Nov 3

Written by: admin
03/11/2008 5:49 AM

I would like to end this month, by dedicating this edition of the NNMH Bulletin to an editorial about how October 2008 impacted me on a very personal level.
As the Chair of the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) [www.camimh.ca], I was very proud of the accomplishments of the alliance on this October's Mental Illness Awareness Week Campaign (www.miaw.ca).

More than the success of the campaign, this month marked the tenth anniversary since the inception of CAMIMH. Only ten short years ago, five national organizations sat around a table discussing the dream of having mental illness and mental health on the national agenda. We were told time and time again that it wouldn't and couldn't be done. My colleagues were relentless and I can't be more proud of the heart, soul and determination they gave to the expansion and growth of both the alliance and our vision.

Only ten short years later... ten years of commitment and growing support, Canada now has the Mental Health Commission of Canada; a Federal Government that has demonstrated a priority to mental illness and mental health issues; communities, regions, and provinces across Canada are looking to the model of hope and recovery for those living with a mental illness, and we even have a Canada Post stamp bringing our issues out of the shadows where they once lived.

On a personal level this brings so much awe. Awe of my colleagues who work so hard on a daily basis to put the mental health needs of Canadian's at the forefront. Awe of watching what was once a pipe dream become reality in front of my eyes - when so often I believed it impossible. Awe of you... for taking the time to read these newsletters, support our programs and support our mission on a regular basis.

I am proud of the accomplishments of the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health and its members over these past years. Proud also of the Federal Government for recognizing this issue as a priority that affects all parties and all peoples across the country. Proud of Senator Michael Kirby and the numerous folks he has called to join this social movement.

Most of all, I have to say, I am proud to be me... after years of living with the stigma of being a little "eccentric", I don't feel the need to be ashamed anymore. I'm not ashamed of my needs as an individual and I'm not ashamed to be the Evidence of Recovery. This my friends... is really what October 2008 has been about for me... the realization that it is finally going to be safe to live outside of the shadows... thanks to all of you!

Constance McKnight, CAE
National Executive Director
National Network for Mental Health

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