What is Mental Illness Awareness Week?
Mental Illness Awareness Week is observed annually in various countries to raise awareness about mental health and mental illnesses. In Canada it is a national public education campaign designed to recognize and bring awareness to the realities of mental illnesses. The awareness campaign usually takes place in the first full week of October. The main aim of this week is to educate the public, reduce stigma and promote understanding and support for individuals who experience mental health challenges.
During Mental Illness Awareness Week, various organizations, mental health advocates and health care professionals come together to hold events, share information and engage in conversations about mental illnesses. They use social media, public forums and community gatherings to spread awareness about the importance of mental well-being.
The week’s activities focus on dispelling myths and misconceptions surrounding mental illness and highlighting the significance of seeking help and support when facing mental health issues. It aims to let people know that mental health is as crucial as physical health and that everyone deserves compassion and empathy, regardless of their mental health status.
Mental Illness Awareness Week provides an opportunity for people to share their personal stories, experiences and journeys toward recovery, offering hope and inspiration to others facing similar challenges. By fostering open discussions about mental health, the week encourages individuals to seek help, find resources and cultivate a more supportive and understanding community. The goal is increase resources so that every Canadian who needs support can obtain it without barriers.
Statistics Canada reported that in 2022, 1 in 3 Canadians will be affected by mental illness in their lifetime. A 2022 Angus Reid Institute poll state that 1 in 3 people say that they are currently struggling with their mental health. The same poll also found that 1 in 3 people have said that depression and anxiety are a major problem in their social circles. Further to these statitics, a 2022 Maru Public Opinion poll reported that 32 percent of Canadians aged 18-34 say they need mental health care but cannot access it.
These statitics show that Mental Illness Awareness Week serves as an important reminder that mental health is an essential aspect of our well-being and that we should all work together to create a world where mental health is openly discussed, supported and valued.
Taking care of our mental health is not a sign of weakness but rather an act of courage.