Letter to the Editor
Hamilton Spectator
July 18, 2003
Mental Illness: We must end the stereotypes
Re: Mental Patient walks free: Canada-wide warrant issued for man police
warn may be dangerous (July 14)
All too often, the media use sensational language that tends to perpetuate
stereotypes regarding mental illness, promote fear in the community and
lead to irresponsible conclusions being drawn. Such articles contribute to
the lack of understanding about mental illness and the conditioned stigma
attached to people in hospital.
Persons with mental illness who are in care and treatment are not "mental patients" as was described in the headline. They are individuals who may be our family, friends and neighbours who are in care and treatment.
Patients who receive care in a hospital as a result of involvement with the criminal justice system are as entitled to understanding and support as anyone else with mental illness. Individuals who find themselves in Ontario's forensic mental health system are there because the court has recognized their need for care and treatment instead of simply incarcerating and punishing them. Such persons have been placed in hospital to be slowly reintegrated into society as their illness improves and must be allowed all of the dignity and freedoms possible with that goal in mind.
Winnie Doyle, vice-president of mental health services for St. Joseph's Hospital, should be commended for her patient-centred approach, acknowledging that "the more you strip people of their own personal belongings, the greater battle it is for them to rehabilitate back into the community."
Individuals under her care are there because society has recognized their need for support, care and treatment. She has met her obligation under the law to keep information confidential and to protect the rights of individuals sent to her facility for care and treatment. She has met her obligation under the law to keep information confidential and to protect the rights of individuals sent to her facility for care and treatment. As a patient-rights organization, we applaud and support the way that she has responded to the media.
As the Ontario Association for Chiefs of Police calls for a province-wide study on the criminalization of the mentally ill and increased scrutiny is directed at a decentralized forensic mental health system, it is irresponsible to echo a worn-out stereotype of mental illness.
We must work together to promote systemic change that will allow individuals in Ontario's forensic mental health system to participate fully in the community, achieve their full potential and have the supports and services required to continue their journey towards wellness and recovery.
Gwen Davidson
Patient Advocate
Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office
