Bergen Leads presents:
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
2:30PM - 4:30PM
Bergen Community College Ciccone Theatre
Presented by the Bergen LEADS Class of 2014
MODERATED BY
Robert N. Davison, Executive Director
Mental Health Association of Essex County
*Resource Fair: 4:30 - 5:45PM Featuring Bergen County Mental Health Treatment Centers
Mental Illness is a term often describing “those people “or “that population” with “those problems.” But, who exactly are those people? Typically, the public mind perpetuates an image of a distressed person with their head in their hands or a homeless person mumbling to themselves; but the actual picture is much more familiar. It’s the people we see every day, our neighbors, our co-workers, our spouses, and even ourselves. We can no longer pretend a good job, nice clothes and a smiling face are indicators of wellness, because these issues can affect persons of any age, race, religion or income. We live in a world where 1 in 5 people will experience mental illness during their lifetime. So, why isn’t anyone talking about it? As a nation, we continue to struggle to have an open, honest conversation about mental health, allowing misconceptions, fear, social consequences, and discrimination to keep us silent.
It’s time to start talking.
Join the Bergen LEADS Class of 2014 in starting “A Real Discussion of Mental Health” in a public forum Tuesday, June 10, addressing stigma, social misconceptions, public policy, advocacy, and the delivery of mental health services. There will be an opportunity for audience participation followed by a mental health resource fair.
A Real Discussion on Mental Health
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
2:30PM - 4:30PM
Bergen Community College Ciccone Theatre
Presented by the Bergen LEADS Class of 2014
MODERATED BY
Robert N. Davison, Executive Director
Mental Health Association of Essex County
*Resource Fair: 4:30 - 5:45PM Featuring Bergen County Mental Health Treatment Centers
Mental Illness is a term often describing “those people “or “that population” with “those problems.” But, who exactly are those people? Typically, the public mind perpetuates an image of a distressed person with their head in their hands or a homeless person mumbling to themselves; but the actual picture is much more familiar. It’s the people we see every day, our neighbors, our co-workers, our spouses, and even ourselves. We can no longer pretend a good job, nice clothes and a smiling face are indicators of wellness, because these issues can affect persons of any age, race, religion or income. We live in a world where 1 in 5 people will experience mental illness during their lifetime. So, why isn’t anyone talking about it? As a nation, we continue to struggle to have an open, honest conversation about mental health, allowing misconceptions, fear, social consequences, and discrimination to keep us silent.
It’s time to start talking.
Join the Bergen LEADS Class of 2014 in starting “A Real Discussion of Mental Health” in a public forum Tuesday, June 10, addressing stigma, social misconceptions, public policy, advocacy, and the delivery of mental health services. There will be an opportunity for audience participation followed by a mental health resource fair.
