Mental Illness Awareness Week: October 2 - 8, 2011

Why Mental Illness Awareness Week?

For too long, Canadians with mental illnesses have been in the shadows. Too few Canadians know about the burden of mental illness on our society, and too few sufferers seek help when they need it. Mental Illness Awareness Week seeks to raise awareness of the level of mental illness in Canada; to reduce negative stigma about mental illness amongst the general population and health care professionals; and to promote the positive effects of best practice in prevention, diagnosis and medical treatment

About Mental Illness in Canada

Mental illness affects more than six million—or one in five—Canadians. Of the 10 leading causes of disability worldwide, five are mental disorders. Close to 4,000 Canadians commit suicide each year and it is the most common cause of death for people aged 15 - 24. By 2020 it is estimated that depressive illnesses will become the leading cause of disease burden in developed countries like Canada.

Many Canadians do not recognize that they are ill while others don’t seek help because of misconceptions about these diseases. Taking the time to learn about mental illness could make all the difference to you or to someone you care about. It’s important to watch for warning signs of mental illness—and to seek medical advice as soon as possible if any become apparent. Symptoms include:

• Marked personality change
• Inability to cope with problems and daily activities
• Strange ideas or delusions
• Excessive anxiety
• Prolonged feelings of sadness
• Marked changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Thinking or talking about suicide
• Extreme highs and lows
• Abuse of alcohol or drugs
• Excessive anger, hostility
• Violent behaviour
• Irrational fears

Mental Illness Awareness Week is coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health

3 MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS WALKS

WHEN / WHERE:    Wednesday October 5, 2011
                                 Hawkesbury – 21Nelson East St. (Oasis Center)

                                 Thursday October 6, 2011

                                 Cornwall- 329 Pitt St. (Starbright Center)

                                Thursday October 6, 2011
                                Casselman – 721 rue Principale (Horizon Center)

TIME:                      11:00am-12:00 pm (Followed by a light lunch)

FOR INFO:             (Hawkesbury/Casselman) 613-632-4924

                               (Cornwall) 613-933-5845  ou 1-800-493-8271

Welcome to All !

   FACE IT. Mental illness concerns us all.

Thank you to all the area businesses who have helped make this event a success through donations in 2011!