VILLA PARK, Ill. – State Rep. Deb Conroy, D-Villa Park, recently held a conversation on how communities can break down the stigma that surrounds mental health.
“The first barrier we face when dealing with mental health issues is stigma. No person should ever feel anxious or embarrassed about brain health,” said Conroy. “These discussions will provide people a platform for an honest conversation about brain health. If we want to find solutions for our friends, family and neighbors who struggle with mental health issues, then we need to talk about it.”
Conroy was inspired to host this series of discussions after learning about how the stigma around mental health has discouraged people from seeking help. According to the World Health Organization stigma is one of the largest barriers to accessing care. 1 in 5 Americans struggle with mental health issues and only 40% of adults receive care for their illness.
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“As chairwoman of the House Mental Health Committee I have seen first hand the shortfalls of our state’s mental health services,” said Conroy. “As a legislator I want to ensure that I am doing everything I can to protect access to services and expand awareness about mental health issues.”
Conroy’s series of On the Table discussions are open to all local residents and will be held throughout the district over the coming months. The next conversations will be Tuesday, Nov. 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Bloomingdale Public Library located at 101 Fairfield Way in Bloomingdale and on Saturday, Dec. 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Glenside Public Library located 25 E. Fullerton in Glendale Heights.
