THUNDER BAY -- It can be difficult for people to admit they may have a mental illness.
But with an estimated 20 per cent of the population impacted by mental illness, reducing the stigma and getting people to take the first step, usually speaking with a family doctor, is more important than ever.
Its why the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre took its first steps Tuesday morning on what its hoping will be an annual walk to kick off Mental Illness Awareness Week.
Community mental health psychological associate Heather Kozak said even though there has been a lot of awareness raised about mental health issues, stigma is still a major problem.
"We still find people have difficulties seeking treatment because of some of the myths and misconceptions," she said.
Even if someone is brave enough to come forward, often they are hit with that same stigma.
"Imagine how difficult it is to come forward and get help and people don't understand the problem," she said.
People need to realize that mental illness is just like any other type of ailment and the sooner someone can get treated, the more options there are and the more effective they'll be.
