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A world without stigma would be…
A world of peace and equality where positive energy and
happiness would be in abundance
A world where acceptance and helping comes naturally
A world where everyone is included, where differences are
not boundaries
A world of unity and the importance of being unique
These words, penned by a group of student artists, describe
the inspiration behind an original mural they created just
a few short years ago. It now holds a place of honour at
the Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental
Health at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)
where it serves as a constant reminder that a world without stigma
is much more than a dream. It is an absolute necessity if we wish
to give every child and youth the best possible opportunity to
thrive.
According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada,
Stigma refers to the negative and prejudicial ways in
which people living with mental illness are labeled. Often
that means being labeled as nothing more than the disease
itself. Stigma is an internal attitude and belief held by an
CANADA’S BATTLE AGAINST MENTAL HEALTH-RELATED STIGMA
AND DISCRIMINATION: MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE CLASSROOM
The Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health at CHEO
individual, often about a minority group such as people
with mental illness.
Discrimination refers to the way people living with
mental illness are treated, intentionally or unintentionally,
due to stigma. People with mental illness are often treated
with disrespect, experiencing such behaviours as exclusion,
bullying, aggression, ridicule and devaluation. Such
discrimination can result in limits and barriers to many of
life’s opportunities.
Between 15 and 20 percent of children and youth suffer from some
kind of mental health problem, yet only one in six actually get the
help they so desperately need. There are many factors contributing
to this startling lack of support for child and youth mental health
problems, but widespread stigm