Joint statement for World Mental Health Day and Mental Illness Awareness Week 2005

As Minister of Health and Minister of State for Public Health, we encourage all Canadians to use the occasions of World Mental Health Day, October 10, and Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 3-10, as opportunities to recognize the important role of mental health in all aspects of life.

Mental illness and mental health problems touch the lives of all Canadians, either directly or through friends, colleagues, and family members. About 20% of individuals will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, and the remaining 80% will be affected by an illness in family members, friends or colleagues. Like cancer, heart disease, or diabetes, mental illness is not a personal failing. It can happen to anyone and, like other illnesses, people can successfully recover.

Mental health is a crucial dimension of overall health. Just as we can care for our physical health, we can take steps to maintain and improve our own mental health, as well as the mental health of our families and communities. Unfortunately, a persistent stigma against people with mental illness hinders many Canadians from seeking the help they need. World Mental Health Day and Mental Illness Awareness week provide an opportunity for Canadians to increase their understanding of mental illnesses and to dispel the myths that hamper people seeking help.

The Government of Canada is also working hard to address workplace mental health issues. Some of our recent actions include the appointment of the Honourable Michael Wilson as special advisor to the Health Minister on mental health in the federal government workplace. The federal government also recently announced a $3.2 million health research initiative aimed at improving mental health in the workplace.

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of mental health system renewal as a dimension of overall health care renewal, and work with the provinces and territories to advance this goal. They also provide accurate scientific information on mental illness, and distribute tools and resources for the promotion of mental health.

Disease prevention and health promotion are integral to reaching our goal of a sustainable and effective health care system that reflects the needs of everyone in Canada. In this time of health care system renewal, it is important that we work together on all fronts to improve the health of Canadians.