VOLUME 38: February 2006 | online at www.cmha.bc.ca/enews/enewsfeb06.htm

Progress Through Partnership | March 8, 2006 Join CMHA BC Division for a day of inspiration, insight and information on improving mental health in the workplace. Learn more and register at www.bottomlineconference.ca.

CMHA News
Register Now For the Bottom Line Conference on March 8th
Valentine's Day Blues
This Valentine's, Don't Just Give Chocolates - Give Hope
Mental Health Works to Launch at the Bottom Line Conference
CMHA BC is Looking For a Web Developer - RFP deadline February 15th
CMHA BC is Looking For a Few Good Members to Give us Feedback on a New Survey
Adding Life to Years: Phase II - A Collaborative Response to HIV and Depression
New Section on CMHA National Website on Youth and Self-Injury
Vancouver/Burnaby Branch Special Events
Mental Health and the Benefits of Yoga – February 16
North Shore Health Lecture Series
Kamloops Youth Clubhouse Back at Full Speed
Free Anxiety Disorders Information Session - February 15th

Featured Branch: Vernon

Mental Health News
Higher Income Possible for Persons With Disabilities
Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Call for Courage To Come Back Nominations
Seeking Participants for Treatment Adherence Study
Call for Papers on Mental Health in the Workplace
New Show Sparks Action Against Stigmatization
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Calls for Aid in Suicide Prevention
New Housing for Seniors in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside
Work Demands and Workplace Culture Key Predictors of Work-Life Conflict
A Strong Sense of Community Belonging Affects Both Physical and Mental Health
Shortage of Rural Family Physicians and Specialists
Increases in Police Calls for Suicidal Behaviour Require Changes in Training
Teams Are Key to Cost-Effective Services for People With Severe Mental Illness
Exercise Boosts Mood in Depressed Patients
Study Finds Exercise Helps Delay Dementia
Staying Active for Your Mind and Body
Learning to Let Go of Negative Feelings
Mental Health Link to Diet Change
Job Stress Equals Heart Stress
Breast Cancer Not Affected by Antidepressant
Mood-linked Molecule May Lead to New Depression Treatments

News around the World

Programs and Resources
Peer Education and Support for People With Schizophrenia
Parenting Workshops
The Coping Kit: Dealing with Drug Addiction In Your Family
New Guide on Workplace Mental Health
Consumer-Created "Lexicon" of Mental Health Recovery
Mental Health Atlas
Online Library About Youth at Risk of Suicide
Bringing Health to Work Website
BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network Website

Events
Alzheimer Society of BC's Walk For Memories
Movie Mondays in Victoria
Protection Paint: The Stories on Stones Exhibition
Eating Disorders Education Event
Raising the Roof's Toque Tuesday
Caring & Learning Together Program
Frames of Mind Screening – First Love (Primo Amore)
MDABC Education Evening - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
The Disability Resource Network of BC Forum
Research Colloquium on Cannabis, Mental Health, and Addiction
Bottom Line Conference on Depression, Anxiety Disorders and Addictions in the Workplace
Violence in the Lives of Children: The Banff International Conference on Behavioural Science
7th Annual National Shared Mental Health Care Conference in Calgary
Partnership Conference on Spirituality and Mental Health in Victoria
Western Regional Clubhouse Conference in Nanaimo
Art & Science of Psychotherapy Conference
David Berman Memorial Concurrent Disorders Conference
19th World Conference on Health Promotion and Health Education

CMHA News

Register Now For the Bottom Line Conference - March 8th [back to top]
CMHA BC's 4th annual Bottom Line Conference is designed to focus managers, business leaders, unions, employees, benefit providers, and mental health service providers on the monumental task of reducing the impact of stress, depression, anxiety disorders and addictions in the workplace. This year's program will focus on progress through partnership between the employers, the employee and the union. Sessional topics include stigma and discrimination, staying at work, employee assistance programs and disability providers, and plenary speakers on competitive advantage (Linda Duxbury, one of Canada's leading workplace health researchers), social capital and well-being (John Helliwell, economist, author and international speaker), and the power of hope, vision and action (Frank O'Dea, founder of Second Cup). March 8, 2006 at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre. Learn more and register online at www.bottomlineconference.ca. We thank our diamond sponsors: BC Provincial Health Services Authority and Great-West Life Assurance Company; gold sponsor: Healthcare Benefit Trust; bronze sponsors: Scotiabank, Coast Capital Savings, Vancity and Wyeth Canada; friends: WarrenShepell and Interlock EAP; and media sponsor: BC Business Magazine for making this important event possible. Endorsers include BC Human Resources Management Association, BC Business Council, BC Chamber of Commerce, Vancouver Board of Trade, BC Federation of Labour, Retail Council of Canada, and the BC Business and Economic Roundtable on Mental Health.

Valentine's Day Blues [back to top]
Pink, red and white — classic colours for Valentine's Day. But don't forget blue. Feelings of sadness, inadequacy and loneliness are not uncommon both during and after the build-up to February's tribute to love and romance. Check out CMHA BC Division's latest news release to learn more about this phenomenon and what you can do if you find yourself down during the build-up to February 14th.

This Valentine's, Don't Just Give Chocolates - Give Hope [back to top]
Mental illness means loss on so many levels, from a job or a relationship, to one's own dignity. It's hard to regain a sense of hope. Sometimes we need help. CMHA is there. With your help, CMHA can help someone with mental illness find a place to call home, or to find and keep a job when illness strikes. We believe that a caring community heals, and restores hope. You can help light a person's sense of hope again with your donation. Give hope. We need your support! www.givehope.ca

Mental Health Works to Launch at the Bottom Line Conference [back to top]
CMHA BC Division is excited to announce the launch of our new Mental Health Works program, a series of tools and workshops designed to help employers and employees learn to effectively address the complex issues around mental health problems in the workplace. "Complex Issues. Clear Solutions" is a full-day award-winning workshop providing clear strategies and practical tools for managers through an interactive learning experience, delivered only by Mental Health Works Certified Trainers. Join us at the 2006 Bottom Line Conference for the official launch of Mental Health Works! For more information, visit the website or e-mail mentalhealthworks@cmha.bc.ca.

CMHA BC is Looking For a Web Developer - RFP deadline February 15th [back to top]
In December, CMHA BC rolled out its new website address and look at www.cmha.bc.ca. We are now moving to future planning for the website and, as such, are currently looking for a web developer with background in open-source content management systems to provide roughly 10 hours a month of support, maintenance, development, and training. A more detailed request for proposals is available on our website. 99% of this part-time contract position can be done remotely, although qualified BC candidates will be given preference. Deadline for bids is February 15th.

CMHA BC is Looking For a Few Good Members to Give us Feedback on a New Survey [back to top]
Are you a member of CMHA BC Division or a branch of CMHA in BC? To be a member in good standing, you would have paid a membership fee ($20 for individuals, $5 for those on limited income, $50 for organizations) within the past year. CMHA BC is wanting to learn more from current CMHA members on what motivated you to become a member so we can develop new promotional materials and strategies to boost membership across BC. If you are a CMHA member and would be willing to provide five minutes of time to give feedback on a draft one-page survey before we roll the survey out more widely, please email Sarah Hamid-Balma at shamidbalma@cmha.bc.ca and put 'Member Feedback' in the subject line or call 604-688-3234 ext. 225. Thanks in advance for your help.

Adding Life to Years: Phase II - A Collaborative Response to HIV and Depression [back to top]
CMHA National has entered into a collaborative initiative as one of five sponsoring organizations. The initiative, entitled, Adding Life to Years: Phase II - A Collaborative Response to HIV and Depression, builds on the previous work that has been done recently. The goal of this project is to improve the mental health and well being of people living with HIV, adding life to years, by building and sustaining the capacity of community-based organizations and people who are HIV positive to identify and respond to depression issues.

New Section on CMHA National Website on Youth and Self-Injury [back to top]
CMHA national has published a new section of their website on Youth and Self-Injury. Learn about self-injury, its risk factors, signs and treatment at www.cmha.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.
February 8 – Canvas Photo Collage Workshop
February 10 – Valentine's Day Karaoke Party
February 17 – UBC Thunderbirds Men's Hockey
February 20 – Watermania Wave Pool
February 24 – Tea at Clayburn General Store
February 27 – Stanley Park Seawall Walk

Mental Health and the Benefits of Yoga - February 16 [back to top]
CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Branch is hosting its next Perspectives event on "Mental Health and the Benefits of Yoga." Please join us as our guest speaker discusses the benefits of yoga and her trip to India. Thursday, February 16, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at 175 W. Broadway (upstairs of CMHA). Everyone is welcome to attend this free event.

North Shore Health Lecture Series [back to top]
CMHA North and West Vancouver presents their free weekly Health Lecture Series on the 2nd floor of the John Braithwaite Community Centre at 145 West 1st Street in North Vancouver. All lectures start at 7:00 PM. For more information please phone 604-987-6959 or visit www.cmhawv.com.
February 8– Good Sex for Life
February 15– Healthy Brain, Healthy Body, Health Aging
February 22 – Music Therapy: How Can Music Help to Improve Your Quality of Life?

Kamloops Youth Clubhouse Back at Full Speed [back to top]
The CMHA Kamloops Youth Clubhouse returns to its full operating capacity this evening thanks to last month's decision by Stan Hagen, Minister for Children and Family Development, to fund the program until March 2007. The activity centre for youth ages 13-18 is now open Monday to Saturday, 5:30 to 10:30 pm. The youth Clubhouse is a safe, drug and alcohol-free, non-judgmental place for teens to call their own, located at 857 Seymour Street in Kamloops. For any further information about the Youth Clubhouse, please contact Matt McLean, Youth Activity Coordinator, at (250) 374-0440 or matt@cmhakam.com

Free Anxiety Disorders Information Session - February 15th [back to top]
The Anxiety Disorders Association of BC, in partnership with CMHA Victoria Branch, is hosting a free information session on anxiety disorders: the most common mental health problem. Topics include treatment options and aspects of a variety of different anxiety disorders. The session will be presented by a psychologist and a psychiatrist, along with two speakers who will share their personal stories on how they are coping with mental illness. It's being held Wednesday, February 15th from 7-9pm at the Theatre in the Eric Martin Pavilion, Royal Jubilee Hospital, 2328 Trent Street, Victoria. For more information and easy access to the venue, please contact CMHA Victoria Branch at (250) 389-1211 or the Anxiety Disorders Association of BC at (604) 525-7566. The Anxiety Disorders Association of BC is funded by the Provincial Health Services Authority and is a member of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information.

Other News

Higher Income Possible for Persons With Disabilities [back to top]
Beginning March 1, 2006, income assistance clients receiving Persons with Disabilities or Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers support will be able to earn up to $500 each month in addition to receiving their full shelter and support payment from the government. The latest increase to the earnings exemption for Persons with Disabilities clients brings it from $400 to $500 per month. This follows government's decision early last year to increase disability assistance by $70 to $856 a month - the highest rate increase in BC's history, providing the third highest rate of assistance available in Canada for persons with disabilities. See the News Release on the BC Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance website. For more information on disability benefits, you can also refer to CMHA BC Division's Income Assistance page.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week – February 5 – 11 [back to top]
The first week of February each year, National Eating Disorders Awareness Week provides communities the opportunity to learn as well as educate about eating disorders. The Association for Awareness and Networking Around Disordered Eating invites you to take part by participating in the events planned within your community, and encourages you to create your own. For more information on how to get involved, see www.anad.bc.ca, or the National Eating Disorder Information Centre website at www.nedic.ca. Also, check out our events section for education events in your area.

Call for Courage To Come Back Nominations – Due February 13 [back to top]
The Courage To Come Back Awards is a major public awareness and fundraising campaign of the Coast Foundation Society. It is designed to recognize and honor people across British Columbia who have demonstrated extraordinary courage recovering from injury, accident, illness and personal trauma. The Courage To Come Back Awards dinner will be held on May 4, 2006. The deadline for nominations is February 13. Nomination forms are available at www.coastfoundation.com, or by contacting Coast Mental Health Foundation at 604-874-3502 or toll-free at 1-877-602-6278.

Seeking Participants for Treatment Adherence Study [back to top]
Tania Lecomte, PhD, is seeking people between the ages of 13 and 35 with a primary diagnosis in the psychosis spectrum disorders to participate in her research study on treatment adherence. Participants must be receiving 'case management' services or having regular contacts with a primary care clinician, be capable of consenting to the study and reside in the community. Please contact Caroline Greaves at 778-908-5194 or cagreave@interchange.ubc.ca for more information.

Call for Papers on Mental Health in the Workplace – Due March 3 [back to top]
The Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health is planning a special issue devoted to Work and Mental Health. The goal of the issue is to provide an interdisciplinary forum to address a broad range of related topics, including but not limited to: prevention of mental illness in the workplace, work stress, community economic development, evaluation and measurement of workplace mental health/illness, return to work strategies, stigma and discrimination and community and psychosocial factors impacting well-being in the workplace. The deadline for submission is March 3. Please prepare papers according to the instructions to contributors at www.wlu.ca/cjcmh. English manuscripts should be submitted to Carolyn Dewa at carolyn_dewa@camh.net, or Bonnie Kirsh at bonnie.kirsh@utoronto.ca. French manuscripts should be submitted to Alain Lesage, MD at alesage@ssss.gouv.qc.ca.

New Show Sparks Action Against Stigmatization [back to top]
The new ABC-TV show, Crumbs - "a comedy about a family coping with their mother's psychiatric issues" - has raised concerns about harmful and offensive representation of mental illness, contributing to the stigmatization of mental illness. These concerns have prompted the US-based Nation's Voice Against Mental Illness (NAMI), to launch a campaign to protest the offensive content and encourage companies to withdraw their advertising from the show – two of which have already agreed. See "NAMI StigmaBuster Alert: January 13, 2006" and "NAMI StigmaBuster Alert: January 20, 2006" at www.nami.org. You can also voice your concerns about Crumbs to ABC and CTV, or start a thread on CTV's message forum.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Calls for Aid in Suicide Prevention [back to top]
On January 10, 2006, Nishnawbe Aski Nation leaders declared that suicide prevention must be a priority for the new federal government. The announcement came after the third completed suicide in Pikangikum First Nation in 2006. There were 24 completed suicides in the community in 2005. See the Nishnawbe Aski Nation press release, "NAN Declares Suicide Prevention Must Be a Priority for New Federal Government," January 10, 2006, at www.nan.on.ca. See also "Natives Seek Government Aid in Wake of Teen Suicides," National Post, January 11, 2006.

New Housing for Seniors in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside [back to top]
A recently opened apartment complex offers safe, affordable, quality housing for low-income seniors in the Downtown Eastside, most of whom are also living with a persistent mental illness. The development, called the Smith-Yuen Apartments, is a partnership between three levels of government, the Katherine Sanford Housing Society and VCH. Tenants receive a range of services funded by VCH including a daily meal, medication support, social activities and 24-hour staffing. For more information, please contact Linda Alton, Recreation Therapist, 604-215-4259. See "Housing for Seniors in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside" in the January issue of Vancouver Coastal Health's Current.

Work Demands and Workplace Culture Key Predictors of Work-Life Conflict [back to top]
Work demands are one of the key predictors of work-life conflict, according to the authors of the fourth report from the Public Health Agency of Canada's series of six papers on work-life balance among employed Canadians. In this report, "Who Is at Risk? Predictors of High Work-Life Conflict," the authors say that the more supportive the work environment towards achieving work-life balance, the lower the level of role overload, work to family interference and family to work interference. Overall, the authors identify three organizational cultures associated with increased work-life conflict: a culture of hours, a culture that forces the employee to choose between work or family, and an environment that is not supportive of work-life balance. See "Report Four: Who Is at Risk? Predictors of High Work-Life Conflict," Public Health Agency of Canada, available at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca. One of the authors of this report, Linda Duxbury, will be speaking at CMHA BC Division's 2006 Bottom Line Conference on March 8, 2006.

A Strong Sense of Community Belonging Affects Physical and Mental Health [back to top]
A recent study by Statistics Canada reveals that 64% of Canadians age 12 and over have a strong sense of belonging to their local community. According to "Community Belonging and Self-Perceived Health: Early CCHS Findings (January to June 2005)," released in December 2005, provincial variations exist. Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador report the strongest sense of community belonging in Canada, while Quebec residents report the weakest. In addition, residents in rural areas tend to feel more connected to their community than those residing in major urban centres. The study also reveals an association between a strong sense of community belonging and more positive feelings about an individual's state of physical and mental health. See "Community Belonging and Self-Perceived Health: Early CCHS Findings (January to June 2005)," available at www.statcan.ca. See also "Study: Community Belonging and Self-Perceived Health," The Daily, December 21, 2005, at www.statcan.ca.

Shortage of Rural Family Physicians and Specialists [back to top]
In 2004, only nine percent of all physicians were located in rural regions of Canada, where 21% of the population resides, according to a recent report released by the Canadian Institute for Health Information. "Geographic Distribution of Physicians in Canada: Beyond How Many and Where" provides an overview of where physicians work and the type of services they provide. Although physician shortages may be experienced in any regional setting, both family physicians and specialists tend to be concentrated in urban centres. As of 2004, only 16 percent of family physicians and 2.4 percent of specialists were located in rural Canada. See "Geographic Distribution of Physicians in Canada: Beyond How Many and Where," January 11, 2006, available in PDF format at secure.cihi.ca.

Increases in Police Calls for Suicidal Behaviour Require Changes in Training [back to top]
Calls to police for assistance related to suicidal behaviour increased over a five-year period in Toronto, while the rates of completed suicide decreased, according to a new study. The study, published in a recent edition of Psychiatric Services, found that between 1997 and 2001 there was a 4% increase in the number of calls related to men engaging in suicidal behaviour and a 17 percent increase in calls related to women. According to the authors, the results of the study indicate the need to recognize the expanding role of police in crisis situations. This requires enhanced cooperation among police, the mental health and health service systems. See "Assessment of Police Calls for Suicidal Behavior in a Concentrated Urban Setting," Psychiatric Services (December 2005; 56: 1606-1609). An abstract with paid access to the full text is available at psychservices.psychiatryonline.org. For more on the issues around interactions between police and people with mental illness, see CMHA BC Division's Mental Health and Police Project. Also check out the most recent issue of Visions Journal which looks at the issue of Suicide more broadly.

Teams Are Key to Cost-Effective Services for People With Severe Mental Illness [back to top]
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams and supported employment services are both cost-effective programs, according to a researcher from the Douglas Hospital Research Centre in Montreal. According to an article in the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience by researcher Eric Latimer, the ACT programs appear to be able to offset their high cost and intensity of resource allocation with improved outcomes when compared to other service delivery settings. This cost-effectiveness appears to be due primarily to the better flow of information that the team structure provides. See "Economic Considerations Associated with Assertive Community Treatment and Supported Employment for People with Severe Mental Illness," Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience (2005; 30 [5]: 355-359), available at www.cma.ca.

Exercise Boosts Mood in Depressed Patients [back to top]
Even a single bout of exercise—30 minutes of walking on a treadmill—can lift the mood of patients suffering major depressive disorder, according to a study published recently in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Researchers say the findings show immediate benefits, compared with the 8-to-10-week lag time for exercise regimens studied previously. The author emphasizes that a single session on the treadmill can offer only symptomatic relief, providing transitory improvement in mood rather than a change in diagnosis. See "Exercise boots mood in depressed patients" at www.utexas.edu.

Study Finds Exercise Helps Delay Dementia [back to top]
Older people who exercise three or more times a week are less likely to develop Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, according to a study that adds to the evidence that staying active can help keep the mind sharp. Researchers found that healthy people who reported exercising regularly had a 30 to 40 percent lower risk of dementia. The study, published recently in the Annals of Internal Medicine, reached no conclusions about whether certain types of exercise helped more than others, but researchers said even light activity, such as walking, seemed to help. See "Study find exercise helps delay dementia," at chealth.canoe.ca.

Staying Active for Your Mind and Body [back to top]
Physical activity can improve your mental health, but staying active is not always easy. Some tips for making physical activity a part of your everyday life include making a list of reasons for being active, setting specific goals, finding an exercise buddy, and trying different activities to find one that you enjoy. See "Part Two: Be Active for Your Mind + Body," on the Canadian Health Network website. CMHA is the national mental health affiliate for the Canadian Health Network.

Learning to Let Go of Negative Feelings [back to top]
The key to good health, experts say, is about turning the flame down, not up, particularly when it comes to negative emotions such as anger, frustration and hurt feelings. Learning to let go of those feelings is just as important for good health as watching what you eat, exercising, getting enough sleep and wearing a seatbelt. Whether its cause is physical (e.g. injury) or emotional (e.g. someone cut you off in traffic), stress attacks the immune system in the same way, weakening the body's defense system and making you more vulnerable to health problems and disease. See "Learning to let go of negative feelings," on the Canadian Health Network website. CMHA is the national mental health affiliate for the Canadian Health Network.

Mental Health Link to Diet Change [back to top]
Changes to diets over the last 50 years may be playing a key role in the rise of mental illness, a study says. The report, Feeding Minds, pointed out the delicate balance of minerals, vitamins and essential fats consumed had changed in the past five decades. The report said people were eating 34% less vegetables and two-thirds less fish - the main source of omega-3 fatty acids - than they were 50 years ago. Such changes, the study said, could be linked to depression, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Alzheimer's disease. See "Mental health link to diet change," at news.bbc.co.uk.

Job Stress Equals Heart Stress [back to top]
Job stress can start taking a toll on men's heart health even by the time they reach their early 30s, new research shows. A study in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine found that men who report high job strain - the combination of heavy demands and little control at the office - have thicker carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). IMT is considered a reliable way of determining the early stages of atherosclerosis, the narrowing and stiffening of the arteries, which can can result in a heart attack or stroke. See "Job stress equals heart stress," at chealth.canoe.ca.

Breast Cancer Not Affected by Antidepressant [back to top]
A class of drugs used by millions to treat depression does not appear to increase the odds of developing breast cancer as previously reported, according to a new study. Researchers examining an association between breast cancer and the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) did not find the risk was elevated for women taking the medication regularly. See "Breast cancer not affected by antidepressant, study finds," on chealth.canoe.ca.

Mood-linked Molecule May Lead to New Depression Treatments [back to top]
Scientists have discovered a protein that seems to play a crucial role in developing depression, a finding that may lead to new treatments for the often debilitating illness - and fundamental understanding of why it strikes. The newly found protein, named p11, appears to regulate how brain cells respond to serotonin, researchers from Rockefeller University and Sweden's Karolinska Institute report Friday in the journal Science. See "Mood-linked Molecule May Lead to New Depression Treatment" at chealth.canoe.ca.

News around the World
Full text for the following stories can be found online at http://www.ontario.cmha.ca/content/reading_room/mhnotes.asp

Patients in Psychiatric Hospitals Receive Fewer Greeting Cards (UK)
Psychiatric inpatients receive fewer "get well soon" cards than patients on other wards, according to a study published in the Psychiatric Bulletin.

Defining Remission From The Depressed Patient's Perspective (USA)
Results from a recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry reveal that depressed patients consider a variety of factors when determining whether they are in remission from depression, and symptoms are only one of those factors.

New York City Police Officers Report Continuing Distress Two Years After September 22, 2001 (USA)
A brief report published recently in the American Journal of Psychiatry looks at the long-term effects of the events of September 11, 2001, on the mental and physical health of New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers.

"Real World" Study Shows Antidepressant Treatment is Effective (USA)
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) recently released the first of four reports from its landmark depression treatment study known as Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D).

Antidepressant Treatment and Suicide Risk (USA)
According to a recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, researchers found no significant increase in the risk of suicide or serious suicide attempt after members of the study's sample began treatment with newer antidepressant medication.

Mental Health First Aid Training Results in Many Benefits for Trainees (Australia)
Mental health first aid training courses in Australia provide many positive post-training benefits in the areas of knowledge, behaviour, intentions and attitudes, according to a review of evaluation studies published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry.

Consumers Provide Insights on Client/Case Manager Relationships (USA)
A study published in Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research suggests that adult consumers with schizophrenia spectrum disorders can provide valuable information about client/case manager relationship dimensions such as helpfulness, likeability, expectations and communication.

Other Programs and Resources

Peer Education and Support for People With Schizophrenia [back to top]
Have you been diagnosed with schizophrenia (or a related disorder)? The Peer Education and Support Group is a self-help group facilitated by peers who have experience living with mental illness. It is a place to share hopes, struggles, insights and coping strategies in a supportive and confidential atmosphere. We have been meeting continuously for over three years with support from the BC Schizophrenia Society. We have recently adopted the BRIDGES approach to facilitation. We meet every 2nd Sunday from 1 pm to 3 pm in the Commercial Drive area. If you'd like to check us out, please call Renea at 604-525-5698. Carolina Romero, Regional Coordinator of the BC Schizophrenia Society, is a resource person for this group.

Parenting Workshops [back to top]
Family Services of Greater Vancouver is presenting several parenting workshops in Vancouver and Richmond during the month of February. Courses include Professional Development for Nannies, Understanding Anger: Ours & Theirs, How to Single Parent, Discipline vs. Punishment, Understanding Your Child's Personality, How to Help Your Children Succeed in School (in Chinese). Please visit www.fsgv.ca for workshop details and registration.

The Coping Kit: Dealing with Drug Addiction In Your Family [back to top]
From Grief to Action has recently developed a support kit for families and friends of drug users. The Coping Kit contains tips for identifying signs of drug use, strategies for meeting day-to-day challenges and answers to a variety of questions about drugs and addiction. It also includes contact numbers for further information and resources. The Coping Kit is free to download from www.fgta.ca.

New Guide on Workplace Mental Health [back to top]
The Conference Board of Canada has published a tool for managers that discusses how to prevent and recognize mental health problems, how to get an employee the help they need and how to plan for an employee's return to work. "What You Need to Know about Mental Health: A Tool for Managers" is free and available in PDF format at www.conferenceboard.ca. For more information on Mental Health Works, a Canadian Mental Health Association initiative on workplace mental health, visit www.cmha.bc.ca. You are also invited to attend CMHA BC Division's 2006 Bottom Line Conference on March 8, and join in the conversation on how to take action on mental illness and addictions in the workplace.

Consumer-Created "Lexicon" of Mental Health Recovery [back to top]
The National Network for Mental Health, an organization run by and for consumer/survivors, has released a "lexicon of recovery" that defines words and concepts to promote consumers' involvement in discussions about mental health recovery. The lexicon defines and discusses the controversies around the use of language when talking about mental illness and mental health. Concepts and models developed by CMHA, including the Framework for Support, as well as the historical relationship between the CMHA and the development and support of both national and provincial consumer/survivor organizations are discussed. See "The Canadian Mental Health Consumer/Survivors' Lexicon of Recovery: Defining a Language of Self-Directed Citizenship," available in PDF format at www.nnmh.ca.

Mental Health Atlas [back to top]
The World Health Organization mental Health Atlas 2005 contains the most complete global data available on mental health resources. The 2005 edition reveals that global resources for people suffering from mental and neurological disorders are grossly insufficient to address the growing burden of mental health needs, and are unequally distributed around the world. An update of the first Mental Health Atlas 2001, the 2005 edition shows no substantial change in global mental health resources since 2001, while there continue to be marked and growing differences in availability between high- and low-income countries. The full Mental Health Atlas is available online at www.who.int.

Online Library About Youth at Risk of Suicide [back to top]
The Centre for Suicide Preventions has launched a new Alberta-based online library and resource centre on youth at risk for suicide. www.youthatrisk.ca is targeted at people working with youth, parents and guardians and youth themselves. Includes information on prevention, warning signs and risk factors, talking about suicide, and how to help someone after a suicide attempt.

Bringing Health to Work Website [back to top]
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has developed a website resource on health and well-being in the workplace. This goal of this website is to make information, tools and resources easily available that will help employees, employers and practitioners participate in making their workplaces healthy and safe. Visit the website at www.ccohs.ca/healthyworkplaces.

BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network Website [back to top]
The BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network has officially launched its new website at www.mhanet.ca. The mission of the BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network is to contribute to the excellence of mental health and addictions research in the province by strengthening relationships among researchers across disciplines, institutions, and health services organizations. Information available on the site includes network updates, upcoming conferences and workshops, membership information, FAQs, funding and training opportunities, resources and links.

Events

Alzheimer Society of BC's Walk For Memories [back to top]
The 4th annual Walk for Memories means fun and exercise for the whole family. In more than a dozen communities around the province, Walk for Memories brings together people who want to support the work of the Alzheimer Society of BC. Visit www.walkformemories.com for details on the location near you.

Movie Mondays in Victoria [back to top]
Every Monday, 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
February 13 – Truly, Madly, Deeply
February 20 – Grizzly Man
February 27 – Back to God's Country

Protection Paint: The Stories on Stones Exhibition - February 3 - 26 [back to top]
Gallery Gachet is a unique artistic institution that aims to educate and demystify the public on issues related to mental health and to advance the artistic discourse around these issues. Gallery Gachet's February exhibition, Protection Paint: The Stories on Stones, will feature new works by Tania Willard, Peter Morin, and Maria Hupfield on the theme of grandmother and grandfather stones, connecting to their ancestral stories, protection and healing. Each artist will address these themes by focusing their artworks on the ancestral stories from their Nations. Gallery Gachet is located at 88 E. Cordova St. For more information, visit the www.gachet.org or call 604-687-2468.

Eating Disorders Education Event - February 7 [back to top]
CHIMO Crisis Services and Richmond Health Services invites you to attend their free public education event. If you or a loved one has concerns, or if you wish to learn more about disordered eating treatment and prevention, plan to attend this informative evening. A panel of speakers will be available to answer your questions concerning disordered eating. Keynote speaker: Dr. Patricia O'Hagen, Executive Director of Canadians for the Prevention of Eating Disorders Society. 7:00 – 9:00 pm at Richmond City Hall, 6911 #3 Road, Richmond. For more information, please contact Lizzy Ambler at 604-279-7077 or lambler@chimocrisis.com

Raising the Roof's Toque Tuesday - February 7 [back to top]
Warm your head and your heart! Raising the Roof's Toque Tuesday Campaign is a national campaign that gives people from all walks of life the chance to raise funds, raise fun and raise awareness in the fight against homelessness in Canada. Buy your special Raising The Roof toque in exchange for a minimum $10 donation to support programs and initiatives which help make a difference in the lives of thousands of men, women and children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Local organizations that work with the mental health population, St. James Services, Triage & Fraserside, have received funding or grants from this campaign! You can purchase toques at any Home Depot or through Raising the Roof directly on-line at www.raisingtheroof.org. Proudly wear your toque on Toque Tuesday - February 7th, 2006 - to show your commitment to preventing and eliminating homelessness.

Caring & Learning Together Program – February 7 – March 28 [back to top]
Vancouver Coastal Health's free 8-week Education Series explores normal aging, brain structure & functioning, psychiatric disorders in older people (dementia, delerium & depression), communication strategies and behaviour management. Tuesday morning, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm at Vancouver General Hospital. To register for this free series, please call 604-875-4111 ext. 66512.

Frames of Mind Screening – First Love (Primo Amore) – February 15 [back to top]
Frames of Mind is a monthly film event utilizing film and video to promote professional and community education on issues pertaining to mental health and illness presented by Pacific Cinémathèque and the UBC Department of Psychiatry. Love, domination, self-esteem and eating disorders are at the heart of First Love, a harrowing psychological drama based on a true story about a thoroughly dysfunctional relationship. In Italian with English subtitles. Includes a post-screening discussion with Dr. Laird Birmingham, Director of the Eating Disorders Program at the UBC Department of Psychiatry and Director of the BC Provincial Eating Disorders Program. 7:30 pm at Pacific Cinémathèque, 1131 Howe Street, Vancouver. Tickets: $8.50 regular / $7 for students and seniors. Eligible for 1.0 hour Section 1 of Royal College's Maintenance of Certification Program. View the flyer or call 604-822-7610 for more information.

MDABC Education Evening - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – February 16 [back to top]
Join Mood Disorders Association of BC in our monthly Education Evening for the community. On February 16, our guest speaker, Dr. Chodkiewcicz, a Psychiatrist at St. Paul's Hospital, will be presenting an evening on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. There will be a question and answer period following Dr. Chodkiewcicz's talk. The free event starts at 7:00 pm and takes place at Sunrise Hall (1950 Windermere Street) in East Vancouver. The hall is wheelchair accessible. Call 604-873-0103 or email mdabc@telus.net for more information.

The Disability Resource Network of BC Forum – February 20 + 21 [back to top]
The Disability Resource Network of BC presents The Power of Change: two days of workshop seminars covering topics such as autism community training, schizophrenia, preparing change initiatives and community governance. At the Empire Landmark Hotel in Vancouver. For the full program and registration details, visit www.drnbc.org or contact Kathy Moscrip at looking_glass@shaw.ca.

Research Colloquium on Cannabis, Mental Health, and Addiction - February 23 [back to top]
Sponsored by the BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network and the Centre for Addictions Research of BC, this event will include a keynote address "Cannabis and Psychosis: Is there a Causal Link?" by Professor David Fergusson from the Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences at the University of Otago, New Zealand as well as presentations by three other leading addictions researchers from BC and Ontario. There is no charge for attendance, but space is limited. The Colloquium will take place in the Fletcher Challenge Theatre, located on the Main Concourse Level at SFU Harbour Centre, 515 West Hastings Street (Hastings and Seymour). For more information, visit www.cme.med.ubc.ca.

Bottom Line Conference on Depression, Anxiety Disorders and Addictions in the Workplace - March 8 [back to top]
CMHA BC's 4th annual Bottom Line Conference on the impact of depression, anxiety disorders and addictions in the workplace is taking place on March 8, 2006 at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre. We invite managers, HR professionals, Employee Assistance Program professionals, benefits administrators, labour leaders and those interested in occupational health to learn more about building well-being in the workplace, work-life balance, early intervention, employee assistance models and reducing stigma and discrimination in the workplace. Visit www.bottomlineconference.ca for full program and registration details, or email conference@cmha.bc.ca.

Violence in the Lives of Children: The Banff International Conference on Behavioural Science - March 19 - 23 [back to top]
Domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, bullying, sexual behavior problems among children and physical discipline all present serious concerns to child educators and professionals who work with children and families. This conference will examine evidence from large-scale studies to look at these types of violence and present innovative and emerging research to seek some answers. Details at www.banffbehavsci.ubc.ca

7th Annual National Shared Mental Health Care Conference in Calgary - May 11 – 13 [back to top]
Calgary Health Region, Chinook Health Region and Canadian Collaborative Mental Health Initiative are proud to host the 7th Annual National Shared Mental Health Care Conference in beautiful Calgary, Alberta, Canada May 11 – 13th, 2006. The conference will bring together hundreds of primary care and mental health professionals including psychiatrists, family physicians, clinical leaders, program developers, policy makers, funders, clinicians (social workers, psychologists, nurses, pharmacists, dietitians, occupational therapists), consumers, families and caregivers from across Canada and abroad. See www.shared-care.ca for details.

Partnership Conference on Spirituality and Mental Health in Victoria – March 15 + 16 [back to top]
The REES Network is pleased to announce the upcoming Partnership Conference 2006 on Spirituality and Mental Health. This conference will offer an introductory exploration of the role of spirituality in mental health recovery and wellness. At the Harbour Towers Hotel, 345 Quebec Street, Victoria, BC. Conference fees: Professionals - Day 1: $30/Day 2: $15/Both Days: $40; Family Members & Students - $15; Consumers - Free. For further information, please contact Lori Ferguson or Sue Cambridge at (250) 595-8619.

Western Regional Clubhouse Conference in Nanaimo – May 17 – 19 [back to top]
The 3rd Western Canadian Clubhouse Conference, "Connecting on the Coast," sponsored by the British Columbia Network of Clubhouses, will be held in Nanaimo, BC at the historical Best Western Dorchester, overlooking Nanaimo Harbour. All clubhouses, aspiring clubhouses, clubhouse-like programs, and other interested parties are encouraged to attend. For more information, please contact Heather Harris at (250) 716-8823 or phoenixcentre@shaw.ca.

Art & Science of Psychotherapy Conference – May 24 – 27 [back to top]
Jack Hirose & Associates Inc. presents a conference with the finest mentors and teachers offering state-of-the-art treatment techniques for depression, anxiety disorders, habits and addictions, eating disorders, marital/relationship problems, professional burnout and more. 8:30 am – 5:00 pm at the Best Western Richmond Inn Hotel & Conference Centre, 7551 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC. Conference fees: 1 Day - $190; 2 Days - $310; 3 Days - $410. For more information, visit www.jackhirose.com.

David Berman Memorial Concurrent Disorders Conference – May 29 – 31 [back to top]
This conference is designed to provide clinicians and delegates with advanced training in concurrent disorders, including in-depth exploration of integrated treatment. The conference will take place at the Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites at Stanley Park, Vancouver. More information at www.interprofessional.ubc.ca.

19th World Conference on Health Promotion and Health Education – June 1 -15, 2007 [back to top]
Following in the theme: "Heath Promotion Comes of Age: Science, Policy & Practice for the 21st Century," a major goal of the conference will be to review, reassess and determine the relevance of the 1986 Ottawa Charter in the 21st Century. Conference registration and information available at www.iuhpeconference.org.

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