The City of Fishers has been working on a mental health initiative for well over a year, and the latest piece of that campaign was unveiled today (Wednesday), encouraging local citizens to take the stigma-free pledge.
One major goal of the initiative is to remove the stigma often associated with those suffering from mental illness. Many being treated for mental issues feel that stigma, and it often results in those with these diseases not seeking needed medical treatment. As a result, too many suffer in silence.
“Working to reduce the societal stigma associated with mental health challenges in our community is one of the recurring themes that the Mental Health Task Force identified over the last year,” said Mayor Scott Fadness through a city news release. “We know that if we can get the community talking about mental health, we can reach some of those in our community that are living in quiet despair.”
When you take the stigma-free pledge, here’s what you are agreeing to do:
The StimgaFreeFishers pledge challenges residents to:
· Learn more about mental health
· See the person, not the illness
· Take action by sharing their pledge to be stigma-free
Those living in Fishers will have a chance to take the pledge at various community events in the coming months, including the downtown Farmers Markets, set to be held every Saturday during the summer, beginning May 9th.
You can also take the pledge at a new Web page devoted to the Stigma-Free Fishers by accessing this link: