Seeing Mental Health from a Different Point of View
Although the democratisation of mental health services has progressed enormously over the past few years, the challenges are still remain legion. Several taboos still exist today and every day the Foundation strives to break these barriers down.
For over 20 years, the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Montréal Foundation, during discussions and meetings with the various professionals working at the Institute, ensures that its activities adhere to the mission statement set out by one of the most important mental health institutes in Canada.
In 2015, the Institute adopted a new vision of psychiatry that focuses on the concept of full citizenship. The services offered by the Institute are no longer limited to reducing symptoms of the illness and to treating patients but are also meant to ensure the patient’s recovery by stepping up efforts to help patients maintain a solid relationship with their community and that allow them to fully reintegrate society.
At the Foundation, we share this vision and work closely with the Institute to increase the chances that people with mental health disorders are able to take back control of their lives by learning how to manage their illness on a daily basis. We firmly believe that if we are successful in bringing together the various care-giving bodies for those in need and that if we continue to fight against stigma and exclusion, we will change the lives of thousands of people.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those people who, in one way or another, have helped us achieve our objectives and carry out our projects. Whether you are a donor, a mental health professional, an employee of the Institute or a volunteer, you make a real difference in the lives of our clientele.
Martin Gagnon
President