Film still from Frontline’s “The Released.” William Bryan Stokes, diagnosed as schizoaffective, being released from prison. Stokes is a cutter and has a long history of psychiatric hospitalizations starting at age 12.

Sitting across from Joni Schwager, executive director of Staunton Farm Foundation, we discussed one of the daunting challenges faced by those who work in the field of mental health: reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.

“Addressing stigma is important because stigma still exists,” Schwager explained. “Until we can eliminate stigma, it will continue to be a barrier for people to seek and receive treatment. People with behavioral illnesses are still discriminated in employment situations, getting life insurance, and serving in the armed forces, to name a few.”

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(via True/Slant)

via Matthew Newton, 9 July 2009 6:00pm | 1 |