Mood Disorders Society of Canada is proud to announce that the National Arts Centre has partnered with us implementing our international Elephant in the Room Anti-Stigma Campaign, raising awareness about mental health in their workplace nationally. The National Arts Centre is working diligently to create a workplace of choice and is committed to caring, compassion and respect and the Elephant in the room campaign will provide supports.
Too often, people are afraid of talking about mental illness because of the stigma which is attached to it. By displaying the blue elephant, people will either ask what the elephant is about (which can lead to a discussion about mental illness), or they know that it represents a safe place to talk about mental illness where they will not be stigmatized or thought less of. Opening up the conversation is the single best thing a person can do for someone who is experiencing a mental health illness or mental health problem. The little blue elephant is a perfect way of doing so.
“Canada’s National Arts Centre is a proud partner of the Elephant in the Room Campaign, which raises awareness about mental health issues in the workplace and aims to reduce the stigma of mental illness. The Campaign’s little blue elephants have begun to appear in our various workspaces to let it be known there are safe places here where employees can talk about mental health issues that may be affecting them or their family. Together we’ll break down the barriers and address these important mental health issues in our community.”
-Debbie Collins, Director, Human Resources, National Arts Centre
“One in five Canadians will encounter a mental illness or mental health issue in any given year. When employers take steps to provide workplace environments that are free from stigma and discrimination, it creates healthier employees, more productive and safe workplaces, and reaffirms that mental health is important to all of us. We all benefit by eliminating the harmful barrier stigma causes. Through encouraging people to come forward when they or a family member needs mental health supports, people get help sooner and recover quicker. The Mood Disorders Society of Canada is very proud to partner with the National Art Gallery of Canada in implementing the Elephant in the Room Anti-Stigma campaign.”
-Dave Gallson, Associate National Executive Director, MDSC
The blue anti-stigma elephants have been distributed to NAC Management as a reminder of the stigma related to mental health issues and that their offices are safe places to talk.
About the Mood Disorders Society of Canada:
The Mood Disorders Society of Canada was launched in 2001 to provide people with mood disorders, their families and caregivers a strong, cohesive voice at the national level on issues relating to mental health and mental illness. With particular regard to depression, bipolar disorder, and other associated mood disorders, the MDSC aims to improve access to treatment, inform research, shape program development and government policy to improve the quality of life for people affected by mood disorders.
For more information:
Dave Gallson
Associate National Executive Director
(519) 824-5565
info@mdsc.ca
