1. Let’s Talk Colorado www.LetsTalkCO.org
Speaker notes: We are here today to talk about mental illnesses and the Let’s Talk Colorado campaign. I understand mental illness is a hard subject for many to discuss openly. The goal for today and for the Let’s Talk Colorado campaign is to help you become more comfortable speaking about mental illness.
Today, we’re going to talk about the stigma surrounding mental illnesses, and what we can do to change attitudes and ultimately, people’s lives.
I am not an expert on mental illnesses or mental health care, but I feel strongly about stopping the stigma surrounding them. That is why I’m here today. I will do my best to answer any questions you may have and direct you where to go to receive more in-depth information on the topic.

2. Key Messages from Let’s Talk Colorado
It’s OK to talk
It’s OK to seek treatment
It’s OK to feel the way you are feeling
IT’s OK to ask for help
IT’s OK to reach out
Speaker notes: These messages, and much of the material and language in this presentation have been adapted from an award-winning Minnesota-based campaign called Make It OK, funded by the Red Wing Shoe Company.

3. Additional Key Messages from Let’s Talk Colorado
There’s no “perfect” or “right” way to talk to someone with a mental illness.
There are resources and help for people with mental illness.
Treatment can work, and often does.
It’s not your fault if you have a mental illness.
Mental health issues are real.
Having a conversation about mental health can save a life.
Speaker notes: Read the bullet points from this slide.

4. Let’s Talk Colorado Mental Illness
What do people with mental illness look like?
How do we talk about mental illness?
How do we think about mental illness?
How does the media portray mental illness?
Speaker notes: You can’t really talk about mental illnesses without talking about stigma. First, take a moment to think about what a person experiencing a mental illness looks like. What is the first image that pops into your mind? What are they wearing? How old are they? What are they doing?

5. Did you picture images like these?
Let’s Talk Colorado
Did you picture images like these?
Let’s Talk Colorado
Speaker notes: Did you picture images like these? Unfortunately, these are common stereotypes that surround mental illness. People with mental illness are portrayed as disheveled, scary-looking, very sad, homeless, or institutionalized. When we are exposed to negative images, it makes it easier to:
Make fun of people with mental illnesses; Ridicule or trivialize people; Have less empathy for people with mental illnesses; Discriminate against people with mental illnesses.

6. Let’s Talk Colorado The Reality
Speaker notes: Here are some images of real people who experience a mental illness. Actress Catherine Zeta Jones (bipolar disorder), singer Demi Lovato (bipolar, eating disorders), Abe Lincoln (depression), and swimmer Michael Phelps (ADHD). The truth is, mental illnesses impact every age, race and ethnicity. Every occupation, from attorneys to waitresses, from doctors and nurses to teachers and legislators. The problem is you can’t always “see it.” Why do we hold such negative images when the truth looks so different? Let’s take another look at stigma. This time, let’s focus on how we talk about mental illness.

7. What are some slang terms used to describe people who have cancer?
Let’s Talk Colorado
Let’s Talk About It
What are some slang terms used to describe people experiencing a mental illness?
What are some slang terms used to describe people who have cancer?
Speaker notes: Now remember that this is an exercise about stereotypes and stigma. Can anyone name any slang terms that are used to describe mental illnesses? (Allow time for audience to name some common slang terms, such as crazy, nuts, wacko, insane, psycho, etc.). Now let’s take a look at the way we talk about other illnesses, such as cancer. What kind of slang terms do you know of that are used to describe cancer patients? (Allow time for thought.) It’s a little more difficult, isn’t it? Let’s think about this: What makes these individuals different? Why do we have more derogatory words for mental illnesses than cancer? Why are there more negative thoughts and emotions that come to mind when someone is experiencing a mental illness? The answer can be tracked back to the stigma surrounding mental illness. This stigma impacts how each of us think about, talk about and even treat people experiencing a mental illness, whether we know it or not. The stigma isn’t just an attitude, it’s also discrimination.

8. Characteristics of those with mental illness
Let’s Talk Colorado
Let’s Think About It
Characteristics of those with mental illness
Lazy, Weak, Selfish, Violent
Characteristics of those with cancer
Courageous, Determined, Inspirational, Generous
Speaker notes: How we picture and talk about mental illness shapes how we think about people who may experience one. Here are some of the common characteristics ascribed to people with mental illnesses, and to people with cancer. There is a serious misperception that people with serious mental illnesses are dangerous or violent – THEY’RE NOT. Only about 5% of the violent crimes in our country are committed by people with a serious mental illness.

9. Let’s Talk Colorado Media Portrayal
People with mental illnesses are portrayed as nearly 10 times more violent than other television characters.
People with mental illnesses are portrayed as 10 to 20 times more violent than in reality.
Negative news coverage also has a huge impact
Speaker notes: The media often portrays mental illness in a negative light, usually associated with violence. Yet again, only 5% of violent crimes are committed by people with mental illnesses. Advertisers also make fun of people with mental illnesses and portray them in a negative way. A recent survey published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that 46% of respondents said they believe those with serious mental illnesses are more dangerous than others, 71% said they wouldn’t want to work closely with a person who had a mental illness, and 67% said they wouldn’t want a neighbor with a mental illness.

10. Let’s Talk Colorado Why It Matters
People with a mental illness wait an average of 10 years to seek treatment
Isolation
Job and income loss
Dropping out of school
Incarceration
Suicide
Speaker notes: Stigma often leads people to be ashamed of their or their family member’s mental illness. And it’s likely a primary cause most people wait an average of 10 years before seeking treatment. The impact of waiting to seek treatment can lead to loss of employment and income. The highest dropout rates are among youth with a mental illness. People with an untreated mental illness often end up in our criminal justice system. Meanwhile Colorado’s annual suicide rate, one of the highest in the country, typically tops 1,000 suicides per year.

11. It’s OK... to have a mental illness, many of us do.
Let’s Talk Colorado
It’s OK... to have a mental illness, many of us do.
Each year...
1 in 4 adults will experience a mental illness in their lifetime
1 in 5 children
1 in 10 people will experience a more serious mental illness, like bi-polar disorder or schizophrenia
About 1 in 8 people have diabetes, for perspective
Speaker notes: It’s OK to have a mental illness... Many of us do. For example (read through bullet points).

12. It’s a medical illness, not a character flaw
Let’s Talk Colorado
It’s a medical illness, not a character flaw
Mental illnesses disrupt a person’s:
Thinking
Feeling
Mood
Ability to relate to others
Daily functioning
These illnesses are biological in nature
Speaker notes: Mental illnesses disrupt a person’s thinking, feelings, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning. They cannot be overcome by “will power” and are not related to a person’s character or intelligence, because they are biological in nature. With a mental illness, there are disruptions in the brain structure and chemistry, and there are even a variety of causes. Mental illnesses are biological conditions that can be treated, just like other illnesses such as diabetes. We have learned through research that when people understand that the person isn’t to blame for their mental illness, they don’t fault them – which is good. What’s not so good is when the same people conclude that the person with a mental illness is “hardwired” and can’t get better. They can and they do!

13. Major Mental Illnesses
Let’s Talk Colorado
Major Mental Illnesses
Anxiety Eating Disorders
Depression ADD/ADHD
Bipolar Disorder Borderline Personality Disorder
Schizophrenia Schizoaffective
PTSD Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Speaker notes: There are several common mental illnesses. They are major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety and panic disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder. The symptoms I am about to discuss could be connected with several of them.
Depression-Goes beyond feeling sad or blue. Symptoms last for more than 2 weeks and include sad/irritable mood, change in appetite, sleep, energy, ability to concentrate/remember, lack of interest in usual activities, and a decreased ability to experience pleasure.
Bipolar disorder-In addition to the lows of depression, can include mania such as unpredictable behavior, grandiose ideas, spending sprees, decreased need for sleep, being inappropriately talkative, racing thoughts, distractible, taking risks.
Schizophrenia-Hallucinations or delusions, emotional flatness, lack of expressiveness, inability to start/follow through with activities, difficulty with organizing tasks, memory.
Anxiety-Pounding heart, sweating, trembling, dizzy, short of breath, numbness, chills, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, irritability, edginess. Anxiety is the most commonly diagnosed mental illness.

14. It’s Treatable, Life Can Get Better
Let’s Talk Colorado
It’s Treatable, Life Can Get Better
Mental illness is more common than
dark brown eyes...
Treatments are highly effective.
Yet, people often wait up to 10
Years before seeking treatment.
Speaker notes: It’s treatable-life can get better. The best treatments for serious mental illnesses today are highly effective. In fact, 70-90% of symptoms are reduced, and people feel better when following individualized treatment plans. However, most people live with their symptoms an average of 10 years before seeking treatment, largely due to the stigma.
Over 60% of people with a mental illness don’t receive treatment. The sooner people get treatment, the greater their chances of recovery. As with any illness, it’s better to identify and treat it early before someone becomes seriously ill. And that is the focus of the Let’s Talk Colorado campaign. We educate everyone about mental illnesses, stop the silence, and get people talking.

15. Let’s Talk Colorado Tips for Talking
Don’t worry about saying the exact right thing.
It’s okay if it’s awkward. It often is.
It’s okay if you say the “wrong” thing.
Be sincere. The person needs most to know that you really care.
Listen.
Keep eye contact, if you can.
Speaker notes: First and foremost, we need to work to end the silence. If someone shares with you that they have a mental illness, they are opening up to you in a big way. Don’t shy away from the subject. Ask questions, show concern. By talking openly about mental illnesses, it becomes easier to talk about, it becomes easier to ask for help, and it makes it ok to have a mental illness.
Second, be sincere. Be open and caring and let that shine through. Relax, knowing there is no “right thing to say” and that it’s okay if it is awkward.
Third, make sure you are actively listening. The fact that you are there for your friend, family member, or coworker can make a world of difference. As much as you can, try not to find and share a solution to the problem. Focus on asking relevant questions and listening to what they need to tell you.
Fourth, if possible continuously show your support by keeping in contact with your friend. Make sure they know how to reach you if they need it, and be there for them. Check in with them from time to time, with a call, text, , or offer to meet up. Being there shows that you care.

16. Let’s Talk Colorado Conversation Ideas “Thanks for opening up to me.”
“Can we go to coffee on Tuesday?” (Be specific)
“Relapse is a part of recovery, not the end of it.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. It must be tough.”
“Can I drive you to your appointment, or to the pharmacy?”
“How are you feeling today? Is therapy helping?”
Speaker notes: None

17. Let’s Talk Colorado Your Call to Action
Talk openly about mental illnesses
Educate others about mental illnesses
Refer people to NAMI (The National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Visit to learn more!
Speaker notes: Mental illness touches all of us, every day. If you are wondering what more you can do to help reduce the stigma and support your loved ones, here are a few options.
First, the biggest thing we can do is to start talking more openly about mental illnesses. When we do this, we realize that mental illnesses are more common and relatable than we think. We break down the stereotypes and stigma surrounding mental illnesses. And more importantly, people experiencing mental illnesses will be treated with respect and acceptance, and will be more apt to get the care they need. Try sharing your story if you experience a mental illness, or if a loved one has.
Another great resource for mental illnesses is NAMI (The National Alliance on Mental Illness). NAMI has great education classes, support groups, and a collection of resources to help you and your loved ones get the information and care that you need. You can also help show your support for mental health awareness at their annual walk.
And lastly, we encourage you to visit There you will learn more about this campaign and how you can help end the stigma around mental illness.

18. Let’s Talk Colorado Partner Organizations
9Health Fair Doctors Care
Aurora Mental Health Center Douglas County Government
Boulder County Public Health Jefferson Center for Mental Health
Broomfield Public Health Jefferson County Public Health
Centura/Denver South Group Mental Health Center of Denver
Children’s Hospital Colorado Metro Community Provider Network
Clinica Family Health SCL Health
ClinicNet Sheridan Health Services
Community Reach Center Tri-County Public Health
Denver Public Health West Pines Behavioral Health
Speaker notes: None