Unlike physical ailments, many mental illnesses are associated with stigma. Whether it is self-directed or from society, dealing with this shame can be debilitating and interfere with daily living. The Douglas is hoping to contribute to a solution by bringing together key players in the mental health field to share their experience and expertise on the problems of stigma. This two-day conference, held March 15 to 16, will explore paths that will lead to an improved perception of mental disorders and acceptance of the mentally ill.

“Stigma takes on many forms, some explicit, others more subtle and underhanded,” says Conference Chair and Douglas Researcher Ellen Corin, PhD. “The mentally ill continue to receive a frigid or negative reception, which is an aloof concoction of fear and prejudice. People who suffer from mental illness are pushed to the fringes or directly excluded from society. We are looking at ways to turn this around.”

The following goals have been identified for the conference:

• To identify some of the principal manifestations of stigma experienced by people with mental health problems and to ascertain their impact;
• To create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue between key players and the public;
• To learn the ways in which people with mental illness face stigma and to explore possible solutions;
• To sensitize the public to the problems of stigma.

To promote exchanges, the bulk of the conference will be devoted to round table discussions, joining together people with varied proficiencies. This format will encourage open debates and dialogues with the audience. The round tables will assemble service consumers, family members, clinicians, journalists and researchers in the mental health domain.

This conference is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Gustav Levinschi Foundation and the Douglas Foundation.