The prejudices and stigma surrounding mental illness prevent many people from speaking out, getting help and ultimately, become a contributing member of society. One way to fight stigma, the Douglas Institute found, is through its Web site and social media.

In an article published in  Le point en administration de la santé et des services sociaux, Marie-Gabrielle Ayoub, Interactive Communication Manager at the Douglas, gives a portait of the Douglas' different initiatives. For exemple:

• Create a web site that is a true web reference in mental health
• Recruit and support bloggers at the Douglas
• Use content-sharing platforms, such as YouTube and Flickr
• Integrate social media participating tools such as Facebook and Twitter

The Douglas Institute thinks that social media tools will multiply the scope of its initiatives, create an honest conversation around mental health and bring more people to its web site. 

The article is in French.