Have you ever had one of “those days” ? I think that we all have. Just one of those days when you feel “off”. I can remember, at the time of losing my mother, having quite a few of those days. I can remember sitting on the couch, just doing nothing and suddenly I would realise that hours had gone by. Luckily, with the encouragement of family and friend and with my own knowledge of mental health issues, I was able to address what turned out to be a depression, and move forward.
Many people are not aware that sometimes “those days” can be the beginning of something that can lead to a bigger problem. This is why Partners For Mental Health has designed the Not Myself Today campaign. This is the first in a series of social campaigns designed to help make Canadians aware of mental health issues and get involved.The campaign launched on April 2, 2012 and ends with a national day of action on Monday April, 2012- today!
Here are some facts:
- It is estimated that 1 in 5 people living in Canada will experience mental health problems or illnesses.
- It is estimated that 500,000 people miss work each day in Canada due to mental health problems and illnesses.
- People living with mental health problems and illnesses have high rates of unemployment, and many are unable to develop their skills and talents. This is particularly challenging for young adults, since the rates of mental health problems and illnesses reach their peak during prime working years.
Volunteer Victoria is one of several local organizations who are supporting this campaign by bringing attention to peoples’ mental health and well being. We want to help generate positive change in the stigma towards those struggling with mental health issues or illnesses.
The goal of Partners For Mental is to “generate profound systemic and social change so that people living with mental health issues or illnesses can get the support, services and treatment they need, when they need it.
Please consider taking a minute to take the pledge.Thank you!