'Like Minds, Like Mine': a New Zealand project to counter the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate how mass media advertising and community education has been successfully used in New Zealand as part of a comprehensive public health project to reduce stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness.

Conclusions: The involvement of people with experience of mental illness in the campaign has been critical to its success. Advertising involving the stories of well-known and famous people who have experienced mental illness has created significant interest, awareness and improved attitudes among the general public. Local community education and other follow-up activities have also contributed to this success.