Health and Social Services Minister Mildred Dover today proclaimed the week October 4 to 10, 1999, Mental Illness Awareness Week in the province.
"The week is an important opportunity for us to work with our partners to provide the public with information on mental illness and reduce the stigma related to mental illness," said the minister.
The theme for the week this year is "Mental Illness: Coming Together to Care" which reflects the reality that many people need to work together to provide support, treatment and rehabilitation to the more than one million Canadians with a serious mental illness.
Care is provided to people with serious mental illness by professional psychiatric teams which often include psychiatrists, social workers, psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, and others. This work is supported in the community by mental health organizations, self-help groups and support networks.
Mental Illness Awareness Week has been designated by the Canadian Psychiatric Association and its partners, Canadian Mental Health Association, the Mood Disorders Association Of Canada, the Schizophrenia Society of Canada, and the National Network for Mental Health.
Dr. Pamela Forsythe , well-known PEI psychiatrist and newly-elected president of the Canadian Psychiatric Association, advised that special events are planned to celebrate the week, such as an open house in Unit 9, the psychiatric unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Thursday, October 7th at 1:30 p.m. Information displays are also being set up at Hillsborough Hospital and Community Mental Health facilities.
Dr. Forsythe said the theme of working together is very appropriate for PEI. "Islanders are fortunate to have many supports including caring communities and mental health teams, and strong advocacy and self-help networks. Clients and families often comment on the caring they experience from mental health staff, and this goes a long way in their treatment and recovery," she said.
Information on Mental Health Awareness Week activities will be presented October 19, 1999 on Island Focus, Government's community cable television show. More information on the week can be obtained through the Canadian Psychiatric Association web page at www.miaw@medical.org. For more information contact: Emily Bryant, Department of Health and Social Services at (902) 368-6718.