Letter to the Editor
Whitby This Week
October 10, 2003
Mental Illness in focus this week
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, uncertainty about where to turn for help or just having someone to advocate on their behalf.
For 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.
Marie Taylor
Psychiatric Patient Advocate
