrities who use their fame to speak out to break down longstanding stigma. Stigma has brought about shame and secrecy, preventing too many individuals from seeking mental health care.
As society begins to understand mental illness, there is hope that the stigmas that exist today will no longer be a barrier to children and adults needing mental health care and the help they deserve.
Deborah Humphrey, MBA, BSN, RN is the Executive Director of the Madison County Mental Health Board. She has over thirty years of experience in behavioral health and twenty years working with County Government in her previous Mental Health Board position. She has been the President of the Association of Community Mental Health Authorities of Illinois which is a membership of organizations representing County Mental Health Board’s throughout Illinois. She has been commissioned by the Governor’s to serve statewide on the Illinois Children’s Mental Health Partnership; she has been a member of the Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, School of Social Work Board; and she has been a leader in local boards, advisory councils, committees and workgroups working to advance and enhance behavioral health services in the Metro East.
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August 06, 2021 at 11:20AM
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Community Spotlight: It’s time to break down the stigma of mental illness - The Edwardsville Intelligencer
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