VOLUME 59: Nov 2007 | online at www.cmha.bc.ca/enews/enewsdec07.htm

CMHA News
Ten Tips for Holiday Peace of Mind
This Holiday, Give a Gift with Meaning – Give a Gift of Hope!
Holiday Bath Bomb Bears from Escents
2008 Bottom Line Conference: Looking for Leaders - Register Now!
CMHA Saddened to Hear of Loss of a Friend and Colleague in the Mental Health Community
CMHA Public Service Announcements in Ontario and Quebec
CMHA North & West Vancouver Branch Wins Spirit of Hope Award
2008 Art Calendar from CMHA Kamloops Branch
North Shore Health Lecture Series - My Body, My Buddy
Dinner Provides Gifts of Hope in Prince George
Vancouver/Burnaby Branch Special Events
Looking for Professional Janitorial Services? Consider the Cleaning Solution

Featured Program:
Courses Aim to Overcome Mental Illness in Mid-Island

Canadian Research
More Employees Willing to Tell Bosses About Depression
Interpersonal Psychotherapy Found Effective for Treating Post-partum Depression
Military Mental Health Care Good But Limited Says Auditor General
Best Practices in Addressing Attention Problems in Children
Social Determinants of Health and Middle Childhood in Canada
Chronic Pain Affects 1 in 3 Canadians
UN Recommends National Housing Strategy for Canada

CMHA Mailbox:
Family

Research From Around the World
Depressed Women At Risk for Weakened Bones
Anorexic Women’s Brains Altered Even after Recovery
Attention Problems Linked to Violence in Kids' TV
Differences Found in Brain Development in Kids with ADD
Guidelines for Psychological and Social Assistance in Emergencies
WHO's Mental Health System Assessment Tool

New Programs and Resources
Managing Holiday Stress
When Something’s Wrong… Strategies for the Workplace Handbook
Aboriginal Youth Suicide Awareness Program in Northern BC
CHOICES2: Reaching Out Suicide Prevention Package
Reach Out Psychosis Tour Video
The Real Story of Schizophrenia on YouTube
Redesigned SAMHSA Website Offers Hundreds of Anti-stigma Resources
Information Sheets from The Centre for Excellence for Child Welfare
Resource Papers for a Healthy Future for Canadian Children and Families
Prescribing Antidepressants to Women During Pregnancy

Announcements
Update on Riverview Hospital
Courage to Come Back Winner Leaves Legacy of Inspiration and Hope
Mental Health Court On the Way for Nova Scotia
Call for Papers on Collaborative Mental Health Care

Public Education Events
Movie Mondays in Victoria
Family Workshops for Kids with Anxiety Disorders in Burnaby and Victoria
Public Meeting on Social and Supported Housing in Vancouver
Frames of Mind Film Screening – Not Just a Bay Day: Living with Bipolar Disorder
Wills and Estates Planning Workshop in Victoria
MDA of BC Education Evening – Genetic and Environmental Contributors to Mood Disorders
The Lobotomist Documentary on PBS

Courses and Workshops
Mental Health Works Workplace Workshops
Post-conference Mental Health Works Workshops

Conferences
Moving Upstream: Evidence for Early Intervention in Mental Health
Bottom Line Conference on Mental Illness in the Workplace
Aboriginal Health Forum in Calgary, AB

CMHA News

Ten Tips for Holiday Peace of Mind [back to top]
The holiday season is a time many of us look forward to — sometimes with anticipation, sometimes with dread. For many, holidays can mean extra pressures: more decisions, more financial burdens, more cleaning and decorating, more cooking, more entertaining. Peace on Earth may seem impossible if you don't have peace of mind. CMHA BC Division suggests that some of the best ways to deal with added stress around the holiday season are common sense strategies, and may be especially helpful to those at risk for mental health problems like depression or anxiety. Read our Ten Tips for Holiday Peace of Mind and tips for dealing with holiday grief at www.cmha.bc.ca.

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 value CMHA's programs and services with your donation. Find out how www.cmha.bc.ca.

Holiday Bath Bomb Bears from Escents [back to top]
For the third year, Escents Aromatherapy has chosen CMHA BC Division as their charity of choice for their seasonal store promotion. The popular plush bath bomb bear is back, with $2 from the sale of each going towards the work of CMHA. Decked out in festive reindeer antlers and jingle bells with a aromatherapy bath bomb in his tummy, the cuddly stress-busting bear makes a great gift or decoration for the holidays. The bear is available to purchase in Escents stores and online at www.escents.ca for $8.95 plus tax.

2008 Bottom Line Conference: Looking for Leaders - Register Now! - February 20 [back to top]
With mental health issues emerging as the leading cause of long-term disability - as well as a key factor in productivity, retention and satisfaction - developing and implementing clear strategies to prevent and address mental health issues in the workplace is essential for every workplace. CMHA BC Division invites workplace leaders to join us for the 6th Annual Bottom Line Conference - Looking for Leaders: Everyone Can Make a Difference - on leadership in achieving workplace mental health through innovative and best practices. Keynote speakers include five-time Olympian, Olympic silver medallist and president/founder of NGU Consultants, Charmaine Crooks, as well as Drs. Joti Samra, Merv Gilbert and Dan Bilsker, authors of the Antidepressant Skills at Work self-help manual. Conference fee: $425; Early Bird: $350 (ends Jan. 15); Special Offer: Buy 6, get 7th free. 7:30am to 4:30pm at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver. For up-to-date information on the conference program and speakers, as well as highlights from the latest in workplace mental health news and tools visit www.bottomlineconference.ca.
   >> Don’t miss our post-conference Mental Health Works Workshops on February 21 for practical knowledge and skills for addressing mental illness in the workplace. Learn more and register at www.bottomlineconference.ca.

CMHA Saddened to Hear of Loss of a Friend and Colleague in the Mental Health Community [back to top]
CMHA is deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of Bev Abbey, registered clinical counselor and President of the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Bev was a long-time volunteer with both CMHA North and West Vancouver branch and CMHA BC Division around Beyond the Blues: Depression Anxiety Education and Screening Day. At both the grassroots and steering levels, she donated countless hours over the years to help people in need. She was a compassionate clinician and tireless advocate for mental health care and health promotion and will be missed by many. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.

CMHA Public Service Announcements in Ontario and Quebec [back to top]
During the month of December, PHSN Network will begin broadcasting a video public service announcement (PSA) produced by the Canadian Mental Health Association into patient waiting rooms across Ontario and parts of Quebec. The PSA, entitled "Balance," is intended to help reduce stigma by reminding viewers that everyone struggles to stay in balance, and having a mental illness simply means that some people struggle more than others. PHSN is a digital network delivering health and entertainment content to patients in 317 waiting rooms across the country, reaching almost 5,000 viewers every month. To view "Balance" and other PSAs online, visit the Media Centre on the CMHA National website at www.cmha.ca.

CMHA North & West Vancouver Branch Wins Spirit of Hope Award [back to top]
Congratulations to CMHA North & West Vancouver Branch for winning the 2007 Spirit of Hope Award. The award was presented to the branch for their 10-week support group in Farsi at the 2007 Cross-Cultural Mental Health Symposium in September. The goal of the Spirit of Hope Award is to recognize an individual, program, not-for-profit agency or public institution within BC that has made a significant impact on improving the mental health conditions of immigrants and refugees. Along with the award is a donation of $1,000 to a mental health program of the recipients' choice. Learn more about the CMHA North & West Vancouver Branch at www.northwestvancouver.cmha.bc.ca.
   >> the support group was created as part of the province-wide Strengthening Family and Youth Voices project. Interested in starting your own peer support group for youth with mental illness or their families? Check out the project resources, including how-to guides for parents and youth.

2008 Art Calendar from CMHA Kamloops Branch [back to top]

CMHA Kamloops Branch is proud to announce the publication of their first annual Art Calendar. The calendar features more than 30 paintings by people with mental illness and who live in the Thompson-Caribou area. Selling for $10, the calendar features tips and information about mental illness and provides a resource list and telephone numbers for Kamloops Agencies. The calendar draws attention to a talented group of artists and is changing how the community views mental illness. The calendars are available at Interior Savings Centres as well as at CMHA Kamloops Branch, 857 Seymour Street. For more information call (250) 372-0440 or fax (250) 374-8718.

North Shore Health Lecture Series - My Body, My Buddy - December 12 [back to top]
Philip Clement, Professional Bodywork and Dance Therapist, Healer and Group Leader presents an experiential lecture and mini workshop on body-mind integration, including simple-self massage and breath technique for releasing tension and expanding energy. If there is interest, participants can learn how to give a 10-minute neck and shoulder massage. The free weekly Health Lecture Series organized by CMHA North and West Vancouver Branch 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.northwestvancouver.cmha.bc.ca.

Dinner Provides Gifts of Hope in Prince George – December 20 [back to top]
CMHA Prince George Branch is hosting their annual Gift of Hope Christmas party for people with mental illness, where they will be offering gifts collected from the community. New unwrapped gifts are being collected through drop-off boxes across the city and at the CMHA Prince George Branch office at 555 George St. This year, CMHA is also seeking sponsor for dinner tables of 10 for $160 as well as door prizes and volunteers to collect and wrap gifts. To learn more read" "Dinner provides gifts of hope," at www.princegeorgecitizen.com or contact CMHA Prince George Branch at (250) 564-8644. For a list of Gift of Hope gift suggestions, visit www.cmhapg.ca.

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 14 - Stories of Snow and Song: A Bill Richardson Christmas
December 20 – Annual Pancake Breakfast
December 21 – Downtown Christmas Tree Walking Tour

Looking for Professional Janitorial Services? Consider the Cleaning Solution [back to top]
The Cleaning Solution is a social enterprise out of CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Branch providing high quality, environmentally friendly commercial janitorial services. The goal of The Cleaning Solution is to help people with mental illness to become employed in a supportive structure. By providing high quality janitorial services to businesses and organizations, mental health consumers will build skills and capacity in a flexible environment and earn a fair wage for the work they do. For more information please visit www.cleaningsolution.ca or www.vancouver-burnaby.cmha.bc.ca

Featured CMHA Program: Courses Aim to Overcome Mental Illness in Mid-Island   People often don't know how to deal with friends or relatives suffering from a mental illness, and the stigma of the label often prevents people from seeking help. The Canadian Mental Health Association's Mid-Island branch is trying to fight that stigma and ensure people get treatment through two educational workshops in Nanaimo. Social worker Cathie Cameron and Lynda Cockshutt, recovering from a mental illness herself, run Responding with Respect: A Mental Illness First Aid Course. "It's really about educating front-line workers, which is really everybody now," said Cameron. The course teaches people how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental illness, how to intervene with people in a respectful way and get them the professional support they need to lead healthy, productive lives. "Instead of making people more agitated ... it's a more calming approach and gives you more avenues to kind of have that difficult conversation," said Cameron. Cockshutt said the two-day course uses case scenarios, role playing and videos. "It's a very informal method of teaching because there's a lot of interaction. My part is to show that people who have a mental illness can and do become quite functional people." Cameron said the course is intended to eliminate misconceptions about people with mental illnesses, such as that they are violent people. "Historically, people have always had that fear," she said. "And not everybody reaches out to get help because of the stigma." CHMA-Nanaimo's office on Terminal Avenue is too small to hold the courses. Workshops take place wherever they can find proper space, or in businesses that want the workshop for their employees. "We would like to do at least two a year in Nanaimo," said Cockshutt. CMHA also offers a Mental Health Works program that teaches managers how to provide accommodations for workers with mental illnesses. "It costs less to provide accommodation in the workplace than it does to fire someone and retrain a new person," said Cameron. "Employers also have to be aware of human rights issues." She said current statistics show one out of every five Canadians experience a mental illness in their lifetime and depression is the second overall health burden in Canada, behind heart disease. "Early intervention is key," said Cameron. "The earlier they get help, they less likely they are to have long-term illness." For more information, please call (250) 716-8823. Reprinted from Nanaimo News Bulletin. (2007, November 2). Courses aim to overcome mental illness, p.5. Learn more about Mental Health First Aid at www.mifa.ca or Mental Health Works at www.mentalhealthworks.ca.

Canadian Research

More Employees Willing to Tell Bosses About Depression [back to top]
A recent survey of more than 4,000 Canadian managers and employees revealed that more than 1 in 6 have been diagnosed with depression — a rate higher than previously known. The survey also found that managers appear more supportive of employees in distress. While 16% of managers and 18% of non-managers say they have been diagnosed by a doctor for depression, more and more employees are willing to tell their bosses about their depression and in response 7 out of 10 managers are willing to accommodate time off. The survey was conducted by Ipsos Reid for The Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health and sponsored by the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace. Read the full press releases at www.ipsos-na.com, www.mentalhealthroundtable.ca and www.greatwestlife.com.
   >> take the lead on improving mental health in your workplace - register now for the 2008 Bottom Line Conference on Mental Illness in the Workplace on February 20. Visit www.bottomlineconference.ca for details.

Interpersonal Psychotherapy Found Effective for Treating Post-partum Depression [back to top]
A clinical review in a recent issue of Canadian Family Physician concludes that interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is an effective treatment for women with mild to moderate postpartum depression. IPT, a short-term, problem-focused approach to treatment, is considered the best form of treatment for women suffering from post-partum depression. It is the only form of talk therapy used as an alternative to antidepressant medication that has been evaluated in a clinical trial with a large sample size. See "An Approach to Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Postpartum Depression," available at www.cfp.ca.

Military Mental Health Care Good But Limited Says Auditor General [back to top]
A review of military health care by the auditor general of Canada has found that the Canadian Forces provide good quality mental health services but that demand outstrips the resources available. The auditor general's report found that National Defence is implementing evidence-based practices across the country. It describes the shift to interdisciplinary teams and their effective operations and mentions the enhancement of mental health screenings for personnel returning from overseas. However, limited by a lack of resources, some services could not meet the demand and not all bases can offer all services requested. This lack of resources also prevents adequate mental health care for families of military personnel. See "Report of the Auditor General of Canada," at www.oag-bvg.gc.ca.

Best Practices in Addressing Attention Problems in Children [back to top]
The Fall issue of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly focuses on attention problems in children, particularly the assessment and treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The issue answers frequently asked questions about ADHD and discusses psychosocial and medication treatments for ADHD, choosing ADHD medications and using research to guide clinical practice. The Quarterly is produced by the Children’s Health Policy Centre at Simon Fraser University and is available online at www.childhealthpolicy.sfu.ca.
   >> looking for more information on children's mental health? Read the issue of Visions on Treatments for Young People at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

Social Determinants of Health and Middle Childhood in Canada [back to top]
In a study of 12 communities in Canada, including 5 in BC, United Nations Association in Canada engaged child health stakeholders and young people in order to understand the perceptions and priorities around the health of children 9 – 12 years old. The resulting report, Talking Back to Grownups: Healthy Children, Healthy Communities, discusses such topics as perceptions of health, socio-economic inequalities and health status, the role of community, aboriginal youth, bullying, social environments, racism, and the role of adults. Young people’s health, aboriginal health, identifying social determinants of health, focusing on emotional well-being and strengthening communities are recommended as key priorities. Read the full report in PDF format at www.unac.org.

Chronic Pain Affects 1 in 3 Canadians [back to top]
One in three Canadians suffers from chronic pain, which can lead to depression, relationship problems and workplace issues, suggests a new poll. The SES Research survey found that 16 per cent of those surveyed report living in constant pain, and 20% experience pain on a daily basis. The telephone poll of 2,000 Canadians was conducted for the Canadian Pain Society. 33% of Canadians surveyed said moderate or chronic pain makes them feel helpless. See "Chronic pain affects 1 in 3 Canadians: poll," at www.cbc.ca.

UN Recommends National Housing Strategy for Canada [back to top]
From October 9 to 22, 2007, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on adequate housing, Miloon Kothari, visited Canada to examine and report on the right to adequate housing. Kothari met with government and non-governmental agencies, as well as the public in urban and rural areas and Aboriginal communities, to discuss solutions. Kotharia's report is a preliminary discussion of his general observations and recommendations gathered from the meetings, hearings and public forums he attended. The preliminary report is divided into sections on homelessness, problems of inadequate and insecure housing and living conditions, women and their right to adequate housing, Aboriginal housing both on and off-reserve and the impact of the Olympic Games in 2010. Key suggestions in the report include recommending that the federal government commit funding and programs for a national housing strategy and that it begin to coordinate provincial and territorial actions on Canada's housing rights obligations. Further recommendations include the building of more social housing units, as well as a renewal of the federal government's affordable housing initiative. See "United Nations Special Rapporteur on Adequate Housing, Miloon Kothari: Mission to Canada, 9-22 October, 2007," available at www.frapru.qc.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.moviemonday.ca.
December 17 – Hairspray
December 22 – Stuart Saves His Family

Family Workshops for Kids with Anxiety Disorders in Burnaby and Victoria [back to top]
Is your child or teen affected by anxiety? AnxietyBC and FORCE are proud to present a family skill-building seminar focused on anxiety disorders in children and youth. Parents, caregivers and counselors will learn how to recognize, reduce and manage anxiety. No registration is required for these free events. For more information visit www.anxietybc.com or call 604-525-7566.
Burnaby – January 22 – 7pm at Our Lady of Mercy School Hall, 7455 10th Ave. (at Kingsway)
Victoria – January 24 – Spectrum Community School Theatre,957 West Burnside Road

Public Meeting on Social and Supported Housing in Vancouver – December 12 [back to top]
Vancouver City Council will be hosting a public meeting at City Hall to discuss a plan to develop 12 sites in Vancouver for social and supported housing. The plan proposes the development of 1100–1200 social and supportive housing units, with 400–600 of the units to be occupied by clients of mental health and addiction service providers. The meeting will begin at 7:30pm. If you wish to speak at the meeting, you can contact the City Clerk at 604-873-7015 or at Patricia.Boomhower@vancouver.ca. Further information on the City/Province Social and Supportive Housing Partnership is available in PDF format at www.vancouver.ca.

Frames of Mind Film Screening – Not Just a Bay Day: Living with Bipolar Disorder – December 19 [back to top]
The UBC Department of Psychiatry and Pacific Cinémathèque present Not Just a Bad Day: Living with Bipolar Disorder. On the surface, Mike, Erin, and Martha – a party boy, a young mom, and a divorced single mom - appear to have little in common, but all live under the shadow of bipolar disorder. Treating them all is Dr. Paul Termansen, a psychiatrist at Community Psychiatric Services on Metro Vancouver’s North Shore, where the three attend his mood disorders program. With intimate access and great sensitivity, the film details their personal struggles with the emotional highs and lows of a disorder they must learn to manage in order to lead productive, balanced lives. The screening is followed by a discussion with Dr. Paul Termansen, MD, FRCPC, a former professor at the Department of Psychiatry at UBC and founder of Vancouver Crisis Centre and SAFER, and director Gillian Hrankowski. It takes place at Pacific Cinémathèque, 1131 Howe St., Vancouver, at 7:30pm. Adult admission is $9.50 or $8.00 for seniors and students. For more information, please view the flyer at www.psychiatry.ubc.ca or visit www.cinematheque.bc.ca.

Wills and Estates Planning Workshop in Victoria – January 10 [back to top]
Lawyer, Colleen Kovacs, will explain in plain language how you or your loved ones can make a will and other legal instruments to benefit you as a person with mental illness. Presented by the REES Network. Free to attend, but registration is required in advance. 1-2pm at the Eric Martin Pavilion at the 1900 block of Fort Street in Victoria, Room 208. To register call (250) 595-8619 or sign-up in person at #101 – 749 Pandora Ave., Victoria.

MDA of BC Education Evening – Genetic and Environmental Contributors to Mood Disorders – January 18 [back to top]
Join Mood Disorders Association of BC for their monthly Education Evening for the community. Dr. Jehannine Austin, genetic counselor, VGH Research Pavilion, will talk about understanding how heredity and the environment interact and how it they can affect the ability of a person with a mood disorder to self-manage their illness. The free event starts at 7pm at Sunrise Hall, 1950 Windermere St., Vancouver. The hall is wheelchair accessible. Call 604-873-0103 or email info@mdabc.net for more information.

The Lobotomist Documentary on PBS – Airs January 21 [back to top]
The lobotomy was once hailed as a groundbreaking medical procedure that promised hope to the most distressed families and desolate mentally ill patients. Championed by a young and ambitious neurologist named Walter J. Freeman, what began as an operation of last resort was soon being performed at some 50 state asylums, often with devastating results. Through interviews with medical historians, psychiatrists who worked with Freeman and the desperate families who sought his help, this program tells the gripping tale of medical intervention gone awry. For more information and local listings, visit www.pbs.org.

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. 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. Full-day workshop $210 per participant, plus expenses for 12 - 16 participants; or series of three 3-hour workshops $350 per participant, plus expenses for a minimum of 12 participants.
• 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. Cost: $800, plus expenses.
• Workplace Influence (3 hours) - Employees consider ways to positively influence both their own mental health and that of their co-workers. Cost: $1500, plus expenses.
• 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. Cost: $1500, plus expenses.
• 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. 3-hour workshop $1500, plus expenses.
• 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. Cost: $1500, plus expenses.
• 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 participants in considering approaches to the more difficult situations. Cost: $1500, plus expenses.
• 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. Cost: $1500, plus expenses.
• Managing the Return-to-Work (3 hours; minimum of 12 participants) - 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. Cost: $200 per participant.

Post-Conference Mental Health Works Workshops - February 21 [back to top]
Mental Health Works, a multiple award-winning initiative of the Canadian Mental Health Association, provides organizations with the tools and resources they need to effectively address issues involving mental illness in the workplace. Gain role-specific skills and information for managers, supervisors, union representatives, occupational health professionals, and human resource professionals through this special series of post-Bottom Line Conference interactive workshops. Everyone welcome. At the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver. For more information and registration, visit www.bottomlineconference.ca.
Full-Day Workshops
Complex Issues. Clear Solutions. - $310
Union Matters! - $310
Morning Workshop
Occupational Health Strategies: Stay-at-Work and Return-to-Work
After Mental Illness - $140
Afternoon Workshop
Human Resources: Stay-at-Work and Return-to-Work Strategies - $140

Conferences

Moving Upstream: Evidence for Early Intervention in Mental Health – February 14 [back to top]
In Canada, 1.2 million children and youth are affected by mental illness. Research has shown that early detection and treatment of mental disorders can reduce the severity of illness and offer the best chances of recovery. The BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network’s 2008 Annual Research Colloquium will focus on early intervention in mental health and will feature leading experts in the field from BC and beyond. Free to attend, but registration is required. The colloquium will also be broadcast live via the internet. 9am to 4pm at Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver. For more information and to register visit www.mhanet.ca.

Bottom Line Conference on Mental Illness in the Workplace - February 20 [back to top]
With mental health issues emerging as the leading cause of long-term disability - as well as a key factor in productivity, retention and satisfaction - developing and implementing clear strategies to prevent and address mental health issues in the workplace is essential for every workplace. CMHA BC Division invites workplace leaders to join us for the 6th Annual Bottom Line Conference - Looking for Leaders: Everyone Can Make a Difference - on leadership in achieving workplace mental health through innovative and best practices. Keynote speakers include five-time Olympian, Olympic silver medallist and president/founder of NGU Consultants, Charmaine Crooks, as well as Drs. Joti Samra, Merv Gilbert and Dan Bilsker, authors of the Antidepressant Skills at Work self-help manual. Conference fee: $425; Early Bird: $350 (ends Jan. 15); Special Offer: Buy 6, get 7th free. 7:30am to 4:30pm at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver. For up-to-date information on the conference program and speakers, as well as highlights from the latest in workplace mental health news and tools visit www.bottomlineconference.ca.
   >> Don’t miss our post-conference Mental Health Works Workshops on February 21 for practical knowledge and skills for addressing mental illness in the workplace. Learn more and register at www.bottomlineconference.ca.

Aboriginal Health Forum in Calgary, AB – February 25 + 26 [back to top]
Hear the latest on health care issues facing Aboriginal communities including streamlining First Nations health care facilities, exploring the benefits of telehealth, developing tools to assist First Nations in accessing benefits, and aboriginal access to mental health and addictions care. Presented by Insight Information. Registration Fee: $1,695;Early Bird: $1,495 (before Dec. 7). At the TELUS Convention Centre, Calgary, AB. To register visit www.insightinfo.com or contact 1-888-777-1707 or order@insightinfo.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.

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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