March for the Mind
Walk to Raise Awareness of Mental Health Issues
The half-truths and myths that mingle with the facts about mental health issues are hurting the credibility of anyone suffering from mental health problems, say those living with mental health issues.
This is why a group of mental health organizations started the Montreal Walk for Mental Health, which on Oct. 16 celebrated its third year.
“[The walk] was very successful, people were very enthusiastic,” said MWMH media spokesperson Claire Valiquette. “After the walk we had a bowl of soup for everyone. It was very fun. It raises awareness a lot.”
“Ninety per cent of suicides are linked to a person with a mental health problem,” according to the Mood Disorders Society of Canada.
Thanks to sponsors of the walk, funding is now available for workshops for young adults living with anxiety, a social program for isolated people who live with mental illness and anti-stigma initiatives in CEGEPs.
“Only 5.5 per cent of the health care budget in Canada is dedicated to mental illness,” the Institute of Health Economics reported in 2008.
