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Social Stigma Cited
as Top Reason Why People Don't Seek Treatment for Depression
Former Toronto Maple Leaf hockey star speaks
out in time for World Mental Health Day
TORONTO, (ONTARIO) -- October 2, 2000 -- The social stigma surrounding
depression and the lack of knowledge about its symptoms are the main barriers
for people seeking help. In fact, nearly two-thirds of all people with
mental disorders do not seek treatment largely because of the stigma associated
with the illness and its treatment. Today, the Centre for Addiction and
Mental Health (CAMH) took action on this issue by launching a multi-year
public education campaign that aims to remove the barriers impeding people
from seeking treatment for addictions and mental health problems. In the
first wave, the campaign will target mental illness, with a special focus
on depression.
 In Canada, three million people suffer from depression.
Since only one third seek treatment, the vast majority is without help
and vital assistance. Often, when people don't seek treatment, the illness
silently cripples families, friends, and relationships.
"I
have suffered from depression for many years," stated Ron Ellis,
a former star of the Toronto Maple Leafs. "For a long time, I had
no idea that I was actually ill. I attributed my thoughts, feelings and
behaviours to the pressures of everyday life -- until I just couldn't
go on any longer," he said. "I had no idea what depression was
-- and my ignorance hurt me and my family."
"Society
has to see depression differently," said the Honourable Michael
Wilson, former Minister of Finance and Chair of the campaign. "It
is an illness -- not a weakness -- and people who are depressed must seek
proper treatment," he stated. "This campaign will help reduce
the stigma surrounding depression and encourage people to seek help for
themselves or a family member or friend. To be successful in meeting this
objective, we must foster a greater public understanding and acceptance
of this condition," he concluded.
Telling the Story
Several
high profile Canadians have joined Michael Wilson and Ron Ellis to champion
this project including Rona Maynard, Editor of Chatelaine,
Miriam Toews, award-winning Canadian novelist, Bill Wilkerson,
Chair of the Economic Roundtable on Business and Mental Health and Sandy
Naiman, writer with the Toronto Sun. To complement their stories,
a series of compelling advertisements will begin appearing in newspapers
throughout Ontario and in various magazines through the generous contribution
of many corporations.
Through
this campaign, the CAMH is launching a number of new initiatives to increase
consumer access to trustworthy information. These include the campaign
website, www.thereishelp.org,
a province-wide Speakers' Bureau in partnership with other community agencies,
Community Education Forums in partnership with Chatelaine, and
workplace education programs with the Canadian Economic Roundtable on
Business and Mental Health.
"Providing
access to accurate information, correcting misperceptions which often
exist around mental illness and addiction and hearing about the experiences
of people who have struggled with these conditions, are critical to reducing
stigma," stated Dr. Paul Garfinkel, President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Centre. "Through these community initiatives, we will
offer greater understanding of emerging mental health and addiction issues,
treatments and healthy living strategies from both people who have experienced
these conditions first hand and from leading experts in the field."
he said.
All
of the services associated with the campaign have been donated by companies
equally committed to this initiative. In all, it is estimated that approximately
three quarters of a million dollars in services and advertising space
been donated to get this vital message out.
Campaign Events
During
the inaugural week of the campaign, which coincides with Mental Illness
Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day, the following events will
take place:
In Toronto on October 4th, award-winning Canadian novelist Miriam Toews
shares her thoughts on her father's struggle with depression and eventual
suicide, which she captured in her newest book Swing Low: A Life.
This event is a joint initiative of the CAMH and Chatelaine Magazine.
In Toronto on October 4th, an educational forum will be held called Work
and Mental Health: Responding to Diverse Needs. Keynote speakers include
Bill Wilkerson, President, Canadian Business and Economic Roundtable
on Mental Health and Sandy Naiman, Senior Writer, The Toronto Sun.
In Ottawa on October 4th, Bill Wilkerson, Chair of the Canadian
Economic Roundtable on Business and Mental Health will challenge corporate
leaders to recognize how depression affects the bottom line. Hosted by
the Region of Ottawa-Carleton, this event is a collaborative effort between
the CAMH, the Canadian Mental Health Association and the Royal Ottawa
Hospital.
In London on October 5th, Toronto Sun writer Sandy Naiman will
confront common beliefs about mental illness and share her experiences
of having a supportive employer. This event is a joint initiative of the
CAMH, the Canadian Mental Health Association, St. Joseph's Hospital and
Chatelaine Magazine.
In Toronto on October 5th, JOY opens at the Workman Theatre for
a limited engagement. This musical production provides a unique perspective
about depression from Dora award-winning playwright Maja Ardal
and Dora Award-winning composer and lyricist Joey Miller. The Workman
Theatre is located at 1001 Queen Street. For ticket information, please
call (416) 583 4339.
There is help...there is hope
Dr.
Garfinkel believes that these initiatives will be of great help to those
not yet diagnosed. "People don't want to acknowledge their own mental
health problems, much less tell anyone else," he commented. "But
they must -- it's the only way for them to seek treatment and restore
their sense of well-being. While we want our campaign to help people to
think differently about depression, we really want to reach out to those
who suffer today. People need to know that there is help and there is
hope."
The
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is Canada's largest centre in the
area of mental health and addictions. A World Health Organization Centre
of Excellence and a teaching hospital fully affiliated with the University
of Toronto, the Centre was established in 1998 through the merger of the
Addiction Research Foundation, the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry, the
Donwood Institute and the Queen Street Mental Health Centre.
-30-
FOR MORE INFORMATON, PLEASE CONTACT:
Adele MacLean / Genevieve Brown
NATIONAL PharmaCom
(416) 586-0180
Disponible en Français
There
is help...There is hope Corporate Contributors
The
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) gratefully acknowledges
the contribution of a number of individuals and organizations that donated
their time, expertise and services. Their respective contribution to the
campaign demonstrates their commitment to creating greater public understanding
and acceptance of mental illness and addiction.
Remtulla Euro RSCG is the creative well-spring of the campaign
and developed its compelling advertisement series. David Sharpe,
Vice-President of Creative Services said: "We wanted to create a
series of ads that would capture and present the entire problem- it's
devastating impact on peoples 'everyday lives in their homes and at work-hopefully
in a dramatic yet empathetic way. People have to know it's not wrong to
admit they may be ill-that it's like any illness- it CAN be treated and
where. They simply don't have to suffer in silence anymore. It's also
important that people know what a great resource the Centre is in this
city so it raises their awareness as a resource as well."
Infinet Communications provided 'cyber' expertise and produced
the campaign website www.thereishelp.org.
"Clearly, more and more people are looking to the Internet for accurate
health information. We hope our contribution allows people to expand their
knowledge and seek help from a trustworthy source, like the Centre,"
stated Dr. John Reeves, Principal of Infinet.
HYPN led the drive to secure donation of advertising space from
magazines and newspapers throughout Ontario. David Harrison, President
of HYPN feels that: "It is only through a concerted effort such as
this that more people will realize that they are not alone. If we can
help people to acknowledge their problems and seek help, perhaps we can
help to prevent those problems from becoming more serious and debilitating."
NATIONAL PharmaCom provided their expertise with crafting and
executing the media communications strategy. The team at NATIONAL wanted
to assist the Centre in 'spreading the word' of the campaign and achieving
its prime objective of helping people to help themselves.
Chatelaine, in addition to providing ad space, donated design,
marketing and communications support. Rona Maynard, Editor of Chatelaine
is a committed champion of this initiative. "Our readers are passionate
about health, and particularly mental health. We're excited about the
opportunity to bring leading-edge knowledge to people who urgently need
it and encourage them to seek help."
In addition to the contribution of the organizations noted above, the
development of the campaign was guided by the valuable assistance of Marilyn
Linton, Health Editor, The Toronto Sun and Neil Seeman,
Editorial Board, The National Post.
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