Mental Illness Awareness Week
October 2 – 8, 2011
Mental illness impacts nearly 6 million Canadians (20% of the population)
- About 4,000 Canadians commit suicide each year and it is the most common cause of death for people aged 15-24. Mental illness is a factor in most suicides.
- A report published by Health Canada estimated that mental health problems cost $14.4 billion in 1998.
- Of the 10 leading causes of disability worldwide, five are mental disorders: major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.
- By 2020 it is estimated that depressive illnesses will become the second leading cause of disease burden worldwide and the leading cause in developed countries like Canada.
- Less than 4% of medical research funding goes to mental illness research.
- The Business and Economic Roundtable on Mental Health has evaluated the impact of depressive disorders on business productivity. It estimates that economic costs of mental illness are the equivalent of 14% of corporate Canada’s net operating profits.
Statistics via Mental Illness Awareness Week Website
As a suicide attempt survivor who lives with depression, Calgarian Lee Horbachewski is taking a stand to help reduce the stigma and build awareness for mental illness and suicide prevention. Already the Going Blue 4 U Campaign has reached Victoria BC, Edmonton AB – with Coordinators in both cities.
The Going Blue 4 U Campaign is made up of passionate individuals who are committing to dye their hair blue in support of Mental Illness Awareness Week. Together we will be raising funds and awareness for local charitable organizations that provide resources and support for mental illness.
We are hoping the campaign will reach other cities in Western Canada. Together we have the POWER to change and reduce the stigma that surrounds mental illness and suicide. The only way we will is by more people talking about it without judgement and fear. Going Blue 4 U organizer Lee Horbachewski has a prayer:
“One day mental illness and suicide prevention will be openly and proudly supported, discussed and accepted.”
How can I support Going Blue 4 U?
There are 1 in 5 chances that U or a loved one will be impacted by mental illness. U are not alone!
You can support us by either:
- Joining us and committing to dying your hair blue.
- Making a tax-deductible donation.
- Sharing the message and encouraging others to reach out and ask for help.
- Educate yourself about the impacts of mental illness and the signs to look for to prevent suicide.
Campaign Guidelines:
- Participants are asked to commit to a minimum $1,000 fundraising goal.
- Donations can be made by anyone. Please ask everyone who donates if their company has a matching gift fund policy.
- If donations are by cheque, please ensure it is made out to the charity you are supporting. Each donor should write their own name, donation amount. Participants may collect the donation in advance but must keep donations until all are collected.
- Donations close midnight on November 6th, 2011.
- By Monday November 14th, participants are required to honor their commitment by dying their hair blue according to the level they personally raised. If our Campaign goal of $40,000 is reached all participants have agreed to dye all their hair blue.
- Blue hair dye can be semi-permanent.
In Calgary, AB GB4U is supporting Distress Centre Calgary Co-Ordinator Lee Horbachewski
In Edmonton, AB GB4U is supporting The Support Network Edmonton Co-Ordinator: Angela Watt
In Victoria, BC GB4U is supporting Vancouver Island Crisis Line Victoria Co-Ordinator: Laurel Hounslow
On Twitter we are using the hashtag #GB4U and our Go Blue Team Members are using the hashtag #GoBlueTeam
To DONATE online click HERE
Be sure to select the charity in your city, and leave a comment with the name of the Go Blue Team Member you are supporting!
How did Going Blue 4 U get started read HERE
If you would like to start a GB4U campaign in your city, or for questions, comments or to participate please contact:
Lee Horbachewski
Going Blue 4 U Organizer
1-877-533-0504
Email: goingblueforyou@gmail.com
Mental Illness Awareness Week is coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health ((CAMIMH)
For 24 Hour Crisis Lines across the globe visit International Association for Suicide Prevention
