What鈥檚 New from the Council
- Sharing personal success stories is the best way to eliminate stigma. Please click to submit your story to be considered as a new post on this website.
- Click here for highlights – written and in a video – of the Sing! for Mental Health Live Concert: Exploring Dimensions of Wellness, an uplifting event that was held on May 13, 2026.
“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor and more unashamed conversation.”
— Glenn Close
“We know that mental illness is not something that happens to other people. It touches us all. Why then is mental illness met with so much misunderstanding and fear.”
— Tipper Gore
“Mental health problems don’t define who you are . They are something you experience. You walk in the rain and you feel the rain but you are not the rain.”
— Matt Haig
Stories Inspiring Progress
The best way to eliminate stigma is to educate individuals about mental health and mental illnesses, especially the fact that mental illnesses are real, just like physical health conditions, and should not incite any judgment or discrimination. Such education should include individuals’ success stories.
The New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma invites individuals to share their inspiring stories.
Here is one of many examples:
Kris
In 2022 I had a manic episode which landed me in the hospital. My whole life until that moment had been difficult, but I was now engaged to be married........
Upcoming Events
11/12/2026
ICMS Conference, Building Resilience: Strengthening Skills for Today’s Case Manager – Not only for ICMS providers – Nov. 12, 2026, at the FEA Conference Center, Monroe Township, NJ. Click for details on the program, as well as sponsorship, exhibiting and advertising opportunities.
Save the Date: Standing Strong Together to Elevate Behavioral Health
10/20/2026
New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies’ Fall Conference, Standing Strong Together to Strengthen Behavioral Health, October 20, 2026, at the APA Hotel Woodbridge, Iselin, NJ – Click for details on the program, as well as sponsorship, exhibiting and advertising opportunities.
10/05/2026
In honor of Mental Illness Awareness Week, join Mental Health Awareness as we spotlight lived experience, research, and practical strategies to improve mental health. Join Mental Health America (MHA) for a virtual summit dedicated to providing education and support during Mental Illness Awareness Week.
Council News
Stronger than Stigma: Mental Health Resources for First Responders
02/12/2026
On February 12, 2026, the New Jersey Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma hosted a webinar, Stronger than Stigma: Mental Health Resources for First Responders.
The Council Mourns the Loss of Legendary Anti-Stigma Leader Dr. Patrick Corrigan
02/04/2026
The New Jersey Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Patrick Corrigan, PsyD., who was well known for his extensive and impactful stigma-related research, publications, teaching and other contributions to the behavioral healthcare community.
Stigma Council Mourns the Passing of Gov. Richard Codey and Honors his Legacy
01/20/2026
Richard J. Codey, the 53rd governor of New Jersey and a lifelong public servant who had a remarkable gift for making complete strangers feel like the most important people in the world, died Sunday, January 11, 2026, at his home in Roseland, surrounded by family, after a brief illness. He was 79.