Mental Illness Awareness Week

Oops.

Just two days into the new 'schedule' of blogging, and we're already behind! Still, we can always pick up and keep on going, which is exactly what we are going to do (and we're going to tie two topics from the schedule together).

Mental illness has too long been in the shadows, something that society has kept quiet about, and kept hidden out of shame and discomfort. That is why we are so pleased that it seems that recently it seems to have come out of the shadows somewhat, thanks to a great many programs, events, initiative, and, most importantly, people. We will talk more about these in future posts, but for today we'd like to point out that Mental Illness Awareness Week, a global event, has been in existence for almost 20 years in Canada. This event puts real faces to mental health issues in order to reduce stigma, and to illustrate that recovery is possible. In 2009 the week takes place from October 4th to 10th, with activities taking place around the country. In Vancouver, some of these events include depression, anxiety and risky drinking screenings as part of Beyond the Blues. Keep checking this blog or the official site for more information about specific dates and sites.

Another important organization that is working to raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce stigma is the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Canada is currently the only G8 nation without a mental health strategy, and the Commission is working to change that through various initiatives, including those that embrace the idea of a national partnership of people and organizations working to reduce stigma and improve the lives of those living with mental illnesses. For more information on how you can help, visit their site.

There is still much work to be done, but these are the events that present the faces of those living with mental illness, who may be our family, friends, neighbours, co-workers, us.