Mental Health and Addiction: Confronting the Stigma

Jay Shifman experienced his own struggles with mental health and addiction. Now, he’s on a journey to remove the stigma surrounding these issues.
Mental Health and Addiction: Confronting the Stigma
Jay Shifman (C) has dedicated his life to removing the stigma associated with mental health and addiction. Courtesy of Jay Shifman
Andrew Thomas
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Mental health and substance abuse are arguably two of the most stigmatized subjects in our society. The terrible irony is that talking about these subjects is the first and most important step to helping those who are struggling. Jay Shifman experienced confronting both of these struggles, and now he’s dedicated his life to opening the conversation.

Shifman, 33, lives on Daniel Island, South Carolina. Shifman grew up in Amberley, Ohio, a predominantly Jewish suburb of Cincinnati. Growing up, Shifman was blessed with loving parents and three younger brothers.