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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, May 3, 2013 | 6 Editorial Looking inside mental health The longest journey begins with the rst step. As we put one foot in front of the other, hopefully we will cross the threshold into a different world. A society in which the wide variety of mental illness that can af ict any one of us at any time, prompts the same concern, caring and kindness bestowed on those who battle, live with, overcome or succumb to the plethora of physical illnesses that can also befall any of us. It is sad that many of people facing mental illness do not widely receive empathy from society in general, but rather a cold, often cruel, reception born of ignorance, fear and a general lack of knowledge. The same set of prejudices has historically been applied to accommodate a misunderstanding of race, religion and gender differences. But as with all these issues, the walls are coming down. So, too, are they when it comes to mental health. That's thanks to a concentrated effort by those who are not ignorant about mental health and who are able to advocate for people so challenged by illness that they have no additional strength or ability to advocate on their own behalf. People challenged by sickness that strikes the mind as opposed to the body are ill. They need compassion, care, concern and kindness, nothing less. We need to venture out of the Dark Ages and move away from the inappropriate responses once given to those with many physical ailments. We do not need isolation or segregation. We need to offer treatment. There is no shame in being ill. The CanadianMentalHealthAssociation's(CMHA) Mental Health Week (www.mentalhealthweek.ca) is an annual national event that takes place during the rst week in May to encourage people from all walks of life to learn, talk, re ect and engage with others on issues relating to mental health. The walls that have kept mental health issues and those coping with challenges set apart, fearful to acknowledge their struggle and left to battle many levels of challenge, need to come down. Next week is Mental Health Week with a particular focus on a growing at-risk population -- our young people. The Oakville Beaver, through a series of mental health-focused stories, The Inside Story, hopes to do its part in getting people talking, furthering awareness and understanding, and bringing down walls that should not exist. We will pro le people, patients, families and healthcare professionals, who are speaking up and speaking out. We will look at programs and resources for support offered by Halton Healthcare Services locally, the community and at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). Mental health, especially among our children, is a key focus. We must offer our best to our youths. Life is a very long road. Let's walk it together -- mind, body and soul. "Connected to your Community" 467 Speers Road, Oakville ON, L6K 3S4 General Inquiries: (905) 845-3824 Editorial Department: (905) 632-0588 Fax: (905) 337-5566 Classi ed Advertising: (905) 632-4440 Circulation: 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington (905) 631-6095 Volume 51 | Number 53 The Oakville Beaver is a division of Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Vice ­President and Group Publisher of Metroland West Regional General Manager Halton Region Editor in Chief Advertising Director NEIL OLIVER DAVID HARVEY JILL DAVIS DANIEL BAIRD Managing Editor ANGELA BLACKBURN RIZIERO VERTOLLI Photography Director Business Manager Director of Production SANDY PARE MARK DILLS MANUEL GARCIA Production Manager Praising Oakville's arts community On Sunday, April 21, I attended a performance of Handel's Solomon by Masterworks of Oakville Chorus & Orchestra. St. Andrew Catholic Church was packed with an appreciative audience. After the intermission, Mayor Rob Burton spoke. He spoke of our town, and that it was not only "livable" but also "lovable." When he referred to Oakville as lovable, he was referring to a noticeable spirit in the room. The spirit of neighbours supporting each other, of the pride in watching 120 talented members of your community perform something amazing. Oakville is an incredibly creative town lled with visual artists, musicians, choristers, actors, writers and more. Celebrate the creativity of your community by attending an arts event. I urge you all to visit the Oakville Arts Council website (www.oakvillearts.com) and sign up to receive its free weekly enewsletter of Oakville arts events. There are so many opportunities to sample Oakville's creative talent. The Oakville Chamber Orchestra (OCO) is a tremendous organization that has been part of Oakville for 29 years. ArtWorks Oakville is an organization of visual artists with 100 members. On Saturday, May 4, some of those members will be exhibiting their work at an Oakville Chamber Orchestra concert. The soloist at this OCO concert is 15-year-old Leslie Ashworth, an incredibly talented, award-winning violinist from right here in Oakville. I can't think of a better opportunity to witness Oakville's artistic spirit than at this collaborative arts event. Come be amazed by your neighbours. For more information on these local arts organizations, visit www.oakvillearts. com, www.masterworksofoakville. ca, www.oakvillechamber.org, or www. artworksoakville.ca. Stacey Sinclair, general manager, Masterworks of Oakville Letters to the Editor Director of Distribution CHARLENE HALL KIM MOSSMAN Circulation Manager Proud Official Media Sponsor For: Canadian Circulations Audit Board Member Recognized for Excellence by Ontario Community Newspapers Association Canadian Community Newspapers Association Proud Official Media Sponsor For: ATHENA Award The Oakville Beaver welcomes letters from its readers. Letters will be edited for clarity, length, legal considerations and grammar. In order to be published all letters must contain the name, address and phone number of the author. Letters should be addressed to: The Editor, Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville ON, L6K 3S4, or via e-mail to; ablackburn@oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. The Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206, Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone 416-340-1981. 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