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By ELAINE MOYLE
Michael Wilson is hitting the campaign trail, but this time his mission isn't political. The former federal finance minister is chairing a $10-million fund raising campaign for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation. As Mental Illness Awareness Week unfolds, Wilson's high profile presence is raising awareness of mental illness and the stigma that plagues its victims. Personal tragedy lured the vice-chairman of RBC Dominion Securities to this unlikely role. His son, Cameron, 29, committed suicide in April 1995 after being diagnosed with severe depression. Wilson is campaigning and fund raising in his memory. Cameron's death forever altered Wilson's perception of depression. Until he suffered the heartbreaking loss of his son, Wilson, like most people, characterized the mental disorder as fleeting sadness that could be shaken off. |
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The decision to speak out is a courageous one for the steely Wilson, who is normally protective of his private life. As he makes speeches .and addresses reporters, he,. notes the need for additional mental health funding. "Mental, health spending
has fallen from 11% to 9% of our: provincial health dollars over
the past 25 years," he says. "This is unacceptable
given that depression is becoming more common and is occurring
at younger and younger ages. Our society is on the verge of great
advancements in mental health but with the strain on health-care
dollars, we need to look to the public for help." The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation offers the following facts: · Mental health is fast becoming the world's most prominent health care need and cost · More than 2 million Ontarians have suffered at least one mental disorder. · Of working Canadians, an estimated 670,000 people suffer from depression. Clinical depression costs $476 million a year in Ontario alone. Up to 90% of those with depressive disorders will respond to treatment. However, only an estimated one-third receive appropriate treatment. |
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