Designates May 30 of each year as "Stigma Free Awareness Day" in NJ.

AJR160

ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION

No. 160

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

222nd LEGISLATURE

�

INTRODUCED MARCH 10, 2026

Sponsored by:

Assemblywoman� AURA K. DUNN

District 25 (Morris and Passaic)

SYNOPSIS

���� Designates May 30 of each year as �Stigma Free
Awareness Day� in NJ.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

���� As introduced.

��

A Joint
Resolution
designating May 30 of each year
as �Stigma Free Mental Health Awareness Day� in New Jersey.

Whereas,

Mental health conditions can be acute or chronic and can affect an individual�s
psychological, emotional, and social well-being and ability to perform major
life activities; and

Whereas,

According to the Center for Disease Control, diagnosable mental health
conditions are among the most common health conditions in the United States,
with approximately 20 percent of adults and 17 percent of youth aged six to 17
experiencing a mental health disorder; and

Whereas,

In New Jersey, approximately 18 percent of adults reported experiencing mental
illness, 15 percent reported having a substance use disorder, and 4 percent
reported having serious thoughts of suicide; and

Whereas,

Among youth in New Jersey, 12.5 percent experienced at least one major
depressive episode, 7.26 percent reported having a substance use disorder, and
7.5 percent experienced severe major depression; and

Whereas,

Despite the prevalence of diagnosable mental health conditions, however, mental
health stigma remains pervasive and can affect people of all ages,
socioeconomic classes, religions, and racial and ethnic backgrounds; and

Whereas,

Public stigma may manifest in negative stereotypes, such as beliefs that
individuals with mental illness are dangerous, incompetent, or weak in
character, prejudice, and discrimination; and

Whereas,

Self-stigma can manifest as feelings of shame, internalized negative
stereotypes regarding people with mental health conditions, and social
isolation; and

Whereas,

Mental health stigma may lead people to experience worsening mental health
symptoms and may inhibit people from seeking treatment; and

Whereas,

In 2022, 28.2 percent of adults in the United States and 21.7 percent of adults
in New Jersey who reported symptoms of anxiety or depression also reported
having an unmet need for counseling or therapy; and

Whereas,

According to the American Psychological Association, 60 percent of survey
respondents who had an unmet mental health need cited shame and stigma as major
barriers to accessing treatment; and

Whereas,

Over time, internalized feelings of shame and stigma surrounding one�s mental
health can lead to feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts or actions;
and

Whereas,

Due to the serious adverse effects of mental health stigma, stigma-reduction is
a public health priority in New Jersey; and

Whereas,

Mental health experts indicate that having regular discussions concerning
mental health, educating other about mental health, and showing compassion
towards others can help destigmatize mental health and empower individuals in
need to seek help; and

Whereas,

Recognizing May 30 of each year as �Stigma Free Mental Health Awareness Day� in
New Jersey will amplify efforts to increase awareness surrounding the negative
impact of stigma surrounding mental health, normalize conversations about
mental health, and encourage those living with mental health disorders to seek
appropriate treatment; now, therefore,

����
Be It Resolved
by the Senate
and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

���� 1.� May
30 of each year shall be designated as �Stigma Free Mental Health Awareness
Day� in New Jersey.

���� 2.� The Governor is requested
to issue a proclamation annually to recognize Stigma Free Mental Health
Awareness Day and call upon relevant State agencies, organizations, and
citizens of the State to participate in appropriate awareness activities and
initiatives.

���� 3.� This joint resolution
shall take effect immediately.

STATEMENT

���� This joint resolution
designates May 30 of each year as �Stigma Free Mental Health Awareness Day� in
New Jersey to increase awareness surrounding the negative impact of mental
health stigma, normalize conversations about mental health, and encourage those
living with diagnosable mental health conditions to seek help.

���� Diagnosable mental health
conditions can affect an individual�s psychological, emotional, and social
well-being and ability to perform major life activities.� In 2022,
approximately 28 percent of adults in the United States and 21 percent of
adults in New Jersey reported having an unmet need for mental health
treatment.� Many individuals with unmet mental health needs cite shame and
stigma as major barriers to accessing treatment.� Over time, internalized
feelings of shame and stigma surrounding one�s mental health can lead to
feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts or actions.

���� Due to the serious adverse
effects of mental health stigma, stigma-reduction is a public health priority
in New Jersey.� As research demonstrates increasing awareness and having
regular conversations regarding mental health can help destigmatize mental health
and empower those in need to seek treatment, May 30 of each year shall be
designated as �Stigma Free Mental Health Awareness Day� in New Jersey.� The
Governor is requested to issue a proclamation annually to recognize Stigma Free
Mental Health Awareness Day and call upon relevant State agencies,
organizations, and citizens of the State to participate in appropriate
awareness activities and initiatives.