Tomorrow, October 10th, is not just Thanksgiving- it is World Mental Health Day. It is important in our society to recognize mental health issues as being as severe an issue as physical disabilities. In fact people who suffer from Alzheimer's, anxiety disorder, Huntington's and severe psychotic disorder- among the 20% of Canadians who suffer from a mental illness - need the general public's help more than those suffering from a physical disability. What kind of "help" am I referring to? I am addressing the issue of stigma that is attached to mental health problems. Often the idea of bipolar or schizophrenia is a subject of entertainment on popular television shows, even though they are serious issues affecting millions of people. If people are educated on the the symptoms of mental health disorders as well as the social, financial and emotional repercussions it can have on a person's life the stigma can be eliminated altogether. Ignorance fuels stigma- so lets get informed! Furthermore, in a stigma-ridden society people who are experiencing the symptoms of a mental health disorder may feel slightly more comfortable in coming forth to get the help they need to recover. So how can you help!? Tomorrow when the family is gathered around the dinner table and counting their blessings make a simple toast: "Let's Cheers to Good Mental Health!".
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