The Honourable Rob Nicholson, Minister of National Defence, issued the following statement to mark Mental Illness Awareness Week, which runs from October 5-11, 2014:
“Mental Illness Awareness Week serves as an important opportunity for all Canadians to engage in open and frank dialogue on mental health issues and helps to break down stigma associated with mental illness.
“The health and wellbeing of our Canadian Armed Forces members continues to be a top priority of our Government. We understand our men and women in uniform put themselves in harm’s way in service to Canada, and we are grateful for their sacrifices. Whether wounds are physical or mental, members who are battling illness or injury now have greater access to specialized care than ever before.
“I personally encourage all those in need to reach out, get help and benefit from these services. I urge those in need to reach out to their families, peers, supervisors, padres and medical professionals. You are not alone – all it takes to make that first step on the road to recovery is one conversation.”
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For information about Mental Illness Awareness Week, please visit camimh.ca.
For more information on mental health resources for CAF members and their families, please visit the You’re Not Alone webpage.
Johanna Quinney
Press Secretary to the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811
