Mental and physical health are equally important to the holistic wellbeing of a person, and it touches every single one of us in some way. Yet, mental illness is often stigmatized, denoted as abnormal and perceived as less real than a physical ailment, which causes impacted individuals to suffer silently and alone – afraid to seek support. Calling on personal narratives and professional experience, Mary Beth Fishback provides a voice for individuals impacted by mental illness, reframing the notion of normality. We are challenged to de-stigmatize mental illness and understand what it means to see the person (not the illness) first.

Mary Beth Fishback has been personally touched by mental illness both directly and indirectly, as family members and close friends have been impacted. She has a passion for the advancement of mental health care including, reducing barriers and improving access to quality mental health care for all individuals.

Fishback is the Master of Public Health Program Coordinator at South Dakota State University. She holds a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, a Master of Public Health, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Health Sciences with an emphasis in mental health research. Mary Beth has provided direct patient care for individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness and has extensive experience with the development and implementation of treatment programs directed towards individuals impacted by mental illness.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx