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Mental Health Awareness Month: Ending the Mental Illness Stigma


Did you know that approximately 60% of adults with a mental health illness do not seek professional help? The stigma around mental illness is one of the main reasons adults choose not to find help or treatment.

Taking Action

The topic of mental illness can be intimidating and uncomfortable, but the best way to overcome those fears is to acknowledge that it exists. Here are a few things you can do to help fight the stigma associated with mental illness:

  1. Talk openly about mental health
  2. Be conscious of language, focus on the person instead of the diagnosis
  3. Show compassion for others
  4. Avoid self-stigma, live empowered and do not hide in shame

Accessing Mental Health Resources 

Learn more about How to Talk About Mental Health and 9 Ways to Stop Stigma. Register with your HealthSafe ID or browse as a guest using access code RSI.

Note: Enrollment in the Republic Services benefit plan is not required to access liveandworkwell.com. Those enrolled in a benefit plan may have access to more resources than those who are not enrolled.

If you have questions about seeing a mental health professional, call the member number on your health plan ID card or dial 866-903-3787 for the national Mental Health Hotline.

Remember, if you or someone you know are having thoughts of hurting yourself or others, seek help right away. If you or a loved one is having a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you have an immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911.