PPAO in the Media
9 October, 2003
Chronicle - Journal
Family focus of Mental Illness Week
The theme of Mental Illness Awareness Week this year centres on the family.
The annual campaign which began Sunday and ends Saturday looks at Mental Illness and the Family -- Resources for Recovery.
"The contribution that some families make in support of their loved ones often goes without recognition or appreciation," Juanita Lawson of the psychiatric patient advocate office said yesterday.
"All too often families tell us that they are frustrated by a system that appears to be unresponsive and uncaring," Lawson said.
"They report a lack of education around mental health legislation, a lack of community supports and services tailored to the needs of the individual.
"They report caregiver fatigue and uncertainty about where to turn for help or just having someone to advocate on their behalf."
Lawson said the week offers an opportunity to recognize the "tapestry of families associated with the recovery process of persons with mental illness.
"And to support them in achieving for their loved ones what all of us seek: a home, a job, a family; to be loved and cared for, and to have the best chance possible at realizing their hopes and dreams.
"They want to live in a caring, inclusive and accepting community," Lawson said.
"Ours is a hopeful message, a message that things can and will be better and that as a community we can improve the quality of life of all individuals with a mental illness, but we must work together to realize this goal," she said.
The patient's advocate office promotes the civil and legal rights of patients and encourages them to advocate for themselves by giving them resources and skills to do that.
Jim Kelly
