Stigma Free Zone

Brookdale Leads the Way to Mental Health Wellness!

Brookdale Community College DECLARES THE COLLEGE A STIGMA-FREE ZONE.

Brookdale’s goal is to raise awareness of the diseases of mental illness and substance use disorder, promote the use of inclusive language and encourage those who are affected to seek services and feel supported. 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.  Brookdale will encourage the use of the many mental health resources available, so no student needs to feel hopeless or alone.

Fifty percent of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life, and half of those people will develop conditions by the age of 14.  The Mental Health Association of Monmouth County and our national affiliate Mental Health America commend President Stout and the leadership of Brookdale College for becoming the first college to declare themselves a stigma-free zone, thereby supporting an environment where all faculty, students, and families are comfortable reaching out for help should they need it,” said Wendy S. DePedro, President/CEO of the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County.

MONMOUTH COUNTY STIGMA FREE PLEDGE

I/We Pledge to:

• Promise to self-educate about stigma in its various forms, and learn how it affects others as it pertains to mental health and substance use.
• Encourage others to seek assistance with any mental health or substance use disorders.
• Show respect for and be inclusive of all people with differences such as mental illness, substance use disorders, physical/developmental disabilities, race, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, religion, etc.
• Stand up for me and others online, in-person, or anywhere who are targeted by bullies. Remember that bullying does not just take place in a school and that many adults deal with bullying and intimidation in their daily lives, and recognize that bullying can occur in any setting and that people of any age may be targeted.
• Avoid language that puts someone down because of differences such as mental illness, substance use disorders, physical/ developmental disabilities, race, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, religion, etc.
• Be courageous and correct others when they use inappropriate language, slurs, or other derogatory languages about others. Silence shows agreement with this language.
• Think about personal responses to daily situations and “check” my attitudes and initial judgment of someone who faces stigma in their daily lives.
• Remember that when recognition is coupled with re-education and understanding, health-seeking action can be taken. Recognize that these actions can lead to recovery and that recovery is possible for everyone.
• Fully stamp out stigma and clear the path to health-seeking behavior. A stigma-free world begins with me.

“Together, we can encourage acceptance and understanding. Together, we can advocate for a better world. Together, we can turn Stigma-Free Me into Stigma-Free WE!”