Older adults from the silent generation are often more resistive to mental health treatment than people of a previous or later generation. It once was a functional attitude. When the aerospace industry was a leading employer in the area a diagnosis of depression in a family member could spoil a worker’s security clearance. Medical treatment for other psychiatric diagnosis had side effects like involuntary movement disorders. Films would portray mentally ill people as maniacs and psychopaths. World War II veterans were among the first “normal” people to benefit from psychotherapy. Better treatments, both medical and psychological, have improved outcomes. Long term hospitalization and disability are no longer expected. But stigma continues. Shame, avoidance and denial are hard to release, but it can be done. NAMI is the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill. It is a support organization for consumers of mental health services and their families. The have a stigma busters arm that identifies movies, TV shows and other media that demean or ostracize people with a mental illness and call for letter writing campaigns to the organization. They also support and recognize media like the film “A Beautiful Mind” that portray mentally ill people in a realistic and respectful manner. Dolores, a past National Association President and I will have some material to share on this topic at the Temple City Health Fair on April 26 at Temple City Park. Stop by the table and say “Hi.”