Mental Illness Awareness Week | October 6 – 12, 2024

Access for All: Time for Action, Time for Change

Illness, which arises from a mental health or addiction problem, can affect all aspects of a person’s life, from an overall experience of well-being to relationships, from employment opportunities to life expectancy. Let’s work together to create a culture of understanding and acceptance.

Mental health, refers to our overall well-being. It’s possible to experience poor mental health without having a mental illness, and conversely, individuals with a diagnosed mental illness can also have good mental health. Mental illness, on the other hand, refers to diagnoses that can significantly affect a person’s thinking, mood, or behavior. These conditions can vary in severity and include disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, among others.

Twenty-six years ago, in 1999, the Brandon Mental Health Center closed its doors. This closure was a result of a “Deinstitutionalization Movement.” People recognized that long-term mental health facilities harmed the human right of freedom of the individual. Once admitted, patients could spend the rest of their lives in an institution, isolated from their communities and families, and subject to care that could be coercive or harmful. This practice also increased stigma in the community. People were treated differently or made to feel ashamed of their illness.

Stigma results in fewer opportunities for work, school, social activities, or housing. It can cause bullying or violence. It isolates people, and it may increase the risk of exploitation. Stigma reinforces a false belief that a person cannot or will not be successful in overcoming challenges or succeeding in their goals. Stigma, discrimination, and harmful experiences – particularly in childhood – can reduce mental wellness.

Mental illness is on the rise in Canada. For example, between 2012 and 2022, the prevalence of Generalized Anxiety Disorder doubled, from 2.6% to 5.2%. If you have not had personal experience with a mental illness, it is likely you know somebody who has. In 2022, 18% of Canadians 15 and over met the diagnostic criteria for a mood, anxiety, or substance use disorder in the prior 12 months (Mental disorders and access to mental health care (statcan.gc.ca)).

People who live with mental illness may not have similar access to conditions that support health compared to someone who does not have a mental illness. Researchers have identified these conditions as the “social determinants of mental health.” Income, employment, education, food security and nutrition, social support and connections, and physical and psychological safety, particularly in childhood, are all essential factors that can promote – or harm – our mental health.

By improving access to life factors promoting health, we can increase the well-being of our communities, families, and ourselves. There are practical steps we can all take to improve the mental health of ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities:

Get Informed!

• Listen to the people around you. Taking time to hear stories can provide valuable insight into the symptoms and challenges associated with mental illness or mental distress. You will hear about a variety of ways that people find support during challenging times, and you will hear about the barriers people are experiencing in real-time.
• Stigma and discrimination cause harm. The Ontario Human Rights Commission has more information about the historical harms of mental health discrimination in Appendix A: Historical context | Ontario Human Rights Commission (ohrc.on.ca).
• PMH and partners are committed to addressing access and equity for differing needs in our region.  We are in the process of, and have, shifted our system to improve access for those in highest need, and together with our provincial partners, are developing new access, intake, assessment and coordination systems.  PMH currently provides a robust number of Mental Health and Addictions services with a framework that spans Crisis & Emergency, Acute and Specialized and Community-Based Services, and continues to advocate for additional available services in the region for all citizens.  For a complete listing of services available, please visit www.prairiemountainhealth.ca. 

Get Connected!

• Strong social connections increase well-being and can also increase life expectancy.

• Shared Health has developed a Mental Health and Wellness Resource Finder, available online at Mental Health Resource Finder – Shared Health (sharedhealthmb.ca)
• Consider education like Mental Health First Aid or SafeTALK. For more information, go to Public Classes – Prairie Mountain Health

Get Active!

• Self-care is an essential first step in improving wellness in our community. Consider your nutrition, activity, coping, and personal connections and develop a plan if there are areas you would like to improve. Reach out to your community for information or to share your journey!
• Consider participating with local organizations and committees working to improve mental health and wellness in your community.
  • Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 6-12. The theme is “Access for All: Time for Action, Time for Change”. Consider participating in activities occurring during this week and into the Fall.

If you or a loved one need support, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are resources available.

In an emergency, always call 911 or contact your local hospital or health office.

Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 9-8-8 for support, available to all Canadians in English and French, 24/7.

Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line: Reach out at 1-877-435-7170, a crisis line available 24 hours a day.

Westman Crisis Services: For local support in the Brandon area, contact 204-725-4411 or 1-888-379-7699.

PMH-North: You can also reach 1-866-332-3030 for services in the PMH-North area.

Events

Online Presentation – What is Mental Illness?

Tuesday, Oct. 8

12:00-1:00 pm

What is mental illness? What kinds of mental illnesses are there and what do they look like? What are some common myths about mental illness, and how can we reduce the stigma around mental illness? As part of Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 6-12), join us for a free online lunch-hour presentation that looks at these questions and more.

Visit https://www.cmhaacrossmb.ca/events/mental-illness-presentation/ to register.

Online Course – Insights into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Wednesday, Oct. 9

7:00-8:30 pm

This free online course will define seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and present practical strategies and skills for better health & well-being during the winter months.

Visit https://www.cmhaacrossmb.ca/events/online-course-insights-into-sad/ to register.