Ponoka proclaims Oct. 5-11 as Mental Illness Awareness Week

PONOKA -- The Town of Ponoka has proclaimed Oct. 5-11 as "Mental Illness Awareness Week".

The week-long recognition comes as part of a national public education campaign held each year at the start of October. It's coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health and aims to increase awareness about mental illness across the country. In a statement, the Town of Ponoka says this serves as an opportunity to normalize mental health conversations, reduce stigma, and equip people with the tools to thrive. 

"The week is designed to help Canadians understand the reality of mental illness and to reduce stigma," reads the proclamation. "The Town of Ponoka recognizes the overall impacts of mental illness and the importance of raising mental illness awareness through public education, compassion, and the promotion of mental health services. "

According to data from the Canadian Mental Health Association, roughly 50 per cent of Canadians will have experienced a mental illness of some kind by the time they turn 40. Some of the most prevalent conditions include depression, which affects 14 per cent of people, and generalized anxiety, which affects 13.3 per cent over their lifetime. Young people aged 15 to 24 experience mental illness and psychological distress at higher rates than older age groups.

In the proclamation signed by Mayor Kevin Ferguson, it is stated that mental illness can profoundly impact individuals, families, and the community as a whole, but with understanding, treatment, and support, recovery is possible. It also notes that the township recognizes the importance of promoting mental health services, encouraging early intervention, and supporting those who live with mental illness.