A panel titled "Mental Health and Stigma in Mental Illnesses" was held as part of World Mental Health Day.
A panel titled "Mental Health and Stigma in Mental Illnesses" was held as part of World Mental Health Day, in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatric Nursing at Hitit University Faculty of Health Sciences and the Hitit University Green Crescent Club.
The panel, held on October 16, 2026, in Classroom D11 of the Faculty of Health Sciences, was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Serpil Yılmaz, Head of the Department of Psychiatric Nursing. Speakers included Aslı Gönülal, a Specialist Psychiatric Nurse from the Çorum Community Mental Health Center (TRSM), Hilal Şimşek, President of the Hitit University Green Crescent Club, and Eylül Gedik, Head of the Club's Supervisory Board.
In her presentation, Specialist Psychiatric Nurse Aslı Gönülal addressed the effects of stigma on individuals with mental illnesses, providing information about the functioning and services of the Community Mental Health Center. She emphasized the importance of reducing prejudice against individuals with mental illnesses and promoting social acceptance.
Hilal Şimşek, President of the Yeşilay Club, and Eylül Gedik, President of the Club's Supervisory Board, addressed the issue of stigma surrounding addiction with an interactive and participatory approach. The presentation, which involved active student participation, highlighted the importance of raising awareness about addiction, avoiding attitudes that label and exclude individuals with addiction, and using understanding and supportive language instead of judgmental and accusatory statements. The importance of preventing discriminatory behavior towards individuals with addiction and developing social sensitivity was also emphasized.
The panel, held as part of World Mental Health Day, contributed to students gaining awareness about stigma related to mental illnesses and addiction, questioning their prejudices, and developing a more inclusive approach.
