Public Awareness Related Content

Alaptagin Khan, MBBS, FRSPH , a research associate at McLean Hospital, is leading an effort to improve the state of mental health care in Pakistan —the country where he grew up and most of his family still lives. More than 216 million people live in Pakistan. Only about 450 of those people, however...

“There’s a strange part of us that likes this kind of work, but it doesn’t have to lead to depression and alcoholism. It doesn’t have to be a life sentence.” These are the words of Wayne Torres , a captain at the Bristol County (Massachusetts) Sheriff’s Office, who is in recovery from an addiction...

Last month, in honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10, Sean Shinnock, a volunteer in McLean’s Deconstructing Stigma campaign, was invited to speak to employees of The Boston Foundation about mental health and the importance of getting help. Sean shared his story of living with severe OCD...

Singer and actress Selena Gomez was honored with the 2019 McLean Award at the hospital’s Annual Dinner held on September 13. Each year, McLean presents the award to individuals who have furthered the public’s understanding of psychiatric illness and mental health. Previous honorees include NFL star...

Jessica Lareau, a graduate social work intern in the Division of Alcohol, Drugs, and Addiction , is working to change the language used to discuss substance use at McLean Hospital. Lareau is building on studies that show the negative impact of stigmatizing language. She seeks to replace stigmatizing...

McLean Hospital, the largest psychiatric affiliate of Harvard Medical School, and Britain’s DB Recovery Resources (DB Recovery+) are honored to announce the recipients of the first international Deconstructing Stigma Awards. Political statesman Lord Brooke of Alverthorpe and journalist Camilla...

While people around the world may speak different languages and have cultures that are vastly different, there is one thing that affects every community: mental illness and the impact it has on individuals and families. Bringing expertise internationally through a thoughtful approach that includes...

The difference between writing a check for an important cause and riding a bike for one is Mac Dorris. In founding the Ride for Mental Health in 2017, Dorris has created an opportunity for people to do both. The event’s scenic course, stellar logistics, and excellent vibe have attracted both serious...

The following story features Vaidehi , a participant in our Deconstructing Stigma: Changing Attitudes About Mental Health public awareness campaign. Told through the eyes of its participants, this campaign boldly challenges the misconceptions of what those with mental illness look like and is...

The following story features Keith , a former firefighter and participant in our Deconstructing Stigma: Changing Attitudes About Mental Health public awareness campaign. Told through the eyes of its participants, this campaign boldly challenges the misconceptions of what those with mental illness...

Raising awareness to eliminate stigma is a fundamental element of McLean’s mission to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by psychiatric illness. This month—Mental Health Awareness Month—offers a special opportunity to reflect on how we as a community can better serve those living...

McLean Hospital’s Deconstructing Stigma team traveled to Maine this month to formally launch its partnership with the Maine Department of Corrections (MEDOC) to address mental health needs among inmates and corrections staff. McLean aims to help the MEDOC increase accessibility to and strengthen...

Ana Febres-Cordero, who took part in McLean Hospital’s Deconstructing Stigma campaign , is featured in a new book about running, mental health, and recovery. The book, Outrunning the Demons , was written by Phil Hewitt, a marathon runner who struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder after he was...

The “Exploring Brain and Mental Health” exhibit opened at the Nehru Science Centre (NSC) in Mumbai, India, on Monday, February 11, 2019. Developed by McLean Hospital, a leading psychiatric hospital in the United States, in collaboration with the NSC and the Dr. N.S. Vahia Foundation , the exhibit...

The following story features Robert , a participant in our Deconstructing Stigma: A Change in Thought Can Change a Life mental health public awareness campaign. Told through the eyes of its participants, this campaign boldly challenges the misconceptions of what those with mental illness look like...

McLean Hospital has launched its first-ever podcast— Mindful Things . This new audio series explores mental health through frank, in-depth, personal, and sometimes difficult conversations about the many things that affect our mental well-being. “Mindful Things is a component of a larger public...

The following story features Ivy , a participant in our Deconstructing Stigma: A Change in Thought Can Change a Life mental health public awareness campaign. Told through the eyes of its participants, this campaign boldly challenges the misconceptions of what those with mental illness look like and...

We strive to ensure that McLean Hospital is a diverse and inclusive environment, where everyone feels safe, respected, and free to be themselves without judgment or prejudice, and we firmly stand in support of our friends, colleagues, and patients who are transgender. This is why we are concerned...

This letter, drafted by the multidisciplinary leadership team from across McLean Hospital’s seven divisions, outlines why Question 1 is bad for the health of Massachusetts citizens. Dear Members of the McLean Hospital Community: This November, voters across Massachusetts are being asked to cast a...

In November 2018, Massachusetts residents will vote on Ballot Question 1. This proposed law would limit how many patients could be assigned to each registered nurse in Massachusetts hospitals and certain other health care facilities. What is this proposal? Question 1 on the November ballot would...