Resource Guide - Introduction

Mental Illness is a treatable disease yet stigma and lack of understanding about mental illness are major barriers to intervention and treatment. KUED, in partnership with The National Alliance on Mental Illness in Utah, Utah Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health, Valley Mental Health, University of Utah Neuropsychiatric Institute, The Salt Lake Police Department, seeks to address these barriers through television programs, community workshops, resource packets, workshop toolkits and web resources.

These project activities are meant to serve as a catalyst for dialogue for the general public, as well as for family and specific groups of professionals who either work with those experiencing symptoms of mental illness or are uniquely positioned to disseminate information and educate the community about mental illness, its risk factors and prevention.

KUED's community partner, the Utah Chapter of (NAMI), is the state's voice on mental illness. They are a strong voice of advocacy for individuals with mental illness and their families and offer support, education and advocacy for those affected by mental illness and help connect people with critical community resources

Throughout this guide you will find means to start a conversation with a friend, parent or child who may be feeling overwhelmed, or at point of crisis. The goal of this guide is to help you access the system and find an avenue of support or advocacy.

Through the documentary, public screening events and panel discussions, web and print resources, we hope to provide information to family, peers, educators and community professionals alike, that will help eliminate stigma and create awareness about mental illness in Utah.

"Stigma assumes many forms, both subtle and overt. It appears as prejudice and discrimination, fear, distrust, and stereotyping. It prompts many people to avoid working, socializing, and living with people who have a mental disorder. Stigma impedes people from seeking help for fear the confidentiality of their diagnosis or treatment will be breached. For our Nation to reduce the burden of mental illness, to improve access to care, and to achieve urgently needed knowledge about the brain, mind and behavior, STIGMA must no longer be tolerated" (U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Mental Health, 1999).