Jason Schiffman is Professor and Director of Clinical Training in UMBC's Department of Psychology.
Almost half of all college students meet criteria for a mental disorder, and most lifetime mental health disorders have first onset by age 24. This rate is significantly greater than in any other age group. Stigma towards mental illness is particularly pronounced in our society and interferes with treatment, pursuit of important life goals, and quality of life for people with these disorders. People are often afraid to share their stories for fear of judgment, mistreatment, and glass ceilings. Even with the known benefits of mental health services, the majority of young adults with mental health disorders are not receiving treatment. Many young adults have attributed their lack of receiving services to negative attitudes and beliefs about help-seeking within our society. These pressures affect many of us, sometimes even those who champion against them. Combating stigma is not easy, but meeting and listening to the experiences of others can help.
Our BreakingGround grants (Breaking Taboo project grant in 2014-2015; impact assessment grant in 2016-2017) have helped us bring people together and to hear one another. Our project is a story of inclusivity, community, and hope. The focus of our community oriented work is to create a culture that is more accepting of people struggling with mental health concerns. By breaking down stigma through sharing the message that we are all far more similar than different, regardless of our mental health challenges, our efforts attempt to create a community where it is safe to express vulnerabilities, and “normal” to seek help when needed.
We have attempted to pursue these goals through coherent, yet separate means, including our annual “flash mob,” our annual student led speakers panel, and the screening of our student-produced film. Some of these activities have been part of meticulously designed research protocols, while others have been completely spontaneous. Still other activities have been informal, arising from unique one-on-one connections. As a scholar, I have seen that while not every activity is in direct pursuit of research goals, all of these endeavors circle back to inclusivity that synergistically fuels both research and community aspirations, leaving me fulfilled as an academic as well as a person more broadly.
Involving others has always been a value our team has cherished, as the more voices that come together, the more likely the message will be shared and subsequently heard. Throughout our work in these pursuits, we have engaged hundreds of community members, including students, staff, faculty, and upper administration, who have come together in support of inclusivity and understanding of individual differences. Our “family” continues to grow, and includes collaborators from the Counseling Center, University Health Services, Residence Life, and student organizations such as UMBC NAMI. We also have a host of off-campus partners who share our values and our cause.
As we continue to combat the ills of stigma, the community of partners that have stood by our side in our efforts are a source of inspiration and light. Although at times our mission can feel like an uphill battle, the partnerships and friendships that have evolved as a function of this work have provided sustaining hope that the efforts will further our goals. Having others participate with us in our cause, letting us know that the work we do matters, provides us tremendous inspiration. There is no better example of this than the support we receive through BreakingGround, and the people involved with BreakingGround who have have made clear in no uncertain terms that we are not alone. Knowing that the BreakingGround team is out there, breathing life into pockets of community-building efforts like our own makes me extremely proud to be a part of this campus and lucky to have like-minded partners. Further, the BreakingGround’s team's belief in our work has been incredibly sustaining and inspiring, leaving us hopeful that together we can break down stigma and create a more inclusive, compassionate, and caring community.
Our BreakingGround grants (Breaking Taboo project grant in 2014-2015; impact assessment grant in 2016-2017) have helped us bring people together and to hear one another. Our project is a story of inclusivity, community, and hope. The focus of our community oriented work is to create a culture that is more accepting of people struggling with mental health concerns. By breaking down stigma through sharing the message that we are all far more similar than different, regardless of our mental health challenges, our efforts attempt to create a community where it is safe to express vulnerabilities, and “normal” to seek help when needed.
We have attempted to pursue these goals through coherent, yet separate means, including our annual “flash mob,” our annual student led speakers panel, and the screening of our student-produced film. Some of these activities have been part of meticulously designed research protocols, while others have been completely spontaneous. Still other activities have been informal, arising from unique one-on-one connections. As a scholar, I have seen that while not every activity is in direct pursuit of research goals, all of these endeavors circle back to inclusivity that synergistically fuels both research and community aspirations, leaving me fulfilled as an academic as well as a person more broadly.
Involving others has always been a value our team has cherished, as the more voices that come together, the more likely the message will be shared and subsequently heard. Throughout our work in these pursuits, we have engaged hundreds of community members, including students, staff, faculty, and upper administration, who have come together in support of inclusivity and understanding of individual differences. Our “family” continues to grow, and includes collaborators from the Counseling Center, University Health Services, Residence Life, and student organizations such as UMBC NAMI. We also have a host of off-campus partners who share our values and our cause.
As we continue to combat the ills of stigma, the community of partners that have stood by our side in our efforts are a source of inspiration and light. Although at times our mission can feel like an uphill battle, the partnerships and friendships that have evolved as a function of this work have provided sustaining hope that the efforts will further our goals. Having others participate with us in our cause, letting us know that the work we do matters, provides us tremendous inspiration. There is no better example of this than the support we receive through BreakingGround, and the people involved with BreakingGround who have have made clear in no uncertain terms that we are not alone. Knowing that the BreakingGround team is out there, breathing life into pockets of community-building efforts like our own makes me extremely proud to be a part of this campus and lucky to have like-minded partners. Further, the BreakingGround’s team's belief in our work has been incredibly sustaining and inspiring, leaving us hopeful that together we can break down stigma and create a more inclusive, compassionate, and caring community.
Contact the author, Jason Schiffman, at schiffma@umbc.edu.
