TRENTON, NJ. October 5, 2024 (Hudson Latin Chamber) — The New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma, launched in 2005 by Governor Richard J. Codey’s Executive Order #58 and chaired by Debra L. Wentz, PhD, has as its mission to combat mental health stigma as a top priority in New Jersey’s effort to create a better mental health system. Through outreach and education, the Council sends a message that mental health stigma must no longer be tolerated.
The issue of mental health stigma is one that is continuing to impact our lives on local, national and global levels despite awareness that is growing as more people are experiencing mental health challenges. The New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma champions this issue and works steadfastly to raise awareness and promote respect, understanding and change.
Stigma must be eliminated to encourage individuals to seek help when needed. Mental healthcare services are vital and highly effective for addressing these health conditions and, as a result, empowering individuals to recover from or manage mental illnesses, achieve other important goals and lead meaningful lives.
If the barrier of stigma is not eradicated, not only will individuals be at risk of experiencing more severe mental illnesses and other health conditions, but they will also likely require much more costly and invasive healthcare services. Therefore, eliminating stigma is necessary for every New Jersey resident, as well as the state overall.
MEET COUNCIL MEMBER HEIDI CASTRILLON
In one of its recent newsletters, the Council highlighted the involvement and commitment of Heidi Castrillón, President & CEO, Hudson County Latin American Chamber of Commerce (HCLACC) and member of the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma for nearly eight years.
STIGMA COUNCIL: What personal rewards are you gaining from serving on the Council?
HEIDI CASTRILLON: It is opening my eyes in an area that isn’t visible. Mental health issues affect everybody – all ages, genders, etc. I’m learning a lot more about resources, and the information I gain is very helpful. I’m always involved with the community, so I can reach out and spread the word to foster solidarity with people with mental health issues.
STIGMA COUNCIL: What do you see as the Council’s impact to date?
HEIDI CASTRILLON: From the time I joined until today, I believe the Council is getting to be known more. It’s become more visible, for example, on social media. Before, no one knew of this Council and now they do. I encourage people to reach out to the Council because it’s such a valuable resource. I promote all of the Council’s programs and efforts.
STIGMA COUNCIL: What do you envision the Council achieving and how do you see its impact expanding in the future?
HEIDI CASTRILLON: I see it growing and opening more doors, creating more connections throughout New Jersey. It will become more natural for people to recognize when others are struggling and support each other. The Council’s articles and other resources are making this happen. People don’t feel shy, have fear or feel different because they have difficulties that are not physically visible. The Council gives people ways to cope with their situations.
Women wear many hats and they may do exercise to look good, but we’re not taking care of our mental health. This is very important. We need a routine of taking care of ourselves. Mental health issues can lead to silent death. It can damage relationships and lead to job loss if mental health issues are not addressed. The Council can help with this.
STIGMA COUNCIL: What progress toward eliminating stigma have you observed in society overall?
HEIDI CASTRILLON: People now know it’s okay to say they have depression or anxiety. There is no fear of being seen as crazy. Society is more used to it; people are more alert. It’s very important to ask family members and colleagues how they’re feeling, to encourage them to talk to you.
STIGMA COUNCIL: What else is needed to achieve this goal?
HEIDI CASTRILLON: We have to reach out more and participate more actively through social media and, if possible, on radio and TV. Ambassadors need guidelines for promoting the Council and its efforts to eliminate stigma. I’m glad the Council created materials to share at events. They help us spread the word more about the Council.
We need informational graphic elements – different for all ages, especially teenagers because they are very vulnerable. I hear about challenges every day from my daughter, niece and other youth. We need to help them be healthy and prevent damage to their brains.
I thank the Council for developing and implementing programs to get information out to the Latino community. There’s a gap. There’s no access to many resources that other groups have because of language barriers. The Council has been transformative for the Latino community.
STIGMA COUNCIL: What message do you have about the importance of eliminating stigma and how the Stigma Council can support them?
HEIDI CASTRILLON: Being healthy mentally is so important for our daily life. It’s as essential as electricity. Someone can be perfect in their job, but struggling mentally in their private life. For people who don’t understand mental illness, they need to have patience and learn that it can take a long time to recover.
Some people say to others who are struggling to just get medication, but that is just a Band-Aid. We need to work and get support to be more secure with ourselves.
Learn more about the New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma at https://www.nj.gov/mhstigmacouncil/
