Colleen O'Connell-Campbell - ScotiaMcLeod Ottawa

Change is our mandate. Collaboration is our philosophy. Transforming lives is our goal. Together we can make it a reality.

 

Despite substantial growth in the acceptance and understanding of mental health issues in recent years, depression is a topic that still generates stigma in this country and around the world. As a result, many of those living with major depression, anxiety or other forms of mental illness are forced to suffer in silence – a terrible burden that can lead to loss of life. While some may feel ashamed of their condition or simply unable to ask for help, others are faced with the daunting task of finding adequate support within their family and community – something that is critical to the successful treatment of and recovery from mental illness.

 

Women for Mental Health is a philanthropic initiative through The Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health that seeks to end stigma and shift attitudes surrounding mental health. The program raises funds that benefit patient care and innovative mental health research through the foundation, positively affecting thousands of individuals. Women for Mental Health is dedicated to inspiring conversations on mental health issues, leading to meaningful engagement and progress that transforms. Depression alters lives and affects entire families – Women for Mental Health is a catalyst to providing emotional and medical support to those in need, increasing their quality of life and giving hope for a brighter tomorrow.

 

Colleen O’Connell-Campbell is a founding member of the Women for Mental Health program, and hopes that others will join her in supporting this incredibly important cause. Since losing her younger brother, Danny O’Connell, to suicide in 2004, Colleen has committed herself to changing the way people perceive depression and mental illness, and to supporting those who suffer from these afflictions. It is her personal goal to increase conversation and awareness on the topic of mental health, decreasing stigma and leading to a groundswell of community support. Through her work with Women for Mental Health and The Royal, Colleen is able to honour her brother’s memory while contributing positively to the lives of those who face mental health issues individually and in their own families.

 

In addition to working directly with the program as one of 20 founding members, Colleen has made a financial commitment to support Women for Mental Health on an on-going basis. For more information on mental health as well as upcoming events through Women for Mental Health and The Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health, please read on.

 

Facts About Mental Health*:

• 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health disorder in their lifetime
• Mental illness ranks #1 in terms of workplace disability claims
• The annual direct and indirect cost of mental illness to the Canadian economy is $51 billion
• Less than 10% of medical research funding is directed to mental health research
• Women are two times more likely than men to develop depression
• 4,000 Canadians die by suicide every year
• Suicide is the second leading cause of death in youth aged 15 to 24
• 25% of all Emergency Room visits are mental illness related
• Stigma around mental illness deters people from seeking treatment

Upcoming Events:

  

        

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Updated information on events will be available shortly. Please check back soon for new updates.

 

For more information on Women for Mental Health, including how to make a donation or get involved, please visit http://www.youknowwhoiam.com/campaigns/women-for-mental-health/.