Letter to the Editor
Thunder Bay Post
October 10, 2003
Mental Health Week a time for reflection
The theme of this year's Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 5-11, 2003)
campaign is "Mental Illness and the Family - Resources for Recovery."
The week offers an opportunity to recognize the tapestry of families associated with the recovery process of persons with mental illness and to support them in achieving for their loved ones what all of us seek: a home, a job, a family, to be loved and cared for, to have the best chance possible at realizing their hopes and dreams and to live in a caring, inclusive and accepting community. The contribution that some families make in support of their loved ones often goes without recognition or appreciation.
All too often families tell us at the PPAO that they are frustrated by a system that appears to be unresponsive and uncaring. They report a lack of education around mental health legislation, a lack of community supports and services tailored to the needs of the individual, caregiver fatigue, individuals with mental illness the barriers are often just as challenging but together we can make a difference.
Ours is a hopeful message, a message that things can and will be better and that as a community we can improve the quality of life of all individuals with a mental illness, but we must work together to realize this goal.
During Mental Illness Awareness Week, let us as a community take a thoughtful look at how mental health services are provided, to assess how we can support individuals in their quest for wellness and recovery, to recognize the contributions that families make, and to encourage the government to invest now in the services and supports that are required. This must be our call to action.
Juanita Lawson
Patient Advocate
Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office
