Media
The Welland Tribune
October 4, 2004
We all have a role to play
Did you know that Mental Illness Awareness Week is being marked starting today. And did you know that the theme of this year's campaign is Face Mental Illness? Quite frankly, neither did we. But we learned about this through a moving letter sent from the Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office which provided some need-to-know facts and stats about mental illness.
For example,
- One in five Canadians is likely to experience a diagnosable mental illness during their lifetime;
- The cost of mental illness to the individual, their families and communities is profound;
- Mental disorders account for 50% of the 10 leading causes of disability worldwide;
Health Canada statistics show that in 1998, mental health problems had a price tag of $14.4 billion.
But the advocate office makes it clear in its letter that most significant is the individual, human cost that is part of mental illness. It was explained this way: "While many will seek needed treatment, rehabilitation and support s ervices, others will be deterred by fear of the consequences of disclosing their illness. Some will encounter significant gaps in services and supports. Both stigma and the lack of comprehensive resources present as formidable barriers to individuals getting the help they want and need."
The letter goes on to say that a mentally ill person's journey toward recovery is a very personal one. It makes a point that's worthy of consideration: that it is incumbent on the mental health system to provide individualized and holistic care. And here's something that all forward thinking people should be eager to endorse. The letter calls on us "to address the root causes of stigma. We must demystify mental illness through education and understanding and , in so doing, eradicate discrimination."
For too long, the stigma attached to being mentally ill has been discriminatory, punitive and dehumanizing resulting at times in sad circumstances not only for the mentally ill but their families too. So here's what needs to be done, according to the eloquent letter: "By dismantling the barriers to inclusion and supporting the development of needed resources, we have the power to significantly improve the quality of life for people with mental illness." This is why the theme of this week is so meaningful. All of us can help shape attitudes about mental illness. We can turn apprehension and fear into compassion and understanding. And we can turn closed, cold hearts into open, embracing ones. It was well said: let's take responsibility for becoming a caring, accepting and inclusive community. And if we haven't already taken steps, this week is the perfect time to start.
