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

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

CMHA NEWS:

CMHA BC Offers Tips for Holiday Peace of Mind
Keeping People Out of Trouble with the Law
2008 Budget Consultation
Registered Disability Savings Plan Fact Sheet

Read the Latest Visions Magazine on Aboriginal People

Call for Stories for the Upcoming Visions Magazine on Cannabis
Mental Health Works Management Workshops in Whistler and Prince George
Bottom Line Conference - Workplace Mental Illness and the Family
Post-Conference Mental Health Workshops
Proudly supporting United Way

Mental Health Works Management Workshops in Whistler and Prince George

CMHA Richmond Seeking Coaches for Bounce Back
CMHA Manitoba Conference on Empowerment – Call for Abstracts
CMHA Nova Scotia Receives $250,000 Grant from Manulife Financial

FEATURED PROGRAM:

CANADIAN RESEARCH:

Suicide is Second Most Common Cause of Child and Youth Death

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD:

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

New charity to take aim at mental illness

Mental Health Commission Canada seeks Youth Volunteers
What Makes You Beautiful? Video Contest
Call for Nominations- Courage to Come Back Awards 2009
Call for Abstracts- Canadian Congress for Research on Mental Health and Addiction in Workplace
Seeking Participants for Study on Research for Antipsychotics and Schizophrenia
Submissions or Subscriptions for New Men-tal'-i-ty Magazine
Volunteers needed: Research Study on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder & Unemployment

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES:

Podcasts for Stressed Doctors

811 Hotline Offers Non-Emergency Health Advice

PUBLIC EDUCATIONS EVENTS:

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS:

CONFERENCES:

CMHA NEWS

CMHA BC Offers Tips for Holiday Peace of Mind [back to top]
Peace of mind during the holidays can be hard for almost everyone. It can be particularly difficult for those who are already vulnerable, including people with mental illness. Some of the best ways to deal with added stress around the holiday season, including wrestling with stresses around the struggling economy, are common sense strategies. Read CMHA BC's ten tips for holiday peace of mind in this month's Featured Program.

Keeping People Out of Trouble with the Law [back to top]
CMHA BC has recently completed a one-year project to develop a framework for addressing the need to divert people with mental disorders away from the justice system and into more appropriate care and support. The project was funded by the Law Foundation of British Columbia and BC Mental Health and Addiction Services, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority. The project resulted in a best practices guide, a diversion framework, and a summary report of local promising diversion practices from across the province. Read the reports at www.cmha.bc.ca/advocacy

2008 Budget Consultation Recommendations [back to top]
The past four years, CMHA BC has been honoured to have been invited to make a submission to the provincial government's Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services for its budget consultation processes. Our recommendations for building a system of support for those living with mental illness and their families include attention to accountability and leadership, income assistance, housing, and access to quality services. To read the 2008 submission visit www.cmha.bc.ca

Registered Disability Savings Plan Fact Sheet [back to top]
The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) is a new program from the federal government to help people with disabilities, including mental illness, and their families save for long-term financial security. The RDSP became available on December 1, 2008. The RDSP fact sheet summarizes the benefits of the program to people with mental illness, as well as how to apply. For more information visit www.cmha.bc.ca

Read the Latest Visions Magazine on Aboriginal People [back to top]
Many Aboriginal, First Nations, Inuit and Métis have faced family violence and abuse, child neglect, trauma, discrimination, poverty and homelessness. This issue of Visions: BC's Mental Health and Addictions Journal relates to the circumstances that many Aboriginal people have faced and how they are entwined with mental wellness and well-being. Visions is produced by CMHA BC Division on behalf of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information. Read it online at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.
>> Now Visions can be delivered straight to your inbox a week before it hits the press! To subscribe or unsubscribe to e-Visions, simply use the sign up form at www.heretohelp.bc.ca. It's a free subscription!
>> Visions looking for reactions to recent issue! Read something in the Aboriginal People issue that made you think? We'd like to hear your reactions to any article or articles in the last issue. We'll print them in our next issue. Email your letters to the editor to bcpartners@heretohelp.bc.ca

Call for Stories for the Upcoming Visions Magazine on Cannabis [back to top]
Visions: BC’s Mental Health and Addiction Journal is looking for people who may have a story about Cannabis and are willing to write about it. The story could be about either medicinal use or recreational use. It could be about harms related to use, benefits related to use or attitude related to use. Visions is produced by CMHA BC Division on behalf of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information. Please contact visions@heretohelp.bc.ca to inquire and give a few details before submitting your stories.

Bottom Line Conference - Workplace Mental Illness and the Family - Early Bird Ends Jan 31 [back to top]
CMHA BC is pleased to present on March 11 its 7th annual Bottom Line Conference on mental illness in the workplace. Bottom Line 2009 will look at the workplace mental health in a broader social context and include perspectives from family members when their loved one has a mental illness in the workforce, from the employee when they are caring for a family member with mental illness, and from employers. The conference will explore latest research and innovative resources available to enable employers, employees and family members with mental illness to access the help they need. Keynote speakers at the conference are André Picard, Public Health Reporter at the Globe and Mail, Matthew Good, a recording artist and 2008 Mental Health Voices Award Winner and Don Buchanan, a child and youth mental health researcher. The conference is for directors, managers, supervisors, health care providers, post-graduate students in business administration and health sciences, disability officers and people with mental illness or family member of someone with mental illness. The conference will be held at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre at 999 Canada Place in Vancouver. Cost: $ 325 earlybird, $450 regular. Deadline for earlybird registration is January 31. Special group rates are also available. First 50 companies to register will receive a free subscription to BC Business Magazine (offer for new subscriptions only). For more information about the conference or to register visit www.bottomlineconference.ca

Post-Conference Mental Health Workshops - March 12 [back to top]
Mental Health Workshops is an initiative of CMHA that provides organizations with tools and resources they need to effectively address issues involving mental illness in the workplace. These workshops are Post Bottom Line Conference workshops and will be held at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre at 999 Canada Place in Vancouver. In addition to these special post-conference workshops, Mental Health Works Certified Trainers are available for presentations and workshops year-round throughout BC and across Canada. Full-day workshops: $325 earlybird, $375 regular. Morning/Afternoon Workshops: $150 earlybird, $175 regular. Earlybird registration deadline is January 31. For more details on the workshop content or to register please visit www.cmha.bc.ca
Complex Issues Clear Solutions - Full-day Workshop: 9am – 4: 30 pm
Advanced Strategies: Working Through the Tough Stuff - Full-day Workshop: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Assisting Workers with Mental Health Issues - Morning Workshop: 9 am – 12 noon
Managing the Return-to-Work - Afternoon Workshop: 1 – 4 pm

Mental Health Works Management Workshops in Whistler and Prince George - [back to top]
Chamber of Commerce will hold a Mental Health Works presentation that will address how to manage mental health issues in the workplace. The presentation will provide practical strategies for business owners and managers on how to identify mental illness, including emotional distress and burnout at work. There will also be a multi-media presentation and resources for effective performance management where mental health is a concern.
Whistler – January 20 - Chamber Board Room, 201-4230 Gateway Drive, Whistler, 10 am to 12 noon.
Cost: $15 for members, $25 for non-members. To register please contact 604-932-5922 ext. 21 or email chamber@whistlerchamber.com
Prince George – February 11 - Ramada Hotel, 444 George Street, Prince George, 7:30 – 11:30 am
Cost: $30 for members, $ 45 for non-members (seminar including breakfast)/ $25 for members and $35 for non-members (seminar only). To register please contact 250-562-2454 or email chamber@pgchamber.bc.ca

CMHA Richmond Seeking Coaches for Bounce Back - deadline January 16 [back to top]
CMHA Richmond Branch is looking for a reliable and mature individual to play a key role in a new program called Bounce Back: Reclaim Your Health which offers mental health support to Chinese speaking individuals living with chronic health conditions. Providing telephone-based coaching to patients to enable them to complete a self-help program and assisting in implementing of the Bounce Back program in the community are key roles of the job. Candidate should have excellent communication skills, be able to speak and read English, Cantonese and Mandarin, and be able to relate to older adults with multiple health problems. For more information or to send your resume contact Dave MacDonald at 604-276-8834 or email dave.macdonald@cmha.bc.ca

CMHA Manitoba Conference on Empowerment – Call for Abstracts – Due February 1 [back to top]
CMHA Manitoba Division is now accepting abstracts for 60-minute workshop presentations their June 5, 2009 provincial conference, "Moving Forward Together: Facilitating Empowerment in Mental Health." This conference will bring together individuals experiencing mental health issues, their friends/family, and mental health professionals to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, focusing on current and effective empowerment strategies. The abstract should be 300 words maximum. The deadline for abstract submissions is February 1. For more information on the conference or abstract submissions, visit www.manitoba.cmha.ca or contact Rachel Carr at conference@cmhamanitoba.ca

CMHA Nova Scotia Receives $250,000 Grant from Manulife Financial [back to top]
Manulife Financial has committed $500,000 to improve mental health services in Nova Scotia. Half of the grant will go to CMHA Nova Scotia to build a prevention program for children and a peer support program for youth. The new programs will teach children and youth about mental illness and how to talk about it with their friends, siblings and families in a way that reduces stigma. The other $250,000 will be granted to the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia to construct residences for people who are recovering from mental illness and are making their way to the community at large. To read more visit www.manulife.com

FEATURED PROGRAM

CMHA BC Offers Tips for Holiday Peace of Mind [back to top]

1. Plan ahead. If you're entertaining, use the "keep it simple" strategy. Try menus you can make ahead of time or at least partially prepare and freeze. Decorate, cook, shop, or do whatever's on your list in advance. Then you can really relax and enjoy visiting friends, relatives and coworkers.
2. As much as possible, organize and delegate. Make a list and check it twice. In many families, moms do most of the holiday preparations. Have a "family meeting" and make a commitment to care about mom's mental health and share tasks. Rather than one person cooking the whole family meal, ask different family members or friends to bring a dish. Kids can help with gift-wrapping, decorating, baking, or addressing cards. Don't overextend yourself with too many commitments. Focus on doing what's really important to you and your family. If it's hard to choose between activities, rotate outings every two or three years.
3. Beware of overindulgence. Having a few too many glasses of egg nog can dampen your holiday spirit since alcohol is a depressant. Also, too much fruitcake and too little exercise will probably make you feel lethargic, tired, and guilty come Boxing Day. Exercising as a family to work out excess energy and stress is a great activity to schedule during hectic weeks. Don't forget to get enough sleep to keep you healthy through this busy time of year.
4. Stay within budget. Finances are a great stressor, especially now. Again, eliminate the unnecessary. Set a budget, and stay within it. A call, a visit or a note to tell someone how important they are to you can be as touching as and more meaningful than a gift. You can also enjoy free activities like walking or driving around to look at holiday decorations, going window shopping without buying, or making your own decorations.
5. Remember what the holiday season is about for you. Make that your priority. Whether it's the usual holiday advertising that creates a picture that the holidays are about shiny new toys and gift giving, or the news of new economic threats to come, remember that this season is really about sharing, loving and time spent with family and loved ones. Develop your own meaningful family traditions that don't have to cost a lot of money. And use this time of year to help regain perspective.
6. Invite others. If you have few family or friends, reach out to neighbours. Find ways to spend the holidays with other people. If you're part of a family gathering, invite someone you know is alone to your gathering.
7. Help others learn about shared social responsibility. Attend diverse cultural events with family and friends. Help out at a local food bank or another community organization. Go through closets and donate clothes and toys, or whatever you can afford. Encourage children to make gifts for friends and relatives so the focus is on giving rather than buying. Give to a charity like CMHA that helps those in need, or share the warm fuzzy feeling by donating on someone else's behalf; you can donate at www.cmha.bc.ca.
8. Gift-giving made easier and less expensive. Try putting family members and partners' names in a hat and buy one gift for the person you draw; this can help reduce expenses and refocus energies on thoughtfulness, creativity and truly personal gifts. If you find that your list of gift recipients is becoming ever-growing, think of combined gifts for people who live in the same household. Or arrange a mystery gift swap by asking friends to each bring one wrapped 'mystery gift,' then draw names to decide who picks out a gift first. Or buy a gift that supports a charity, like bracelets from Escents aromatherapy that support CMHA.
9. Put fun, humour, affection, and "break time" into your holidays. Fun or silly things to do, games or movies that make you laugh, hugs, playing with pets, and time alone or with a partner are all good ways to reduce stress. Watching children can also help us put things in perspective.
10. Remember the weather doesn't help. Research suggests that elevated depression around this time of year may be more a function of the weather than celebratory burdens. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), or clinical depression that follows a seasonal pattern (usually worsening between October and March), is thought to affect around 2-3% of the general population. While mild winter blues are quite common, if your dampened moods carry on into the new year, and start to affect your daily life, you may want to consult a physician or mental health professional. If you're not sure if you need to get help, try the self-tests at a website we're a partner on called heretoHelp.bc.ca

The holiday season can be especially rough for those of us who've lost someone close recently or who lost someone close at this time of the year. With all the messages of family togetherness and joy, the emptiness left behind when someone passes away is in harsh contrast to what society seems to "expect" us to feel. CMHA BC offers tips to help you or someone you know get through a potentially hard time. For tips on dealing with holiday grief visit www.cmha.bc.ca

CANADIAN RESEARCH

Suicide is Second Most Common Cause of Child and Youth Death [back to top]
In a study by the BC Coroners Service and Child Death Review Unit on the causes of death among children and youth it was found that after car accidents, suicide has been the second most common cause of deaths in children and youth between the ages of 12-18. Some of the factors associated with suicide were substance abuse, mental illnesses, challenges faced in school, exposure to suicidal behavior, poverty, and/or abuse in the family. Of those who committed suicide, about two-thirds of the children had talked to a family member, a school teacher, counsellors or a family doctor about their thoughts of suicide, and many received services from school, doctors, youth justice and other community services. The child death review panel has determined that more efforts should be made for suicide prevention, including mental health promotion, early intervention and detection, clinical intervention and 'postvention,' or community support and intervention after a suicide takes place. To read the full report visit www.pssg.gov.bc.ca.
>> Interested in the topic of mental health help and promotion for children and youth? Read the issue of Visions: BC's Mental Health and Addictions Journal on first responders for young people at www.heretohelp.bc.ca

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Self-Disclosure Improves Self-Esteem, Helps Others Recover and Combats Stigma [back to top]
A report by the US- based Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that disclosure of an individuals mental illness not only improves their self-esteem, but also helps others who are in a similar situation. Researchers found that disclosure of mental illness is difficult, but the outcome of it is positive. Disclosure can help ease the recovery process by allowing people to identify and form relationships with others who share the same experience, as well as reduce the stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental illness. For more details read the report 'Self-disclosure and its Impact on Individuals Who Receive Mental Health Services' at www.samhsa.gov

Financial Crisis to Increase Mental Health Woes: WHO [back to top]
The World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned that the global financial crisis are likely to increase mental disabilities. Everyday millions of people are affected with mental disorders such as bi-polar disorders and depression, and the market meltdown can increase its severity due to unemployment and debts. United Nations are concerned that the impact of the market meltdown will affect people who fall in the lower and middle income bracket, and have less access to treatments. WHO said that most countries spend less than 2 % of their health budget on mental health. It has therefore launched a program to increase funding and access to treatments for people suffering with mental disorders. WHO also aims to reduce stigma that surrounds mental illnesses. To read the full article see 'Financial Crisis to Increase Mental Health Woes: WHO' atwww.reuters.com
>> Learn how to help employees and family members with mental illness access the help they need at CMHA's Bottom Line Conference on March 11. Register now at www.bottomlineconference.ca

1 in 5 Young Adults Has Personality Disorder [back to top]
A study in the Archives of General Psychiatry revealed that one in five young American adults have a personality disorder that meddles in their everyday life. Experts had face to face interviews about different mental disorders with 5,029 young adults, between the ages of 19-25, and discovered that obsessive compulsive disorder was the most common disorder amongst that age group. Many also had anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder and had substance and alcohol abuse. Researchers say that these disorders are common in young adults due to the pressure they face in their everyday lives such as finding the right career, facing challenges in their education and also developing their personal relationships. The article also states that under 25% of college-aged US students received treatment. However, there are many young adults who have not been treated due to the lack of services and resources. The importance of untreated mental illness has been brought up at university and college services. To read more see the article '1 in 5 Young Adults Has Personality Disorder' atwww.cbc.ca

Herbal Supplement Ginkgo Doesn't Stop Alzheimer's [back to top]
A new study published in the Journal of American Medical Association suggests that Ginkgo, a widely used herbal medication does not prevent Alzheimer's in the elderly or people with mild memory loss. Ginkgo has anti-oxidants and other properties that have been claimed to prevent memory loss. Ginkgo is only used to improve memory and other cognition problems. A study was conducted that involved 3,096 people with the average age of 75 in five different locations in the U.S. Participants of the study had no cognitive problems or were mildly impaired. The results of the study showed that 18% of the Ginkgo group and 16% of the group that took placebo were diagnosed with Alzheimer's during the study. Study says that the best way to analyze this situation is if the use of Ginkgo would start when people are in their middle age, rather than 75. To read more see the article 'Herbal Supplement Ginkgo Doesn't Stop Alzheimer's' at www.cbc.ca

New Report Focuses on Mental Health Advocacy in Four Countries [back to top]
A report published by Queensland Alliance in Australia mentions how several organizations in Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and New Zealand affect the mental health policies and how they fight the stigma that surrounds mental illness. Over 100 people from 35 mental health organizations from four countries were interviewed regarding the marketing concepts that would reduce stigma, make the community aware about mental health needs, and how the mental health organizations would affect the policy makers. Two general approaches were revealed. One aims to reduce stigma and discrimination and promote equality. The second campaign aims to raise awareness of mental illnesses and tells the community where more resources are available. To read more see report 'Global Madness: A Journey of Policy Influence, Fundraising and Social Inclusion in New Zealand, US, Canada and UK' at www.qldalliance.org.au

Link Between Heart Disease and Depression Traced to Lack of Exercise [back to top]
A new study suggests that lack of exercise and unhealthy habits can increase the risks of getting heart trouble for patients who suffer from depression and heart diseases. According to an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association researchers found that people who suffer from depression, 31% have a higher rate of having a heart attack, stroke or a heart failure. Also, depression may cause patients to exercise less, which causes depression to become more severe. The American Heart Association said that evidence showed that heart patients with depression do feel better in the long run with right treatment. However more research needs to be done as to how to reduce depressive symptoms and its ties to heart diseases. To read see the article 'Heart Disease, Depression Link Traced to Lack of Exercise' at www.cbc.ca
>> Bounce Back: Reclaim Your Health, a new program to help people with chronic conditions such as heart disease better manage symptoms of depression and anxiety is now available in 14 BC communities. Learn more at www.bouncebackbc.ca

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Charity to Take Aim at Mental Illness [back to top]
The Chair of the Mental Health Commission Canada, Michael Kirby, has announced his next project is to form a charitable organization to more awareness and funding for research for mental illnesses. One of the aims of this project is also to reduce public stigma by raising the profile of mental illnesses. In order to this, many volunteers will be needed. The organization will organize a fundraising event that will be equivalent to' 'Run for Cure.' The new charity will be allied with the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation, which will help change the mental health sector in Canada. For further information read 'New charity to take aim at mental illness' at www.theglobeandmail.com.

Mental Health Commission Canada seeks Youth Volunteers - deadline January 12 [back to top]
Mental Health Commission Canada (MHCC) recognizes that young people are the future of the country, and can make a difference with their unique perspective. To ensure that the youth’s voice is heard and represented in the overall decision making process, MHCC seeks youth volunteers to form Youth Reference Group. The Commission is looking for youth between ages 17-25 with diverse backgrounds and has experienced mental illness. Individuals may be asked to join project teams, working groups and other committees to provide essential youth representation. This work would involve travelling for face to face meetings, participating in teleconferences and email correspondence. An honorarium will be provided. For more information visit www.mentalhealthcommission.ca

What Makes You Beautiful? Video Contest - Ends January 20 [back to top]
Jessie's Hope Society is holding a video contest to find out from BC youth what makes them beautiful. BC residents between the ages of 13 and 25 are asked to submit their 3-minute videos on the topic "What makes you beautiful?" by uploading them to www.youtube.com/group/jessieshope. The winner will get a chance to receive a $2000 scholarship and get their video featured across BC in 2009. The deadline for submission is January 20, 2009.

Call for Nominations- Courage to Come Back Awards 2009 - Deadline February 16 [back to top]
Courage to Come Back Awards is now accepting nominees. Nominees must be a resident of British Columbia and must have a story to share and inspire others. Each recipient will have their story featured in The Province, covered by Global Television in a special series for the Early News, and aired on News 1130 and Fairchild radio, and will honoured at the Gala Dinner. For nomination process call 604-872-3502 or call toll free 1-877-60COAST (1-877-602-6278) or visit coastmentalhealth.com

Call for Abstracts- 4th Annual Canadian Congress for Research on Mental Health and Addiction in Workplace in Toronto – Deadline February 27 [back to top]
Abstracts for the 4th Annual Canadian Congress for Research on Mental Health and Addiction in Workplace are now being accepted for oral and poster presentations starting December 8, 2008 which will be reviewed by the Scientific Committee to determine the relevancy of the theme. The conference is a 2 and a half day forum that focuses on improving the working environment and mental health of employees. Researchers, policy-makers, workers and business leaders will be gathering at this event to share information on mental health in workplace. Deadline for the Abstracts is February 27, 2009. For more information on registration or abstracts email secretariat@wwrepcamh.org.

Seeking Participants for Study on Research for Antipsychotics and Schizophrenia [back to top]
Dr. Soma Ganesan, Medical Director of UBC Psychiatry Department, is seeking participants who have taken Seroquel, Risperidone, or Olazapine to take part in a study of antipsychotics in schizophrenia and schizophrenia-like psychoses. The study's goal is investigate the influence of the disease, symptom severity, and the outcome of it in this population. Participants will receive a London Drugs gift certificate as a thank you for their time. For more information or to take part in the study call Borris Feldman at 604-875-5823.

Submissions or Subscriptions for New Men-tal'-i-ty Magazine [back to top]
Men-tal'-i-ty Magazine is a quarterly magazine that showcases the artistic and creative works of individuals living mental illness and is also produced by individuals living with mental illness. To submit art or creative work or to subscribe for the magazine call 902-539-6480 or visit www.mentalitymagazine.ca

Volunteers needed: Research Study on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder & Unemployment [back to top]
This study is being done to help identify return-to-work barriers and assistance needs for unemployed persons with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). If you are between the age of 21 and 60, have a diagnosis of PTSD and have been unemployed for at least 6 months, you may be eligible to participate in this study. To determine your eligibility, you will be asked to complete a telephone screening interview and attend an assessment at UBC. If eligible, you will be asked to attend three 90-minute focus group interviews at UBC and complete various questionnaires and feedback evaluations. The total time that you will be asked to dedicate to the study will be approximately 15 hours over a 3-month period. For details please contact the Traumatic Stress Clinic, UBC Department of Psychiatry at 604-827-5531.

NEWS PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

Podcast for Stressed Doctors [back to top]
The Canadian Medical Association and its Centre for Physician Health and Well-being has started a new podcast series called Healthy Practices. Healthy Practices looks at overcoming the challenges that affect the physician's personal and professional lives. Healthy Practices includes health expert guests, who share important stories that promote the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. The series is being broadcasted on the CMA website at www.cma.ca from August to December 2008. For more details see www.bcmj.org.

811 Hotline Offers Non-Emergency Health Advice [back to top]
By dialing 811, British Columbians can now receive non-emergency health services or by going to the HealthLink BC website. The service is operated by trained representatives, who help callers identify symptoms and advise them on when and how to seek medical treatment in the caller’s community. 811 services will be available in Chinese and Punjabi. People who have hearing problems can access the services by dialing 711. CMHA BC is part of a working group working with 811 to look at how mental health services can be more easily captured and navigated in this service. To read more see '811 Hotline Offers Non-Emergency Health Advice' at www.cbc.ca

PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS

Movie Monday in Victoria - December 22 [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. On this Movie Monday, Air Guitar Nation will be screened. For more details visit www.islandnet.com/mm

Education Evening - Mental Illness in the Movies – January 15 [back to top]
Mood Disorders Association of BC (MDA) presents an Education Evening on Mental Illness in the Movies. Dr. Karlinsky of UBC Department of Psychiatry will provide an historical overview of the portrayal of mental health issues in the movies. Film and video clips will be used to illustrate the perception and treatments as seen through the eyes of the filmmaker. A post discussion will follow. This is a free event. The event will be held at the Sunrise Hall at 1950 Windermere Street, Vancouver at 7 pm. For more information contact MDA at 604-873-0103 or email info@mdabc.net or visit www.mdabc.net

Education Night: Women's Mental Health and Addictions - January 26, 2009 [back to top]
Women's Health Research and Institute Mental Health & Addictions Group and Dr. Erin Michalak, Director of Collaborative Research Team to Study Psychological Issues in Bipolar Disorder present an education night that will focus on key issues affecting mental health of women in BC and share new findings and self-help techniques for depression and bi-polar disorder. General public, educators and researchers are invited to this event. The event will be held at UBC Robson Square Theatre, C300 on 800 Robson Street, Vancouver from 6-8 pm. This is a free event. To register for the event contact Marion MacKay-Dunn at mdunn@cw.bc.ca or call 604-875-2424 ext. 4978

Provincial Eating Disorder Awareness Week - February 1-7 [back to top]
Jessie's Hope Society in partnership with BC Mental Health and Addiction Services host the Provincial Eating Disorder Awareness Week (PEDAW). PEDAW's goal is to reduce stigma and bring a higher awareness of eating disorders. This week will reach out to those who need support by providing resources and information about healthy eating. To get more information, to download resources or posters and promo videos visit www.jessieshope.org

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

Soup-er-Meals Training Program in Victoria [back to top]
The Food Industry Preparation Program will train those suffer from mental illness, like to cook and are looking for employment, to work in the food service industry. Professional chefs will teach tricks in this hands-on and fun program at no cost. Classes will be held twice a week for 3 hours each time for 6 months. The classes will be held at 1035B North Park St. For more information call Annette Fieltsch at 250-370-8111 ext. 2055

Mental Health Works Management Workshops in Whistler and Prince George [back to top]
Chamber of Commerce will hold a Mental Health Works presentation that will address how to manage mental health issues in the workplace. The presentation will provide practical strategies for business owners and managers on how to identify mental illness, including emotional distress and burnout at work. There will also be a multi-media presentation and resources for effective performance management where mental health is a concern.
Whistler – January 20 - Chamber Board Room, 201-4230 Gateway Drive, Whistler, 10 am to 12 noon.
Cost: $15 for members, $25 for non-members. To register please contact 604-932-5922 ext. 21 or email chamber@whistlerchamber.com
Prince George – February 11 - Ramada Hotel, 444 George Street, Prince George, 7:30 – 11:30 am
Cost: $30 for members, $ 45 for non-members (seminar including breakfast)/ $25 for members and $35 for non-members (seminar only). To register please contact 250-562-2454 or email chamber@pgchamber.bc.ca

Child and Youth Body Image Train the Trainer Program - starts January 29 [back to top]
Jessie's Hope Society is offering its third train the trainer program for individuals who are interested in exploring how to reconnect children, youth and adults to their internal wellness. The training will help encourage healthy self-esteem and body image to children and youth in their care. The program is offered to those who would like to enhance the personal or professional growth, apply the teachings of the program in their own workplace or become a certified trainer for one of Jessie's Hope Society's programs. The training will improve the well-being of an individual and give peace of mind and will improve communication and dialogue with children, youth and parents. The training sessions will be from 9:30 am- 3:30 pm and will be done in 3 parts. Cost: Part 1- $425, Part 2- $425, Part 3- $700, Full Training- $1475. For more information contact Heather at 604-466-4877 or email info@jessieshope.org
Part 1 – Mind, Thought, Consciousness: January 29, January 30
Part 2 – Applications: February 11, February 12
Part 3 – Practical: March 12, March 26, April 16, May 7, May 28

Out of the Blue- The Nature and Treatment of Clinical Depression - March 10 [back to top]
Changeways Clinic presents a Psychology Salon Evening with Dr. Randy Paterson, author of Your Depression Map and The Assertive Workbook. Dr. Paterson will talk about the signs, symptoms and causes of depression and identifies self-care and treatment strategies. The evening is for people who have experienced depression, caregivers, family and friends of people who have suffered depression, policy makers, managers and HR staff, and anyone else who would like to learn about depression. The event will be held from 7-9:30 pm at the Holiday Inn on Broadway on 711 West Broadway St, Vancouver. Cost: $12.60 (before February 24) and $15.75 (after February 24). To register or for more information please call 604-871-0490 or email workshops@changeways.com or visit www.changeways.com

Post-Conference Mental Health Workshops - March 12 [back to top]
Mental Health Workshops is an initiative of CMHA that provides organizations with tools and resources they need to effectively address issues involving mental illness in the workplace. These workshops are Post Bottom Line Conference workshops and will be held at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre at 999 Canada Place in Vancouver. In addition to these special post-conference workshops, Mental Health Works Certified Trainers are available for presentations and workshops year-round throughout BC and across Canada. Full-day workshops: $325 earlybird, $375 regular. Morning/Afternoon Workshops: $150 earlybird, $175 regular. Earlybird registration deadline is January 31. For more details on the workshop content or to register please visit www.cmha.bc.ca
Complex Issues Clear Solutions - Full-day Workshop: 9am – 4: 30 pm
Advanced Strategies: Working Through the Tough Stuff - Full-day Workshop: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Assisting Workers with Mental Health Issues - Morning Workshop: 9 am – 12 noon
Managing the Return-to-Work - Afternoon Workshop: 1 – 4 pm

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

CONFERENCES

3rd Annual Pacific Psychopharmacology Conference – February 13-14 [back to top]
This is a focused and informative conference for pharmacists, psychiatrists, physicians, nurses, psychologists and students, where the safety issues in psychopharmacology will be discussed. The conference will be held at Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside at 1133 West Hastings Street in Vancouver. Earlybird deadline is January 20. Cost: $325 Earlybird, $375 regular. Special rates are available for students. For more information and registration form visit www.mhanet.ca

Bottom Line Conference 2009 - March 11 [back to top]
CMHA BC is pleased to present its 7th annual Bottom Line Conference on mental illness in the workplace. Bottom Line 2009 will look at the workplace mental health in a broader social context and include perspectives from family members when their loved one has a mental illness in the workforce, from the employee when they are caring for a family member with mental illness, and from employers. The conference will explore latest research and innovative resources available to enable employers, employees and family members with mental illness to access the help they need. The conference will explore latest research and innovative resources available to enable employers, employees and family members with mental illness to access the help they need. Keynote speakers at the conference are André Picard, Public Health Reporter at the Globe and Mail, Matthew Good, a Recording Artist and 2008 Mental Health Voices Award Winner and Don Buchanan, the Knowledge Translation Officer at the McMaster Child Health Research Institute. The conference is for directors, managers, supervisors, health care providers, post-graduate students in business administration and health sciences, disability officers and people with mental illness or family member of someone with mental illness. The conference will be held at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre at 999 Canada Place in Vancouver. Cost: $ 325 earlybird, $450 regular. Deadline for earlybird registration is January 31. Special group rates are also available. First 50 companies to register will receive a free subscription to BC Business Magazine (offer for new subscriptions only). For more information about the conference or to register visit www.bottomlineconference.ca

DISCLAIMER

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

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

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

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