The People Behind the Illness

The Fraser South Regional Mental Health Advisory and the Surrey Mental Health Advisory have partnered with Fraser Health to develop a five-part poster series to build greater public understanding of mental health issues and decrease stigma.

The posters show common elements of mental health issues that effect people regardless of age, education, income level or culture. They also explain how treatable most mental health issues are. Despite this, many individuals don't reach out for help because of lack of awareness and public prejudice.

Myths and stereotypes fuel misunderstandings and create fear about these health issues. The resulting stigma adds to the burden that individuals must carry on their road to recovery. And often as indicated in the statistics, it becomes a barrier to getting the needed health care and support. (Almost 67 per cent of people living with mental illness do not seek treatment.)

We hope that these posters will help in the battle against stigma, and help promote human dignity to everyong living with mental illness.

Depression

Schizophrenia

Anxiety

Bipolar Disorder

Eating Disorder