â–ş Listen Live
â–ş Listen Live

New poll shows mental illness still perceived as a weakness

A recent poll suggests Canada still has not made enough strides on mental illness.

The new data collected by the Women’s College Hospital in Toronto shows 40% of Canadians have experienced depression or anxiety but have not sought medical help.

Women’s College Department of Medicine, Dr. Valerie Taylor believes the stigma surrounding the issue is still at the forefront.

“The whole stigma associated with the mental health diagnosis is part of it, people still see it as weakness, not illness, some people think if they were just more resilient or felt stronger they wouldn’t feel the way they currently do.”

While initiatives like “Bell Let’s Talk Day” have helped turn things around, more work still needs to be done according to Taylor.

“I think it’s really swung the meter. We are much further ahead than five years ago than if we had done this poll sooner. However, we can’t assume just because great initiatives are out there solving this is a done deal.”

Taylor believes having people in high-profile jobs such as firefighters, teachers, lawyers who identify having a mental illness could help end the stigma.

42% of respondents also said they would be embarrassed to admit if they suffered a mental issue.

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Continue Reading

cjci Now playing play

cirx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

<p>

- Advertisement -
</p>

Latest News

CFIA recalls brand of jarred anchovies due to histamine

A brand of jarred anchovies has been recalled in British Columbia and multiple other provinces.

Single Rollover in Quesnel Claims Life of One Man

RCMP found a 61-year-old man unconscious in the driver’s seat of the SUV. Police and paramedics on the scene attempted life-saving measures, but the man tragically succumbed to his injuries, and police were unable to resuscitate him.

Area restriction around Pocket Knife Creek fire rescinded

The BC Wildfire Service is rescinding the area restriction order surrounding the Pocket Knife Creek Wildfire. This will take effect tomorrow (Saturday) at noon. The area restriction was originally put in place on May 31st.

B.C. boosts funding to expand RCMP hate crime unit

British Columbia is significantly expanding the RCMP’s provincial hate crimes unit.

WestJet service between Prince George and Edmonton begins Saturday

WestJet's newest route in Prince George will be making...
- Advertisement -