What is it about mental illness that generates discomfort for people? Ignoring the warning signs of an imminent mental breakdown is believed to have been a contributing factor in one well-publicized case that ended in tragedy for the Lall family. Why does it take a tragedy to discuss mental illness when it is so prevalent in our society?

This issue was discussed in an excellent column entitled We’re all to blame for staying mum on mental illness written by Andre Picard in the June 5th edition of the Globe and Mail

• André Picard, public health reporter at The Globe and Mail and author of Critical Care: Canadian Nurses Speak For Change and The Gift of Death: Confronting Canada’s Tainted Blood Tragedy and A Call to Alms: The New Face of Charity in Canada.
  

Mental Illness stigma part 1 Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Mental Illness stigma part 2 Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Schizophrenia affects 1 in 100 Canadians. For some, the disease is a series of admissions and readmissions to hospital to treat relapses and comorbidities associated with the disease. According to a new analysis from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, many schizophrenic patients discharged from a general hospital found themselves back on the hospital doorstep [...]

Schizophrenia readmission Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

There are certain common illnesses that make people uncomfortable. Let’s be honest and say that there are some diseases that have more than their fair share of media coverage and financial and public support. This is not a criticism of the effort to increase public awareness. In fact, it is to be encouraged. But in [...]

Understanding schizophrenia Part 1 Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Understanding schizophrenia Part 2 Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Many people have knowledge abot what to do in the face of a medical emergency and can provide some form of first aid. However the same cannot be said for psychiatric care. There continues to be a stigma about mental illness when there should not be and a new and innovative program has been established [...]

Alberta Mental Health Board launches Mental Health First Aid Canada Play Now | Play in Popup | Download