This is National Schizophrenia and Psychosis Awareness Day. Jane Burpee, Public Education Coordinator at the Schizophrenia Society of Manitoba, says we have a long way to go in the fight to eliminate stigma and discrimation against the mentally ill. Burpee notes this national day of awareness is to let people know that folks with schizophrenia and psychosis can live very high quality lives----they can get married, have children, and follow their dreams just like anybody else. She says battling stigma is very stressful for the mentally ill but it also takes a lot of courage, adding those with mental illness are some of the bravest and most resilient people she's ever met.

Burpee notes the discrimination stems from a lack of knowledge and a fear of the unknown. She says it's time we all had the courage to accept differences, adding it's unfortunate it's taking so long for the public to get to that point. Burpee notes the mentally ill are moms, dads, brothers, and sisters, and people need to be willing to speak out and share their feelings. She says families shouldn't have to feel embarrassed or guilty, adding she doesn't believe there are other disabilities where people experience this kind of shame. Burpee notes nobody chooses to have a mental illness, just like we would never choose to have cancer.

She adds one in five Canadians is living with a mental illness, so if we don't start reaching out and supporting these people they're going to be marginalized for a very long time. Burpee says the Schizophrenia Society offers workshops and presentations, noting if people want to become more knowledgeable that information is just a free phone call away. She adds they also have an incredible resource library of books and videos which can be accessed for free by anyone in the province.