Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 6 through 12, is a national public awareness campaign launched by the Canadian Psychiatric Association. Its aim is to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness.
This year, the purpose of the week is to encourage us to reach out to overcome the barriers that stop people from getting help for their mental health problems. We need to be watchful and reach out to a friend, relative or colleague in need.
Anyone in need of help for themselves or a friend or loved one should waste no time calling the closest community mental health centre or a help line.
It is a sad fact that mental illness is an important factor in the rate of suicide. If we feel that someone near to us is in need of help, we must remember that reaching out a helping hand can prevent suicide.