CANADIANS SUPPORTING CANADIANS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

This week has been Mental Health week. With the Bell Day on January 28, 2014 that was a fund raising event  supporting mental illness awareness, it is encouraging that the discussion is happening. Regardless of how far we have evolved, there is still such a stigma to Mental Illness. Why? Beats me. Anyone with a family member who has issues, it is very clear it is an illness that needs treatment like any other. With this winter being so severe across the country, the thoughts turn to those who are suffering in silence. February is actually the worst month for flareups! So those with depression or generalized anxiety, reach out to others for help. For those with family members who experience mental illness be available. If needed go and seek out the professionals in your life that can help you. The Bell ad said- Let's Talk- but more than talk let's be kind, caring and compassionate to those who need our help.

A DAY TO SUPPORT THOSE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

One of our large corporations- Bell- has a Let's Talk day! It is a day to acknowledge, think, and act in supporting our fellow Canadians who live and experience a mental illness. It could be depression, bipolar disorder and any number of anxiety disorders. Knowing people with mental illness need support and help is the first step. If you know someone, reach out and help that person. If it is you, then know there is help available and you do not need to suffer alone. It is a wonderful initiative. Hopefully, the stigma will finally go away.

DEPRESSION CAN BE FATAL

Clinical depression is a mental illness. Even in this day, there is a stigma attached. An illness needs to be treated and respected as any other illness. This week a Canadian hockey player- age 27- succumbed to his depression. Since a sports figure had depression, the only good thing is it may be able to draw attention to the other Canadians suffering from this illness as well as sufferers worldwide. There are times we all can have situational depression from such events as a death of a loved one, job loss, divorce, or any other event in our lives that throws us off balance. Never hesitate to go to your doctor or tell a friend about your feelings! Seek help! If you notice someone you know with depression that seems to be debilitating- help the person to seek professional help while remaining a good support. There are many community health care professionals available as well as crisis lines in many urban areas if you want to phone without giving your name. Depression can kill if it leads to suicide! Giving a person hope in the middle of depression could be a life saver! Do you know someone who is depressed? Are you depressed? Talk to someone.