Mental illness is a serious disturbance in thoughts, feelings and perceptions that is severe enough to affect day-to-day functioning. The statistics are staggering. One in five Canadians will be diagnosed with a mental illness over the course of their lifetime – and 18% of adolescents report a mental illness or a substance abuse problem. More specifically, youths under the age of 20 have the highe
st reported incidence of depression. Its negative impact on quality of life is alarming and it is as dangerous as smoking as a predictor of mortality. There remains a huge stigma associated with mental illness. And despite its prevalence, 90% of those who struggle never seek treatment. They suffer in silence. MINDSTRONG Young Minds' initiative is partnering with Montreal area high schools to provide free mental health education, directed by Dr. Karl Looper, Psychiatrist-in-Chief of the Institute of Community and Family Psychiatry at the Jewish General Hospital. Together with the JGH Foundation and Auxiliary, YM wants to provide students with the opportunity to actively engage in an important cause through mental health education, raising awareness, and ultimately eliminating the stigma associated with mental illness.
