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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, 19 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:

Beat Holiday Stress with 10 Tips from CMHA
New Newsletter Promotes Mental Health and Substance Use Resources for Multicultural Communities
CMHA Mid-Island Branch Will Run New Supported Housing Development
CMHA Vancouver Burnaby Branch Offers Holiday Gift Wrapping
Coping With Holiday Stress Lecture in the Cowichan Valley
CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch Events in December

FEATURED PROGRAM:

Crisis Intervention Team Program

CANADIAN RESEARCH:

Mental Health Commission Releases National Framework
Study Suggests Chinese-Speaking Doctors Less Likely to Diagnose Mental Illness
Recent Study Suggests Children on Antipsychotics More Prone to Obesity

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD:

Psychiatric Medications Linked with Early Delivery in Pregnant Women
Depressed Teens Have Better Recovery Rate with Longer Treatment of Depression

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

BounceBack Coach Employment Opportunity at South Fraser
Healthy Aboriginal Network Looking for Feedback on New Comics
My Artist’s Corner Cards Available for the Holidays
House of Commons Passes Motion to End Poverty

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES:

Roundtable for Workplace Mental Health Releases New Code of Best Practices
The Mood Disorders Society of Canada Releases Third Edition of Quick Facts
Program for Young Women Promotes Awareness, Understanding of Depression
New Quarterly Newspaper for People with Disabilities Launched in Surrey

PUBLIC EDUCATIONS EVENTS:

Movie Monday in Victoria
Coping With Holiday Stress Lecture in the Cowichan Valley
Frames of Mind: When Medicine Got it Wrong
Information Session for Parents of Children with Special Needs Leaving High School
Eating Disorder Awareness Week

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS:

Wellness Recovery Action Plan
Mental Health Works Full Day Workshop: Complex Issues, Clear Solutions
Beyond Recovery Workshop

CONFERENCES:

CMHA NEWS

Beat Holiday Stress with 10 Tips from CMHA [back to top]
The holiday season can be a time for family and celebration, but it can also bring on stress and anxiety for many. Entertaining, gift-giving, and socializing are some common stressors we encounter over the holidays. However, this time of year doesn't have to be approached with dread: some planning ahead, sharing tasks and taking care not to overindulge are among a few simple tips CMHA suggests we keep in mind for a relaxing holiday. Read the complete list of tips for holiday peace of mind at cmha.bc.ca.

New Newsletter Promotes Mental Health and Substance Use Resources for Multicultural Communities [back to top]
The BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information, of which CMHA BC is a member, have launched WithinSight, a new e-newsletter to promote mental health and substance use resources for multicultural communities. It lists community resources, events, publications and other information to help people find or access information. WithinSight is free and will be published every two months. To sign up, visit heretohelp.bc.ca.

CMHA Mid-Island Branch Will Run New Supported Housing Development [back to top]
CMHA Mid-Island Branch has been selected to run a new supported housing development in Nanaimo. The branch will design and operate 30-40 units of supported, apartment-style housing. The development will have 24/7 support services for residents to help them reconnect with the community. Because the branch gets to design the development from the beginning, it can include features such as community rooms, to help build a sense of community among residents. The City of Nanaimo estimates this new development will house 10% of Nanaimo's homeless population. CMHA Mid-Island already runs one supported housing development in Nanaimo. For more information, see "Supportive Housing Project Goes to CMHA" in the Nanaimo News Bulletin.

CMHA Vancouver Burnaby Branch Offers Holiday Gift Wrapping  [back to top]
Each year, hundreds of volunteers donate their time to participate in Vancouver- Burnaby Branch's Holiday Gift Wrapping Project. It is one of their largest annual fundraisers. The program is a win-win situation - it takes away the stress and tedium of wrapping gifts, while donations support the recovery of people with mental illness. This year, Vancouver-Burnaby Branch will be wrapping gifts at two locations. The first location is The Bay Vancouver Downtown in front of the elevator on the 5th floor. This location will be operating from December 1-24 during The Bay store hours. The second location is City Square Shopping Centre on the main floor in front of the food court. This location will be operating from December 14-24 from 11am-2pm. If you are interseted in volunteering as part of the gift wrapping team, contact Grace Kwok at 604-872-4902 ext. 237.

"Coping with Holiday Stress" Lecture in the Cowichan Valley - December 14  [back to top]
CMHA Cowichan Valley branch has started their annual mental health and addictions education series. The series is designed specifically for the needs of Cowichan Valley community, based on issues noticed by the local mental health and addictions office and evaluations from previous years. The upcoming lecture will cover how to deal with the stress that can come along with the holiday season. Sessions run Monday nights from 7-9pm at the CMHA office, 371 Festubert St. Presentations are free, but it's a good idea to reserve a seat by calling 250-746-5521.

CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch Events in December  [back to top]
CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch’s Recreation Services Program offers recreational and leisure activities for adults living with mental illness. All events take place at, or depart from, the Vancouver Recreational Office at 175 W Broadway. To register for a maximum of two events, call the Rec Line at 604-872-3148.
December 11 - Vancouver Giants vs Kelowna. 6pm. Cost $4
December 14 - Holiday Baking. 10am. Free
December 17 - Capilano Canyon Lights. 6pm. Cost $3
December 18 - Festival of Lights at VanDusen Gardens. 6pm. Cost $3

Featured Program

Crisis Intervention Team Program  [back to top]

The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program model is designed to give police and other first responders the skills they need when addressing an individual experiencing a mental health crisis. The CIT program used in BC was adapted from the Crisis Intervention Team model developed in Memphis in 1988, and is recognized as a gold-standard in the US in police response to persons in mental health crisis. In 2006, the RCMP introduced a multi-agency integrated CIT program to the Lower Mainland.

CMHA BC has become a major partner with the RCMP in the development of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program in BC. According to a CMHA BC study, 30% of the mentally ill population's first access to the mental health system was through police contact. promotes strong working partnerships between emergency services and mental health services with the common goal of providing people in mental health crisis with appropriate intervention, care and support. The BC program incorporates additional community-based cross-training for first responders in police, ambulance, hospital, mental health, and community sectors as well as a post-training liaison component in the community.

The CIT program has united multi-displinary first responders under the common goal of providing effective first response, safe reolution, appropriate disposition and follow up care for people with mental illness in crisis. In February 2009, CMHA BC and the RCMP - Pacific Region Training Centre partnered to bring the CIT program to the next stage of development - promoting a provincial standard in CIT.

Visit www.cmha.bc.ca/advocacy/justice to learn more about the CIT program and to watch a video of CIT training at work.

CANADIAN RESEARCH

Mental Health Commission Releases National Framework  [back to top]
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) has recently released a mental health framework for Canada. Toward Recovery and Wellbeing: A Framework for a Mental Health Strategy for Canada is the result of a year and a half collecting input from stakeholders Canada-wide. Thousands of people shared a diversity of experiences, voices and thinking. The framework presents seven goals that work towards a mental health system that promotes recovery and fosters the mental health and well-being of Canadians. The MHCC is counting on the ongoing input from stakeholders to bring this framework to the next phase of developing a mental health strategy for Canada. To download the framework, visit www.mentalhealthcomission.ca.

Study Suggests Chinese-Speaking Doctors Less Likely to Diagnose Mental Illness  [back to top]
According to a recent study, Chinese-speaking doctors in BC may be less likely to diagnose mental disorders in their patients. The study, which was based on a review of more than 270,000 British Columbians' health records, found Chinese immigrants had only 10-20% as many mental health consultations as a comparison group which was matched for age, sex and local area of residence. The study's authors suggest this could mean Chinese-speaking doctors may be under-diagnosing mental disorders, and many immigrants rely on health care practitioners who speak their native language for primary care. It was also found that the immigrant group accessed medical services at a much lower rate than the comparison group. For more information, see "Do primary care providers who speak Chinese improve access to mental health care of Chinese immigrants?" in Open Medicine journal.
>>Watch for the upcoming "Immigrants and Refugees" edition of Visions: BC's Mental Health and Addictions Journal, coming in spring 2010.

Recent Study Suggests Children on Antipsychotics More Prone to Obesity  [back to top]
A recent British Columbian study suggests children taking antipsychotic medication are more prone to conditions like obesity and diabetes. Of children on antipsychotic medications, such as Risperidone, Quetiapine, Olanzapine or Clozapine, who were admitted to a psychiatry emergency department between January 2005 and July 2007, 57% were overweight or obese compared to 23% not on the antipsychotics. The study noted 6000 children on BC are on antipsychotic medication. Also, 21.5% had pre diabetes or type 2 diabetes, compared to 7.5% not taking the antipsychotics. Researchers say this doesn't mean children should be taken off their antipsychotic medications, but parents should talk to a doctor to consult the risks and benefits and to create a plan to manage metabolic complications. For more information, see "Increased Prevalence of Obesity and Glucose Intolerance in Youth Treated With Second-Generation Antipsychotic Medications" in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry.

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Psychiatric Medications Linked with Early Delivery in Pregnant Women  [back to top]
Pregnant women with a history of depression who use psychiatric medications have three times the odds of delivering prematurely, according to a new study. The study linked a combination of medication use and depression, before or during pregnancy, with delivering prior to 35 weeks gestation. The study's authors said this highlights a need to further investigate the links between depression, psychiatric medication and pre term delivery so doctors and their patients can properly weigh the risks and benefits of medication during pregnancy. For more information, see “Maternal Depressive Symptoms, Depression, and Psychiatric Medication Use in Relation to Risk of Pre term Delivery” in the journal Women’s Health Issues.

Depressed Teens Have Better Recovery Rate with Longer Treatment  [back to top]
A recent study examining the treatment of depression in youth has determined that longer treatment leads to higher chances of recovery. The trial checked the recovery of teens treated to remission for nine months at the 12-week and the 36-week mark. They found a greater recovery at the 36-week mark. The study also found that a combination of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication had better results than medication or talk-therapy alone. For more information, see "Clinical Messages from the Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study (TADS)" in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

Roundtable for Workplace Mental Health Releases New Code of Best Practices  [back to top]
The Roundtable for Workplace Mental Health recently released a series of best practices to raise the bar of employer practices in Canada. The "Code of Best Practices" sets a new standard of workplace mental health. The code calls on employers to adopt policies and programs that encourage a mentally healthy workplace, through means such as educating employees and their families about mental illness and the need to eliminate stigma; helping employees develop work-life skills that increase their mental resiliency, avoiding distressing workplace practices, and training managers and supervisors to recognize, manage and assists employees who are experiencing mental illness related distress. Mentally healthy workplaces reduce disability costs and increase the productivity and performance of employees. To read more about the code and how to implement it, visit www.workplacementalhealthroundtable.com.
>>CMHA's Mental Health Works program offers workshops for employers, managers and employees on workplace mental health. Visit www.mentalhealthworks.ca.

The Mood Disorders Society of Canada Releases Third Edition of Quick Facts  [back to top]
The Mood Disorders Society of Canada has released an expanded version of Quick Facts: Mental Health and Addictions in Canada. The handbook provides statistics and definitions of the impact of mental illness and addiction on individuals and families. This new edition has added information about the Mental Health Commission of Canada and eight new pages of facts. To read Quick Facts, visit www.mooddisorderscanada.ca

Program for Young Women Promotes Awareness, Understanding of Depression  [back to top]
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) recently developed a depression prevention and anti-stigma facilitator manual, Girls Talk. The Girls Talk program is designed for young women from 13-16, and aims to provide a safe place where they can connect and learn about depression, coping and resilience. The program has eight sessions that cover topics such as stress, relationships, self-esteem, the media, and stigma and discrimination. The manual also has a literature review, tips for group facilitators and information on participant recruitment. The guide is free and available, along with a 15-minute webinar, at www.camh.net

New Quarterly Newspaper for People with Disabilities Launched in Surrey  [back to top]
The Surrey Now newspaper, a Canwest publication, has recently announced the launch of PossABILITIES Now, a quarterly publication designed for people with a variety of disabilities. PossABILITIES Now will explore areas such as education work, community, relationships, lifestyle and many other aspects of life for people with disabilities. This newspaper-style publication aims to provide multiple perspectives, and will include a special paralympics edition. To get involved with PossABILITIES Now, either through booking adspace or editorial/distribution opportunities, contact Kim Rose at krose@thenownewspaper.com or 604-572-0064.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Healthy Aboriginal Network Looking for Feedback on New Comics - Due December 11  [back to top]
The Healthy Aboriginal Network is looking for feedback on two new focus group shorts. The stories focus on smoking cessation and youth in care. The smoking cessation story will be targeted to an audience of 9-14 year old girls. The Healthy Aboriginal welcomes critical feedback to help turn these stories into comic books. The network also has two comic books currently in stock, Path of the Warrior, which focuses on sports and gang prevention, and their mental health comic book, Darkness Calls. To provide feedback on the two comics in development, visit the Healthy Aboriginals Youtube page at www.youtube.com/user/HealthyAboriginal. For ordering and pricing information on past comics, visit www.thehealthyaboriginal.net.

My Artist’s Corner Cards Available for the Holidays  [back to top]
My Artist’s Corner, a group of artists living with mental health issues, has blank cards with a variety of original designs available for the holiday season. To view the designs, go to www.vancouver-burnaby.cmha.bc.ca. Cards are $2, with special pricing available for larger orders. To order, email myartistscorner@hotmail.com.

House of Commons Passes Motion to End Poverty  [back to top]
The House of Commons recently passed a motion to develop an immediate plan to eliminate poverty in Canada for all. The motion, presented by the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, marked the 20th anniversary of a unanimous resolution by the House to eliminate child poverty in Canada by the year 2000. The committee presented this new motion noting the previous goal had not been achieved. The motion was adopted by the House of Commons November 24.

Movie Monday in Victoria  [back to top]
Every Monday at 6:30 pm, Bruce Saunders’ Movie Monday project presents free movies at the Eric Martin Pavilion at the 1900 block of Fort Street in Victoria. More details at www.islandnet.com/mm.
December 14 – Julie and Julia
December 19/20 (Saturday/Sunday)- Holly for the Homeless
December 21 – Johnny Cash: The Man, His World, His Music
December 28 – Never Apologize

Coping with Holiday Stress Lecture in the Cowichan Valley - December 14  [back to top]
CMHA Cowichan Valley branch has started their annual mental health and addictions education series. The series is designed specifically for the needs of Cowichan Valley community, based on issues noticed by the local mental health and addictions office and evaluations from previous years. The upcoming lecture will cover how to deal with the stress that can come along with the holiday season. Sessions run Monday nights from 7-9pm at the CMHA office, 371 Festubert St. Presentations are free, but it's a good idea to reserve a seat by calling 250-746-5521.

Frames of Mind: When Medicine Got it Wrong - December 16  [back to top]
Frames of Mind is a monthly movie series designed to promote education and awareness surrounding mental health issues. This month's movie, When Medicine Got it Wrong, follows a group of parents in the 70’s who fought to have schizophrenia recognized as an illness. There will be a post-screening discussion with Post-screening discussion with Joan Nazif and Susan Inman, members of the Family Advisory Committee of Vancouver Community Mental Health Services, and Dr. William MacEwan, Clinical Professor and Director, Schizophrenia Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia. The film starts at 7:30pm at Pacific Cinémathèque Theatre, 1131 Howe Street. Eligible for 1.0 hour Section 1 of the Royal College's Maintenance of Certification Program. An adult ticket is $9.50. For more information and additional ticket prices, visit www.framesofmind.ca.

Information Session for Parents of Children with Special Needs Leaving High School - January 25  [back to top]
Parents of youth with disabilities who will be leaving high school soon are invited to an information session hosted by a group of parents who have "been there and done that." The parents want to share their experiences to help make this transition easier for other parents than it was for them. Parents are invited to come for a coffee and information session from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Network of Inner City Community Services, #309 – 877 East Hastings, Vancouver. For more information, call Kathy Stack at 604-874-7300 or e-mail kathymurphy123@yahoo.ca.

Eating Disorder Awareness Week - February 1-7  [back to top]
"Celebrating Our Natural Sizes." Anyone is welcome to get involved in EDAW by holding an education or awareness event. Materials for EDAW are now available to order from the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC). Posters, manuals and pamphlets can be used to help raise awareness of eating disorders and their associated issues, and during awareness raising events. NEDIC is also publishing an events listing for Eating Disorder Awareness Week. To order materials or have your event listed, visit www.nedic.ca.

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

Wellness Recovery Action Plan - Mondays, January 25-March 1  [back to top]
Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is a program for anyone with experience of mental illness run by South Mental Health Team. WRAP helps people take charge of their own recovery. Participants will develop an action plan for wellness and learn how to create the life they want to live. Sessions run from 1-4pm at the South Mental Health Team, 220-1200 West 73rd Ave, Vancouver. Sessions are free but space is limited, so register by calling 604-708-5274 and leaving your name and phone number.

Mental Health Works Full-day Workshop "Complex Issues. Clear Solutions" – January 13  [back to top]
CMHA BC Division is hosting "Complex Issues. Clear Solutions," a Mental Health Works workshop. This full-day workshop is open to managers, supervisors and union representatives, and provides participants with strategies for identifying and addressing mental health issues in the workplace. Registration is $275 (group rates are available) and closes December 23 for the January 13 workshop. The workshop runs from 9am-4:30pm at Volunteer Vancouver, 1183 Melville Street, Vancouver. Registration includes refreshments and lunch. To register, call Rose Chen at 604-688-3234 ext. 248 or 1-800-555-8222. For more information, visit www.cmha.bc.ca/workshops.

Recovery and Beyond Workshop - January 25  [back to top]
PsychoSocial Rehabilitation (PSR) BC is hosting an all-day workshop, "Recovery and Beyond." The workshop will cover topics such as Your Recovery Journey, PSR 101, Recovery in the Fraser Health Authority, Housing - Bridging the Gap, and Consumers, Psychiatric Medications and the Therapeutic Relationship. The workshop runs from 8:30am-4pm in the Henry Esson Young Building at Riverview Hospital in Coquitlam. Lunch will be provided. Registration is $25 for members, organizational members and students, $50 for non-members, and $10 for consumers/families, and closes January 7. To register, email jcalder@newviewsociety.ca with your name and address. Payment can be send by including your Visa/MasterCard information in the email, paying at the door, or mailing a cheque made out to PSR BC to Jill Calder, #202 - 1106 Austin Street, Coquitlam, BC, V3K 3P5

CONFERENCES

Annual Aboriginal Mental Health Conference - January 21 - 22  [back to top]
The 2010 Aboriginal Mental Health Conference will be focused on the theme of self-care. Bill Mussel will be the keynote speaker for this conference. The first day is open to Vancouver Coastal Health staff and caregivers, and the second date is open to all. The conference is being held in the gymnasium of the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, 1607 East Hastings, Vancouver. To confirm your attendance, please call 604-875-6601.

Innovations in Treatments of Anxiety Disorders Conference – April 22-24  [back to top]
The Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada is hosting the scientific and academic conference, “Innovations in Treatments of Anxiety Disorders.” The conference will include pre-conference workshops, symposiums, and panel discussions, as well as keynote presentations by Martin Antony, Gord Asmundson and Stanley (Jack) Rachman. The conference is being held at the Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre. Early-bird registration is now open, and costs $250 for professionals or $150 for students, not including the pre-conference workshop. For full registration and conference details, see anxietycanada.ca. To register, download the registration form.

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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