Public schools must also teach kids real life skills

chris1Chris Moise —

As a visible minority, I have been paying close attention to the aftermath of the Ferguson shooting south of the border.

While the details of the tragic shooting have yet to be revealed, all I can say right now is that I hope those responsible are brought to justice and that this will ignite a lasting conversation in the U.S. about police powers and the discrimination that still exists today, even with segregation almost half a decade behind them.

This rings a bell about a similar incident that happened right here at home in Toronto about one year ago. Sammy Yatim was shot to death on Dundas by officer James Forcillo.

While riding a streetcar, Sammy attempted to hold other passengers hostage while brandishing a knife. All the passengers escaped, and police soon arrived at the scene. Sammy then attempted to exit the streetcar, and police warned him not to approach them. Nine shots were fired at Sammy, and he was later Tasered as he lay on the ground. Officer Forcillo was charged with second-degree murder and, later, attempted murder as well.

What struck me about this shooting incident was not just how much of a senseless reaction Yatim received from a police force that is trained and expected to reasonably use force. What struck me was the mental state that Sammy was in.

While on the streetcar, Sammy was reported to have changed his demands. He was also reported to have appeared mentally unstable through the entire ordeal. While it’s no excuse for threatening passengers on the streetcar and attempting to take them hostage, Sammy clearly suffered from poor mental health. And he wasn’t alone.

One in five Canadians will suffer from some sort of mental illness in their lives  and most of them won’t know they’re ill. Unlike physical ailments and illnesses, mental illnesses are often invisible and easily scapegoated. Coupled with cultural stigmas, lack of education and lack of visible resources, mental illnesses remain a hidden threat to the wellbeing of ourselves, our neighbours and our communities.

And this is why it’s so important for kids and teens to learn about mental health in school and to have resources readily available if they suspect a mental illness and wish to be diagnosed. The TDSB provides social workers, but more widespread resources and additional resources like community links and staff training would provide a safer space for students. And, of course, the curriculum needs to be updated.

Mental illnesses remain a taboo in many cultures worldwide.

Seeing that Toronto is such an international city that proudly hosts people from all corners of the world, it naturally creates an environment toxic for discussing mental health and discourages many children from immigrant families to “come out” about their concerns. There are even stories about how doctors from particular cultural backgrounds tend to dismiss mental health issues easier than others.

Education needs to change that.

There are often so many questions about mental health issues as well. What is a mental illness? How is someone diagnosed? How do you get treated? Where do you get treated? Does OHIP cover this treatment? Often when the procedure is unclear or information is scarce, it may discourage people from taking action and helping themselves. Education needs to change that.

This particularly refers to resources we have to battle mental illnesses. If people knew where to look, they would be more inclined to get help or test for any suspected diagnoses out of simplicity and convenience. And the resources are out there, but nobody knows where to look. Education needs to change that.

chrisIt starts with a basic awareness and understanding of the issue. Mental illness don’t always mean something life-threatening and can take many forms. Anxiety, depression, substance abuse, problem gambling and even sleeping problems are examples.

“Mental illness” seems to be a loaded term but it really isn’t. The stigma around it must be challenged because so many of our friends and neighbours go through it, and it’s entirely treatable.

Education needs to change that. And it can. It also starts with our youth, who have the opportunity to be self-aware about mental illnesses as long as we initiate it and are willing to invest.