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Welcome to MIND MATTERS, an electronic newsletter produced by the Canadian Mental Health Association's BC Division office (CMHA) and delivered monthly to your mailbox. In MIND MATTERS, we provide new resources and programs offered by CMHA BC Division, 20 CMHA branches across BC and news from partner agencies and like-minded organizations committed to the mental health of British Columbians.

MIND MATTERS is completely free and your e-mail address is not shared with any third party nor is it used for other purposes other than delivering the e-newsletter. If you would like to know more about our efforts to ensure your privacy is maintained, please contact our office. Mind Matters wouldn't be possible without support from donors and the help of gaming revenue from the Province of British Columbia.

CMHA NEWS:

CMHA BC Accepting Applications for 2009 Lorne Fraser Educational Bursaries
Bounce Back Now Offered by 18 CMHA branches in BC
Thank You to all the Supporters of the Bottom Line Conference
Read the Latest Visions Magazine on Schools

Mental Health Week - May 4 - 10

CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Open Gym
Hiking Quest – April 21, May 5 and May 19
Mental Health First Aid - April 18 + 25

FEATURED PROGRAM:
The Lorne Fraser Education Fund Celebrates 26 years

CANADIAN RESEARCH:

Lower Income Neighbourhoods Linked to Increased Hospitalization for Depression
Primer Reinforces the Value of Peer Support in Recovery

One Quarter of Workforce Concerned About Geeting Jobs

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD:

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES:

Voices Within: Living with Multiple Personality Disorder
Updated Report on Women, Mental Health and Mental Illness and Addiction
Get Real NationWide
Every Step Counts in Victoria
Test Anxiety Booklet – Now Available for Download

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Call for Proposals – BC Non-Profit Housing Association Annual Conference
Seeking Participants for a Study on Managing Bipolar Disorder
Commission Seeking Recommendations on Improving Ethnocultural Mental Health in Canada
Health Council Wants Canadian to Views on Health Care
MindYourMind.ca Will Close as of May 1

PUBLIC EDUCATIONS EVENTS:

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS:
Support Group for Family Members and Friends of People with Serious Mental Illness
Self-Injury Behaviour in Youth – Issues and Strategies In Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna
Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace in Sechelt
Get It Write Creative Writing Workshop
Grief and Loss Workshop
Workplace Addictions and Mental Health Issues and Solutions
Managing Your Child’s Anxiety

CONFERENCES:

CMHA NEWS

CMHA BC Accepting Applications for 2009 Lorne Fraser Educational Bursaries—due April 25 [back to top]
Each year, the Lorne Fraser Educational Fund is awarded to people with a mental illness to help further their pursuit of post-secondary education. Bursary amounts, $700 each, are based on the annual interest of the fund and are awarded for the fall term of each year. Lorne Fraser is committed to increasing opportunities for people with a mental illness. He has lived with bipolar disorder for many years and is aware of the difficulties associated with mental illness. He continues to build the fund and recognizes the importance of education to the personal well-being of a contributing member of society. Since 1982, the Lorne Fraser Fund has helped more than 100 British Columbians pursue their educational dreams. Applications for this year’s bursaries are due April 25. To download an application form, please visit www.cmha.bc.ca

Bounce Back Now Offered by 18 CMHA branches in BC [back to top]
CMHA BC has just launched the last of its three phases of Bounce Back: Reclaim Your Health, a new two-year program to help people experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Bounce Back offers two forms of help. The first is a DVD, entitled Living Life to the Full, which provides practical tips on managing mood, healthy living, building confidence and activities, and problem solving. The second is a guided self-help program in which a community “coach” provides telephone support in a structured program to improve your emotional well-being. This part of the program involves three to five telephone sessions with a Bounce Back coach, which you can do from the comfort of your home. For more information or to watch a preview of the DVD go to www.bouncebackbc.ca.

Thank You to all the Supporters of the Bottom Line Conference [back to top]
CMHA BC would like to offer its sincere thanks to the many supporters, participants, staff and volunteers for contributing to the success of the 7th annual conference on March 11. Award-winning Canadian musician, author and activist Matthew Good was one among several keynote speakers at Bottom Line 2009: Workplace Mental Illness and the Family. The conference looked at what happens when work, family and mental illness collide, especially in uncertain economic times. Watch for the final report and event photos coming soon to www.bottomlineconference.ca

Read the Latest Visions Magazine on Schools [back to top]
Mental health problems among elementary and high schools students are much more common than many believe them to be. The teenage use of alcohol and drug consumption has its own misconceptions. Since teachers see children regularly they are in a unique position to notice the signs and symptoms of the mental health concerns of the students. This issue of Visions: BC’s Mental Health and Addictions Journal focuses on not only teachers, but what the school as a whole can do to help young children. Visions is produced by CMHA BC Division on behalf of BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information. Read it online at www.heretohelp.bc.ca/publications/visions/schools.
>> Now Visions can be delivered to your inbox a week before it hits the press! To subscribe or unsubscribe to eVisions, simply use the sign up form at www.heretohelp.bc.ca/publications/visions. It’s a free subscription.
>> Visions looking for reactions to recent issue! Read something in the Schools issue that made you think? We’d like to hear your reactions to any articles or articles in the last issue. We’ll print them in our next issue. E-mail your letters to the editor to bcpartners@heretohelp.bc.ca

Mental Health Week – May 4 – May 10 [back to top]
CMHA National’s 58th Annual Mental Health Week is sponsored by Desjardins Financial Security. This national awareness week provides Canadians with many opportunities to find out more about the importance of mental health, and how to achieve it in our daily lives. The theme for this year is "Now More Than Ever: Invest in Yourself," with a focus on coping with financial and job-related stress. Watch for a listing of Mental Health Week events in BC the next issue of Mind Matters. For more information contact Alexandra Keay at 613-745-7750 Ext. 222 or e-mail at akeay@cmha.ca or visit www.cmha.ca.

CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Open Gym [back to top]
CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch has open gym timings at Mount Pleasant Community Centre at 4 pm. Activities and the centre include badminton, basketball, floor hockey, indoor soccer, volleyball and more. CMHA van is available for transport from CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby branch location (175 W. Broadway Street) to Mount Pleasant Community Centre (3161 Ontario Street, Vancouver). There is no cost for gym activities. For more information call 604-872-3148.

Hiking Quest – April 21, May 5 and May 19 [back to top]
Hiking Quest is an initiative of CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch, where the CMHA van will take you from the Vancouver-Burnaby branch location (175 W. Broadway Street) to the hike location and back every alternate Tuesday. The hikes will increase in intensity and will take place at scenic destinations throughout the lower mainland. The location of the hike will be discussed on the first day of the hike on the day off the hike. Bring water, sturdy shoes, a bag lunch and dress for the weather. There is no cost for the hike. To sign up for the hike call the CMHA recreation line at 604-872-3148.

Mental Health First Aid - April 18 + 25 [back to top]
Mental Health First Aid teaches first aid skills to help someone with is developing a mental health problem of is experiencing a mental health problem of is experiencing a mental health crisis. In this 12-hour course you will learn sign and symptoms of common mental health problems and crisis situations, basic skills for mental health first aid, information about effective interventions and treatments, and how to access help and resources. Presented by CMHA. From 9am - 4:30pm at 175 W. Broadway, Vancouver. Cost: $150 + GST. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Call 604-872-4902 or email info.vb@cmha.bc.ca to register. For more information visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.ca.

FEATURED PROGRAM

The Lorne Fraser Educational Fund Celebrates 26 Years

This year marks the 26th anniversary of The Lorne Fraser Educational Fund. The fund exists for the purpose of helping people with mental illness achieve their post-secondary education goals, whether at college or university, and awards bursaries of $700 towards that end.Thanks to our donors, over 100 British Columbians have been helped by the fund since it was started in 1982 by Lorne Douglas Fraser.

Lorne’s passion for helping others with mental illness stems, in part, from his own experience with bipolar disorder. When Lorne began the fund, he used his own money and collected donations from his neighbours in Surrey. Today, the bursaries are funded from the interest earned on an amount of $172,000 so as to never erode the capital. Fundraising happens throughout the year to grow the capital and increase the number and amount of the bursaries.

The recipient selection criteria are based on history of mental illness, residency and age, participation in therapeutic support, identification of a job goal and demonstrated need for financial assistance. Some 70 applications come in each April requesting bursaries, with awards presented at a ceremony at CMHA BC’s Annual General Meeting in September.

To learn more and apply, visit www.cmha.bc.ca/lornefraser. Applications are due April 25.

CANADIAN RESEARCH

Lower Income Neighbourhoods Linked to Increased Hospitalization for Depression [back to top]
A recent study published by the Canadian Institute for Health Information reveals that people from lower-income neighbourhoods are more likely to be hospitalized for depression. The study looked at data on people aged 15-64 living in 13 cities across Canada, all of whom had been discharged from a hospital in 2004-05 after being diagnosed with depression. The neighbourhoods they lived in were ranked by income groups according to average resident income. People from higher income level neighbourhoods had lower odds of being hospitalized for depression, as well as shorter lengths of stay and lower readmission rates. This suggests that low income neighbourhoods have fewer alternative community mental health services. To read the full report, see “The Association between Socio-Economic Status and Inpatient Hospital Service Use for Depression” at secure.cihi.ca/cihiweb/

Primer Reinforces the Value of Peer Support in Recovery [back to top]
Hamilton Mental Health Rights Coalition and the Hamilton Program for Schizophrenia explain the importance of having a peer supporter in the process of recovery from mental illness in a primer Journey: A Peer Support Primer. The primer states that peer supporters are helpful when a person is making their way from the hospital to the community, through Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams. The primer also states the benefits of being a peer supporter. To see the full primer www.mentalhealthrights.ca

One Quarter of Workforce Concerned About Keeping Jobs [back to top]
According to the Ipsos Reid Better Workplace Syndicated Study, 24% of the employees, whether it is the manager or staff on the floor, are afraid to get laid off. The study is based on a survey taken by 1100 Canadian employees. The results suggest workplaces are facing the challenge of instilling employee condfidence and allieving stress and anxiety in order to maintain employee wellness. To read the full article visit www.ipsos-na.com.

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Low Income Women with Diabetes at Higher Risk of Depression During and After Pregnancy [back to top]
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, women who have diabetes have higher rates of depression during pregnancy and postpartum than those who do not have diabetes. Medicaid administrative database claimed that 11,024 women gave birth over a 26 month period. After taking age, race and year of delivery into consideration, women with diabetes had double the odds of getting depressed than those who did not have diabetes. To read the full article, see “Association between Diabetes and Perinatal Depression among Low-Income Mothers” at jama.ama-assn.org

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

Voices Within: Living with Multiple Personality Disorder [back to top]
Voices Within is a Gabriel Award-winning, CBC radio documentary about living with multiple personalities. It’s a disorder most commonly found in children who have been abused. This documentary might clear some facts of personality disorders that are sometimes misunderstood. Listen to it online at www.cbc.ca/documentaries

Updated Report on Women, Mental Health and Mental Illness and Addiction [back to top]
This report was originally published by the Canadian Women’s Health Network in May 2006, and a new updated version is now available online, published by the Ad Hoc Working Group on Women, Mental Health and Addictions. It discusses why sex and gender are important issues when it comes to mental health and addictions information. The report also points out why these issues should be relevant to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, which has not addressed sex and gender in their work to date. To download a PDF of the report in English visit www.cwhn.ca or read the report in French at www.cwhn.ca

Get Real NationWide [back to top]
Get Real NationWide is an initiative of 11 youths across Canada, who have come together and created promotional material to reduce to stigma that surrounds mental illness. The aim of this initiative is to provide information, advocacy and encouragement to youth who have mental health issues. The materials created are designed to change attitudes toward mental health within communities and networks of families and friends. The promotional material includes 3 posters, e-cards and an online flash interactive piece to help spread the word and encourage youth to seek help and help others. To view the promotional material visit www.mindyourmind.ca

Every Step Counts in Victoria [back to top]
Every Step Counts is a positive and innovative program for people currently residing in the Greater Victoria area experiencing challenges with housing, mental health and/or addiction and other related issues. The program is designed to build self-esteem, confidence, energy, positive growth and build new friendships. The group meets twice a week to do fun activities and run. Runners, gear and other incentives can be provided to individuals who participate regularly. For more information contact Gille Easdon, Program Coordinator at 250-595-8619 or e-mail geasdon@CoolAid.org

Test Anxiety Booklet – Now Available for Download [back to top]
Test Anxiety Booklet is developed by Anxiety BC to help students and parents better understand anxiety before tests and exams. The book also provides coping strategies for students for test anxieties so that students can be successful in their courses. Parents too, should read the booklet so they can identify what aspects of anxiety needs to be addressed and discuss coping strategies together with their child. To download the booklet (PDF) visit anxietybc.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Call for Proposals – BC Non-Profit Housing Association Annual Conference – deadline April 15 [back to top]
BC Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA) has hosted the largest conference in Western Canada for the past 16 years. The conference draws delegates from a wide range of housing societies and organizations. Housing researchers, students, administrators, executive staff, volunteers and policy makers are also invited to the conference. To ensure that high-quality sessions are delivered and reach a diverse audience, interested applicants are invited to submit proposals for presentations in the conference either as a workshop, panel discussion or a forum format. Conference will be held on November 16, 17 and 18. To download the proposal form visit www.bcnpha.ca

Seeking Participants for a Study on Managing Bipolar Disorder [back to top]
Mood Disorders Centre at UBC is seeking participants for a research study on managing bipolar disorder. The study will consist of a screening interview, sharing your story of how you manage bipolar disorder and interview on a one-on-one basis or may take part in a focus group with 6 to 8 people. If you are 19 years or older, have been diagnosed with bipolar I or II and feel that you require ongoing support and services and would like to participate in the study contact Erica Amari, research coordinator at 604-822-7247 or e-mail erica.amari@ubc.ca. An honorarium will be paid to eligible participants.

Commission Seeking Recommendations on Improving Ethnocultural Mental Health in Canada [back to top]
Ethnocultural, immigrant, and refugee groups in Canada are at risk for increased mental health problems, as well as difficulties accessing mental health care as a result of language barriers, discrimination, and a lack of cultural awareness. The Mental Health Commission of Canada has created a draft report with 19 recommendations aimed at improving the mental health system and increasing culturally safe services for these groups. The report includes challenges, as well as research findings from more than 50 national and regional studies that look at the mental health of diversity groups in Canada. The Commission would like feedback on the draft report and would like to hear about current best or promising practices in providing services for immigrants, refugees and ethnocultural communities. See “Understanding the Issues, Best Practice and Options for Service Development to Meet the Needs of Ethno-Cultural Groups, Immigrants, Refugees, and Racialized Groups” at www.camh.net

Health Council Wants Canadian Views on Health Care [back to top]
The Health Council of Canada has launched a new website for Canadian to give their input on the current health-care system. The aim of this project is to see whether the health-care system is funding the right services, the Canadians are getting the best value for the money spent on services and if the services can be improved. CanadaValuesHealth.ca is the website, where users can debate about health-care issues, participate in surveys, watch videos and listen to podcasts. The council is encouraging health research groups, health care professionals and the general public to take part in the discussions on this website.

Mindyourmind.ca Will Close as of May 1, 2009 [back to top]
Mindyourmind.ca is a resource for children and youth who have experienced mental illness. It also provides various tools for children and youth and also helps reduce discrimination and stigma that surrounds mental illness. We regret to inform that the Ministry of Youth and Children has not made a commitment to support mindyourmind.ca with funding, forcing the site to shut down and cease all youth engagement programs as of May 1. To help the site keep running and to show your support, send an e-mail to Deb Matthews office at dmatthews.mpp@liberal.ola.org. To read the full press release visit mindyourmind.ca.

PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS

Movie Mondays in Victoria [back to top]
Every Monday at 6:30pm, Bruce Saunders' Movie Monday project presents free movies at the Eric Martin Pavilion at the 1900 block of Fort Street in Victoria. More details at www.islandnet.com
April 13 – Mad City Chickens

April 20 – Street City
April 27 – Griefwalker
May 4 – Hearing [our] Voices
May 11 – Ishtar

The Neuroethics of Addiction – April 14 [back to top]
The Neuroethics of Addiction is an initiative of UBC to educate the general public on addiction. Some of the topics covered will include addictions being a disease, treatment of addictions and concurrent disorders while having stigma around it, how to benefit and avoid misuse of addiction neurobiology. A panel discussion will also be held. There is no cost for this event. The event will be held at The Wosk Centre for Dialogue at 580 West Hastings Street in Vancouver from 9 am -12:45 pm. For more information call 604-822-7960, e-mail info@neuroethics.ubc.ca or visit www.neuroethicscanada.ca

Frames of Mind – Over My Dad’s Body – April 15 [back to top]
Frames of Mind is an initiative of UBC Department of Psychiatry, where they screen one movie or documentary film per month (3rd Wednesday of every month) on mental health concerns. This month’s feature movie is Over My Dad’s Body. A post-screening discussion will follow after the movie. All the screenings are done at the Pacific Cinematheque Theatre on 1131 Howe Street, Vancouver starting 7:30 pm. Cost: $9.50 for adults, $8 for seniors or students. For more information visit www.framesofmind.ca

Education Evening on Seniors and Mental Illness – April 16 [back to top]
Mood Disorders Association of BC is hosting an education evening on Seniors and Mental Illness. The evening will feature Dr. Martha Donnelly of UBC Geriatric Psychiatry who will speak on issues related to aging that can cause depression. Many older people and their families don’t recognize the symptoms of depression and may mistake them as a sign of dementia. Depression is not normal in the process of aging and is an illness that can be treated. A question and answer period will follow the presentation. Admission is free. The event will take place at Sunrise Hall on 1950 Windermere Street (East 4th Ave), Vancouver at 7 pm. For more information contact MDA at 604-873-0103 or e-mail mdabc@telus.net

Stand Up for Mental Health Annual Comedy Benefit – April 19 [back to top]
Stand Up for Mental Health teaches stand-up comedy to people with mental illness as a way to build self-esteem, as well as fight stigma and discrimination. Students are encouraged to embrace their mental illness and laugh and see themselves as strong, funny, and resilient. The Annual Comedy Benefit show will feature the class of 2009, as well as headliner Mike MacDonald and program founder, counsellor, and stand-up comic David Granirer. It will be held at the Stanley Theatre, 2750 Granville St., Vancouver at 7pm. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at www.vancouvertix.com or by calling 604-629-8849. For more information, see standupformentalhealth.com

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: An Introduction – April 21 [back to top]
Changeways Clinic presents an introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) with Dr. Randy Paterson, author of Your Depression Map and The Assertive Workbook. The aim of the evening is to develop an understanding of CBT ideas and provide an overview of outcome research on CBT for various issues. The event is for public and healthcare providers. The event will be held from 7-9:30 pm at the Holiday Inn on 711 Broadway Street, Vancouver. Earlybird deadline for registration is April 7. Cost: $36.75 Earlybird, $42 regular. For more information or to register call 604-871-0490 or email workshops@changeways.com or visit www.changeways.com

Art Studios Mother’s Day Sale – May 1 [back to top]
The Art Studios provides individuals with mental illness a safe, respectful and accepting environment in which to explore and develop interests and strengths in the creative arts. The Art Studios is hosting its Mother’s Day Sale on May 1. Items such as jewellery, textiles, prints, cards, paintings and pottery are available for sale. The sale will be held at the Art Studios at 2005 East 44th Avenue in Vancouver from 9:30 am to 4 pm. For more information visit www.vch.ca

Chilliwack Mental Health Week Events – May 4 – May 9 [back to top]
In accordance with the national Mental Illness Awareness Week, Chilliwack’s Mental Health Week Committee has organized several free events and prize draws. For more information on any of the following events contact Loretta Gorman at 604-703-0143 or e-mail lgorman9@telus.net
May 4 – Mental Health Forum
The forum will consist of a presentation on Psychosis and Violence, followed by a stand-up comedy. The event will be held at the Evergreen Hall, 9291 Corbould Street, Chilliwack from 6:30 to 9 pm.
May 7 and 8 – Displays and Information
There will be large displays of mental health information and valuable Chilliwack organizations that provide health and mental health services. Displays will be showcased at Cottonwood Mall, 45585 Luckakuck Way, Chilliwack from 12 noon to 9 pm
May 9 – Observing and Interpreting Behaviour and Knowing When Intervention is Necessary
Part of University of the Fraser Valley facilitator training program, developed by professional facilitator and senior UFV Psychology students and hosted by Chilliwack Mood Disorders Group. The event will be held at the Evergreen Hall, 9291 Corbould Street, Chilliwack from 1 to 3 pm

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

Support Group for Family Members and Friends of Individuals who have Serious Mental Illness [back to top]
Join family members and friends of loved ones who have a serious mental illness for a monthly support group. This is an opportunity to share, listen, give and receive support from others who are in a similar situation. The support group is held on fourth Monday of each month in the Partnership Room at Raven Song Community Health Centre at 2450 Ontario Street, Vancouver, BC . There is free parking and is close to transit. The support group is offered by BCSS. For more information contact Linda Proudfoot at 604-247-1884 or e-mail lproudfoot@bcss.org

Self-Injury Behaviour in Youth – Issues and Strategies In Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna [back to top]
This workshop will begin with a general overview to assist participants in understanding the experience and motivations of adolescents who intentionally injure themselves. The workshop will offer practical strategies for working with youth struggling with this complex issue. Cost: $165. Earlybird rate available. For more information and registration contact the Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute at 1-877-353-3205 or visit www.ctrinstitute.com
Vancouver – April 8 - Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre, 711 West Broadway - 604-879-0511
Victoria – April 9 - Ramada Victoria, 123 Gorge Road - 250-386-1422
Kelowna – April 9 - Kelowna Sandman Hotel, 2130 Harvey Avenue - 250-860-6409

Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace in Sechelt – April 16 [back to top]
Sechelt Chamber of Commerce presents a Mental Health Works workshop that will address how to manage mental health issues in the workplace. The presentation will provide practical strategies for business owners and managers on how to identify mental illness, including emotional distress and burnout at work. There will also be a multi-media presentation and resources for effective performance management where mental health is a concern. The workshop will be held at the Driftwood Inn on 5454 Trail Avenue from 9 to 11 am. Cost: $15 for members, $20 for non-members. To reserve a spot call the Sechelt Chamber of Commerce at 604-885-0032 or e-mail secheltchamber@dccnet.com. Mental Health Works is a program of the Canadian Mental Health Association. For more information visit www.mentalhealthworks.ca.

Get It Write Creative Writing Workshop – April 23-24 [back to top]
This workshop helps people who have experienced mental illness and wish to strengthen their writing skills and start a writing practice at home. Get It Write teaches fun and creative writing exercises and body movements to get words down on paper over a course of 1.5 days. The workshop also goes over the process of giving, receiving, and using feedback from readers and listeners. The program aims to build confidence in your writing skills and no previous experience is necessary. Please bring a journal to write in, a bag lunch and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Light refreshments will be provided. It takes place at 306 1212 W. Broadway, Vancouver April 23 from 9:45am-12:45pm and April 24 from 9:45am-4:15pm. Registration is $100. Register online at www.peernetbc.com

Grief and Loss Workshop – April 29 [back to top]
The Grief and Loss Workshop will feature Kevin Hegseth, BA certified NLP Practitioner who has a rich background as a Bereavement Counsellor. He will help individuals and groups explore, understand and experience the grievance process, whether it is a loss of a person from death, loss of a job, loss of income, loss through divorce or loss of self-esteem. He will provide tools to you can use to help yourself and others who are suffering from a loss. The workshop will be held at the Thomas Haney Secondary School’s Suddaby Room on 23000 116th Avenue, Maple Ridge. Cost: $30. To register call Tammy at 604-467-6055.

Workplace Addictions and Mental Health Issues and Solutions– May 28 [back to top]
This Mental Health Works workshop will include two sessions. Session 1 will deal with addictions such as alcohol, drugs and gambling might lead to a loss in productivity, and how to balance between accommodating the employees and keeping the other employees safe. Session 2 will teach how to identify mental health problems and strategies on how to deal with it. The workshop will be held at the Hampton Inn & Suites at 19500 Langley Bypass in Langley from 8:30 am to 1 pm. Cost: Earlybird - $141.75 for members, $220.50 for non-members. Regular - $183.75 for members, $257.25 for non-members. Deadline for earlybird is May 14. Deadline for registration is May 22. For more information and to register visit www.bchrma.org. Mental Health Works is a program of the Canadian Mental Health Association. For more information visit www.mentalhealthworks.ca.

Managing Your Child’s Anxiety – May 30 [back to top]
This workshop will teach parents how to talk to children about anxiety, help parents help their children cope with fears such as separation, school avoidance, social anxiety and worry. It also helps parents teach their children anxiety management skills such as relaxation and positive coping. The participants will be able to share ideas and stories and practice some of the new strategies in the workshop. The workshop is for parents and caregivers of anxious children between the ages of 6 to 12. The workshop will be held at Park Inn on 898 W. Broadway (near Oak) in Vancouver from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Cost: $50 regular, $40 earlybird. Deadline for earlybird registration is April 24. For more information and registration contact Anxiety BC at 604-525-7566 or e-mail info@anxeitybc.com or visit www.anxietybc.com

CONFERENCES

Hot Topics in Mental Health Conference – April 24 [back to top]
Hot Topics in Mental Health is a conference presented by Vancouver Acute and Community Mental Health Services. The conference will include topics that will focus on various disciplinary in mental health such as understanding of the brain, trauma, stress, addictions and treatment options for personality disorder. The conference is for the staff of Vancouver Acute and Community Mental Health Services, mental health professionals, caregivers and consumers from Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraserhealth. Cost is $50 earlybird, $60 regular (registration fee includes continental breakfast and lunch). Earlybird deadline is March 27. The conference will be held at Ballroom of the Plaza 500 Hotel, 500 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver from 8 am to 4 pm. For more information call 604-875-4111 ext. 61918.

Mental Health Camp Conference on Mental Health and Social Media – April 25 [back to top]
This conference comes out of positive feedback to a panel discussion held earlier this year, which discussed social media such as blogs, Facebook, and YouTube, and their connection to stigma towards mental illness. The conference will look at how blogging can help to decrease stigma around mental health, as well as how the blog-writing process is similar to, as well as different from journal-writing used for healing. It will also cover the issues of anonymity for people with mental illness within the very public world of social media, as well as how social media participants with mental health issues can help each other. It will be held at Workspace, 400-21 Water St., Vancouver from 9am-6pm. Anyone with an interest in mental health and social media is welcome to attend. Admission is by donation and no one will be turned away. To find out more, visit www.mentalhealthcamp.org

4th Annual Family Conference – May 2 [back to top]
Mood Disorders Association (MDA) of BC is holding its 4th annual Family Conference. The conference will focus on planning the future of mental health services. The workshops at the conference will focus on how to meeting the needs of children and youth, provide multicultural perspectives of families and an advocacy on how to make it all work. Conference will be held at the Vancouver General Hospital’s Paetzold Theatre on 899 West 12th Avenue between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Cost: $25 each, $30 family and $10 low income. Seating is limited. To reserve your ticket email familyconference4@gmail.com. For more information call 604-708-5289 (Vancouver Coastal Health), 604-247-1884 (BCSS) or 604-873-0103 (MDA).

Body Image and Self Esteem: Shades of Grey Conference 2009 in Toronto – May 11 – 12 [back to top]
National Eating Disorder Information Centre is holding its biannual conference on body image and self esteem. The conference will cover topics such as boys and men, the youth engagement, physical activity, new media and representation and obesity. The conference will be informational and the audience will gain new skills and strategies to overcome eating disorders. The conference is for educators, health care professionals, fitness and lifestyle personnel and the general public including those who are interested in the topic. Cost: $325 full day, $185 one day, $190 for student (full day), $90 for student (one day). The conference will be held at the Chestnut Conference Centre at University of Toronto. For the complete conference program and more details visit www.nedic.ca

DISCLAIMER

This newsletter contains information collected from a wide variety of sources, individuals and organizations which we consider reliable. However the content of the news delivered as well as referred to does not necessarily represent the official view of CMHA, BC Division. Under no circumstances shall CMHA, its employees, directors, volunteers, or the authors of information provided in this newsletter, be liable for damages, losses, demands, or claims.

If you have any ideas or content for MIND MATTERS, please send them to mindmatters@cmha.bc.ca.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), BC Division is a provincial non-profit charitable organization which has, for the past 50 years in BC, been concerned with promoting the mental health of all British Columbians and changing the way we view and treat mental illness in BC. We are part of a national association with over 80 years of experience in Canada. CMHA staff and volunteers focus on four major responsibilities: policy, public education, community-based research, and mental health service and support resources. We are located at: 1200-1111 Melville St., Vancouver BC, V6E 3V6 Phone: 604-688-3234 or 1-800-555-8222 (free within BC); Fax: 604-688-3236.

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