New Guide for Mental Health Services in the Okanagan
Thursday, October 4, 2007
A new guide about mental health, mental illness and where to find help has been developed by the Canadian Mental Health Association, Kelowna Branch. The first week of October is Mental Illness Awareness Week and to mark this week, the guide will be delivered for free to 54,000 homes in the Central Okanagan with the Capital News.
The Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna Branch exists to promote the mental health of all and support the resilience and recovery of people with mental illness through education, advocacy, research and service. Mental illness affects one in five people in Canada but mental illness really affects everyone sooner or later. Those of us who do not have a mental illness know a friend, colleague or family member who is dealing with a mental health issue. Taking care of our mental health can help combat or prevent mental health problems that are sometimes associated with a chronic physical illness.
Mental illness has a huge impact on our community. Every year, more than 500 people commit suicide in British Columbia. It’s one of the leading causes of death among young people aged 15 – 24 years, particularly young men. Mental illness is one of the costliest conditions in Canada. Over $14 billion is lost each year to the Canadian economy due to lost productivity and days off work due to depression. It’s the fastest rising cause for worker absenteeism. People are suffering.
When people receive appropriate treatment and support, they can and do recover and lead meaningful and productive lives. The sad irony is that less than two thirds actually receive treatment because of a lack of knowledge, understanding or the stigma associated with dealing with a mental health issue.
It is our hope that this Guide provides the general public with valuable information about mental illness, mental health and where to go to for help.
We are interested in hearing from you about whether this document is helpful. Please email us at CMHA Kelowna: kelowna@cmha.bc.ca. You can also find the guide and other great resources on line : http://www.kelowna.cmha.bc.ca/ and http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/
Contact: Charly Sinclair, CMHA Kelowna 861-3644
© 2007, Canadian Mental Health Association.
www.kelowna.cmha.bc.ca
New Guide for Mental Health Services in the Okanagan
Kelowna CMHA - Thursday, October 04, 2007
