Yellowknife, NWT – One in five Canadians will be affected by a mental health issue at some point in their lifetime.
That’s according to Manager of Mental Health and Addictions Sara Chorostkowski with the G.N.W.T’s Department of Health and Social Services.
The topic of mental health has been front and centre in the days following the tragic passing of famed actor and comedian Robin Williams.
Williams took his own life earlier this week after a lengthy battle with depression.
Chorostkowski says she’d like to see more dialogue when it comes to mental health and the toll it can take.
“There’s been historically a huge amount of stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide. I think it’s extremely important that we recognize it as an illness and something that people need help with. It’s also important to open up the conversation because we want people to talk about it and reach out for help.”
Chorostkowski encourages northerners with mental health issues to call the N.W.T Help Line, which is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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