I am very pleased to announce that the mental health student champions from five Trillium Lakelands District School Board secondary schools have partnered with us on our Elephant in the Room Anti-Stigma Campaign, raising awareness about mental health. The schools are: Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School, Lindsay Collegiate Vocational Institute, Haliburton Highlands Secondary School and Fenelon Falls Secondary School. The goal for these students is to reduce stigma, promote mental health and bring attention to contact information, so students know where to go if they need help.
The leadership and creativity demonstrated by students to promote these messages was exceptional. Students presented information about the Elephant in the Room campaign at staff meetings and classroom visits. They also developed specific school announcements and were interviewed by media.
By displaying the blue anti-stigma elephant, people will ask you what the elephant is about – which can lead to the discussion about mental illness, or they know that this represents a safe place to talk about mental illness without feeling afraid or that they will be thought less of or stigmatized. Opening up the conversation is the single best thing anyone can do for someone who is going through issues.
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
(705) 471-6101
info@mdsc.ca
