Letter to the Editor
The North Bay Nugget
October 06, 2005
It's time to deal with stigma of mental illness
Face Mental Illness is the theme of Mental Illness Awareness Week this year and is being celebrated until Monday.
For many in our community, it is hard to face mental illness. The constant stigmatization of individuals with mental illness prevents them from getting the help they may want or need due to fear of rejection, feeling alone or that they are to blame.
Others simply don't know where to turn for help or get lost in a complex mental health care system. Many will struggle in silence because of the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness, tragically resulting in a loss of human potential and ability to contribute fully to our communities.
It is hoped that we will all "face" the realities of mental illness by recognizing that we can do better as an inclusive, accepting and understanding community.
We need to invest in community-based services and supports, provide equitable access to independent advocacy and rights advice for all individuals with a mental illness, make a full range of treatments available, allow for timely access to care, provide choices and opportunities for employment, housing, education, spiritual interaction, social and recreational activities for individuals with mental illness.
Let's take time to challenge our own misconceptions, to confront stigma and discrimination and offer a hand to someone who has started their journey towards recovery.
We need to remember that some day this could be a member of our family or even us, as statistics show that mental illness affects more than six million Canadians.
Let's face mental illness together as a supportive and understanding community.
Sincerely,
Ed Harrington
Patient Advocate
Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office
North Bay
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