Letter to the Editor
Chronicle Journal
July 27, 2002
Attitudes changing about mental health
The Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office (PPAO) would like to commend your July 19 editorial "An Understanding of Mental Illness".
The PPAO has worked towards the elimination of the stigma that affects persons with serious mental illness. Stigma often causes individuals with mental illness to be afraid to disclose their illness or to seek help for fear of ridicule or rejection. As a community, we must see individuals with mental illness as people first - people with hopes, dreams and aspirations - instead of concentrating on the illness. All people should be treated with dignity and respect.
As a society we must assist and support individuals in their quest for wellness, recovery and full participation in the community. We can no longer accept intolerance and injustice for individuals with mental illness. Instead, we must focus on promoting change and an environment of acceptance. It's time for each of us to show more acceptance and understanding.
We are pleased with the sensitivity you have shown and we support continued efforts to combat the stigma and stereotypes associated with mental illness. The media plays an important role in educating the public and breaking down barriers. Articles such as this effect social change and address the need to include everyone in building an inclusive and accepting community.
Jane MacKenzie
Patient Advocate
Carolyn Croft
Rights Adviser
