CMHA Windsor-Essex Supports Mental Illness Awareness Week
Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is happening October 2-8, 2016. MIAW is an annual national public education campaign coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health in cooperation with all its member organizations, including CMHA.
This year’s MIAW theme is Spreading Awareness, Reducing Stigma. As one in five Canadians live with mental health issues, the campaign encourages Canadians to share their personal stories about stigma and how it negatively affects them in their personal life, in the workplace, or in their community.
“Mental illnesses can be treated effectively but we need to keep fighting to eliminate stigma and discrimination so that people will feel comfortable seeking help,” said Claudia den Boer, CEO, CMHA-WECB.
“For example, nearly half of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never gone to see a doctor about their problem. We need to change our attitudes so we can treat our mental health like our physical health.”
CMHA-WECB has a number of events planned throughout the week including: an Agency Information Session on October 4, and a “Make Your Own Marathon” launch on October 6. Complete event details are available online.
CMHA-WECB enhances and promotes the mental health of all persons and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness in our community through education, prevention, advocacy and services.
