As the worldwide conversation on mental health has grown, so too has the conversation within our industry. We are learning more about the dimensions of the problem and the depths of people’s pain and despair, and the role that the unique stresses, demands and culture of our industry play. The time has clearly come for all of us to take an active role in fighting the stigma associated with mental illness and to offer a helping hand to our colleagues who are struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, harassment, or addiction.

The goal of this initiative is to provide easily accessible information, tools and resources to members of the entertainment industry that will:

• Make it easier for individuals to self-identify issues and seek help in early stage as well as crisis situations
• Increase industry members’ confidence about how to reach out and provide assistance to individuals in need of support
• Help employers and supervisors become effective leaders in changing the culture regarding mental health, identifying and supporting at-risk individuals, responding to a mental health crisis such as suicide or accidental overdose, and reintegrating individuals who have been impacted by a mental health or substance misuse crisis back into the workplace