Yukon forms chapter of national mental health group

The Yukon now has a chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association after 55 people came out to a meeting Thursday night to form the group.

"I came here because I'm out to give the word 'stigma' a bad name," said Michael Eckford, who has manic depression.

He added he's glad there's now a group to advocate for him.

"My big push is the anti-stigma," said Kim Solonick, whose son has schizophrenia.

"The more I talk about it, the more I find this does affect much more than just one in five. It affects everyone."

Solonick and Eckford were among 15 people elected to the board.

Many people agree stigma is the biggest hurdle they and their families face, but another problem is the lack of services for rural Yukoners.

Health Minister Doug Graham told the group the government is planning a mental health strategy.

"We want to look at addictions as an integral part of the mental health problem in the territory," he said.

The group will elect its officers next week.