Call for parity on World Mental Health Day 2012

OTTAWA, Oct. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - To mark World Mental Health Day 2012 on Wednesday 10 October, leading psychiatrists from Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand have issued a statement calling on governments to ensure mental health is given the prominence it deserves.

On World Mental Health Day, we call on governments world-wide to give mental health equal billing to physical health and ensure that health and social care budgets reflect the prevalence of mental health problems.

During a lifetime, one in four people is likely to experience a mental health problem, affecting the quality of their lives and relationships. Mental illness has a profound global impact and should be treated with equal importance as physical illness. There is no health without mental health.'

• Dr Suzane Renaud, President of the Canadian Psychiatric Association
• Dr Maria Tomasic, President of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
• Professor Sue Bailey, President, Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK)

The Canadian Psychiatric Association is the national voice for Canada's 4,100 psychiatrists and more than 600 psychiatric residents. Founded in 1951, the CPA is dedicated to promoting an environment that fosters excellence in the provision of clinical care, education and research.

SOURCE: Canadian Psychiatric Association

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