Local health officials planning phone survey on mental health

Lambton Public Health is about to roll out a phone survey to randomly selected adults on the issue of mental health. The information gathered will be confidential and anonymous, said Dr. Sudit Ranade, Lambton’s Medical Officer of Health.

Lambton Public Health is about to roll out a phone survey to randomly selected adults on the issue of mental health.

The information gathered will be confidential and anonymous, said Dr. Sudit Ranade, Lambton’s Medical Officer of Health.

“This survey will improve our understanding of mental health and mental illness in our community, so that we can better address this important public health priority.”

The survey will be conducted for the health unit by Ipsos Public Affairs and cover such topics as self-reported mental health, knowledge and attitudes, and knowledge about available supports and services.

Epidemiologist Crystal Palleschi said a computer program will randomly select the phone numbers, and the survey takes about 15 minutes to complete.

Knowledge is needed to break down the stigma of mental illness, Ranade said.

It’s estimated 60% of those with a mental health problem won’t seek help for fear of being labeled.