The 38-year-old actor said he was unaware of mental health issues before the film and the illness was an "abstract idea" for him, reported Ace showbiz.
"It was as if a veil had been lifted after he secured a role as a man with bipolar disorder in 'Silver Linings Playbook'. Since then, 'I want to be part of the solution. And the way to do that is to talk about it, to bring awareness'," Cooper said.
"Albert Nobbs" actress Glenn Close also joined Cooper for the one-day conference. President and Vice President announced the government's support to spread awareness in regards to mental illness during the event.
His performance in "Silver Linings Playbook" earned him his first Academy Award nomination in the Best Actor category.