Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Murray Scott has signed a proclamation declaring Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, as World Mental Health Day within the municipality.
It is a day to talk about mental health issues and illness, come together as communities to support those needing assistance, identify gaps in service, and look at ways to improve and enhance access to care.
There’s no doubt that the need for care is great as in any given year, one in five of our residents will experience a mental health problem or illness and regardless of their root cause, we need to recognize that these are health problems just like cancer, arthritis or diabetes.
Good health is vital to our overall health and well-being. Yet one in eight people globally are living with mental health conditions, which can impact their physical health, their well-being, how they connect with others, and their livelihoods. 
Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Murray Scott signs a proclamation declaring Oct. 10 as World Mental Health Day in Cumberland County. Darrell Cole - Municipality of Cumberland photo
Mental health conditions are also affecting an increasing number of adolescents and young people.
Often fear and misunderstanding about mental health and mental illness leads to prejudice and discrimination against those who struggle, whether it be intentional or not. This discrimination and stigma can trigger feelings of hopelessness and shame, and ultimately create serious barriers to diagnosis and treatment as individuals are reluctant to share details about their struggles in the way that they would about physical symptoms and illness.
As a community we can help by knowing the facts and educating ourselves about mental illness and mental health; being aware of our attitudes and behaviours; choosing our words carefully; educating others, challenging myths and stereotypes; focusing on the positive and recognizing that mental health illness and mental health issues are only part of anyone’s big picture; supporting people; treating everyone with dignity, respect and offering support and encouragement; and being inclusive.