World Mental Health Day

�Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all.�

- Bill Clinton -

Every year on the 10th of October, �World Mental Health Day� is commemorated. The objective is to raise awareness around the globe about mental health issues, and help end the stigma, the misunderstandings, the discrimination and the bullying that those who have a mental illness face every day.

Just like any other sickness, mental illness affects the physiology of the body and the brain. It�s not something to be feared. It�s not just a passing �phase�. It�s not a sign of weakness. It�s not a character flaw. It�s not something you �get over� or �snap out of�. It is a disease like any other.

Isn�t it about time that we understood this?

With proper treatment, individuals with mental illness can recover and lead normal lives. But the stigma associated with these �diseases� prevents many from seeking help and support. They worry that others will judge them. They worry about losing their jobs. And they worry about being ridiculed and even rejected.

Isn�t it about time that we changed our flawed perception and started supporting them?

A mental illness is what we have. It is not who we are. And it could happen to anyone.

Even you.

Let�s stomp out the stigma!


Happy weekend to all, and happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Canucks!