"The stigma often related with mental illness is very real," said Blatnicki. "Many people with mental illnesses are afraid to share their condition with other people for fear of mockery or judgment. The stigma is so real, in fact, many will avoid telling friends or family of their mental condition." More than 300 designs were submitted for the contest. A panel of judges and the stamp ¬advisory committee selected the top five submissions that best reflected the stamp's mission: to lift ¬awareness of the mental health issue and break down the stigma attached to it.
But it's up to Canadians to choose which design becomes official postage, and they have until March 14 to vote for their favourite submission. "I was very impressed by the quality of the designs we were asked to review," Jim Phillips, Canada Post director of stamp services, said in a release. One dollar from the sale of every 2011 mental health stamp booklet goes to support the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health, which has raised more than $4.8 million since 2008. Blatnicki is no stranger to mental illness and its collision on lives. He works at mindyourmind.ca, a non-profit mental health engagement program that works with youth and professionals to develop resources and message platforms surrounding mental health.
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