Janssen Tackles Mental Health Stigma in New Healthy Minds Videos

TITUSVILLE, N.J., Oct. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A new series of videos about stigma and mental illness are being released today by Janssen Research & Development, LLC ("Janssen") as part of its Healthy Minds video library, which offers discussions about progress in brain research, treatment options, and resources for people with a mental health condition, their families, and communities. The new videos can be viewed on the Janssen Global YouTube channel.

The videos capture diverse perspectives by renowned champions of mental health issues, representing research, advocacy and policy. Featured in the videos are: Mary Giliberti, J.D., Executive Director at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI); former U.S. Congressman Patrick Kennedy; and Husseini K. Manji, M.D., a psychiatrist and Global Head of Neuroscience at Janssen. The series is hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Vicki Mabrey.

An estimated 450 million people globally have a mental illness. However, nearly 60 percent of those individuals never seek treatment. "An important thing we can do collectively is help individuals with a mental illness and their supporters understand they're not alone," said Giliberti. "Connecting people to support groups, educational information and other resources will help create an environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking treatment."

The experts also bring to light the marginalizing aspects of stigma that people living with a mental illness experience daily, and the arduous, yet necessary, task of breaking down that stigma.

"We've learned that education and open discussion about other health issues such as cancer and HIV led to reduction in stigma about them, and that is our goal with mental illness," said Dr. Manji. "We want to reach a moment in history when people with a mental illness are treated no differently than someone who has a medical condition not related to the brain. That's what we are striving to accomplish through this series."

The new videos address the following topics with Dr. Manji and guests:

• How Stigma Affects Perceptions of Mental Illness and Hinders Getting Help
  (with Mary Giliberti)
• Facing Stigma and Breaking it Down (with Mary Giliberti)
• Addressing Stigma about Mental Illness (with Patrick Kennedy)
• Taking Action for Change (with Patrick Kennedy)

The videos also address opportunities that exist to help make societal changes for a better future. "Whether it's an immediate family member or a friend, we all have a connection to mental illness," said Congressman Kennedy. "That's why we have a responsibility to the next generation to make progress in how we as a society address mental health issues."

The video series is part of Janssen's Healthy Minds initiative, dedicated to advancing neuroscience research, news and information regarding mental health. The video project serves as a platform to continue Janssen's leadership and innovation in neuroscience, mental health education, public health and advocacy.

About Janssen Research & Development, LLC
At Janssen, we are dedicated to addressing and solving some of the most important unmet medical needs of our time in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious diseases and vaccines, and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Driven by our commitment to patients, we develop innovative products, services and healthcare solutions to help people throughout the world. Janssen Research & Development is part of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. Please visit www.janssenrnd.com for more information.

About Janssen's Healthy Minds Program
Janssen's interests in integrated care for brain diseases have a direct connection to the Janssen Healthy Minds program, launched in 2011 to encourage collaboration among biotechnology, pharmaceutical and public-sector organizations to accelerate the discovery of new therapeutic solutions for neurologic and brain diseases. Healthy Minds builds on Janssen's longstanding legacy of achievement in advancing neuroscience research. The company's work in this area dates back to the 1950s, when Dr. Paul Janssen's discovery and development work led to one of the first breakthrough treatments for schizophrenia. Janssen takes its name from "Dr. Paul," who is known as one of the 20th century's most gifted and passionate physicians and pharmaceutical researchers.

Over the last half century, Janssen has discovered, developed and launched many innovative treatments for brain and CNS conditions and remains firmly committed to neuroscience. Janssen supports public and professional education about mental illness and brain disorders, and funds sponsorships and philanthropy in the field of neuroscience and mental health.

Contact:
Greg Panico
Janssen Research & Development, LLC
(609) 730-3061
[email protected]

SOURCE Janssen Research & Development, LLC