VOLUME 48: December 2006 | online at www.cmha.bc.ca/enews/enewsdec06.htm

CMHA News
Holiday Bath Bomb Bears from Escents
This Holiday, Give a Gift with Meaning – Give a Gift of Hope!
Survey for Members of CMHA
Improving Quality of Primary Care Mental Health Services
New Issue of Visions on First Responders for Young People
Strengthening Family and Youth Voices Forum
Bottom Line Conference on Mental Illness in the Workplace
Don't Turn a Blind Eye to Homelessness
Vancouver/Burnaby Branch Special Events
North Shore Health Lecture Series

Featured CMHA Program:
Art Helps Woman Through Her Depression Journey

Canadian Research
Hospital Readmission More common for Mental Illness
Vancouver's Safe Injection Site Successful Says Researchers
Group Treatment Helps Young People With Schizophrenia Retain Sense of Self
Knowing the Risk Doesn't Stop the Vice
Substance Abuse, Mental Disorders Cost Ontario $34B
Mental Health Economic Statistics Pocketbook
Frontline Health Care in Canada
Shortage of Family Doctors Affects Access to Specialists, Including Psychiatrists
Seniors in Canada 2006 Report Card
Report on Maximizing Independence of Youth With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

CMHA Mailbox:
Seek Professional Help When You Need It

Research From Around the World
Caffeine Linked to Psychiatric Disorders
Depression Can Be More Serious for Men Than Women
Focusing on Positive May Increase Happiness
Benefits to Employers Outweigh Enhanced Depression-Care Costs
1 in 3 Suicide Victims Consumed Alcohol
Older Antidepressants More Cost-Effective
Training Helps People with Dementia to Cope
No Point Using Skinny Models in Ads, Psychologist Finds

New Programs, Resources and Announcements
Health System Failing People With Mental Illness Says Judge
$250 Million Affordable Housing Plan Proposal Rejected
Former Host of Today Show and Dateline Shares Mental Health Struggle
Campbell Announces Plan to Improve Health of BC Aboriginals
Aboriginal Child and Youth Mental Health Workers to Support Island
New Social Workers Ready to Assist BC's Children
Passengers Traumatized by Sinking Ferry
Senate Standing Committee to Study Social Determinants of Health
New Initiative to Advance Mental Health in the Workplace
Action on Stigma: Promoting Mental Health, Ending Discrimination at Work
Multicultural Health Guide
DVD Captures Teen's Experience With Depression and Suicide
Video on Borderline Personality Disorder
Personality Disorders Website
Online Guide to Coping With Bipolar Disorder
Online Resources for Families of an Adult with Mental Illness
Online Tools for Service Providers Working With Youth
Electronic Health Information and Privacy Conference Presentations
BC Conversation On Health - Share Your Thoughts on Health Care
Survey on Canadians’ Views on Poverty and Income Security Programs
Health Promotion and Education World Conference – Call for Abstracts
Psychosis Treatment Adherence Study Seeking Participants
Newborn Behaviour Study Seeking Expectant Mothers
Manager, Regional Clinic Positions in Kamloops, Prince George, Victoria, Nanaimo, Surrey, Vancouver
Clinical Services Manager Position in Coquitlam

Public Education Events
Movie Mondays in Victoria
Seminars on Anxiety Disoders in Children and Youth
METH Forum Theatre and Webcast
Human Rights in the Workplace: Many Shades of Grey
Frames of Mind Screening – Pandaemonium
Hope and Healing After a Suicide Loss - A Public Forum
MDA Education Evening – Suicide is Everyone’s Business
Strengthening Family and Youth Voices Forum

Courses and Workshops
Mental Health Works Workshops
Knowledge & Practice Skills for Working with People with Mental Disorders
Co-occuring Disorders Advanced Citation
Free Strengthening Families Together Program

Conferences
Roundtable on the Future of Homecare in Gatineau, Quebec
BC Psychopharmacology Conference
2007 Bottom Line Conference – Mental Illness in the Workplace: The Elephant in the Room

CMHA News

Holiday Bath Bomb Bears from Escents [back to top]
Escents Aromatherapy has chosen CMHA BC again as this year's charity of choice for their seasonal store promotion. Two dollars from the sale of each plush bath bomb bear will support the work of CMHA. Decked out in festive reindeer antlers and jingle bells, the cuddly, stress-busting bear makes a great gift or decoration for the holidays, and has a bath bomb in his tummy. The bear is available to purchase in Escents stores and online at www.escents.ca for $12.95 plus tax.
    >> use code 'CMHA' when purchasing online and Escents will double the portion donated to CMHA to $4!

This Holiday, Give a Gift with Meaning – Give a Gift of Hope! [back to top]
Finding the courage to get through the holiday season can be difficult for those struggling with mental illness without the proper services and supports. Your gift to CMHA can help ensure that for those in need of hope, help is here. Through the support of our communities, CMHA is able provide year-round services and supports - from community clubhouses and supported housing projects to support groups and public education campaigns. Please show you care with your donation. Find out how at www.givehope.ca.
    >> share your gift with others - for each $15 you donate, you will receive a two beautiful "Gift of Hope" greeting cards to give as a gift to someone you care about.

Survey for Members of CMHA [back to top]
We are currently revisiting our membership promotional materials and want to help recruit more members to grow CMHA's voice in your community and across BC. As a result, we have a members survey now online through to the end of December. The survey is also designed to get to know more about our current members and thier preferences so that we can continue to serve them in the best way possible. A random sample of members will also be mailed this survey. You are a current CMHA member if you completed a membership form and submitted a membership fee in the past year. The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and there is a prize draw opportunity at the end. Thanks in advance for your time and input! Survey ends December 31st.

Improving Quality of Primary Care Mental Health Services [back to top]
An important federally funded project aimed at improving quality of primary care mental health services has released its final results. Using an extensive consensus building process and a rigorous literature review, the project produced a practical toolkit that can be used to measure and improve the quality of mental health services delivered within primary care. In doing so, the project will help to improve the quality of life of people with mental illness who receive care from family physicians, clinics, and other parts of the primary care system. As part of the project, CMHA BC Division worked with a group of researchers from Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, and participants from several provinces across the country. CMHA BC's involvement helped to ensure that the final results of the project reflect the concerns of people with mental illness and other community members.

New Issue of Visions on First Responders for Young People [back to top]
This issue of Visions looks at 'first responders' or the first people on the scene when a young person is having a crisis. For many youth, this could be teachers, school counsellors, youth outreach workers, but really we are talking of everyone that lives in a community. Parents, friends, police, coaches and other members of our society must work together to support children and their families as young people grow up. Includes a look at prevention and intervention programs, a guide for parents on teen's alcohol and drug use, and creative ways to reach out to youth such as an aboriginal superhero comic. Visions is published by BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information, of which CMHA BC is member. Visions is written by and for people who have used mental health or addictions services, mental health service providers, family and friends, and mental health and addictions leaders and decision-makers, and provided free of charge to these same groups. To view this issue of Visions online, or to subscribe visit www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

Strengthening Family and Youth Voices Forum – February 9 [back to top]
CMHA BC Division invites you to learn about Strengthening Family and Youth Voices, a province-wide project exploring the emerging role of peer support and mutual aid in child and youth mental health. Meet families and youth from Cranbrook, Duncan, Kitimat, Maple Ridge, and North and West Vancouver who have been involved in projects involving family and youth-driven support groups, opportunities for participants to gain experience in organizing groups, and planning activities and addressing issues on child and youth mental health. Additional guests and presentations from the FORCE Society for Kids' Mental Health, Kinex, Moving Beyond, and Fraser Health's Early Psychosis Intervention program. For details and registration, visit www.voicesbc.org.

Bottom Line Conference on Mental Illness in the Workplace - March 7 [back to top]
There is mounting body of research revealing the tremendous personal and economic costs of mental illness in the workplace. Yet, mental illness is a subject many workplaces still don't know how to talk about. CMHA BC Division invites business leaders, frontline and senior managers, human resource specialists, union representatives, benefit providers and mental health service providers to join us at the 2007 Bottom Line Conference, Mental Illness in the Workplace: The Elephant in the Room. Gain insight, be inspired and learn how attention to mental health and mental illness in the workplace will help retain valuable employees, increase employee health, well-being and productivity, as well as decrease absenteeism and disability claims. This year's speakers include Margaret Trudeau, Linda Duxbury, Bill Wilkerson, and Alan Young. At the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver. Learn more and sign up for conference update at www.bottomlineconference.ca.
    >> don't miss our Mental Health Works workshops - March 6, 2007. Learn hands-on skills for addressing mental illness in the workplace. Stay tuned to www.bottomlineconference.ca or contact Margaret Tebbutt at 1-800-555-8222 or mentalhealthworks@cmha.bc.ca.for details.

Don't Turn a Blind Eye to Homelessness [back to top]
In a recent article published in the The Record, CMHA Simon Fraser branch's Executive Director, Rodney Baker shares his insights on the problem of homelessness in New Westminster and offers on what individuals, businesses, organizations, and city counsel can do to help improve the homelessness situation in their community. See "Don't turn a blind eye," at www.royalcityrecord.com.
   >> over the past 3 months, six CMHA branches have helped 600 people with mental illness who are homeless connect to income supports, medical and housing services through a grant from the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance. Read more about it in the press release.

Vancouver/Burnaby Branch Special Events [back to top]
CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Branch's Recreation Services Program provides opportunities for adults who are living with mental illness to participate in recreation and experience the benefits of leisure. The following special events take place at or depart from the Vancouver Recreation Office at 175 West Broadway. Please call 604-872-3148 to register for two of the following events. Please note that residents of Vancouver will be given priority for registration.
December 7 – Christmas Craft and Gift Wrapping Workshop
December 8 – Clayburn Village
December 11 – Christmas Lights Tour
December 13 – Mini Canvas Christmas Albums
December 14 – Holiday Baking
December 15 – The Orpheum – A New World Christmas
December 21 – Annual Pancake Breakfast
http://www.cmhavb.bc.ca

North Shore Health Lecture Series [back to top]
The free weekly Health Lecture Series organized by CMHA North and West Vancouver meets on the 2nd floor of the John Braithwaite Community Centre at 145 West 1st Street in North Vancouver (between Chesterfield and Lonsdale Avenue). All lectures start at 7pm. For more information please phone 604-987-6959 or visit www.cmhanwv.com.
December 13 – Creative Visualization: Use the Power of Your Imagination
December 20 – Christmas Party
December 27 – no lecture this evening
http://www.cmhanwv.com

Canadian Research

Hospital Readmission More common for Mental Illness [back to top]
More than 1 in 3 patients hospitalized for mental illness are readmitted within one year, according to a report by the Canadian Institure for Health Information. Reasons for readmission could include exacerbation of the illness, a change in treatment in the community or a change in medication, the study's authors found. The study also found that there has been a steady declines in the length of time people stay in hospital for mental illness over the last 10 years, as well as the number of Canadians admitted. View the report at www.cihi.ca. See also "Hospital readmission more common for mental illness: report," at www.cbc.ca and "Study slams outpatient care," at www.chealth.canoe.ca.

Vancouver's Safe Injection Site Successful Says Researchers [back to top]
Vancouver's safe injection site is slowing down the spread of HIV and helping drug users quit their habits, says a new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. The injection site, which drew about 5,000 users in its first year of operation, is a place where people can safely go to inject illegal drugs while being supervised by nurses. The study found that drug users who visited the site at least once a week were more willing to enter detoxification programs, and all users in the area have been engaging in safer injection practices. In September, the request to extend the "waiver of law" that allows the site to remain open for 3.5 more years was denied. An extension was granted only until the end of 2007. See "Vancouver 's safe injection site successful: study," at www.cbc.ca.
  >> for more facts on supervised injection sites, read the State of the Knowledge Paper on the topic on the HeretoHelp.bc.ca website.

Group Treatment Helps Young People With Schizophrenia Retain Sense of Self [back to top]
A pilot project treatment group helped young people recovering from a first episode of schizophrenia improve their sense of self-concept and quality of life, according to an article in the fall issue of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal. According to the authors, the stress of the first episode of schizophrenia and the impact on their self-esteem and future goals may lead young people to have their sense of self shaped entirely by their illness. The purpose of the treatment group was to help young people avoid the experience of being "engulfed" by the illness. See "A Group Intervention to Promote Healthy Self-Concepts and Guide Recovery in First Episode Schizophrenia: A Pilot Study." An abstract with paid access to the full text is available at prj.metapress.com.

Knowing the Risk Doesn't Stop the Vice [back to top]
Why do we ignore warnings about the dangers of smoking, alcohol and overeating and insist on behaving in ways we know are bad for us? A Canadian researcher says it has nothing to do with ignorance of the risks — in fact we're extremely knowledgeable on that front. It's about social acceptance and plain old human defiance. See "Knowing the risk doesn't stop the vice," www.cbc.ca.

Substance Abuse, Mental Disorders Cost Ontario $34B [back to top]
Mental disorders and substance abuse cost Ontario nearly $34 billion in 2000, with the majority of the estimated cost lost in productivity, reports a study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. The report states that $28.7 billion, or 85% of the total cost, was due to productivity losses. The rest of the costs, about $5 billion, were directly related to hospitalizations, community mental health and substance use programs, law enforcement, research and education. See "Substance abuse, mental disorders cost ontario $34B," at www.cbc.ca. See the full report at www.camh.net.

Mental Health Economic Statistics Pocketbook [back to top]
Mental Health Economic Statistics in Your Pocket, published by the Alberta Mental Health Board and the Institute of Health Economics, examines the economic state of the mental health system. It is designed for readers to make their own assessments on how specific regions are fairing, provincially and internationally. The booklet is organized around three major themes: the burden of mental illness, the resources society uses to address this burden, and the system's performance in allocating resources to people with mental illnesses. Among the findings, BC has the highest provincial expenditure on mental health and lowest number of psychiatric beds in Canada. The book is available in PDF format at www.ihe.ca.

Frontline Health Care in Canada [back to top]
A new report from Canadian Policy Research Networks says that approximately one-third of Canadians live on the health care margins, including those in northern, remote areas as well as those who live in the urban core, and face barriers to access due to poor language or social skills or mental health issues. "Frontline Health Care in Canada: Innovations in Delivering Services to Vulnerable Populations" identifies specific groups of people who experience a greater burden of illness and distress than other Canadians, and the issues and challenges around providing frontline services to those populations. The report was commissioned by AstraZeneca, a pharmaceutical company. The report and summary are available at www.cprn.org.

Shortage of Family Doctors Affects Access to Specialists, Including Psychiatrists [back to top]
The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) has released a report describing Canadians' difficulty in accessing family physicians and specialists, including psychiatrists. A research poll commissioned by the CFPC shows that approximately five million Canadians (17 percent) report they do not have a family doctor. Of these, almost two million (38 percent) have tried to find a family doctor in the past year, but failed. See "When the Clock Starts Ticking: Wait Times in Primary Care," available in PDF format at www.cfpc.ca. See also the CFPC's press release at www.cfpc.ca.
   >> if the topic of access to health care interests you, you might also be intrested in the results of Improving Primary Care Mental Health Services, a National Quality Care Project available at www.cmha.bc.ca.

Seniors in Canada 2006 Report Card [back to top]
The National Advisory Council on Aging has released its 2006 report card on seniors focusing on seniors' health status, access to quality health care, finances, living conditions and participation in Canadian society. Where possible the report compares current trends of seniors to those of 2001. According to the report, seniors view their mental health in very positive terms. In 2005, 95 percent of seniors considered their mental health to be good, very good or excellent, an increase of 1.5 percent since 2002. See "Seniors in Canada 2006 Report Card," at www.naca-ccnta.ca.

Report on Maximizing Independence of Youth With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder [back to top]
BC's Child and Youth Officer has released a new report, "A Bridge to Adulthood: Maximizing the Independence of Youth in Care with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder." The report makes six recommendations to the provincial government on how to begin to fill the gaps in the adult service system faced by youth in care with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) as they transition to adulthood. The report is available at www.gov.bc.ca.

Research from around the World

Caffeine Linked to Psychiatric Disorders [back to top]
According a study that appears in the December issue of Psychological Medicine, 5 cups of brewed coffee per day, or the equivalent caffeine intake in tea or cola, made people more than twice as likely to exhibit adult antisocial personality disorder, and abuse of alcohol, cannabis or cocaine. These heavy caffeine users were also almost twice as likely to exhibit panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and major depression. See "Caffeine linked to psychiatric disorders," at www.canada.com.

Depression Can Be More Serious for Men Than Women [back to top]
Though depression seems to affect more women than men, it presents special problems for men, reports the November issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter. In the United States , about half as many men as women are diagnosed as being seriously depressed at some time in their lives. But this relatively low rate could be an illusion. Men often don't like to admit that they are depressed, so they are more likely to withdraw into silent misery or hide depression under anger, irritability, alcoholism, or drug abuse. Depression is also a well-known risk factor several conditions that men more vulnerable to than women, including heart disease, heart attacks, stroke, and suicide. See "Depression can be a more serious matter for men than women reports the Harvard Mental Health Letter," at www.health.harvard.edu. The article, "Men and Depression," is available with paid access at read.health.Harvard.edu.
  >> if the topic of men's mental health interests you, check out the Visions Journal issue on Men on the HeretoHelp.bc.ca website.

Focusing on Positive May Increase Happiness [back to top]
Contrary to a widely accepted view that people are stuck with a basic setting on their happiness thermostat, recent long-term studies have revealed that the happiness thermostat is more malleable than the popular theory maintained. In fact, exercises as simple as spending time each night to think about three good things that happened that day and why they had occurred have shown promise in increasing long-term happiness. See "Woman tickled pink over happiness study," at www.globeandmail.com.

Benefits to Employers Outweigh Enhanced Depression-Care Costs [back to top]
It may be in society's and employers' best interests to offer programs that actively seek out and treat depression in the workforce, suggests an analysis funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. A simulation based on dozens of studies revealed that providing a minimal level of enhanced care for employees' depression would result in a cumulative savings to employers of $2,898 per 1,000 workers over 5 years. Even though the intervention would initially increase use of mental health services, it ultimately would save employers money, by reducing absenteeism and employee turnover costs, according to Drs. Philip Wang and Ronald Kessler, of Harvard University, and colleagues, who report on their findings in the December 2006 issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry. See "Benefits To Employers Outweigh Enhanced Depression-Care Costs," at www.nimh.nih.gov.
  >> if you are interested in the costs of mental illness, read the Primer fact sheets on the Personal Costs and Economic Costs of mental disorders and addictions on the HeretoHelp.bc.ca website.

1 in 3 Suicide Victims Consumed Alcohol [back to top]
A third of people who commit suicide in the United States would test positive for alcohol, while many are on drugs, a study suggests. Researchers at the US Centers for Disease Control released the conclusions after studying test results from suicide victims in 13 states. Of those tested, 33.3% were positive for alcohol and 16.4% had opiates, according to the team from the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. See "1 in 3 suicide victims consumed alcohol: US study," at www.cbc.ca.

Older Antidepressants More Cost-Effective [back to top]
A study published in the December issue of American Journal has found that though the newer antipsychotic medications are approximately 10 times the cost of the older antipsychotic medications, older medication, perphenazine, was found to be as effective as three of the four newer drugs tested. However, the National Institute of Mental Health warns that although the results suggest little difference in the overall effectiveness, individual patients respond differently to different medications. Though the older antipsychotics are more cost-effective, NIMH holds that families and physicians need more, not fewer, choices for addressing schizophrenia. See "NIMH Perspective On Antipsychotic Reimbursement: Using Results From The CATIE Cost Effectiveness Study," at www.nimh.nih.gov. See also "Federally Funded Research Studies on Rx Effectiveness, at www.mentalhealthamerica.net.  

Training Helps People with Dementia to Cope [back to top]
Occupational therapy to learn how to perform tasks around the house improved the lives of people with dementia, as well as helping their caregivers, researchers have found. Of the 135 patients with mild to moderate dementia who were randomly assigned to receive occupational therapy sessions or no therapy, 75% of those who received therapy showed improved motor skills, compared with 10% of those who did not receive training. Current drugs do not improve the symptoms of dementia. See "Training helps people with dementia to cope," at www.cbc.ca.

No Point Using Skinny Models in Ads, Psychologist Finds [back to top]
Models of average size are just as effective at selling products as ultra-thin models, a social psychologist's research suggests. According to the study, average-sized models were just as effective as thin models for promoting body-card products, makeup and products related to thinness. The study also found that thin models make many women feel bad about their own bodies, while average-sized models do not. The researcher believes seeing more average-sized models in ads would help prevent body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. See "No point using skinny models in ads, psychologist finds," at www.cbc.ca.

New Programs, Resources and Announcements

Health System Failing People With Mental Illness Says Judge [back to top]
Canada's top judge says the courts and jails are too often left to pick up the pieces when the health system fumbles care for the mentally ill. Beverley McLachlin, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, is openly dismayed by what she calls a looming crisis. McLachlin cited the gradual closure of mental institutions since the 1970s. They were shut down, their residents cast out of the only stable homes they'd known for years, in favour of community-based care that has never been properly funded to fill the gaps. See "Health system failing the mentally ill: judge," at www.ctv.ca. See also "Prison warehouses, open-air asylums are home to the mentally ill," at www.canada.com.

$250 Million Affordable Housing Plan Proposal Rejected [back to top]
The Great Vancouver Regional District has proposed a plan to create a $250-million-a-year fund to pay for affordable housing. The GVRD is proposing to contribute $50 million a year to the fund, generated by a regional surcharge on municipal livies such as development fees. The federal and provincial governmets would each be asked to contribute $100 million a year. However, housing minister Rich Coleman has rejected the plan and announced that the province will not be contributing the requested $100 million. Meanwhile, Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan has suggested that Greater Vancouver voters be asked if they are willing to pay taxes to support social housing across the region. See "Housing solution: $250m a year," at www.canada.com, "Coleman pans affordable housing plan," at www.surreyleader.com, and "Social housing a tax issue: mayor," at www.canada.com.

Former Host of Today Show and Dateline Shares Mental Health Struggle [back to top]
Jane Pauley, former talk-show host and author, hopes that by speaking out about her own experiences with bipolar disorder, she can help end the stigma of mental illness. Before her diagnosis, she had a successful career in broadcast news, including as co-host of the Today show for more than a decade, followed by 11 years as co-host of Dateline: NBC. "It is so much better to accept mental illness as an illness," says Pauley. "Being sick is not abnormal. In normal life, bad things happen, including mental illness." Jane Pauley is the second high-profile woman to recently speak about her struggle with bi-polar disorder. Margaret Trudeau spoke last month about her own lifelong struggle with depression and bipolar disorder. See "Interviewing Jane Pauley is an adventure," at www.canada.com.
   >> Margaret Trudeau is the luncheon speaker at the 2007 Bottom Line Conference - Mental Illness in the Workplace: The Elephant in the Room - March 7, 2007. Visit www.bottomlineconference.ca for details.

Campbell Announces Plan to Improve Health of BC Aboriginals [back to top]
Ottawa has joined forces with the BC government and a First Nations group to improve the health of aboriginals in the province in the first such agreement in Canada. The National Summit on Aboriginal Health in Vancouver ended with a commitment by Premier Gordon Campbell and Assembly of First Nations leader Phil Fontaine that progress will and must be made to bring the health statistics of Aboriginal Peoples more in line with non-native Canadians. The provinces and federal government have been trying for many years to find ways to improve the health lifestyles of First Nations, Inuit and Metis, who have a poorer diet along with a higher incidence of suicide, tobacco use and cancer than non-natives. The First Nations health plan includes an Aboriginal Mental Health and Addictions Plan involving healing circles, cultural camps and counselling programs. Other areas of focus include maternal health, chronic health conditions and improved access to primary health care services. See "Politicians, native leaders renew commitment over native health," at chealth.canoe.ca.

Aboriginal Child and Youth Mental Health Workers to Support Island [back to top]
The Ministry of Children and Family Development is moving forward with the latest phase of its five-year Child and Youth Mental Health plan, recruiting 20 new mental health workers for the Vancouver Island region to work specifically with Aboriginal children and youth. As part of the Province’s Child and Youth Mental Health plan – the first of its kind in Canada - new staff will be assigned to work in one of five Vancouver Island regions, based on the Aboriginal child and youth populations in each area. See "Aboriginal Mental Health Workers to Support Island," at www.news.gov.bc.ca.

New Social Workers Ready to Assist BC's Children [back to top]
The Ministry of Children and Family Development has completed the first phase of its social worker recruitment campaign, resulting in 101 additional front-line child protection workers. Approximately 300 regular staff, mostly front-line social and mental health workers, are being added to the workforce over the next two years. Ten new employees of Aboriginal descent were hired, out of 77 who applied. This new hiring is in addition to the Aboriginal services recruitment campaign through the Child and Youth Mental Health Plan (see above). See "New Social Workers Ready to Assist B.C.’s Children," at www.news.gov.bc.ca.

Passengers Traumatized by Sinking Ferry [back to top]
Some passengers who escaped from the sinking Queen of the North off the BC coast earlier this year are suffering psychological stress, according to court documents filed as part of a potential class action lawsuit against BC Ferries and several crew members. There were 101 passengers and crew aboard the BC ferry when it ran into an island south of Prince Rupert in the middle of the night and began to sink. Lawyer Jim Hanson, who filed the affidavits with the court, said many of the passengers are suffering typical symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. See "Ferry sinking traumatized passengers," at www.cbc.ca.

Senate Standing Committee to Study Social Determinants of Health [back to top]
The Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology has been authorized to undertake a special study on the impact of the multiple factors and conditions that contribute to the health of Canada’s population - known collectively as the social determinants of health. Earlier this year, the committee finished their historic report on mental illness, entitled Out of the Shadows at Last, often referred to as the "Kirby Report." Senator Art Eggleton has been elected to replace recently retired Michael Kirby as Chair of the committee. More information on the committee is available at www.parl.gc.ca. Also of note, a new special committee has been formed to examine the implications of an aging society in Canada. Learn more about the Special Committee on Aging at www.parl.gc.ca.

New Initiative to Advance Mental Health in the Workplace [back to top]
The Canadian Psychiatric Association (CPA) has announced the formation of the Great-West Life Mental Health in the Workplase Clinical innovation Fund, created through a $175,000 contribution from Great-West to the Foundation of the CPA. Mental health issues in the workplace are increasing disability claims, and impacting overall workplace wellness. The projects funded through this initiative will aim to improve the quality of life for Canadian employees and their families, while reducing costs to employers and increasing productivity in the workplace. For further information contact Aaron Young at (613) 234-2815 ext. 249, or ayoung@cpa-apc.org.

Action on Stigma: Promoting Mental Health, Ending Discrimination at Work [back to top]
England's Department of Health has launched a new booklet called "Action on Stigma" to help organizations promote mental health and end discrimination at work. The Department of Health has developed six key principles for employers to implement for better mental health in the workplace, which are based on existing government policies and good practice models. One of the principles is encouraging awareness of mental health issues. Another is providing reasonable accommodations for people with mental health problems so they can stay on the job. The booklet is available in PDF format at www.dh.gov.uk.
    >> don't miss our Mental Health Works workshops - March 6, 2007. Learn hands-on skills for addressing mental illness in the workplace. Stay tuned to www.bottomlineconference.ca or contact Margaret Tebbutt at 1-800-555-8222 or mentalhealthworks@cmha.bc.ca.for details.

Multicultural Health Guide [back to top]
The main purpose of the guide is to help BC newcomers access health programs and resources that are available in Vancouver to address their needs. Many newcomers have limited English proficiency and face cultural and linguistic barriers. The Guide includes an introduction in seven languages and information about multicultural health programs and resources in Vancouver that are provided in one or more languages other than English. Information also includes accessing interpretation services and/or translated publications. Programs and resources are indexed in alphabetical order by agency and program, health condition / issue, service type and language provided. AMSSA will distribute 6000 Multicultural Health Guides widely among Health Authorities, member agencies/partners, community health agencies, ESL students and the public at large. To obtain copies, please contact amssahealth@amssa.org.

DVD Captures Teen's Experience With Depression and Suicide [back to top]
This award-winning DVD titled Eternal High captures a teenager's true-life battle with depression and suicide. It includes a short film made by a teenager while unaware he was clinically depressed, followed by a speech to his school after receiving treatment, detailing his experience with depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, self-injury, self-medicating, effect on relationships, and his treatment. Contact Aquarius Health Care Media at 888-440-2963 or tm@aquariusproductions.com if interested in purchasing or arranging a free preview.

Video on Borderline Personality Disorder [back to top]
A new video produced for the Borderline Personality Disorder Resource Center – a non-profit center located at New York-Presbyterian Hospital – has been developed to educate patients, family members, mental health professionals and the public at large about this complex and often misunderstood disorder. "Back from the Edge," is a documentary-style short film featuring compelling first-person accounts of people living with and recovering from Borderline Personality Disorder. For more information, contact 1-888-694-2273 or visit the website at www.bpdresourcecenter.org.

Personality Disorders Website [back to top]
People interested in personality disorders have a new online resource developed by England's Department of Health, the Home Office, and the Care Service Improvement Partnership. The website offers information for people with personality disorders, caregivers, service providers, researchers and others, with information on self-management, recovery and support. See www.personalitydisorder.org.uk.

Online Guide to Coping With Bipolar Disorder [back to top]
BC author Arlen Rundvall has lived with the challenges of bipolar for nineteen years and has learned to leave the illness stage and hospitalizations behind. In The Bipolar Guide to the Gift: A Guide to Leave the Illness Stage, he shares information and guidance to help others affected by bipolar disorder learn form his experiences. An electronic version of the book is available for free online at www.thebipolarguide.com. Readers are also encouraged to submit their own strategies to share with others through the website.

Online Resources for Families of an Adult with Mental Illness [back to top]
www.CareInAction.com features in-depth, interactive guidebooks that help families of an adult with mental illness manage the journey of care. CareinAction.com has been created by an expert crew of psychologists, counselors, and educators to answer the 'How do I do it?' questions faced by many families like yours whose loved ones have schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder, bipolar disorder, or major depression. The guidebooks are available to download in PDF format for $34.95 - $86.95 each. A sample guidebook, "A Place to Begin; Gearing Up for Your Journey," is available to download for free.

Online Tools for Service Providers Working With Youth [back to top]
Mindyourmind.ca has just launched its Professional Portal where you will find a variety of youth friendly, interactive tools and ideas on how to use them in session. For between sessions, you will also find materials including ecards that you can send to your clients to remind them of their next appointments. And, when your client needs support between sessions, they can always go to mindyourmind.ca and read inspiring stories by other youth on how they cope with mental health challenges, or what they have experienced in counselling or, if stories aren't enough, the contact number for their nearest Crisis Service.
    >> if the topic of child and youth mental health interests you, read the two most recent issues of Visions: BC's Mental Health and Addictions Journal on treatments and first responders for children and youth, available at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

Electronic Health Information and Privacy Conference Presentations [back to top]
Health policy, privacy legislation, and electronic health information were the focus of discussion at a recent conference in Ottawa. Slides from presentations made at the conference are now available on the conference website. The presentation archive includes the presentations of representatives from The Privacy Commissioner of Canada, Microsoft Canada, and Canada Health Infoway. Visit the presentation archive at www.ocri.ca.

BC Conversation On Health - Share Your Thoughts on Health Care [back to top]
The Conversation On Health is a discussion among British Columbians on how to make BC healthier, and how to improve and renew our health system while strengthening the Canada Health Act. All British Columbians are invited to participate through online discussions, regional public forums, letters, emails, phone calls, or by contacting their local MLA. The conversation will be taking place until fall 2007, during the course of which the government will be visiting all 16 Health Service Delivery Areas including: Burnaby, Campbell River, Castlegar, Chilliwack Cranbrook, Fort St. John, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, North Vancouver, Prince George, Richmond, Smithers, Surrey, Vancouver, and Victoria. To learn more or register to participate in a regional forum, visit www.bcconversationonhealth.ca.

Survey on Canadians’ Views on Poverty and Income Security Programs – Due mid-December [back to top]
The National Council of Welfare, an independent advisory body to the federal government, is asking people what can be done about poverty in Canada. An online questionnaire is available to individuals and groups concerned with poverty, income security and the issues facing low-income Canadians. According to figures from the 2001 census, 23 percent of people with a disability live in poverty. The questionnaire asks for feedback on potential strategies to address poverty, such as income support for people with disabilities or other employment limitations. Share your thoughts on poverty at www.ncwcnbes.net.

Health Promotion and Education World Conference – Call for Abstracts – Due December 25 [back to top]
The International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) World Conference is calling for the submission of abstracts of papers, workshops and symposia to be presented at the conference. The theme of the conference is "Health promotion comes of age: research, policy and practice for the 21st century." The four sub-themes are reducing health inequalities, assets for health and development, effectiveness of health promotion, and transformations. For further details and access to the online abstract submission form, visit iuhpeconference.org.

Psychosis Treatment Adherence Study Seeking Participants [back to top]
A research team lead by Tania Lacomte, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UBC is seeking people aged between 13 and 35 who have a primary diagnosis in the psychosis spectrum, had their first consultation with a physician/clinician about the psychotic symptoms within the last 2 years, and are receiving case management services or having regular contact with a primary clinician/health care worker. Participants will be asked to meet with a research assistant (90 minutes) and complete questionnaires. Participants will receive $20 for participating. For more information, or if you are interested in referring a client, contact project coordinator, Caroline Greaves at 778-908-5194, 604-875-4111 Ext. 61728, or cgreave@interchange.ubc.ca.

Newborn Behaviour Study Seeking Expectant Mothers [back to top]
A research team lead by Dr. Fay Warnock, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, UBC / Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Career Scholar is seeking pregnant women - both those who are and those who are not experiencing depression – to participate in a newborn behaviour study. The study will investigate how babies are affected by their environment (caregiving, light, sound, etc.), as well as how they respond to everyday events, including stressful ones. For more information, contact Sylvia at 604-875-2000, local 6992 or sowens@cw.bc.ca, or visit research webpage at www.bcchildrens.ca.

Manager, Regional Clinic Positions in Kamloops, Prince George, Victoria, Nanaimo, Surrey, Vancouver [back to top]
Provincial Health Services Authority is seeking applicants for 6 full-time Manager, Regional Clinic positions. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Regional Clinics, you will supervise and coordinate the services of the regional clinic and catchment area. If you have a baccalaureate degree in Nursing along with current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the CRNBC or the CRPNBC, and a minimum of seven years’ recent related clinical experience and two years working in a managerial/leadership position, you are invited to apply. Please forward your CV, quoting Competition #MHS-2006-1011, to: PHSA Specialty Nurse Recruitment, Suite 800- 1441 Creekside Drive, Vancouver, BC, V6J 4S7, Tel: 604-875-7216 Fax: 604-875-7253 or Email: nurses@phsa.ca. For more information, visit careers.phsa.ca

Clinical Services Manager Position in Coquitlam [back to top]
Provincial Health Services Authority is seeking applicants for a Clinical Services Manager position in Coquitlam. Reporting to the Director of Patient and Client Services, you are a self-directed and highly motivated leader looking to become an integral member of our management team. Responsible for ensuring the quality management of care delivery to patients and families, including managing and directing staff, you will oversee the service delivery budget and implementation of operational plans. In addition to a relevant degree in a health profession and current practicing registration with the associated professional association, you have a minimum of five years of recent clinical experience, including two years working in a managerial/leadership capacity. To apply, please forward your CV, quoting Competition #MHS-2006-1010 to: PHSA Specialty Nurse Recruitment, Suite 800 - 1441 Creekside Drive, Vancouver, BC V6J 4S7 E-mail: nurses@phsa.ca Fax: 604-875-7253, or Phone: 604-875-7216 / Toll Free: 1-866-744-7363. For more information, visit careers.phsa.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/mm
December 11 – A Prairie Home Companion
December 18 – Sketches of Frank Gehry

Seminars on Anxiety Disoders in Children and Youth [back to top]
The Anxiety Disorders Association of BC and the FORCE Society for Kids' Mental Health are proud to present a family skill-building seminar on anxiety disorders in children and youth. All seminars begin at 7pm. No registration is required for this FREE event. For more information contact info@anxietybc.com or 604-525-7597.
January 15 - Port Moody - Inlet Theatre, Port Moody City Hall, 100 New Port Drive
January 22 - Abbotsford - Garden Park Tower, 101 - 2825 Clearbrook Road
January 23 - Vancouver - HR MacMillan Centre, 1100 Chestnut Street
January 31 - Richmond - Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate
February 1 - Victoria - Victoria Public Library, Nellie McClung Br., 3950 Cedar Hill Road

METH Forum Theatre and Webcast – December 6 – 10 [back to top]
What are the human factors that lead people into addictive relationships with drugs? Are the headlines in the newspapers today about methamphetamine the current manifestation of the larger issue of drug addiction in our society? Headlines Theatre, in partnership with many Native and non-Native community organizations will create an interactive Forum Theatre production to explore the human factors and root causes that lead to addiction. Meth will be created and performed by people who have struggled with meth addiction. Dec. 6 – 10 at 8pm at the Japanese Hall, 475 Alexander Street, Vancouver. Live webcast: Dec. 10. For more information, and access to the live webcast, visit www.headlinestheatre.com.

Human Rights in the Workplace: Many Shades of Grey - December 12 [back to top]
Workplace human rights speaker, author, consultant and trainer, Stephen Hammond teachers managers, supervisors and staff how to prevent human rights disasters at work and how to deal with human rights problems when they arise. Presented by Workplace Centre for Spiritual and Ethical Development. Fee: $7 members / $10 guests. At 7:15 – 8:30am at BC Hydro, Shipman Room, 16 Floor, 333 Dunsmuir St., Vancouver. To register visit www.workplacecentre.org or call 604-685-6560. Please RSVP by Dec. 11.

Frames of Mind Screening – Pandaemonium – December 20 [back to top]
Frames of Mind is a monthly film event utilizing film and video to promote professional and community education on issues pertaining to mental health and illness presented by Pacific Cinémathèque and the UBC Department of Psychiatry. Pandaemonium is the delirious story of passion, betrayal, madness and addiction that binds two of history's most acclaimed poets: Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth. Bringing to mind all the drama and outrage of Mozart and Salieri (not to mention Lennon and McCartney), Pandaemonium is an iconoclastic costume drama from the director of The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle and The Filth and the Fury. Includes a post-screening discussion with Ramon Kubicek, writer, artist, and educator at Emily Carr Institute and Langara College. 7:30pm at Pacific Cinémathèque, 1131 Howe Street, Vancouver. Tickets: $8.50 regular / $7 for students and seniors. Eligible for 1.0 hour Section 1 of Royal College's Maintenance of Certification Program. Visit www.cinematheque.bc.ca or call 604-822-7610 for more information.

Hope and Healing After a Suicide Loss - A Public Forum - January 11 [back to top]
Learn what might help you with your grief, how you can help others impacted by a suicide death, and hear stories of hope and healing from individuals bereaved by suicide. With keynote speakers Michael Myers, Psychiatrist and Clinical Professor, and Carla Fine, author and lecture - co-authors of recently published book Touched by Suicide: Hope & Healing after Loss. 7pm at St. Paul's Hospital Conference Centre. By donation with proceeds to World Suicide Prevention Day, Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention. For more infromation contact vssc20@yahoo.ca or 604-872-1811.

MDA Education Evening – Suicide is Everyone’s Business – January 18 [back to top]
Mood Disorders Association (MDA) presents a free education event with Dr. Erika Horwitz, Psychiatrist and Clinical Coordinator, SFU Health Counselling and Career Centre, on the topic of suicide. Audience questions will be accepted following the presentation. 7pm at Sunrise Hall, 1950 Windermere St. (at East 4th Ave.), Vancouver. For more information, contact call 604-873-0103, email info@mdabc.net, or visit www.mdabc.net.

Strengthening Family and Youth Voices Forum – February 9 [back to top]
CMHA BC is hosting a public forum on our Strengthening Family and Youth Voices project, as an opportunity to learn about this province-wide project and meet youth and families from the six project sites across BC. The project explores the emerging role of peer support and mutual aid in child and youth mental health, with the specific goals of developing supports that are grounded in lived experiences. Funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada. At SFU Downtown, Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings St., Vancouver. Lunch included with registration. Early registration: $50; after January 15, 2007: $75. For event details, visit www.voicesbc.org. To learn more about the project, visit www.cmha.bc.ca or email Jennifer Sweeney, Provincial Coordinator at jsweeney@cmha.bc.ca.

Courses and Workshops

Mental Health Works Workshops [back to top]
Mental Health Works provides organizations with the tools and resources they need to effectively address issues involving mental illness in the workplace. Informational presentations and skills building workshops are available for various audiences in the workplace - from employees at all levels, to union representatives to senior management. Cost: "Complex Issues. Clear Solutions" full-day workshop $210 per participant, plus expenses (12-16 participants); "Complex Issues. Clear Solutions." series of three 3-hour workshops $350 per participant, plus expenses (12-16 participants); 3-hour workshops $1500; "Issues and Solutions" workshop $1500; other 2-hour workshops $800 - $1000. Learn more at www.mentalhealthworks.ca or contact Margaret Tebbutt at 1-800-555-8222 or mentalhealthworks@cmha.bc.ca for more information.
"Complex Issues. Clear Solutions" Management Workshop (full-day 7-hour workshop, or three 3-hour workshops) - Learn to effectively address the complex issues around mental health problems in the workplace. This award-winning workshop is a practical and interactive multimedia learning experience. Includes materials and resources.
Awareness of Workplace Mental Health (1 hour) - An engaging look at what it is like to experience conditions such as depression or anxiety at work
Workplace Influence (2 hours) - Employees consider ways to positively influence both their own mental health and that of their co-workers.
Issues and Solutions (2 hours) - Provides a quick overview of the Mental Health Works approach to building awareness, recognition and strategies around mental health issues in the workplace.
Assisting Workers with Mental Health Issues (3 hours) - For union representatives and stewards. A unique look at the role of the union in helping members through workplace conflict, accommodation and disability.
Affecting Workplace Mental Health (3 hours) - Looks at the systemic and organizational factors that affect the mental health or workers and asks participants to create action plans for those factors that affect their own workplace situation.
Human Resources: Return-to-Work Strategies ( 3 to 4 hours) - For human resource personnel involved in the return-to-work or performance management of people with mental health issues. Case studies engage partici[ants in considering approaches to the more difficult sitations.
Occupational Health Strategies: Return-to-work after Mental Illness (3 to 4 hours) - Addresses challenges such as working with physicians, uncooperative supervisors or management, and employees who do not seem able to access effective treatment.
Managing the Return-to-Work (3 hours) - For managers and supervisors who have a good working knowledge of mental health and communication skills, including those who have attended previous Mental Health Workshops and want to get more ‘hands on’ in how they juggle the competing interests of the returning employee, co-workers, organizational demands and their own time management

Knowledge & Practice Skills for Working with People with Mental Disorders – December 12 + 13 [back to top]
In this two-day workshop with Bob Shebib and John Fox, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills for working with persons with mental disorders. Topics include: Selected major mental disorders (depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, personality disorders, bipolar disorder); Overview of the structure and use of the DSM-IV; Interviewing and counselling skills for working with persons with mental disorders; Recognizing indicator of mental disorders; Concurrent disorders (mental illness and substance abuse); Child and youth mental disorders; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Introduction to pharmacology including medication compliance issues. 8:30am to 4:30pm at Simon Fraser University, Downtown Vancouver Campus, Harbour Centre, 515 W. Hastings St., Vancouver. Registration $275 per person or $225 when groups of three register together. To register, contact sessionreg@shaw.ca or call 604-721-7929.

Co-occuring Disorders Advanced Citation – Begins January [back to top]
The Co-occuring Disorders program is offered by the Community Social Service Worker Department at Douglas College. The first of its kind in BC, this program is designed for working professionals in the social service and health fields. All courses are held in the evening to accommodate working professionals. Full-time students will take two courses in the Winter and Fall semester followed by a practicum, which can be completed at your agency’s service location. To learn more visit www.douglas.bc.ca.

Free Strengthening Families Together Program – Begins Mid-January [back to top]
BC Schizophrenia Society is offering a free 10-session course to provide information, skill-building and support to families and friends of someone living with a mental illness. Topics will include information about mental illness, medication and treatments for mental illness, as well as how to cope with and support your loved one living with a mental illness. This group will begin the third week in January in the evening in both Richmond and Vancouver. Register by contacting Jessica Smits at 604-247-1884 or jessicasmits@bcss.org.

Conferences

Roundtable on the Future of Homecare in Gatineau, Quebec - February 5 [back to top]
Homecare represents one of the fastest growing sectors of health spending in Canada, and demand for homecare services is only expected to rise. This roundtable will include a broad range of perspectives, from policymakers to practitioners, and will raise a wide array of issues in an effort to both shape a vision for the future of home and community-based health care in Canada, and to identify practical recommendations on how best to move toward that vision.
The Public Policy Forum is an independent, non-partisan research organization dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in government. Conference fee: $175. At the Hilton Lac-Leamy, located at 3, boulevard du Casino, in Gatineau. For more information contact dianne.gravel@ppforum.ca or visit www.ppforum.ca.
    >> if the topic of home care interests you, check out the CMHA National report, "Home Care and Mental Health: From Policy to Action," available at www.cmha.ca.

BC Psychopharmacology Conference – February 23 + 24 [back to top]
BC Mental Health and Addiction Services invites you to attend a conference on the pharmacotherapy of psychiatric illnesses. Conference topics are not only relevant to pharmacists practicing, or interested in the field of psychiatry, but also to psychiatrists, general practitioners and nurses involved in the care of the mentally ill. Conference fee: $250; Early bird, student, and single-day rates available. Registration includes course materials, health breaks, lunch and dinner. At the River Rock Casino Resort, 8811 River Road, Richmond. For more information call 604-524-7518 or 604-524-7695, or visit www.bcmhas.ca.

2007 Bottom Line Conference – Mental Illness in the Workplace: The Elephant in the Room - March 7 [back to top]
CMHA BC Division invites you to participate in our annual conference on reducing the monumental personal and economic costs of mental illness in the workplace. Gain insight, be inspired and learn how attention to mental health and mental illness in the workplace will help retain valuable employees, increase employee health, well-being and productivity, as well as decrease absenteeism and disability claims. This year's speakers include Margaret Trudeau, Linda Duxbury, Bill Wilkerson, and Alan Young. At the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver. Visit www.bottomlineconference.ca for details and to sign up for conference updates.

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.

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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; General email: info@cmha.bc.ca; MIND MATTERS email:mindmatters@cmha.bc.ca; Web: www.cmha.bc.ca