Let’s Face This: Canada’s Confronting The Stigma Of Mental Illness

On October 6, 2008, the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (<- you gotta love those Canadians!), with the support of Manulife Financial, launched Let’s Face This – Confront the Stigma of Mental Illness. As the name suggests, Let’s Face This is a grassroots, web-based campaign to bust stigma and promote public awareness and education about mental health. And – as the name suggests – the campaign really does want you to face this.

When you visit Let’s Face This, you can add your picture to a growing tree of people who – like you – want to help promote public awareness and education of mental health issues. You can also add your name and a message.

Of course, Let’s Face This isn’t just about showing off your pretty mug in the name of kicking stigma’s ass. The website also provides:

• Information about mental illness, including a glossary, resources, and tips on how to get help.
• The opportunity to donate funds to Sunnybrook’s cause.
• Tips on how to raise funds for Sunnybrook (you know, for those of us who can’t afford to plunk down a nice chunk of change).
• A free downloadable poster you can hang to help promote awareness and updates on community events, in case your in the Sunnybrook vicinity.

At the time of this post, 822 people have added their pictures to the Let’s Face This tree. Head on over and add your own!

Image: SXC