We have found that the stigma around what we are dealing with can be worse than the diseases themselves. – Glenn Close
Actor Glenn Close shares her personal journey with mental health, influenced by her family’s struggles.
She discusses the stigma around mental illnesses and how she founded Bring Change to Mind, an organization aimed at combating these prejudices and providing support to those affected.
Table of Contents
- Personal Connection to Mental Health
- Founding of Bring Change to Mind
- Recognizing Signs of Mental Illness
- Jessie’s Resilience Amid Challenges
- Social Exclusion Due to Mental Illness
- Crisis of Care in Mental Health Treatment
Personal Connection to Mental Health
Glenn Close’s advocacy for mental health stems from her family’s experiences.
Her sister Jessie battled suicidal thoughts while her nephew Calen lives with schizophrenia.
These experiences highlighted the prevalent stigma surrounding mental illnesses, often proving more challenging than the diseases themselves.
Founding of Bring Change to Mind
Close founded Bring Change to Mind in response to witnessing the discrimination associated with mental illness.
Initially intending to produce public service announcements, the organization has since evolved into a network of over 540 clubhouses across 43 states providing peer-to-peer support.
