The stigma often associated with mental illness can easily become a self-fulfilling prophecy: When we fear, mistrust, or prejudge persons with mental illness, their natural response is one of shame, avoidance, and diminished self-worth. Psychiatric ICU nurse Jessica Gregory urges us to shed the stigma. By sharing how she herself learned to see past her own prejudices, Gregory teaches us to listen, to remain open, and ultimately to see ourselves anew by building genuine relationships with the mentally ill.


Jessica Gregory is a registered nurse and a proud FSCJ alum. Jessica specializes in psychiatric nursing and substance abuse. During her tenure as an FSCJ nursing student, Jessica had the opportunity to present an original research paper on the use of restraints and seclusion in psychiatric nursing practice at an FSCJ student conference. Jessica won an award of recognition for best panel speaker for her contribution. Originally from Long Island, New York, Jessica moved to the Jacksonville area in 1999. She currently resides in Mandarin with her husband, Tom, and 14 year old son, Matthew.

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