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Who we are
Why does the Foundation’s name refer to mental illness rather than mental health? The answer is simple but controversial: Working on mental health means seeking to diminish risk factors and increase prevention factors without, however, recognizing the pathological aspect or tackling on the symptoms of mental disorders. At the Mental Illness Foundation, we combine both of these aspects under the heading of mental illness.
Although people increasingly know about and recognize the symptoms and consequences of mental illness, they don’t know what to do in the face of illness or how to support those who are affected. Despite information, prevention and awareness campaigns that have contributed to growing the public’s knowledge of mental illness, the taboos surrounding it and the prejudices towards those who are affected are still very present. In our opinion, the growing number of people who are speaking openly and publicly about their own mental illness or that of someone close to them is the most effective form of communication for putting one of the most persistent taboos of our day into perspective without trivializing it.
We try to reach out to people wherever they are, because we believe it to be the best way of creating a safety net for those affected by mental illness and the people they know.
The basis of the Foundation
Mission
The Mental Illness Foundation has for mission the prevention of mental illness in order to reduce the suffering of those who are affected and that of their loved ones by mobilizing individuals and society.
Vision
To be the leader and benchmark in the prevention of mental illness among young people, workers and seniors in their specific environments and family dynamic.
Logo
Our logo, an oyster with a pearl inside, symbolizes a person with mental illness opening up to reveal their inner beauty. The Mental Illness Foundation chose this symbol to emphasize how important it is for those affected to come out of their isolation to lessen their suffering. Like a pearl, it is in opening up one’s shell that torments can be released. It is also the first step toward acceptance, treatment and recovery.
Tagline
Our tagline, “Opening up surely helps,” aims, first of all, to show that those affected need to open up to others so they don’t remain isolated in their illness and so that they can get the help they need. It also points to the importance of friends and family being open minded, so as to better understand the affected person and not judge them.