Stigma against the mentally ill and mental health providers has persisted for decades, if not centuries. Traditional anti-stigma campaigns, while good intentioned, failed to change the harsh realities of widespread discrimination that those with mental illness have had to endure.
Years ago as President of the Ontario Psychiatric Association, Dr. Gaind spearheaded a shift in how stigma against mental illness is conceptualized. He showed that unless we expanded the dialogue beyond the traditional targets of education and attitudinal change, and combatted discrimination embedded in policies, the needs of the mentally ill would remain unmet. His Presidential theme was "Folie Adieux: Moving Beyond Stigmatization of Psychiatry", and through provincial and national presentations, dialogue with health care providers, and public policy engagement he worked to show that tangible policy change needed to occur to overcome historic institutional stigma and structural discrimination.
Fundamentally, these are issues of human rights and equity. Dr. Gaind has continued to spearhead equity initiatives in his varied provincial, national and international roles.
CTV News clip on mental health tips for coping with COVID lockdowns and need for Mental Health equity
Beyond vague generalizations of what needs to change to address stigma and discrimination, Dr. Gaind has been active at identifying specific policies that discriminate against the mentally ill. His efforts have not been restricted to "ivory tower" theories, he has engaged the public to raise awareness of these issues, including through the publication of prominent national newspaper print edition editorials and other public messaging. As in the national editorial below, and detailed further on the “Medical Assistance in Dying” page, this has included advocating for ethical and evidence-based policies protecting equity and human rights of the most marginalized, even when professional medical associations and other power structures are not.
“I recall the shock of a psychiatrist colleague when she first heard me use the word ‘discrimination’ in the context of mental illness stigma. She thought the word was too harsh. She has since told me how eye-opening that word was. From the local university level to national programs, ‘anti-stigma’ efforts are now routinely referred to as ‘anti-stigma and anti-discrimination’ initiatives.”
Member communication on Presidential Theme on Institutional Stigma
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