actNOW event challenges the stigma of mental health

If you’re telling the story of mental health, removing the impact of stigma of mental illness can make a difference for people who need help. Statistics show that one in every five Canadians

will have a mental health problem at some point in their lives.

Participating as an actNOW site for the NOW conference last October and aligned with the visit of His Holiness the fourteenth Dalai Lama, Calgary Counselling Centre chose to show how prevalent mental illness is in Canada.

T-shirts were the story in our actNOW Walk for Wellness event on Oct. 2, 2009. Wearing one black shirt for every four green shirts, a large group of Calgary Counselling Centre staff and volunteers, University of Calgary students and community partner volunteers walked through Calgary streets to bring home the message: mental illness is common.

Mental illnesses account for a large percentage of hospital stays every year. Yet, in spite of the fact that every Canadian knows someone who has been, or will be, affected by mental illness, few people know very much about it.

Mental illnesses are still feared and misunderstood by many people, but the fear will disappear as people learn more about them. If you or someone you know has a mental illness, there is good news: all mental illnesses can be treated.

The limited edition “one in five” graphic T-shirts are available for purchase from Calgary Counselling Centre’s online store. Visit our online store to purchase yours for $15 plus shipping.

Thanks to the NOW conference committee, the United Way of Calgary and Area, Canadian Mental Health Association for helping make this a successful event.

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