Mental illness program coming to Newton

NEWTON — On Wednesday evening, October 5, from 7-9 p.m., the Sussex County affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and Saint Clare's Intensive Family Support Services will co-host a panel discussion, "Standing Together to Stomp Out Stigma."
NAMI New Jersey's Recovery Program Coordinator, Jay Yudof, will moderate the discussion. Five panelists from the Sussex County area who are successfully managing their mental health recoveries will speak about the roadblocks and setbacks stigma and discrimination caused in their lives, their successes in personally overcoming stigma, and their hopes for community awareness and support.
The program will be held at Bridgeway, 93 Stickles Pond Rd., Newton, NJ. The public is welcome to attend free of charge. Pre-registration is not required. Anyone seeking further information or directions can call 973-214-0632 or email nami.sussex@gmail.com.
Discrimination and stigma can negatively impact how people with mental health challenges approach professional treatment, as well as their progress in managing their own recoveries while living, learning, working, socializing, and taking care of their families.
Too often, the general public views people who have been diagnosed as having a mental illness as seriously disabled, but, in fact, most people with mental illnesses who seek proper treatment lead successful, fulfilling lives.
Yudof will conclude the program with a presentation on practical ways community members can work together to combat stigma.