Canadian Mental Health Association : Volume 76 : August 2009

Volume 76: August 2009

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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 Division Annual General Meeting
CMHA Brings Workplace Mental Health Workshops to Kelowna
Issues & Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace Workshop
CMHA BC Applauds Findings, Recommendations of Taser Inquiry
New Punjabi Resources Available on HereToHelp.bc.ca
Ground Broken For CMHA Kelowna Branch Supported Housing Project
Awakening the Spirit Art Show and Sale in Vernon
CMHA Vancouver Burnaby Hosts First Annual Community Bike Ride
CMHA Williams Lake Holding Upcoming Crisis Line Volunteer Training
Mental Health First Aid Course

FEATURED ARTICLE:

Back to School: Tips for Parents of Teens

CANADIAN RESEARCH:

BCMA Calls for Wait-Time Standards for Depression Treatment
Family Members Most Helpful Resources for Dealing with Major Life Change
Collaborative Mental Health Care Improves Return-to-Work Outcomes
MHCC Paper Calls for Clearer Policies on Workplace Mental Injury
Temp Jobs Worse for Mental Health
Study Shows Renters With Mental Illness May Face Discrimination
Minorities at Greater Risk for Depression During Cancer Treatment
Brain Imaging/Genetic Testing Will Enable Doctors to Provide More Precise Treatment

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD:

Study Discovers Possible Genetic Link Between Mental Illness and Creativity

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mental Health Commission of Canada's Annual Report Now Available
MindYourMind Reopens
Manitoba to Build Specialized Mental Health Crisis Centre
BCCPD HEAL Guides Looking for People Living With HIV/AIDS and Mental Illness
Young Man Cycles Across Country to Raise Depression/Suicide Awareness
First-Degree Family Members Needed for Questionnaire on Stigma
Interior Health Authority Looking for Feedback on Mental Health and Addictions System

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES:

Test Anxiety Booklet Available For Download
Online Group Offers Support for Caregivers
Multicultural Mental Health Resource Centre
Innovative Chinese Mental Health Website from New Zealand

PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS:

Movie Mondays in Victoria
Awakening the Spirit Art Show and Sale in Vernon
Stand Up for Mental Health Valley Comedy Fest in Mission
By Donation Performance of Victoria Maxwell’s Crazy for Life
CMHA Vancouver Burnaby Hosts First Annual Community Bike Ride
Beyond The Blues: Depression and Anxiety Screening Day

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS:

Mental Health First Aid Course
CMHA Brings Mental Health and the Workplace Workshops to Kelowna
Issues & Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace Workshop

CONFERENCES:

BC Healthcare Workplace Health, Safety & Wellness Conference in Kelowna

CMHA NEWS

CMHA BC Division Annual General Meeting - September 25 [back to top]
CMHA BC invites you to attend our 56th Annual General Meeting at 4pm on Sept 25 in the Atrium at BCIT’s Downtown Campus, 555 Seymour Street, Vancouver. The meeting will be followed by dinner, special awards presentations and Lorne Fraser Educational Fund bursary presentations. The Lorne Fraser Education Fund awards eight to ten bursaries each year to people with a mental illness to pursue post-secondary education. Watch for more details at www.cmha.bc.ca.

CMHA Brings Workplace Mental Health Workshops to Kelowna – September 16 [back to top]
CMHA BC will be holding two full-day post-conference Mental Health Works workshops, "Complex Issues Clear Solutions – Managing Workplace Mental Health Issues" with Stephanie Innes and "Accommodating Mental Health Issues in the Workplace: Facilitating Stay@Work and Developing Successful RTW Plans" with Margaret Tebbutt on September 16. These workshops are open for public registration. Cost: $360 (includes lunch). For more information on the workshops, visit cmha.bc.ca/workshops or call 604-688-3234 ext. 248. CMHA will have an information table at the BC Health Authorities Workplace Health, Safety and Wellness conference in Kelowna, Sept 14 & 15. For more information on the conference, visit www.bchealthauthoritiesconference.com.

Issues & Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace Workshop - September 23 [back to top]
CMHA BC, with generous funding from Great-West Life, will be hosting a Mental Health Works, "Issues and Solutions" workshop open to HR professionals, managers and business owners. This workshop will provide you with practical strategies on how to identify and address mental health issues, including emotional distress and burnout at work. You will view an engaging, multi-media presentation featuring real Canadians who live and work with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. You will also gain useful information and resources for effective performance management when mental health is a workplace concern. Cost: $257.25 (includes breakfast); early bird, student and HRMA member rates available. 8:30am registration, workshop 9am – noon at the BC HRMA Provincial Office, 1101– 1111 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. For details and to register, please go to www.bchrma.org.

CMHA BC Applauds Findings, Recommendations of Taser Inquiry [back to top]
CMHA BC applauds Commissioner Braidwood's investigation, report, and recommendations on the impact of taser use by police. As BC’s taser inquiry wraps up, an inquiry into the taser-related death of a man with schizophrenia begins in Nova Scotia. We hope to see an improved, more humane response to people in mental health crisis in their interaction with police. Read our Op-Ed column.

New Punjabi Resources Available on HereToHelp.bc.ca [back to top]
New fact sheets on child and youth mental health in Punjabi are now posted on HeretoHelp.bc.ca. HereToHelp is led by CMHA BC on behalf of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information, and contains mental health and substance use resources in twelve different languages.

Ground Broken For CMHA Kelowna Branch Supported Housing Project [back to top]
Construction on Willowbridge, a 40-unit supportive housing development funded by the City of Kelowna and the provincial government, began July 14 with a ground breaking ceremony. CMHA Kelowna Branch will oversee construction and run the completed development. The $8.4 million will provide housing for the homeless or people at risk of homelessness, and is expected to be completed by August 2010. For more information, visit kelowna.cmha.bc.ca or read the BC Housing press release at bchousing.org.

Awakening the Spirit Art Show and Sale in Vernon - August 10 - September 28 [back to top]
Each year, CMHA Vernon Branch helps sponsor an Art Show and Sale celebrating the creative achievements of people living with a mental illness. This year’s Awakening the Spirit Art Show and Sale features about 125 pieces of art in all mediums from about 30 artists. The show runs until at the Coatcheck Gallery at Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre, with free public viewings Tuesdays from 1 – 2:30pm starting Aug. 18 or by special arrangements. For more information, contact Susan at 250-542-3114 or read the news article.

CMHA Vancouver Burnaby Branch Hosts First Annual Community Bike Ride – September 6 [back to top]
Exercising, having fun with friends and family, and doing something good for your community are known to promote mental wellness. So, CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch is hosting the first annual Community Bike Ride to support mental health and recovery. The ride will follow a scenic route along Vancouver and Burnaby bike routes and is estimated to take 1.5 hours for the average rider. There will be entertainment, prizes and healthy snacks for all riders. Early bird registration is $30 and closes at 5pm August 22. Regular registration is $35 and closes at 5pm September 4. Same day registration is also available from 8-9:30 am for $38. For more information or to register visit www.cmhacommunityride.ca

CMHA Williams Lake Holding Upcoming Crisis Line Volunteer Training – September 9 [back to top]
CMHA Williams Lake Branch will be training new volunteers for its crisis line starting on September 9. Training sessions for the crisis line, which provides after-hours, weekend and holiday support, are only held twice a year. Selected volunteers will be provided with an in-depth training, one daytime session a week for 9 weeks. Volunteers must be 19 years old, substance abuse free, have a criminal record check, and undergo a pre-interview, among other qualifications. For an application form to be a crisis line volunteer, visit williamslake.cmha.bc.ca.

Mental Health First Aid Course – September 12 & 13
CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch is presenting a Mental Health First Aid Course for those who would like to learn first aid skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or is experiencing a mental health crisis. The two-day course is designed to help identify signs and symptoms of common mental health problems and crisis situations, provide basic actions for mental health first aid, and provide information about effective interventions, treatments and other help. Cost: $150. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. September 12-13, 9am – 4:30pm at Richmond Hospital, 7000 Westminster Hwy. Call 604-872-4902 or email info.vb@cmha.bc.ca. For more course information visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.ca.

BACK TO SCHOOL: TIPS FOR PARENTS OF TEENS

Back to school can be tough. Here are some tips to help manage the stress.

Performance Stress
Parents want their kids to do well in school but teens often experience a period of time when their schoolwork suffers.

Parents can be an important source of support for teens. Encourage your teen to talk to you or another adult about what is bothering them.
Upheavals like a change of school, social problems, increased responsibilities, worries about the future, or changes in the use of alcohol or drugs are common issues related to poor performance that may need to be addressed.
Stay involved in your teen's school experience by attending parent-teacher events and school activities (e.g., school performances, plays, and athletic events).
Help out with your teen's class projects – don't take over, but try to provide assistance. Both parents and teens can get frustrated so consider rotating which parent is involved and use shorter helping sessions.
Be supportive instead of critical. Focus on positive efforts to overcome problems.
If particular school subjects are the problem, talk to your school about a plan of action that may include a tutor (family friend or hire privately), or accessing extra resources.

Sleep
For teens, going back to school usually means going to bed and getting up earlier than they would like. Keep in mind that as kids enter their teens they need more sleep, not less.

Get your teen used to going to bed and getting up earlier a few days before the first day back to school.
Try to avoid scheduling activities before the school day, and limit weekday evening social activities.
Encourage teens to make their lunch, pack their school bag and get their clothes ready the night before.
Allow your teen to sleep in late on weekends when possible (except if your teen has a health problem that makes a regular sleep-wake cycle every day a healthier choice).

Transition to High School
The transition from elementary or middle school to high school is difficult for many kids.

Help your teen find out as much as possible about the high school he or she will be attending.
Find out if your teen's high school has a buddy or mentor system.
Talk with your teen about his or her expectations and concerns. Keep in mind your teen's experiences may not be the same as your own.

Social Life
Balancing a social life with school life can be difficult. Making friends at school and learning how to build relationships is an important part of your teen's development.

Talk openly with your teen about the challenges of friendships and romantic relationships. If you feel comfortable you can share some of your own experiences.
Make your home a welcoming place for your teen and his or her friends – take an interest and try to learn more about them.
Encourage your teen to talk with trusted and responsible friends about their concerns.

Peer Pressure
Risk taking and experimentation are a normal part of growing up. A good strategy for concerned parents is to help your teen make healthy choices.

Be available to talk to your teen about the choices they face with drugs, alcohol and sex.
Listen to your teen's preferences and beliefs about drugs, alcohol and sex
Make sure you and your teen are informed about alcohol and available drugs along with the risks.
Frequent short talks have more of an impact than infrequent long talks – provide opportunities for your teen to discuss the challenges they face as they develop their own personal identity and make their own choices.

Bullying
Bullying at school is a serious problem and can, in extreme cases, result in injury or even death. If you suspect that your child is being bullied...

Reassure your child that you and the teacher will support him or her.
Talk to the teacher or person in charge.
Follow up on any action taken and remain involved in the decision making process. Check in often with your son or daughter about how things are going.
Keep in mind children may be reluctant to talk due to fear of embarrassment or further harm.

Sometimes problems with going back to school don't go away on their own and may reflect a health problem. Talk to your family physician or health professional about any problems – especially if they are severe or do not resolve on their own after the first few weeks back.

For a PDF version of this article, or for tips for parents of young kids, visit www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

CANADIAN RESEARCH

BCMA Calls for Wait-Time Standards for Depression Treatment [back to top]
In its paper, "Stepping out of the shadows: Collaborating to Improve Services for Patients with Depression," the BC Medical Association (BCMA), makes 14 recommendations that address access issues and the funding problems that affect those with depression. One of the key recommendations is to establish wait-time benchmarks to ensure people with depression get medical care when they need it. See "BCMA urges 'fair' care for people with depression," at www.canada.com. The paper and recommendations are available at www.bcma.org.

Family Members Most Helpful Resources for Dealing with Major Life Changes [back to top]
Family members were identified by Canadians as being the most helpful resource for dealing with major life changes at every stage of life, according to the results of the 2008 General Social Survey conducted by StatisticsCanada. Of the 20,000 surveyed, changes in finance and the death of a loved one were shown to have a great impact on people’s lives. Besides family, respondents reported turning to other members of their social network for support during times of change such as close friends, professionals, co-workers, the media and business people. Nearly half of those under 45 reported using the internet to deal with change. See "Social Networks Help Canadians Deal with Change," at www.statcan.bc.ca.

Collaborative Mental Health Care Improves Return-to-Work Outcomes
A recent study on return-to-work outcomes for people on short-term disability found that a collaborative mental health care program – where the physician, disability case manager and psychiatrist work together – increased return-to-work rates and decreased number of days taken off work. The study looked at the effectiveness of a Collaborative Mental Health Care Demonstration program that ran at a large financial insurance company employing 3,500 workers nationwide. Only 7% of employees in the collaborative care program transitioned into a long-term benefits group, compared to 31% of those who did not receive the care. See "Cost, Effectiveness, and Cost-Effectiveness of a Collaborative Mental Health Care Program for People Receiving Short-Term Disability benefits for Psychiatric Disorders," at www.publications.cpa-apc.org.
>> Learn more about mental illness in the workplace in the Workplaces issue of Visions at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

MHCC Paper Calls for Clearer Policies on Workplace Mental Injury
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) has released a discussion paper that addresses the legal issues related to workplace mental injury. A major finding was the lack of certainty surrounding the boundaries for establishing a legal claim for mental injury or suffering in the workplace. Also lacking is an infrastructure comparable to one that exists for monitoring physical safety and reducing risk of physical injury in the workplace, for promoting mental health and preventing mental injury. See "Stress at Work, Mental Injury and Law in Canada," at www.mentalhealthcommission.ca.

Temp Jobs Worse for Mental Health
In an analysis of US data, Canadian researchers have found that temporary and short-term contract jobs contribute to psychological distress and depression. Based on data from the US National longitudinal Survey of Youth, findings revealed that temporary workers exhibited, on average, two more symptoms of depression than regular employees, with increased risk of depression over time. The paper, "Contingent Work and Depressive Symptoms," was presented at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association. See "Temp jobs worse for mental health, productivity: Study," at www.canada.com or visit www.mcgill.ca for the release.

Study Shows Renters With Mental Illness May Face Discrimination [back to top]
A recent study shows that people with mental illness, particularly men, may have more trouble finding a rental unit. Volunteers contacted Toronto landlords posed as renters who may be potentially discriminated against, including a single man with mental illness and a married woman on disability. Afterwards, someone with no discernable characteristics for discrimination contacted the landlord. The study found that people with these characteristics had a 1 in 4 chance of being discriminated against, but people with mental illness had an even higher chance, 35%. For more information, read the report "Sorry It’s Rented: Measuring Discrimination in Toronto’s Rental Market" at equalityrights.org/cera.

Minorities at Greater Risk for Depression During Cancer Treatment [back to top]
Canadians who speak English as a second language or are part of a visible minority group are at greater risk for depression and distress, say researchers. The study, published in the Journal or Immigrant and Minority Health, surveyed 2,402 Calgarians who were treated for cancer. Researchers suggest people of all ethnicities should be encouraged to access help from supportive services such as psychologists, social workers and others for the psychological impact of cancer. See "Minorities not accessing cancer support services: study" at www.globaltvbc.com, and "Cancer Patient Ethnicity and Associations with Emotional Distress" at www.springerlink.com.
>> The Winter issue of Visions journal will deal with mental health and substance use issues and experiences of seniors who are immigrants and refugees and their families. If you have a story idea, please contact bcparners@heretohelp.bc.ca or call 1-800-661-2121.

Brain Imaging/Genetic Testing Will Enable Doctors to Provide More Precise Treatment [back to top]
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto is introducing a new method to help determine treatments for people with mental illness. The method will involve a combination of genetic testing and brain imaging, which doctors hope will give them a better idea of how certain drugs affect certain people so they can prescribe a more precise treatment, and improve on trial-and-error prescribing. Doctors will be able to form a better picture of how the liver will handle certain drugs through the genetic testing. Brain scans will provide information like how fast the drug gets to the brain and how well it is absorbed. The program will start off small, with a few dozen patients, put the hospital plans to slowly increase this to 100. For more information, read the CAMH news release.

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Study Discovers Possible Genetic Link Between Mental Illness and Creativity [back to top]
A new study has discovered what could be a genetic link between creativity and mental illness. The study, done by researchers in Hungary, looked at a protein called Neuregulin 1 that is found in a gene often present in people with schizophrenia. The researchers tested 200 highly intellectual Hungarians, and found that people with the gene answered questions more creatively and thought outside the box. Neuregulin 1 eases the flow of information to the frontal lobe, which is responsible for creativity, intellect, personality and long term planning. One researcher says this gene has been maintained through evolution because people who think creatively are important to society. For more information, read the news report at canada.com or see the journal Psychological Science.

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

Test Anxiety Booklet Available For Download [back to top]
It's almost time to go back to school, so why not take a look at Anxiety BC's Test Anxiety Booklet? The booklet is designed to help parents and students better understand and cope with test anxiety, which will help students be successful in their courses. The booklet is available for download at anxietybc.com.

New Online Group Offers Support for Caregivers [back to top]
Caregivers Association of BC has set up a free online support group. Caregivers and their supporters are welcome to join the group to share their experiences and support with over caregivers. The group will also be a place caregivers can turn for help finding resources and information useful in helping take care of themselves and their loved one. Professionals and researchers may also find the content useful. To join, or for more information, visit ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/caregiversbc. This group is moderated by Tim Readman, ed@caregiverbc.ca.

Multicultural Mental Health Resource Centre [back to top]
The Mental Health Commission of Canada has launched a Multicultural Mental Health Resource Centre in response to a need for improved quality and better access to mental health services for people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Available resources include multilingual and culturally adapted information on mental health and illness, as well as tools for mental health workers and professionals on topics such as working with interpreters and developing organizational cultural competence. Visit the resource, hosted by McGill University at www.mcgill.ca/mmhrc.
>> For multilingual fact sheets on mental health and mental illness, visit www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

Innovative Chinese Mental Health Website from New Zealand [back to top]
The New Zealand Mental Health Foundation's Kai Xin Xing Dong project has produced a groundbreaking bilingual website, in Chinese and English. This culturally sensitive website, believed to be the first of its kind in a Western country, provides mental health information and resources for the general public as well as resources designed to support mental health professionals, including general practitioners. The site uses culturally appropriate approaches to counter stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness in Chinese communities. communities. The site is available at www.mentalhealth.org.nz/kaixinxingdong.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mental Health Commission of Canada's Annual Report Now Available [back to top]
The Mental Health Commission of Canada has recently released its first annual report, Out of the Shadows Forever. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a non-profit organization that works to focus national attention on mental health issues. Their key initiatives include a mental health strategy, an anti-stigma campaign, homelessness research demonstration projects, a knowledge exchange centre. To read the report online, or order a hard copy of the report, visit www.mentalhealthcomission.ca.

MindYourMind Reopens [back to top]
MindYourMind, an award-winning mental health program for youth by youth has reopened its doors thanks to a partnership with the Provincial Centre of Excellence for Children and Youth Mental Health, a branch of the Ontario provincial government. The service was forced to shut down in May when a funding commitment from Ontario’s provincial government. To learn more about MindYourMind, or the partnership that has been formed, visit mindyourmind.ca.

Manitoba to Build Specialized Mental Health Crisis Centre [back to top]
A one-of-a-kind mental health crisis response centre is set to open in Manitoba in 2011. The $9-million project will bring multiple mental health services under one roof and will include a housing component for those patients who need shelter during their treatment. The centre is expected to help save lives by responding more quickly to mental health crises and providing more specialized support. See “Manitoba announces on-of-a-kind-psychiatric centre,” at www.vancouversun.com.

BCCPD HEAL Guides Looking for People Living With HIV/AIDS and Mental Illness [back to top]
The BC Coalition of People With Disabilities’ is creating its first Health Education, Advocacy and Leadership (HEAL) project, and is looking for people living with HIV/AIDS and mental illness. The project, a series of five HEAL guides for people living with HIV/AIDS, will include the experiences and knowledge from people living with HIV/AIDS and depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse/harm reduction, stigma or episodic disability. Participation is confidential and you may use a pseudonym. For more information, contact Shelley at the BCCPD at 604-875-0188 or wdi@bccpd.bc.ca, or visit www.bccpd.bc.ca.

Young Man Cycles Across Country to Raise Depression/Suicide Awareness [back to top]
A 20-year-old from Ajax, Ontario will be winding up his cross-Canada cycling tour to raise awareness about the issues of suicide and depression in BC. Ben Verboom started his ride, Cycle to Help, as a way to speak up and spread a message of hope after his father’s suicide five years ago. He has spoken to people across the country including students, mental health organizations, suicide coalitions and crisis/distress response teams. If you or your organization would like to help Ben spread his message, e-mail him at ben.verboom@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.cycletohelp.org.

First-Degree Family Members Needed for Questionnaire on Stigma [back to top]
Researchers at UBC are developing a questionnaire to help assess stigma in first-degree family members of people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or schizoaffective disorder. The questionnaire is designed to gather information about internalized stigma in family members of people with mental illness with the goal of improving coping and well-being of the family network. If you are a first-degree family member of someone with mental illness – people with mental illness who also have a family member with mental illness are still welcome to participate - and would like more information, contact Emily Morris at mental.illness@ubc.ca or 604-875-2000.

Interior Health Authority Looking for Feedback on Mental Health and Addictions System [back to top]
The Interior Health Authority is looking for people with mental illness and/or addictions and their family members to complete a survey on how the mental health and addictions system works, or does not work, for them. The feedback will help the authority in creating a strategic plan for their mental health and addictions services. To participate in the survey click here.

PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS

Movie Mondays in Victoria [back to top]
Every Monday at 6:30 pm, 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/mm
August 24 – C’est Pas Moi, Je Le Jure (It’s Not Me, I swear)
August 31 – Frost/Nixon
September 9 – Drawing from Life
September 14 – No Bikini: An Evening with Ivan Cayote
September 21 – Saving Luna

Stand Up for Mental Health Valley Comedy Fest in Mission – August 21 [back to top]
Stand Up for Mental Health is presenting the Valley Comedy Fest, hosted by The Stars of Country 107.1 and Star FM. The festival features Just for Laughs comedian Mike MacDonald and The Happy Neurotic author David Granirer. All festival proceeds go to Stand Up for Mental Health Valley and Vancouver programs, the Fraser Valley Healthcare Foundation and Valley Rotary projects. The performance starts at 8pm at the Clarke Theatre, 33700 Prentis Road, Mission. Tickets are $44.50 plus gst and services charges and available through ticketmaster.ca. For more information, go to www.valleycomedyfest.com.

By Donation Performance of Victoria Maxwell’s Crazy for Life– August 27 [back to top]
A multi-disciplinary team of UBC health care students has created an opportunity for people to see Victoria Maxwell’s play, Crazy for Life, by donation. Crazy for Life is an award-winning one-woman play about living with mental illness. The play is being staged at Paetzold Health Education Centre Auditorium at Vancouver General Hospital at 7pm. Tickets are by donation, but need to be reserved in advance. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.crazyforlifeevent.com.

CMHA Vancouver Burnaby Hosts First Annual Community Bike Ride – September 6 [back to top]
Exercising, having fun with friends and family, and doing something good for your community are known to promote mental wellness. So, CMHA Vancouver Burnaby is hosting the first annual Community Bike Ride to support mental health and recovery. The ride will follow a scenic route along Vancouver and Burnaby bike routes and is estimated to take 1.5 hours for the average rider. There will be entertainment, prizes and healthy snacks for all riders. Early bird registration is $30 and closes at 5pm August 22. Regular registration is $35 and closes at 5pm September 4. Same day registration is also available from 8-9:30 am for $38. For more information or to register visit www.cmhacommunityride.ca.

CMHA BC Division Annual General Meeting - September 25 [back to top]
CMHA BC Division invites you to attend our 56th Annual General Meeting at 4pm on Sept 25 in the Atrium at BCIT’s Downtown Campus, 555 Seymour Street, Vancouver. The meeting will be followed by dinner, special awards presentations and Lorne Fraser Educational Fund bursary presentations. The Lorne Fraser Education Fund awards eight to ten bursaries each year to people with a mental illness to pursue post-secondary education. Watch for more details at www.cmha.bc.ca.

Beyond The Blues: Depression and Anxiety Screening Day - October 8 [back to top]
Beyond the Blues is a high-profile campaign during Mental Illness Awareness Week designed to educate individuals, families and communities about signs and symptoms of mood and anxiety problems and disorders; the relationship between alcohol and mental health; and community mental health resources. One of Beyond the Blues’ main events is depression and anxiety screening. Last year, approximately 4000 people attended between 60-70 Beyond the Blues locations. Beyond the Blues is coordinated by CMHA BC on behalf of BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information. For more information, visit heretohelp.bc.ca

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

CMHA Brings Mental Health and the Workplace Workshops to Kelowna – September 16 [back to top]
CMHA BC will be holding two full-day post-conference Mental Health Works workshops, "Complex Issues Clear Solutions – Managing Workplace Mental Health Issues" with Stephanie Innes and "Accommodating Mental Health Issues in the Workplace: Facilitating Stay@Work and Developing Successful RTW Plans" with Margaret Tebbutt on September 16. These workshops are open for public registration. Cost: $360 (includes lunch). For more information on the workshops, visit cmha.bc.ca/workshops or call 604-688-3234 ext. 248. CMHA will have an information table at the BC Health Authorities Workplace Health, Safety and Wellness conference in Kelowna, Sept 14 & 15. For more information on the conference, visit www.bchealthauthoritiesconference.com.

CONFERENCES

BC Healthcare Workplace Health, Safety & Wellness Conference in Kelowna – Sept. 14-15 [back to top]
Registration is now open for the second biannual BC Healthcare Workplace Health, Safety and Wellness Conference. The conference, "From Knowledge to Action: Solutions that Work," aims to share knowledge, showcase research or practice interventions, establish relationships between practitioners and researchers and promote shared ownership of health, safety and wellness amongst all parties in the healthcare workplace. Look for the CMHA booth highlighting Mental Health Works, Bounce Back and more! Delegate rate for the conference is $295; a student rate is available. Additional pre-conference social events are available. For more information, visit the conference website at www.bchealthauthoritiesconference.com.

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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