Letter to the Editor
The Ottawa Citizen
July 11, 2005
We need a public strategy to help the mentally ill
RE: Ignorance, stigma hinder help in face of mental illness, September 2, 2005.
This Citizen article certainly was a powerful way to draw attention to the issue of stigma and the devastating impact that it can have on individuals with mental illness, their families and our communities.
The loss of human potential and productivity, coupled with the inability to realize hopes and dreams make the challenge of mental illness and its stigma a problem of tragic proportions.
Unfortunately, as Dr. John Bradford points out, some individuals don't seek help or talk to others because of the stigma attached to mental illness and also out of fear of rejection. If we are to demystify mental illness and support people in their quest for wellness and recovery then we must educate ourselves and our communities and move toward becoming more inclusive, understanding and accepting while breaking down the barriers to full participation in society.
What we require in Ontario is a comprehensive, co-ordinated and ongoing anti-stigma and anti-discrimination program to effectively deal with this debilitating problem. The program would require multilevel interventions, including a review of policies and legislation, addressing negative responses from media and the general public, educating health professionals on the principles of recovery, developing a mental health system that is client-centred, educating students at a young age and having zero tolerance for those who discriminate against individuals with mental illness.
Let's get working on removing the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness now so that another generation doesn't have to experience the devastating consequences of it as they embark on their personal journeys of recovery.
David Simpson
Toronto
Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office
< Back
