Letter to the Editor
Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal
September 29, 2007
Fostering Mental Health
Mental Illness Awareness Week will be celebrated this year from Sept. 30 – Oct.6, with the theme, “Face It: Mental Illness Concerns Us All.” This theme is sure to resonate with most Ontarians because mental illness has the potential to touch each and every one of us.
We need to examine how we treat some of the most vulnerable members of our communities in their quest for wellness and recovery. Do they have equitable access to quality mental health care and treatment, and the community supports and services necessary for their well-being? Is there timely access to the mental health system; access to safe, decent and affordable housing; adequate income; opportunities for social inclusion; employment; and education?
People can and do recovery from mental illness with ready access to personal and professional supports and services. The hope and encourage provided by caring and inclusive communities are also essential to nurturing recovery.
We must challenge our own misconceptions and prejudices regarding mental illness. This is the surest way to reduce and eliminate the stigma and discrimination that so often stands in the way of individual recovery and continued wellness.
Juanita Lawson
Patient Advocate
Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office
Thunder Bay
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