BMHF: “Transforming Stigma Into Strength”
The Bermuda Mental Health Foundation announced a lecture entitled “Transforming Stigma Into Strength” featuring Mike Veny planned for September 10, 2015 at the Earl Cameron Theater in City Hall.
“The lecture starts at 6:00 p.m. and organizers hope that attendees leave with a better understanding about the effects of stigma surrounding mental illness in Bermuda, and methods to combat sigma,” a BMHF spokesperson said.
“Over the years, Bermuda has faced stigma head on and has even changed the name of its only mental health hospital to Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute with the hope that this change will help decrease stigma.
“Bermuda’s current Mental Health Act is outdated and Bermuda has no basic human rights established for those who suffer from mental illness. These facts give unwitting support to the continuation of mental health stigma in Bermuda. It is time to change as Bermuda is one of the few countries in this undignified position.
“Mr. Veny is a leading speaker on mental health in the United States of America and also is internationally recognized as an expert speaker on this subject. Mr. Veny is committed to helping organizations and countries combat stigma.
“He will deliver a dynamic lecture entitled ‘Transforming Stigma Into Strength’. This event is open to the general public, mental health professionals and other interested entities.
“It is the Foundation’s belief that everyone is one incident away from requiring or caring for someone that requires mental health assistance. Mr. Veny believes “that the stigma surrounding mental health is a repeating cycle: Stigma begins with shame. Shame leads to silence. Silence leads to socially isolating behavior, self harm, and suicide”.
“The Bermuda Mental Health Foundation would like to invite the general public and all who are interested in assisting in combating mental illness stigma in Bermuda to attend.”
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