Canadian Province Creates High-Level Post for Mental Health (Last Updated On: ) Canadian Province Creates High-Level Post for Mental Health Gulzar Cheema, M.D. In early September Tarja Heiskanen, project manager at the Finnish Mental Health Association, interviewed British Columbia’s Minister of State for Mental Health on behalf of WFMH. Gulzar Cheema was appointed to this newly created position on 5 June 2001. Before his election to the British Columbia Legislative Assembly in 2001 Dr. Cheema practiced medicine in rural Manitoba and Winnipeg. Earlier, before coming to Canada in 1979, he was a clinical instructor in the Punjab, India. He has broad medical interests include neonatology, psychiatry, psychogeriatrics and geriatrics. Q You are the only appointed Minister for Mental Health in the world. How and why did the idea of appointing a Minister for Mental Health come up in Canada? How would you describe your work and your role? A Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia, realized the only way to bring a focus to mental health issues in the provincial health system was to appoint someone specifically, at the cabinet level, to have the responsibility for mental health. My role is to advocate for mental health issues across all provincial ministries. I will work not only within the health system, but I will also be working within the provincial social assistance, education, child services and law enforcement systems – and any other areas that are identified as having a mental health component. Q What possibilities do you think you have to influence mental health issues in your own country? In British Columbia? In the whole world? A I am hoping to be able to bring an equal status to mental health issues amongst all other health issues in British Columbia. I also hope to make significant inroads into reducing the stigma associated with mental illness in this province. Hopefully our efforts here will provide an example for other provinces in Canada. Hopefully all countries will be moving in this direction. Q How would you describe the present overall mental health situation in British Columbia? A Three years ago the government of the day embarked on a set of programs, called the Mental Health Plan, to enhance services to the mentally ill. These initiatives focused on policy directives, planning and service delivery to persons with mental illness. The plan addressed a number of issues including: An emphasis on early identification and treatment of individuals and support for their families. A shift in service delivery to better respond to an individual’s complex needs through outreach, assertive case management and appropriate medical care in non-hospital settings. More responsive services for individuals with multiple problems. Implementation of best practices in mental healthcare to enable consumers to benefit from the most current knowledge about program and service design. My government has affirmed its commitment to the implementation of the Mental Health Plan. Q What kinds of issues and problems do you intend to tackle? A As the Minister of State for Mental Health, I am accountable to ensure early action on mental health services. I am also responsible for establishing a public information program on mental health issues and community services in co-operation with other government agencies, professional bodies and community groups. I will be focusing my attention on improving mental health services for children and youth. Studies have found that early intervention to signs of mental illness has a profound benefit to successful treatment in children and youth. We are in the process of launching a strategy on depression. Q What could each and every one of us do to promote one’s own mental health? A Take the time to care for your body and mind. The pace of the world today can have a very negative effect on our bodies if we do not take care of ourselves. Q Recently the Biennial Congress of the World Federation for Mental Health was held in Vancouver. What do you think is the purpose and effect of this kind of congress? A The Congress was held to promote global mental health in all aspects of our lives. It was about respecting diversity and responding to challenges faced by those with mental illness. It allowed participants to share ideas with stakeholders and service providers. The net effect will result in a shared understanding of care and support for persons with mental illness. Q How do you personally maintain your positive mental health? A I try to spend as much time with my family as possible, and I always try to keep a positive attitude.