Pledge To Be StigmaFree

Let others know that there is hope and understanding. You can change the way the world sees mental health.

What is Stigma? Why is it a Problem?

Stigma is when someone, or even you yourself, views a person in a negative way just because they have a mental health condition. Some people describe stigma as a feeling of shame or judgement from someone else. Stigma can even come from an internal place, confusing feeling bad with being bad.
Navigating life with a mental health condition can be tough, and the isolation, blame and secrecy that is often encouraged by stigma can create huge challenges to reaching out, getting needed support and living well.

Learning how to avoid and address stigma are important for all of us, especially when you realize stigma’s effects:

• People experiencing mental health conditions often face rejection, bullying and discrimination. This can make their journey to recovery longer and more difficult.

• Mental health conditions are the leading cause of disability across the United States.

• Even though most people can be successfully treated, less than half of the adults in the U.S. who need services and treatment get the help they need.

• The average delay between the onset of symptoms and intervention is 8-10 years.

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death of youth ages 15-24 and the tenth leading cause of death for all Americans.

NAMI's Three Steps for Being StigmaFree

Step 1: Educate Yourself and Others

Everyone knows a little about mental health issues but knowing the facts can help you educate others and reject stigmatizing stereotypes. They are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing. Understanding mental health isn't only about being able to identify symptoms and having a name for conditions, but dispelling false ideas about mental health conditions as well.

Learn More

Step 2: See the Person, Not the Condition

1 in 5 Americans live with a mental health condition and each of them has their own story, path and journey that says more about them than their diagnosis does. Whether you are a friend, family member, caregiver or medical professional, getting to know a person and treating them with kindness and empathy means far more than just knowing what they are going through.

Read Personal Stories 

Step 3: Take Action

Our mental health care system has been in crisis for far too long; often keeping treatment and recovery out of the hands of many who need it. We can take action now as we push for better legislation and policies to improve lives for everyone. By lending your support, you can show that this cause is important to you.

Get Involved 

Bills and Policy to Watch-- Mental Health 

AB 586(O'Donnell)-- Pupil Health: Health and Mental Health Services: School Health Department 

AB 2124 (Garcia)-- Pupil Support Training Program 

AB 2475 (Quirk-Silva)-- Pupil Placement: Special Education: Foster Children: Nonpublic, NonSectarian Schools or Agencies: School of Origin 

SB 1229 (McGuire)-- Mental Health Workforce Grants 

SB 1428 (Archuleta)-- Psychologists: Psychological Testing Technician: Registration

California Foster Youth Education Task Force Bill Matrix 

SELPA Association Bill Matrix 
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