Only One in Four Americans Believes People are Sympathetic Towards Those With
Mental Illnesses
WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in partnership with the Ad
Council, today launched a national awareness public service advertising
(PSA) campaign designed to decrease the negative attitudes that surround
mental illness and encourage young adults to support their friends who are
living with mental health problems.
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"We took a new approach to de-stigmatizing mental illness with this
campaign," said Assistant Surgeon General Eric B. Broderick, SAMHSA Acting
Deputy Administrator. "Instead of telling people why they shouldn't
discriminate against people with mental illnesses, we are showing how
friends can be supportive of those who have disclosed they are having a
mental health problem and the critical role that friendship plays in
recovery."
Despite the fact that an overwhelming majority of Americans (85
percent) believe that people with mental illnesses are not to blame for
their conditions, only about one in four (26 percent) agrees that people
are generally caring and sympathetic toward individuals with mental
illnesses, according to a new HealthStyles Survey released today. The
survey data, licensed from Porter Novelli by SAMHSA and the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, also found that only one-quarter of young
adults believe that a person with a mental illness can eventually recover,
and slightly more than one-half (54 percent) who know someone with a mental
illness believe that treatment can help people with mental illnesses lead
normal lives.
"The advances made in treatments and services for mental illnesses
offer the hope of recovery for all," said Acting Surgeon General Dr.
Kenneth Moritsugu, M.D., M.P.H, who helped to kick off the campaign.
"Mental illness is not something to be ashamed of. It is an illness that
should be treated with the same urgency and compassion as any other
illness. And just like any other illness, the support of friends and family
members is key to recovery."
According to SAMHSA, in 2005 there were an estimated 24.6 million
adults aged 18 or older who experienced serious psychological distress
(SPD), which is highly correlated with serious mental illness. Among 18 to
25 year olds, the prevalence of SPD is high (18.6 percent for 18-25, vs.
11.3 percent for all adults 18 years of age and older). But this age group
shows the lowest rate of help-seeking behaviors. Additionally, those with
mental health conditions in this segment have a high potential to minimize
future disability if social acceptance is broadened and they receive the
right support and services early on.
Created pro bono by Grey Worldwide, the PSA campaign aims to reach 18-
to 25-year-old adults who have friends living with mental illnesses. It
highlights the importance of their providing support. Featuring a voiceover
by Tony award-winning actor Liev Schreiber, the television and radio spots
illustrate how friendship is the key to recovery. The campaign also
includes print and interactive advertising that directs audiences to visit
a new comprehensive Web site, http://www.whatadifference.samhsa.gov to
learn more about mental health and what they can do to play a role in their
friend's recovery.
"The prevalence of mental illness among young adults in our country is
staggering. We need to reduce the widespread stigma and provide a greater
opportunity for recovery," said Peggy Conlon, President and CEO of The
Advertising Council. "The compelling PSAs show young adults the critical
role they have in supporting friends with mental illnesses, and will help
reduce the stigma. Additionally, this age group can be a great catalyst for
the rest of the population."
In addition to collaborating with the CDC, SAMHSA's National Mental
Health Anti-Stigma Campaign has partnered with other federal agencies,
including the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), State mental
health agencies, leading researchers on stigma, and a broad coalition of
stakeholders, including organizations that represent provider organizations
and consumer and family member groups. The Campaign held a series of
regional meetings to develop a grassroots network to support the Campaign
and provide assistance with anti-stigma efforts to States and local
communities.
A resource guide entitled, "Developing a Stigma Reduction Initiative,"
was also recently released and is based on the evaluation and lessons
learned from the Elimination of Barriers Initiative. The guide provides
information on how to mount a statewide anti-stigma campaign, examples of
outreach materials, reports on the best practices for stigma reduction, and
lists important resources for technical assistance. Copies of the guide can
be obtained by calling SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information
Clearinghouse at 1-800-789-2647.
To view the ads, please visit http://www.whatadifference.samhsa.gov.
The PSAs were distributed to more than 28,000 media outlets nationwide
earlier this month and will air in advertising time that will be donated by
the media.
SAMHSA is a public health agency within the Department of Health and
Human Services. The agency is responsible for improving the accountability,
capacity and effectiveness of the nation's substance abuse prevention,
addictions, treatment and mental health services delivery system. SAMHSA
can be reached at http://www.samhsa.gov.
The Advertising Council is a private, non-profit organization that has
been the largest producer of PSAs in the nation since 1942. To learn more
about the Ad Council and its campaigns, visit http://www.adcouncil.org.