The history of stigma surrounding mental health has prevented, and is still preventing, many from seeking the help they need.This is an issue that impacts individuals, families, and communities; yet the involvement and engagement in support falls short. According to Illinois Forum Director Kelly O’Brien:
“I think stigma is a very big problem. There is still a sense of fear or embarrassment of speaking out that’s a huge part of it. I think people are uncomfortable and it makes even the medical profession uncomfortable. I think it can also be complicated. The solutions are not as simple as a shot or a pill. It’s something that takes a more comprehensive approach.”
The Kennedy Forum was founded in 2013 by former congressman Patrick J. Kennedy, who’s had a long history of activism in this space and on this issue. O’Brien noted that:
“When he left Congress, he dedicated his life to advancing current ideas and policies in behavioral health known to be effective and he founded a leadership organization to do exactly that.”
Since the beginning, it has been Kennedy’s intention to unite and broaden the conversation in the community and would eventually lead to change. Throughout the year, The Kennedy Forum engages the mental health and recovery communities by hosting events and participating at conferences across the country. O’Brien explained:
“The suicide rate is on the rise, the depression rate is on the rise, addiction is on the rise. These are issues that are affecting people in their young working years. When you think about other issues, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, a lot of those really hit people as they get older, are retiring, or are out of the workforce. But the issues of mental health and addiction start right when they’re getting out of high school, starting college or starting work. So the impact it has of not addressing this for the workforce, for employers, for our economy is massive.”
The Kennedy Forum is pushing to change that by setting a new standard for the future of health care in the United States where diagnosis and treatment covers the brain as they do the body. The nonprofit organization is working to advance access to mental health and addiction services and eliminate the stigma and discrimination against people with mental health and addiction issues. O’Brien pointed out:
“We know from all the research that the best way to combat stigma is person-to-person conversation and contact; it’s not a billboard that’s going to change people’s minds. It’s when they meet somebody that makes them think differently. We host “Mind Matters” events the first Wednesday of every month. We bring in different speakers from around the country to talk about a variety of issues.
We try very hard to make sure that each speaker also has a personal story, a personal connection.”
The non-profit Kennedy Forum organization has been a staple in the community and has seen a positive response through their efforts, which brings together a diverse combination of business leaders, philanthropists, families, healthcare providers, civil leaders and more. O’Brien concluded:
“Some of the feedback that we’ve gotten from these events have had people saying they feel better about their jobs and their work; they feel like they have a new understanding of the issue, reinvigorated to go back and re-energize, to keep moving forward and they have new ideas. I think that there’s quite a bit of impact that we have at these events.”
While the solution to changing stigma surrounding mental health is not an easy fix. The Kennedy Forum is one step closer as they unite and start conversations in the mental health community, in an effort that ultimately leads to change.
Director
Creative Credits
- Written by
- Jodelle Maglaya
- Photography
- Juan Montano
