The past and present of mental health care

Stories about the issues surrounding mental health care are seeing a greater prominence in the media as policy-makers, politicians and activists raise questions about the quality of care and treatment being delivered in the province and across the country.

At the same time, campaigns such as Bell Let’s Talk—an initiative to promote mental health education, research and awareness—are attempting to normalize what it means to struggle with mental illness.

However, Dyck, a University of Saskatchewan history professor and medical historian, said all too often there is a disconnect between the actual conversations and the overall stigma of mental health.

“So often mental health issues get into the news because of some disaster—some horrific violence. So, there is a focus on…