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A-MAJOR
C/O Mark Henick
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Mental illness is never an easy topic to address. Individuals often feel that there is no one listening or that no one cares. Stigma creates feelings of embarrassment and shame and this prevents many from expressing their innermost feelings in a constructive and beneficial manner. This stigma is a product of a gross misinformation of the general public. Media frequently portrays mental illness as a socially unacceptable condition, as something that always endangers communities and "normal" people. The fact is, one in every five Canadians are experiencing or will experience a mental illness. Young people are commonly overlooked when matters of societal importance arise. The A-Major Mental Health Society takes a particular focus on the needs of youth. Sometimes a student may be having trouble with bullies, or they may just need someone to talk to. Poor grades, introversion, or deviant behavior are most often the product of an underlying psychological issue. We firmly believe that youth require a better mental health support system than is currently being provided both in school and at home. Music is an ideal way to spread knowledge and acceptance of mental illness. Self expression is essential in maintaining a sound mind. Music offers a healthy and productive outlet for people of any age, race or gender. Genre is inconsequential, what is important is the raw emotion in which creativity manifests. It is the mission of the A-Major Mental Health Society to approach the issue of eliminating the stigma of mental illness by combining our message of understanding with the medium of music. Marshall McLuhan once said that the medium is the message, and this still holds true today. It is our vision that all have unbiased access to proper mental health services as well as the opportunity to experience music and the other arts. In the future we hope to establish a centre that will serve both of these needs. We are confident that someday soon people will be able to stand up and not be ashamed of their illness. We are confident that gradually we may help break the silence.
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