According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mental illness is among the most common health conditions in the United States. Yet, a great deal of stigma still surrounds it.
Wilson
“All stigmas marginalize and devalue individuals and groups,” said Ben Wilson, the Clinical Manager of Addiction Services at Aspire Indiana Health. “What you say matters! We can all play a part in reducing stigma and discrimination by changing the way we talk about it.”
Wilson will lead a virtual town hall discussion at 6 p.m. this evening, along with the Hamilton County Health Department in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May.
Called “Changing the Language: Reducing Stigma Among People with Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders,” topics for the discussion will include how stigma is perpetuated, the consequences of stigma, and what can be done to reduce stigma.
“As a person in long-term recovery who has personally experienced the harmful effects of stigma and discrimination,” Wilson added. “I am passionate about leading discussions that counter inaccurate myths and misinformation, replacing them with factual information and working collaboratively with others to change perceptions toward individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.”
The town hall is free and open to all residents. Click here to join the discussion.