Why Make A Promise?

Why?

1 in 5 people in Canada have some form of mental illness, yet only around half of those people get treatment.

For many, the stigma associated with mental illness creates a sense of shame and fear of isolation that makes it very difficult to seek the support needed move beyond their challenges.

The good news is that stigma can be conquered so that people afflicted with mental illness can feel confident enough to lead productive and fulfilling lives without the fear of being ostracized.

Stigma is caused by misconceptions and a lack of knowledge about mental illness. So we ask you to help battle the stigma by replacing myths with truths, fear with understanding and compassion.

Take a stand and make a promise to help end mental illness stigma. Your promise can make a difference.

Need some inspiration?
Here are some promises others have made:

• I promise to do my part to help end stigma. My beautiful daughter, Jennifer lost her battle with mental illness in Dec of 2000. My one hope is that no other family in the world will go through anything as painful as that. Awareness is critical and I commend your effort. Why does this desease have such a stigma attached to it? (Cathy, Canada)
• I am a physician with mental illness. I promise to do my part to help end the mental health stigma. (Chad Lund, Canada)
• I promise to do my part to help end mental illness stigma. I believe that the most important way to deal with much of mental illness is that communities have safe places where people can talk to each other in group settings, sharing their stories and learn that there are people who understand and care. (Andrew, Canada)