The Power of Film: Humanizing and De-Stigmatizing Mental Health Conditions Through Vivid Storytelling

The Power of Film: Humanizing and De-Stigmatizing Mental Health Conditions Through Vivid Storytelling, panel discussion, following a documentary viewing with film presenters: Kevin M. Lynch, BSBA, MHA, Founder and Chairman The Quell Foundation, Chuck Ingoglia, MSW, President and Chief Executive Officer National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Ali Cunningham Abbott, PhD, LMHC, QS, Program Director & Associate Professor Lynn University, and Carrah Kalat, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Aetna.

Program description

Storytelling is a powerful yet underutilized tool in combating mental health stigma. The Quell Foundation’s documentary, Portraits of Life with Mental Illness, offers an impactful narrative by sharing real-life experiences, bringing a human face to mental health statistics. This film has been shown to effectively reduce stigma, encouraging viewers to reflect more deeply on the personal aspects of mental health. Attendees will view the 50-min film, discuss its findings, and engage in conversations to further normalize mental health discussions in their communities.

Learning Objectives:

- Attendees will identify how mental health stigma is a barrier to healthcare for many individuals, leaving those with a diagnosis without adequate treatment and feelings of isolation.
- Attendees will review the results and methodology of the film's study and determine the efficacy of storytelling through film to reduce stigma.
- Attendees will recognize how mental health stigma may be influencing their own lives and communities and identify ways they can challenge this.