May 11th, 2024
10 AM - 4 PM
University of New England, 716 Stevens Ave
Portland, ME 04101
Ludcke Building
The S.T.I.G.M.A. event (Standing Together In Growing Mental Health Awareness) was born out of a desire to bring various communities together to unite for a common cause: raise awareness of the centrality of mental health to overall health and well-being and break the stigma that oppresses those with psychiatric labels and prevents people from seeking help. The University of New England Student Occupational Therapy Association has partnered with Looking Ahead Clubhouse, a program of Kennebec Behavioral Health, to create a community-based event that brings people from Greater Portland and surrounding areas together in solidarity around this most critical issue. The statistics don’t lie. This nation is experiencing a mental health crisis of epic proportions. Join us at the S.T.I.G.M.A. event as we raise awareness TOGETHER! The 10 am to 4 pm event will feature food, fun, and connection-building. Click here to view the event schedule. Check back often for updates!
About
More info
More info
Let’s Talk Statistics
- Over 50% of those with clinical level mental health risks do not seek help. In the U.S., 25% of those not seeking treatment report it is due to not wanting others to know. Often people avoid or delay seeking treatment due to concerns about being treated differently or fears of losing their jobs or livelihood.
- Those with serious mental illness are over 10 times more likely to become victims of a violent crime than the general population.
Stereotypes and Prejudices
Harmful Effects of Stigma
- Reduced hope
- Lower self-esteem
- Difficulties with social relationships
- Reduced likelihood of staying with treatment
- Social isolation
- Lack of understanding by family, friends, coworkers, and more.
Public: People with mental illness are dangerous, incompetent, to blame for their disorder, unpredictable.
Self: I am dangerous, incompetent, to blame.
Institutional: Stereotypes are embodied in laws and other institutions.
Ways to Donate
Donations collected provide funds for the Looking Ahead Clubhouse & other Maine Clubhouses as well as a scholarship fund for UNE MSOT students who would like to pursue a focus in mental health.
Donations can be made electronically via University Tickets:
By check, made out to
UNE Student Occupational Therapy Association
As well as:
&
Cash
&
Through
our
Silent Auction
Day-Of Events
The event will be held at the University of New England
716 Stevens Ave.
Portland, ME 04103
Entertainment
Craft Activities
Food
Speakers
Lawn Games
Silent Auction
Event Times
Beginning Remarks: 10am - 11am
Wellbeing Laughter & Stress Relief
with Mary Dempsey & Robert Rivest:
11am - 12pm
Tim Sample: 12pm - 1pm
Art Therapy: 12pm - 3pm
Playing with Fire: 2pm - 3:30pm
Closing Remarks: 4pm
All day events include OT fidgets, self regulation, and games - as well as a silent auction!
Day-Of: Need to Know
Food:
Light fare will be available throughout the day. If you would like to donate food items, click here. Please monitor your own dietary needs.
Bathrooms:
Available on site
Parking:
Parking on street and on campus (please adhere to parking signage)
Additional Information
Contact:
kjalbert@kbhmaine.org
Mental Health Resources
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - Dial 988