Letter to the Editor
The Midland Mirror
May 10, 2006
Mind Your Health
May 1-7 was Mental Health Week, celebrated with the theme "take control of your health, take care of your mind." The Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office would like to challenge all members of the community to work together to address the physical and mental health needs of all Ontarians, fostering a culture of health and wellbeing for everyone.
Practicing mind and body fitness centres on a healthy mind, body and spirit and allows us to lead a well-balanced and fulfilling life while coping with the daily stressors and pressures of life. However, for many individuals with mental illness there are formidable barriers to surmount in the pursuit of mental health, wellness and recovery.
Some of these include overcoming the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness, accessing needed and wanted care and treatment, and being included in an accepting and understanding community. The social determinants of health must be addressed if we are to support people in achieving good physical and mental health.
This includes access to adequate education, employment, income, housing, and social support.
Let's make a renewed commitment to supporting and assisting people to take control of their health and take care of their minds. It is often said that there is no health without mental health, so let this become our call to action to the benefit of all Ontarians.
Sincerely,
Cathy DiFonte and Julian Kusek
Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office
Penetanguishene
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