Checking in; NAMI Stigmabusters - Stomp the Stigma!

Sorry it's been so long since I last posted - I try to do at least one post a month and I'm overdue.  I haven't been keeping up with my email either...  Lots of reasons, nothing I can write about just yet.

I'm inspired to write this evening because I chanced to open my 4/22/10 Stigmabusters Alert from NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness.  So much good stuff in there, I'm just going to share the whole thing with you, and encourage you to sign up for your own Stigmabusters Alerts.

I especially like Joey Pants' new website NKM2 - No Kidding, Me Too!  (although there's something about Harrison Ford's earring that's just not right...)  And be sure to see if PBS in your area is airing When Medicine Got It Wrong, a documentary about NAMI's origins as a grassroots movement and founding as a national organization, including early battles against stigma.  Can you believe they used to blame the mothers?  I guess when I think about what I know about the history of woman's role in society and of the suffrage movement, it's not that big a stretch.

A couple of quotes from NKM2, Joey's Page:
"Mental Illness is the only disease that you can come home with... and get yelled at for having it."
(I think we can add Fibromyalgia and other diseases that we don't know enough about yet to this pigeonhole... )
 
Hope is the feeling you have that the feeling you have isn't permanent.
- Jean Kerr (1923-2003)
I "came out" a couple of years ago: Cry Me A River - or more accurately, I Cry A River.  I hope some of you out there in cyberspace are saying 'no kidding, me too!'

NAMI StigmaBuster Alert: April 22, 2010
Pepsi Refresh

Urgent Action Needed

Please help the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) win $50,000 to prevent teen suicide.
Please vote for AFSP every day now through Friday, April 30, in the Pepsi Refresh Project.
Further instructions can be found on the AFSP Web site. Spread the word to family and friends. AFSP proposes to use the money to engage 2,000 high school teachers to educate students about depression.
Please also start getting ready to support NAMI's own Pepsi Refresh proposal coming in June. We'll need your help too when the time is right.
When Medicine Got It Wrong

NAMI's Story on PBS

Many PBS stations around the country are now beginning to air When Medicine Got It Wrong, a documentary about NAMI's origins as a grassroots movement and founding as a national organization, including early battles against stigma.
Check the film's Web site to determine whether and when your local PBS station will run the program.
NKM2

NKM2: Stomp the Stigma

And have you seen the terrific YouTube public service announcement (PSA) featuring actor Harrison Ford?
The new PSA was produced by actor Joe Pantoliano's No Kidding Me Too (NKM2) "Stomping the Stigma" campaign and includes several other actors. It coincides with release of an NKM2 documentary for DVD sales.
The NKM2 trailer and other short videos are on the Web site.
Burger King

Flame-broiled, Well-done

Thanks to everyone who contacted Burger King about the recent "Crazy King" television commercial—which has been discontinued.
The protest received national media attention.
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently sponsored a training teleconference on The Power of the Media and Its Impact on Recovery, which included discussion of the controversy.
Voice Awards

Voice Awards Deadline

Friday, April 30 is the deadline for nominations for SAMHSA's "Voice Awards," also discussed in the teleconference, which honor film and television writers and producers who incorporate dignified, respectful and accurate portrayals of people with mental illness into their scripts, programs and productions.
Do you have a favorite movie or television episode released between March 15, 2009 and April 15, 2010?
Anyone can make as many nominations as they want and they are free.

Out of the Inbox

Because of the large number of StigmaBuster messages received, they cannot all be answered individually; however, we appreciate every e-mail and do review every stigma report and prioritize them for action.
We also appreciate receiving copies of responses. They are important in helping to coordinate strategy and pursue genuine dialogue. You are our eyes and ears! Your help makes a difference!
Please send reports of stigma to the stigmabusters@nami.org.

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