Media
Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal
October 12, 2001
Still a stigma to mental illness
The theme for Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 7-13) is "Making a Difference: shed light, give hope and take action." There is greater inclusion of individuals with mental illness into society, but there is still a long way to go. The Stigma associated with mental illness proves that we are not yet there. Individuals suffering from mental illness should be treated with the same compassion and respect as individuals with other illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Make a difference by getting involved, challenging stereotypes and misconceptions and learning more about mental illness. Individuals with mental illness often do not have access to the same opportunities or supports as others and there are many barriers to inclusion and participation that must be overcome.
One in 5 Canadians will likely experience a mental illness serious enough to impair functioning at some point during their lifetime and may need to access mental health supports and services. Almost every family has been touched by mental illness. Now is the time to think about mental illness, the impact that it has on individuals and families and how society can support the dreams, aspirations, rights and hopes of all individuals with mental illness.
The Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office, established in 1983 to protect the legal and civil rights of in-patients in provincial psychiatric hospitals, is committed to advocating for the advancement of these rights. We must now focus our attention on having every individual seen as an equal partner in the treatment process and involved in all decisions that affect their care, life and treatment.
During Mental Illness Awareness Week we are encouraging everyone to contact community agencies that provide services to individuals with mental illness to participate in activities and to challenge your own beliefs about mental illness, wellness and recovery and to think of ways to support and foster a more inclusive and accepting society.
PAULINE BODNAR
Patient Advocate
Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office
Thunder Bay
