Wednesday, May 31, 2006

National Mental Health Week (in Canada) - May 1-7, 2006

This is a bit late...

National Mental Health Week (in Canada) - May 1-7, 2006
This week is National Mental Health Week in Canada. Many Canadians are affected personally by mental illness - including many who support family members, friends and co-workers - which is why the Government of Canada continues to work with the provinces and territories to improve prevention and treatment of mental illness.

One in five Canadians will directly experience a mental illness at some point in their lifetime. For far too long, the stigma of mental illness has made the victim hide their suffering while society failed to adequately address and meet their needs. The perception of mental illness is improving but more work needs to be done to educate people about the illness. It can happen to absolutely anyone and, like other illnesses, many people can successfully recover with proper treatment.

For those who suffer with mental illness it's important they know what avenue they can take to receive treatment. Whether it is speaking with your doctor, counsellor, psychologist, psychiatrist or attending a support group, help is available.

Today there are effective medications that doctors can prescribe along with other treatments to deal with mental illness. Reaching out to family, friends or colleagues for support and assistance can be quite helpful.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is building on last year's Mental Health Week theme, practicing mind and body fitness, to promote nation-wide awareness and education. Improving individual mental health is a step in the right direction toward reducing the number of mental illnesses that affect Canadians each year.

Mental health is a vital part of overall wellness. As Minister of Health, I encourage you to join the CMHA in marking this important week.

Tony Clement
Minister of Health

For more information about mental health, please visit It's Your Health - Mental Illness.