Mental health Week proclaimed

Yorkton Council unanimously proclaimed Mental Health Week in Yorkton at its regular meeting Monday.

"Mental Health Week is an annual public education campaign designed to encourage Canadians to talk, reflect and engage with others on the importance of mental health and the reality of mental illness," detailed the proclamation.

"Nearly six million, or one in five Canadians (21.3 per cent of the population), today will suffer a mental disorder in their lives. The remaining four Canadians will be affected by a mental illness through a family member, friend, or co-worker.

"Over 4,000 Canadians commit suicide each year. Suicide accounts for 24 per cent of all deaths among 14-24 year olds. Mental illness is a factor in most suicides."

Stigma is the number one reason people do not seek or receive treatment, experience workplace and social discrimination and experience barriers to recover, explained Jackie Washenfelter, Executive Director, Yorkton Mental Health Drop-In Centre Inc.

Mental Health literacy and education are vital in the prevention, recognition, response and early treatment of mental illness and may reduce the severity of the illness or support the recovery of those experiencing a mental illness.