Health and Community Services
January 20, 2015

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services:

Minister Provides Update on Understanding Changes Everything Campaign

Mister Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise in this Honourable House to provide an update on the Provincial Government's Understanding Changes Everything social marketing campaign.

Last May the campaign was launched with a specific focus to create greater understanding about mental illness and addictions in an effort to reduce the stigma often associated with these complex health issues.

As many people may know, living with the stigma that surrounds mental illness or addiction can often be harder than the illness itself. The campaign reinforces that despite living with a mental illness or addiction, people are able to lead fulfilling and successful lives.

Mr. Speaker, the core of the message is that a person is not defined by a mental illness or addiction as it is not who they are as a whole, and with greater awareness we can all help eliminate or reduce stigma and foster an environment that supports recovery and healing.

During the first year of this three-year campaign, television commercials, online and cinema advertising, and promotion through social media have taken place. It was my privilege last week during the Premier's Summit on Health Care to announce the release of a new video which features individuals and family members with lived experience. It carries very powerful, direct messages which reinforce that mental illness and addictions are not weaknesses and that we need to start talking and continue the conversation. As the video states, we need to be open to asking for help and together we can make it better.

Mr. Speaker, I would encourage people to visit the campaign's website www.understandnow.ca to view the awareness materials and learn more about mental illness and addiction. People can also follow the campaign at Understanding Changes Everything on Facebook or on Twitter @UnderstandNowNL.

Living with a mental illness or addiction can be an isolating and lonely experience. I encourage everyone who is experiencing this in their lives to reach out to a loved one, colleague or health professional. The more we are able to make this a part of our everyday conversation the better it will be for everyone. If an individual finds themselves in crisis please call the Mental Health Crisis Line, 24 hours a day, at 1 888-737-4668 to speak with a mental health professional.

Thank you.

2015 01 20                              1:45 p.m.