Letter to the Editor
Kingston This Week
October 2, 2006
We must improve our understanding of mental illness, advocates write
This year the continuing theme for Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 1-7, 2006) is "Face Mental Illness."
Mental illnesses account for five of the ten leading causes of disability worldwide and nearly six million or twenty percent of Canadians will experience mental illness in their lifetime.
The economic and personal costs to affected individuals, their families and communities are staggering and many will be disadvantaged by limited access to employment, education, housing, financial and social support.
Ontarians with mental illness struggle with shortfalls in community-based programming and the marginalizing effects of stigma and discrimination. Some will not seek assistance because of the negative consequences of being diagnosed with a mental disorder. Others who are actively striving toward recovery and wellness may be unable to access needed treatment, rehabilitative and support services in their home communities. They may also encounter profound barriers to inclusion in society at large.
We, as individuals, our communities and our government all have a role to play in supporting the recovery and continued well-being of those directly impacted by mental illness. Together, we must ensure that our most vulnerable citizens have access to the highest quality of treatment, rehabilitation, support, advocacy and rights protection services close to home. We must also guarantee that their autonomy, dignity and civil rights are protected and fully realized, independent of any disability they may have.
During Mental Illness Awareness Week, let us work to improve our understanding of mental illness and its consequences and take the necessary steps to eradicate the stigma and discrimination associated with it.
Sincerely,
Colleen Woodruff
Patient Advocate
Betty Spencer
Rights Adviser
Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office
Kingston
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