Mental health advocates back new bill

BOSTON (WWLP) - Mental health advocates say 1 in 10 people in Massachusetts have mental illness; anything from depression to schizophrenia. Yet there is a social stigma on people suffering from mental disease, so victims often don't come forward.

Advocates are proposing a bill to establish a commission that studies the success of recovery systems delivered by people with mental illness- called peer specialists. Under these systems, people with mental illness can be employed to create safe environments where others recovering from mental disease can receive help.

“What our movement is about is sharing. I have this diagnosis, I have this experience, I've experienced extreme distress and I'm in recovery. I am recovered, I'm working as a way, as a role model,” said Deborah Delman, Transformation Center Executive Director.

Mental health advocates say that there are Recovery Learning Communities across the state run by peer specialists, including one in Holyoke.