VOLUME 50 : February 2007 | online at www.cmha.bc.ca/enews/enewsfeb07.htm

CMHA News
Bottom Line Conference on Mental Illness in the Workplace
Strengthening Family and Youth Voices Forum: Presentation Archives Coming Soon
Lorne Fraser Fund 2007 Applications Now Available
Suzan Milburn Presentations on the Gift of Depression in Duncan, Kelowna & Burnaby
Executive Director Bids Farewell to CMHA Kamloops
CMHA Vernon Branch Brings Women in Need In From The Cold
CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Branch's Social Enterprise Services Program Wins Award
CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Branch Receives Grant for Supported Volunteer Program
Vancouver/Burnaby Branch Special Events
North Shore Health Lecture Series

Featured CMHA Program:
Self-Esteem One of the Benefits of the Job:
CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby's Social Enterprise Services Program

Canadian Research
73% of Canadians Report Very Good Mental Health
Depression Impacts 500,000 Canadian Workers
Managers Say Mental Health Works Training is Valuable and Relevant
Rural Populations At Higher Risk for Poverty, Physical and Mental Illness
Previously Married Mothers Show Higher Rates of Depression, Alcohol Abuse
Suicidality and Depression Common Among Adolescents
Family Doctors May Be Underdiagnosing Teen Mental Health Problems
Severe Depression Linked to Problem Drinking in Women
Bilingualism Delays Onset of Dementia
New Genetic Risk for Alzheimer's Disease Found
Worker Aggression Linked to Boss's Behaviour
Antidepressant Helps People With Heart Disease and Depression
Prenatal Antidepressants Seem Not to Affect Child
Canada's Anti-Drug Strategy a Failure, Study Suggests
Crash Risk Higher for Cannabis-Smoking Drivers

CMHA Mailbox:
A Safe Place to Call Home

Research From Around the World
Women With Migraines More Likely to Be Depressed
Folic Acid May Boost Older Brains
Lonliness Linked to Alzheimer's Risk
New Orleans Feels Pain of Mental Health Crisis

New Programs and Resources
Website Allows Island Residents Easier Access to Help
Peer Support Program for Campbell River
Perinatal Depression Support Group in Maple Ridge
Taking Care: Child and Youth Mental Health Online Videos and Resources
MindYourMind.ca Videos Now on YouTube
no2meth.ca Online Resource for Students, Parents, Teachers
Now Who's Crazy Now?: A One-Woman Play
HBO Special Sheds Light on Addiction
Children's Mental Health Research Quarterly
CIHR Research Agenda for Mental Health in the Workplace Newsletter
Taking Care of Your Brain

Announcements
Margaret Trudeau Speaks Out on Mental Illness
Actors Anne Hathaway, Zach Braff, Mandy Moore Reveal Their Struggles With Depression
2007 Federal Budget Online Consultation Until February 28
Conversation on Health Regional Public Forums in BC
Special Court Sentences the Mentally Ill to Medical Help
Reducing Wait Times for Children's Mental Health Services Project Underway
New National Framework Aims to Have Substance Treatment Strategy by 2008
YouthInBC.com Wins Award
Maple Ridge Crystal Meth Task Force Expands Scope
New Mental Health Services for the Deaf in London, Ontario
BrainStorm Poetry Contest for People With Mental Illness Seeks Entries
Seeking People With Mental Illness to Interview for a Book Chapter on Library Access
Psychosis Treatment Adherence Study Seeking Participants

Public Education Events
Movie Mondays in Victoria
Free Strengthening Families Together Program
Free Aboriginal Health & Wellness Conference in Mission
Frames of Mind Mental Health Film Series
Promoting Healthy Living: Multicultural Health Fair
Free Forum on Smoking and Mental Illness
MDA of BC Education Evening - Treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Courses and Workshops
Mental Health Works Workshops
New Mental Health & Developmental Disability Worker Diploma Program
Mental Illnesses and Developmental Disabilities Education Series
Helping the Helper Non-Profit Management Workshops
Recovery Matters Workshops on Bowen Island
Tax Tips For Families of a Relative With a Disability
Fast, Effective Treatment for Anxiety Disorders Workshop in Duncan
Disability Management and Wellness Workshops at THEO BC
Free Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Workshop

Conferences
BC Psychopharmacology Conference
Participation in the Workplace
2007 Bottom Line Conference on Mental Illness in the Workplace
Changing Behaviour, Changing Lives: Alcohol and Co-occuring Conditions
Canadian Conference on Men's Health in Victoria
Mental Health and the Justice System Across the Lifespan
R & R of Mental Health: Rehabilitation & Recovery Conference
Rethinking Risk – McCreary Youth Foundation Annual Conference on Youth

CMHA News

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

Strengthening Family and Youth Voices Forum: Presentation Archives Coming Soon [back to top]
CMHA BC Division would like to thank all those who organized and attended the successful February 9th forum at SFU. This public event celebrated the successes and experiences of Strengthening Family and Youth Voices, a province-wide project exploring the emerging role of peer support and mutual aid in child and youth mental health. Learn more about the project in our press release and look soon for audio files of presentations on the forum website at www.voicesbc.org.

Lorne Fraser Fund 2007 Applications Now Available [back to top]
The Lorne Fraser Educational Fund, providing bursaries to people with mental illness who want to pursue post-secondary education, is now accepting applications for its 2007 program season. Since 1982, The Lorne Fraser Fund has helped nearly 100 British Columbians pursue their educational dreams. This year's deadline is April 25th. Check out our Lorne Fraser page for more details and applications.

Suzan Milburn Presentations on the Gift of Depression in Duncan, Kelowna & Burnaby [back to top]
	CMHA Cowichan Valley Branch, CMHA Kelowna Branch, and CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Branch will each be hosting a free, hour-long presentation on a BC woman's journey through depression told uniquely through dramatic reading, humour, music and artwork. The presentations—co-led by Suzan Milburn and friend Karen Six—accompany the reprint of Milburn's popular book by CMHA BC Division last fall after the first printing flew off the shelves when it was first launched in 2005. The full-colour art book, Responding to the Call, features drawings by Suzan Milburn, a Vernon artist who prior to her depression had never drawn anything in her life, weaved together with
a narrative by the author about what the gift of depression feels like from the perspective of those living with it. February 24 - Duncan - 1:30pm at Duncan Garage, 330 Duncan Street. March 8 - Kelowna - 5pm at CMHA Kelowna Branch, 504 Sutherland Ave. (corner of Pandosy and Sutherland) March 16 - Burnaby - 7pm at Burnaby Mental Wealth, 6112 Sussex Ave., across from Metrotown      >> contact your local CMHA branch for your FREE copy of Responding to the Call. Multiple copies are available at $4 apiece plus shipping from CMHA BC Division office at 604-688-3234 or 1-800-555-8222 while supplies last.

Executive Director Bids Farewell to CMHA Kamloops [back to top]
After four years as Executive Director of CMHA Kamloops Branch, Murphy Kennedy has resigned to pursue other endeavours in his role as panel member of the BC Mental Health Review Board. As a former forensic psychiatric outreach worker, and a previous "patient appointee" to a review panel, Mr. Kennedy has a broad experience of mental health issues at different levels. Sincere thanks and congratulations for your many achievements and contributions to the mental health field and in your role with CMHA.

CMHA Vernon Branch Brings Women in Need In From The Cold [back to top]
CMHA Vernon Branch has opened a temporary emergency shelter for women at their clubhouse facility at 3610 - 25th Avenue, Vernon. The Province has approved one-time funding of $18,900 to provide for overnight staffing at the shelter. The City of Vernon is also contributing to the temporary shelter, by providing $5,000 toward the project. Once staffing is in place, the 15-bed shelter will be opening its doors at 8 pm and will accept women looking for a place to stay until 11pm, when the doors will be locked for the night. Women will be able to stay until 7am the following morning. See the press release for more information.

CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Branch's Social Enterprise Services Program Wins Award [back to top]
CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Branch's Social Enterprise Services program has won a $2500 Celebration of Community Award. The award recognizes a United Way funded program focusing on prevention or early intervention that has taken an innovative approach in responding to changing social conditions in the Lower Mainland. The Social Enterprise Services program provides business development and support for people living with mental illness. Successful social enterprises play an important role in our local economy by improving the standard of living of people who are living with mental illness. They gain independence and receive the tools and support they need to become contributing members of our community. Learn more about the program in this month's Featured CMHA Program.

CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Branch Receives Grant for Supported Volunteer Program [back to top]
CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Branch's Supported Volunteer Program has received support from Canada's largest community foundation for its new initiative designed to promote volunteering for groups of individuals recovering from mental illness. The Vancouver Foundation's Disability Supports for Employment Fund Committee has approved a $22,620 grant for the extended trial of this new service delivery model. People with mental illness face many barriers to participating in the community and volunteering can provide a way to acquire job skills, increase work stamina, help to develop interpersonal skills as well as an opportunity to decrease the isolation so prevalent for people in this population group. This project will assist groups of individuals with mental illness in Vancouver and Burnaby to secure and maintain volunteer placements as part of their rehabilitation plans, as well as to create a full curriculum and implementation guide for the program that can be made available to other organizations wishing to establish a similar program. For more information, contact April Porter, Supported Volunteer Program Coordinator at 604-872-4902.

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 16 – Karaoke Valentine's Party
February 19 – Scrapbook Day
February 23 – Harrison Hot Springs Pool
February 26 – SnowTubing

North Shore Health Lecture Series [back to top]
The free weekly Health Lecture Series organized by CMHA North and West Vancouver Branch meets on the 2nd floor of the John Braithwaite Community Centre at 145 West 1st Street in North Vancouver (between Chesterfield and Lonsdale Avenue). All lectures start at 7pm. For more information please phone 604-987-6959 or visit www.cmhanwv.com.
February 21 – Write Way to Wellness
February 28 – Seasonal Affective Disorders

Featured CMHA Program: Self-Esteem One of the Benefits of the Job CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby's Social Enterprise Services Program Jack Isaak (right) with John, an employee of The Cleaning Solution.   Jack Isaak was diagnosed with schizophrenia when he was 19 years old. He has traveled a long road to recovery. Now, with the right medication and the meaningful purpose he finds in his work, his life is back on track. Jack is the general manager of The Cleaning Solution, a contract janitorial company run by and employed by individuals living with mental illness. To date, this successful business has 13 contracts and employs 16 people living with mental illness. Successful social enterprises play an important role in our local economy by improving the standard of living of people who are living with mental illness. Participants gain independence and receive the tools and support they need to become contributing members of our community. One in five Canadians will struggle with an illness such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety or schizophrenia in their lifetime. Many experience considerable difficulty in education, work or social interactions. With the added challenge of societal stigma, mental illness can be an isolating and frightening experience. The CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Branch's Social Enterprise Services program is unique to British Columbia. It provides business development support for people recovering from mental illness. Non-profit, co-operative and for–profit businesses earn revenue and achieve social and economic goals. It supports individuals living with mental illness in starting and running their own businesses. The Cleaning Solution launched two years ago. Jack used to spend a lot of time alone. Now he’s a problem-solver, managing cleaning contracts and working with a team. “It can get stressful sometimes, but it’s better than watching TV. This job gets people out of their rooms and involved in the community. Sometimes it’s still hard to leave the house, but once I’m involved, I forget my problems,” Jack says. In addition to the social and self-esteem benefits of the job, employees of The Cleaning Solution are able earn up to an additional maximum of $500 a month to top off their monthly disability benefits of $856. Says Jack, “The extra income means they can eat decent food. They don’t have to bin for bottles. One employee, John, was able to buy a phone and new boots.” The Cleaning Solution generated approximately $100,000 in revenue in 2006. This program is possible thanks to funding by United Way of the Lower Mainland. CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Branch received $120,210 in United Way funding for the 2006-2007 fiscal year. Their Social Enterprise program received $44,000 of the United Way grant, making enterprises like The Cleaning Solution possible. Looking ahead, CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Branch would like to create a template, based on the success of The Cleaning Solution, so that other agencies could use the model to develop similar social enterprise ventures. Reproduced with permission from the United Way of the Lower Mainland website at www.uwlm.ca. To learn more about this award-winning project, watch the inspiring video or contact CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Branch.

Canadian Research

73% of Canadians Report Very Good Mental Health [back to top]
According to a recent report by Health Canada, 73.3% of Canadians reported excellent or very good mental health in 2005. "Healthy Canadians: A Federal Report on Comparable Health Indicators 2006" examines the health status of Canadians and the performance of Canada's health care system. In 2005, 73.4% of males and 73.2% of females reported excellent or very good mental health. Self-perceived stress decreased from 25.8% in 2000-2001 to 23.3% in 2005. The report also examines First Nations communities living on-reserve, where 71% reported being in emotional balance "all of the time" or "most of the time." See "Healthy Canadians: A Federal Report on Comparable Health Indicators 2006," Health Canada, December 2006, at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.

Depression Impacts 500,000 Canadian Workers [back to top]
About half a million Canadian workers experience depression and most of them say the symptoms interfere with their ability to work, according to a study released by Statistics Canada. Data from 2002 indicate that almost four per cent of workers age 25 to 64 had experienced depression in the 12 months before the Canadian community health survey was conducted. Nearly eight of 10 workers who had experienced depression reported that the symptoms had interfered with their ability to work, at least to some extent. Almost one in five said there was a very severe degree of interference with their work. See "Depression impacts 500,000 Canadian workers: study," at www.canada.com, and "Nearly 4% of Canadian workers say depression limits their life," at www.cbc.ca. See also "Expert: Costs of stress likely higher than we think," at chealth.canoe.ca.
   >> learn more about the impacts of mental illness in the workplace, at the Bottom Line Conference on March 7. Learn more and register at www.bottomlineconference.ca.

Managers Say Mental Health Works Training is Valuable and Relevant [back to top]
The CMHA, Ontario training program Mental Health Works was the subject of a study published recently in the Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health. The authors, who included two Mental Health Works trainers, analyzed evaluation responses from 231 workshop participants and found that participants valued the design of the program and the competence and credibility of the instructors. Managers reported that they valued practical strategies for communicating with and accommodating employees who have mental health issues, hearing stories of people who have mental illness and have been accommodated, and hearing their colleagues share experiences in accommodating employees with disabilities. See "Mental Health Training Programs for Managers: What Do Managers Find Valuable?" An abstract with paid access to the full text is available at cjcmh.metapress.com. For more information about Mental Health Works, see www.mentalhealthworks.ca.
   >> don't miss our pre-conference Mental Health Works workshops - March 6, 2007. Learn hands-on skills for addressing mental illness in the workplace. Details at www.bottomlineconference.ca or contact Margaret Tebbutt at 1-800-555-8222 or mentalhealthworks@cmha.bc.ca for details.

Rural Populations At Higher Risk for Poverty, Physical and Mental Illness [back to top]
In the first phase of their two-part study on rural poverty, senators are reporting that rural Canada is experiencing demographic and income challenges that could have serious outcomes for all Canadians. According to the report, the rural population base is shrinking and getting older, and poverty rates are higher than in urban Canada. Rural Canadians are less healthy than urban Canadians and there is anecdotal evidence of increasing incidences of depression, suicide, mental illness and family violence in rural Canada. In addition, the long travel times make it much more difficult for rural Canadians to access medical care, government social services, education or even fresh food supplies. See "Senate report warns of looming crisis," at www.parl.bc.ca.

Previously Married Mothers Show Higher Rates of Depression, Alcohol Abuse [back to top]
Previously married mothers had higher rates of depressive disorders and alcohol abuse compared to married or never-married mothers, according to a new study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). The study, which highlights differing rates of psychiatric and substance use disorders between single and married mothers over a 12-month period, fills an important information gap in our understanding of the relationship between family structure and psychiatric outcomes. See "CAMH Study Sheds Light on Motherhood, Marriage and Mental Illness," at www.camh.net.

Suicidality and Depression Common Among Adolescents [back to top]
Suicidality and depression are common among adolescents, according to the first study to examine rates of depression and suicide-related events in 15- to 18-year-olds in Canada. Females are much more likely than males to experience depression and suicidality — that is, suicidal ideation, self-harm or suicide attempt — while males are more likely to complete suicide. The study, published in Healthcare Policy, also found that the Maritimes had a lower rate of depression and British Columbia had a higher rate of suicidality relative to Ontario. See "Canadian Community Health Survey: Major Depressive Disorder and Suicidality in Adolescents," An abstract with paid access to the full text is available at www.longwoods.com.
   >> if the topic of child and youth mental health interests you, read the two most recent issues of Visions: BC's Mental Health and Addictions Journal on treatments and first responders for children and youth, available at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

Family Doctors May Be Underdiagnosing Teen Mental Health Problems [back to top]
A Quebec study published in Canadian Family Physician found that the prevalence of mental health problems seems higher among adolescents who attend youth clinics than among adolescents who see family physicians. The authors suggest that physicians outside of youth clinics are not recognizing these problems. They conclude that screening in primary care settings for adolescent mental health problems could be improved. See "Are Family Physicians Caring for Adolescents' Mental Health?" is available at www.crpc.ca/cfp.

Severe Depression Linked to Problem Drinking in Women [back to top]
Severe depression and binge drinking are more likely to go hand-in-hand among women than men, a Canadian study has found, suggesting that a more gender-specific approach may be needed in diagnosing and treating this common mental illness. The 14-month study published in the January issue of the journal Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research found that a pattern of frequent but low-quantity drinking was not associated with depression. Analysis showed that the overall relationship between depression and alcohol consumption is stronger for women than for men - but only when the person's symptoms correspond to a clinical diagnosis of major depression. See "Depressed women linked to drinking," chealth.canoe.ca.
  >> if the topic of women's mental health interests you, check out the Visions Journal issue on Women on the HeretoHelp.bc.ca website.

Bilingualism Delays Onset of Dementia [back to top]
Lifelong bilingualism can help delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease and other dementia in the elderly by an average of four years, according to a small study by Canadian researchers. Patients who spoke more than one language reported memory loss or other dementia symptoms on average four years later than people who spoke only one language. Researchers with the Rotman Research Institute at the Baycrest Research Centre for Aging and the Brain in Toronto carried out the study and published their findings in the February 2007 issue of Neuropsychologia. See "Bilingualism delays onset of dementia: study," at www.cbc.ca.

New Genetic Risk for Alzheimer's Disease Found [back to top]
A Canadian-led research team has found a gene that may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, a discovery they hope will one day lead to a diagnostic test or perhaps a treatment. People carrying a mutated version of the gene SORL1 seem to show a modestly increased risk of late-onset Alzheimer's compared to those with the normal version, the researchers say in an online issue of the journal Nature Genetics. See "New genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease found," at www.cbc.ca.

Worker Aggression Linked to Boss's Behaviour [back to top]
Managers who think they can be tough like Donald Trump in The Apprentice could end up with an office backlash on their hands, researchers at the University of Manitoba say. In a study published in the January issue of the Journal of Applied Sychology, researchers suggest that verbal disrespect and undermining of employees, even in subtle ways — abusive leadership styles often portrayed in television shows such as The Apprentice and The Office - can result in employee retaliation. See "Bosses, don't dis your workers: study," at www.cbc.ca.

Antidepressant Helps People With Heart Disease and Depression [back to top]
People with heart disease and depression showed improvements in their symptoms after taking an antidepressant but counselling did not seem to show the same benefits, Canadian researchers have found. Studies show the prevalence of depression among patients hospitalized for heart disease ranges between 17% and 27%. Treating the condition may help to slow deterioration in health, some doctors believe. It's thought that stress hormones released during depression may constrict blood vessels and lead to blockage in the arteries. See "Antidepressant helps people with heart disease, depression," at www.cbc.ca.
   >> get the facts about treating depression in CMHA's Guide to Depression Treatments, avaialbe on the CMHA BC website at www.cmha.bc.ca.

Prenatal Antidepressants Seem Not to Affect Child [back to top]
The use of antidepressant drugs during pregnancy does not appear to have a significant effect on the behavior of the child, Canadian and Korean researchers report in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. Dr. Tim F. Oberlander of the University of British Columbia, Vancouver and colleagues compared behaviors of 22 children who were prenatally exposed to a selective serotonin uptake inhibitor (SSRI), one of a relatively new class of antidepressant drugs including Prozac and Zoloft, along with 14 unexposed children. Overall, said Dr. Oberlander, "the best predictors of attentional problems at age 4 were current reports of maternal mood and parental stress," regardless of SSRI treatment or depression during pregnancy. See "Prenatal antidepressants seem not to affect child," at today.reuters.com.

Canada's Anti-Drug Strategy a Failure, Study Suggests [back to top]
Hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent to enforce Canada's drug laws, with little to show for it, suggests a new report from the country's largest HIV/AIDS research and treatment facility. Illicit drugs remain cheap and easily available, and are used by more people than ever, says the report by the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS. The report, which is based partly on data obtained through freedom of information requests, says too much of Ottawa's multimillion-dollar strategy goes toward policing instead of treatment, prevention and research. See "Canada's anti-drug strategy a failure, study suggests," at www.cbc.ca.

Crash Risk Higher for Cannabis-Smoking Drivers [back to top]
US drivers who tested positive for cannabis over a 10-year period had a 29% higher risk of causing a fatal crash than motorists not taking the drug, a new Canadian-led study suggests. Michel Bédard, director of public health at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ont., and his team studied the effects of cannabis on driving using test results from 32,543 drivers in the US. The higher risk existed after controlling for age, sex and previous driving record. See "Crash risk higher for cannabis-smoking drivers: study," at www.cbc.ca.

Research from around the World

Women With Migraines More Likely to Be Depressed [back to top]
Women with migraines are more likely to be depressed, according to a study of headache clinic patients. Migraines are severe throbbing headaches that can cause vomiting, nausea and a sensitivity to light, sound and smells. No one knows what causes migraines. Women with chronic headaches were four times more likely than episodic headache sufferers — those experiencing fewer than 15 headaches per month — to report symptoms of major depression. See "Women with migraines face depression as well," at www.cbc.ca.

Folic Acid May Boost Older Brains [back to top]
Folic acid supplements may help improve the memory and brain power of people over 50, a new study suggests. Cognitive function such as memory and processing information quickly declines with age and has been linked to risk of dementia in old age. Previous researchers have suggested that low folate in the blood may be linked to poor cognitive performance. After a three-year folic acid supplementation, some study participants performed a memory test as if they were seven years younger. See "Folic acid boosts older brains," at www.cbc.ca.

Lonliness Linked to Alzheimer's Risk [back to top]
People who are lonely may have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease late in life compared with those who interact more socially, a new study suggests. While social isolation has been linked to an increased risk of dementia, less is known about the effects of emotional isolation, that is, a feeling of loneliness rather than actually being alone. In the study published in the February issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry researchers found that for each point of increase on a lonliness scale of one to five, the risk of developing Alzheimer's increased by 51%. See "Lonliness linked to Alzheimer's risk," at www.cbc.ca.

New Orleans Feels Pain of Mental Health Crisis [back to top]
Sixteen months after Hurricane Katrina tore through New Orleans, a hidden sort of damage is emerging. Local officials see it in reports of suicides, strokes and stress-related deaths. Besides an increase in suicides, domestic violence calls and stress-related deaths, there's another problem: There's nowhere for these newly mentally ill people to go for treatment. Everyone from the mayor to the people staffing the public health clinics sees it: New Orleans is facing an unprecedented mental health crisis — and the city has no way to deal with it. See "New Orleans feels pain of mental health crisis," at www.usa today.com.
   >> watch for the issue of Visions Journal on Trauma & Victimization, coming this Spring to www.heretohelp.bc.ca.


New Programs and Resources

Website Allows Island Residents Easier Access to Help [back to top]
A comprehensive new website will give Vancouver Island residents one stop access to information on Mental Health and Addiction Services available within the Vancouver Island Health Authority. The site at www.viha.ca/mhas breaks down the services by community, from Victoria to the Gulf Islands and Tofino to Port Hardy. The site also connects to crisis and information lines, a community resource directory and recommended websites. See "New website offers portal to help," at www.canada.com. See also the press release in pdf format at www.viha.ca.
   >> for 24-hour access to information on mental health and mental health services across BC, call the Mental Health Information Line at 604-669-7600 or at 1-800-661-2121 outside the lower mainland.

Peer Support Program for Campbell River [back to top]
Adults with mental health issues now have access to an exciting new program that will help them achieve personal goals, learn new skills and link with other community resources. The Mental Health Peer Support Program is offered through Campbell River Mental Health and Addiction Services. Adult clients may be referred by a mental health clincian to the program and are matched to a peer support worker. Read the press release in PDF format at www.viha.ca.

Perinatal Depression Support Group in Maple Ridge [back to top]
A local Perinatal Depression Support group offered by Fraser Health and the Adult Mental Health Resource Centre in Maple Ridge provides an opportunity for women during and/or after pregnancy to connect with others living and struggling with the same experiences to share, provide empathy and support each other on the road to recovery. The closed group meets at the Maple Rige Family Education Centre, 22554 Lougheed Highway Maple Ridge from 1–2:30pm. All women are pre-screened before attending the group. For information about the next group beginning in March 2007 call Taylor at 604-466-6934. See "Fraser Health provides support group for women experiencing perinatal depression," at www.fraserhealth.ca.

Taking Care: Child and Youth Mental Health Online Videos and Resources [back to top]
Knowledge Network has continued to build its in-depth online resource on child and youth mental health, which now features video documentaries on behaviour disorders, depression, anxiety and psychosis. The site also offers a variety of video, print and web-based resources for parents and their children on various topics and issues surrounding child and youth mental health including treatment options, personal experiences, tips for coping, and resources available in BC. Visit www.knowledgenetwork.ca/takingcare.
   >> if the topic of child and youth mental health interests you, read the two most recent issues of Visions: BC's Mental Health and Addictions Journal on treatments and first responders for children and youth, available at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

MindYourMind.ca Videos Now on YouTube [back to top]
www.mindyourmind.ca has launched its own page on YouTube, featuring public service announcements and short films produced by youth on topics related to mental health and mental illness. You can watch the videos at www.youtube.com/mindyourmind. www.mindyourmind.ca is an award-winning site for youth by youth. The site offers info, resources and tools to help youth manage stress, crisis and mental health problems. The January issue of their newsletter, Lip Service, focuses on the theme "It's Hard to Be a Man," presenting three voices on the challenges of being a young man - from the inside, from the outside, and from those who care deeply. The newsletter is available in PDF format at www.mindyourmind.ca.

no2meth.ca Online Resource for Students, Parents, Teachers [back to top]
Developed by the Governement of British Columbia, www.no2meth.ca presents an online resource designed to help students, parents and teachers understand more about crystal methamphetamine and other substances that put young people at risk of not reaching their full potential. The website includes information, games and tools for students, tips for parents, and resource materials and lesson plans for teachers. Visit www.no2meth.ca.

Now Who's Crazy Now?: A One-Woman Play [back to top]
Based on her dedication to helping others and providing them with a sense of hope, Elly Litvak has written a one-woman play called Now Who's Crazy Now? that chronicles her personal experiences living with - and recovering from - mental illness. Litvak has been in recovery from serious mental health issues for the last 30 years. Successful in her recovery, for the last 10 years she has worked as a mental health coach, public speaker, consultant and community integration facilitator in various mental health areas. See "Crazy is as crazy does," at www.nsnews.com. For more information on the Who's Crazy Now mental health services, visit www.whoscrazynow.com.

HBO Special Sheds Light on Addiction [back to top]
On Thursday, March 15, HBO will launch "Addiction," a groundbreaking documentary series that sheds light on the often confusing world of addiction treatment and recovery. The series is part of a multimedia campaign which also includes a book, four addiction-themed films, a Web site and a national community grassroots outreach campaign funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). Developed in partnership with the RWJF, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the campaign is aimed at helping Americans understand addiction as a treatable brain disease, as well as spotlighting new medical advancements. For more information, visit www.hbo.com.

Children's Mental Health Research Quarterly [back to top]
The Children's Health Policy Centre at Simon Fraser University is pleased to introduce this first issue of the Children's Mental Health Research Quarterly, funded by Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) at BC's Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). The Quarterly is a new venture in communicating high-quality research evidence to policy-makers, practitioners, families and community members. The purpose of the Quarterly is to provide regular updates on the best currently available research evidence in children's mental health. The first issue includes articles on "evidence-informed" policy and practice, preventing mental disorders in BC's children, school-based misuse prevention programs, and the Friends school-based anxiety prevention program. To view the first issue, visit www.childhealthpolicy.sfu.ca.

CIHR Research Agenda for Mental Health in the Workplace Newsletter [back to top]
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has published their December newsletter, "Towards a Research Agenda for Mental Health in the Workplace." The newsletter contains updates on current CIHR research and projects on mental health in the workplace, including a summary of the Fall issue of Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health on the topic of Mental Health and the Workplace. Read the newsletter at www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca. The Fall issue of Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health is available with paid access at www.metapress.com.

Taking Care of Your Brain [back to top]
The brain is the least understood organ of the body, but it is the vital link to every other part of the body, including our immune system. Taking care of our health in general is absolutely essential for keeping our brains healthy. For some tips on keeping your brain healthy, see "Take care of your brain," at www.canadian-health-network.ca.

Announcements

Margaret Trudeau Speaks Out on Mental Illness [back to top]
"There will be light," says Margaret Trudeau to those suffering from depression or mental illness. A victim for almost 40 years of bipolar disease, an incurable mental health condition, the 58-year-old mother of five is today a strong advocate for dragging mental-health issues out of the closet. At a press conference for CMHA BC's upcoming Bottom Line Conference, Trudeau spoke openly with reporters about her experience with depression and the effect of her long-term marijuana use. See "Bipolar disease nearly killed her," at www.canada.com. See also "Margaret Trudeau says quitting marijuana helped mental health," at www.canada.com and "Margaret Trudeau: Quitting pot eased mental illness," at www.canada.com.
   >> learn more about Margaret Trudeau's journey through recovery at the Bottom Line Conference on March 7, 2007. For details and registration visit www.bottomlineconference.ca.

Actors Anne Hathaway, Zach Braff, Mandy Moore Reveal Their Struggles With Depression [back to top]
The Devil Wears Prada star, Anne Hathaway recently reveled that she suffered from anxiety and depression as a teen. The 24-year-old's self-outing follows fellow actors Zach Braff's and Mandy Moore's recently publicized stories of depression and recovery. "I'm a very positive person, and I've always been glass-half-full, so it was like someone flipped a switch in me. I wanted to figure out why." says Mandy Moore of her recent bout of depression. "Writing [music] has been really therapeutic." See "Anne Hathaway's Depression Confession," at tv.yahoo.com, "Zach Braff Says He Has 'Mild Depression'" at www.people.com, and "Singer Mandy Moore: I struggled with depression," at www.ctv.ca.

2007 Federal Budget Online Consultation Until February 28 [back to top]
The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance has launched online consultation giving Canadians from coast to coast an opportunity to participate in the development of Budget 2007. CMHA National urges everyone to take this oportunity to make mental health a priority in Canada, and has prepared suggestions for the following priority areas for you to consider:
Spending Priority - To set the stage for a national strategy to address the 33 billion dollar annual economic cost of mental health issues, we ask you to implement the recommendation of the Standing Committee on Finance, in its December 2006 report, to establish a Mental Health Commission with a multi year budget of $17 million per year.
Personal Tax - To provide tax relief for low-income Canadians as well as to develop a working income supplement and other personal income tax changes that would provide incentives for low income earners to work and to remain employed within Canada.
Other - The government, in conjunction with the provincial/territorial governments, develop a national housing strategy and, on a priority basis, take action in order to ensure that the housing needs of Aboriginal Canadians and low-income families are met.
The online consultation is taking place until February 28 at www.fin.bc.ca.

Conversation on Health Regional Public Forums in BC [back to top]
The Conversation On Health is a discussion among British Columbians on how to make BC healthier, and how to improve and renew our health system while strengthening the Canada Health Act. The Conversation On Health regional forums are currently underway. Be sure to pay attention to registration deadlines if you are interested in attending on of the forums in your area. The deadline for North Vancouver is quickly approaching on February 16. See the forum schedule at www.bcconversationonhealth.ca for registration deadlines for Richmond, Cranbrook, Campbell River, Fort St. John, Smithers, Castlegar and Vancouver.

Special Court Sentences the Mentally Ill to Medical Help [back to top]
A special court launched in Ottawa will make sure mentally ill people accused of crimes get the medical help they need. The mental health court began as a pilot project in the fall, but as of February 12 it became a permanent fixture three days a week in Courtroom 8 at the Ottawa courthouse. The court will be open to people who have been diagnosed with severe mental illness or an intellectual disability, and will include lawyers, clerks and a judge who all have experience working with the mentally ill and who will work collaboratively. The cases to be dealt with by the court mostly involve people accused of crimes on the less serious end of the scale. See "Special court sentences the mentally ill to medical help," at www.cbc.ca.
   >> if the topic of mental illness and the justice system interests you, check out the issue of Visions Journal on Criminal Justice at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

Reducing Wait Times for Children's Mental Health Services Project Underway [back to top]
Investigators at the IWK Health Centre, Dalhousie University and McMaster University are leading a team of world-class researchers on a series of projects that will directly improve access to health care for children struggling with mental health disorders. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) announced that the CIHR Team in Access to Children's Mental Health Services has been awarded a $4 million, five-year grant with the goal of increasing timely access to cost-effective, evidence-based mental health services for children. For more information about the team and their work, please visit, www.bringinghealthhome.com/team.

New National Framework Aims to Have Substance Treatment Strategy by 2008 [back to top]
In countrywide consultation leading to the National Framework for Action to Reduce the Harms Associated with Alcohol and Other Drugs and Substances in Canada, the need to review and enhance treatment systems in Canada emerged as a key priority for action. Now, efforts are under way to draft a national treatment strategy for release by April 2008. The new National Treatment Strategy Working Group will develop a comprehensive report with recommendations for improving substance abuse treatment in Canada. See "New National Framework working group aims to have treatment strategy for Canada by 2008," available in pdf format at www.ccsa.ca. For more information, visit the National Framework for Action to Reduce Harms Associated with Alcohol and Other Drugs and Substances in Canada website at www.nationalframework-cadrenational.ca.

YouthInBC.com Wins Award [back to top]
Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of BC's YouthInBC.com program was awarded this year's Celebration of Community Award, presented by Scotiabank. The award includes a $5,000 grant. The Celebration of Community Award recognizes a United Way funded program that focuses on prevention or early intervention and takes an innovative approach to responding to changing social conditions in the Lower Mainland. YouthInBC.com provides an interactive web-based support for youth in crisis.

Maple Ridge Crystal Meth Task Force Expands Scope [back to top]
The Maple Ridge crystal meth task force is expanding its mandate to include all addictions and mental illness. Since forming three years ago to tackle a surge in crystal meth addiction among homeless people and youth in the community, the task force has found that many clients suffer from a mental illness and that their addictions span several drugs. See "Maple Ridge Meth task force expands scope," at crystalmethbc.com.

New Mental Health Services for the Deaf in London, Ontario [back to top]
Canada's first tertiary care mental health program for the Deaf has opened at London, Ontario's Regional Mental Health Care. The program services people who are Deaf, deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or deafblind and who have a severe mental illness. Dr. Elizabeth Lock, a psychiatrist, and Dr. Cathy Chovaz McKinnon, a psychologist, provide services in American Sign Language, English, French and total communication. The program will also take part in research and train professionals. For more information on the program, see its website at www.sjhc.london.on.ca and "New Mental Health Services for Deaf Patients," at www.cmaj.ca.

BrainStorm Poetry Contest for People With Mental Illness Seeks Entries– Ends March 23 [back to top]
It's that time again, when poets pick up their pencils and enter the BrainStorm Poetry Contest for individuals living with mental illness. Join in, by entering your best poetry by March 23, 2007. Prizes will be awarded for the top three poems. The top three poems, judged by a panel of mental health consumers and family members, will be awarded prizes and be published in Open Minds Quarterly, a literary journal dedicated to publishing the writing of individuals living with mental illness. First prize – $250; Second Prize – $150; Third Prize – $75. Download the entry form and rules from www.nisa.on.ca.

Seeking People With Mental Illness to Interview for a Book Chapter on Library Access [back to top]
The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities' Health Literacy Network helps people with disabilities find and use health information. They are currently working on a project to help people with disabilities get health information at their local library, and are seeking people from the following with mental illness, physical or developmental disabilities, learning disabilities or chronic health conditions to interview about their needs and experiences accessing health information. Interviewee names will not be used in the final report - a book chapter. There will be a short (less than five minutes) pre-interview by telephone. A limited number of people in each disability community will then be interviewed by telephone for a longer period of up to 30 minutes or by email. People selected for the longer interview will receive a gift certificate in appreciation of their time. Interviews will be done before March 16. If you are interested in participating, please contact Shelley at 604-875-0188, toll-free at 1-877-232-7400, TTY 604-875-8835 or email wdi@bccpd.bc.ca.

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

Public Education Events

Movie Mondays in Victoria [back to top]
Every Monday at 6:30pm, Bruce Saunders' Movie Monday project presents free movies at the Eric Martin Pavilion at the 1900 block of Fort Street in Victoria. More details at www.islandnet.com/mm
February 19 – Devil and Daniel Johnston
February 26 – Margaret's Museum
March 5 – Neil Young: Heart of Gold
March 12 – Skate Girl
March 19 – Monster In A Box

Free Strengthening Families Together Program – Begins February 17 [back to top]
BC Schizophrenia Society – Abbotsford is offering a free 10-session course to provide information, skill-building and support to families and friends of someone living with a mental illness. Topics will include information about mental illness, medication and treatments for mental illness, as well as how to cope with and support your loved one living with a mental illness. This group will begin February 17, 2007 from 9:30am to 12:00noon at 2615A, Montrose Avenue, Abbotsford, BC V2S (near the old Post Office). Facilitated by Dorenda Limoges and Laurie Pfeifer. Register by contacting Velma at 604-859-0105 or 604-859-0128 or by email at bcssdirect@hotmail.com.

Free Aboriginal Health & Wellness Conference in Mission – February 20 – 22 [back to top]
Aboriginal community members and service providers are invited to attend the 4th Annual Aboriginal Health & Wellness Conference. Highlights include speakers Dr. Rod McCormick, UBC and Sean Muir, The Healthy Aboriginal Network, health & wellness workshops, health care clinic. FREE to attend. Includes lunch and door prizes. Dinner and entertainment on Thursday, February 22. For more information please contact Sto:lo Nation Health Services at 604-824-3200 or 1-877-411-3200.

Frames of Mind Mental Health Film Series – The Sea Inside – February 21 [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. Screenings, accompanied by presentations and panel discussion, are held on the third Wednesday of each month. Winner of the 2005 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, Alejandro Amenábar's The Sea Inside is based on the true story of Ramón Sampedro, a Spaniard who was paralyzed in a diving accident at the age of 25 and spent the next thirty years of his life fighting a legal campaign to win the right to end his life with dignity. Post-screening discussion with Dr. Romayne Gallagher, Physician Program Director, Providence Health Care Palliative Care Program, and Clinical Professor, UBC Division of Palliative Care. 7:30pm at Pacific Cinémathèque, 1131 Howe Street, Vancouver. Tickets: $8.50 regular / $7 for students and seniors. Eligible for 1.0 hour Section 1 of Royal College's Maintenance of Certification Program. Visit www.psychiatry.ubc.ca or www.cinematheque.bc.ca for more information.

Promoting Healthy Living: Multicultural Health Fair – March 3 [back to top]
A combination of fun and educational activities, the Multicultural Health Fair is a free community event that takes place each February/March. The first Multicultural Health Fair took place in 2005 and last year it became the largest multicultural health fair in Canada . This year's theme is "Promoting Multicultural Health." Free admission. From 10am to 4pm at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive. For more information, visit www.amssa.org.
   >> visit the CMHA booth while you are there!

Free Forum on Smoking and Mental Illness - March 6 [back to top]
Cultivating Awareness of the Context of Tobacco Use (CACTUS) presents Café and Conversation, a one-day forum on the results of the CACTUS project. This free forum is open to people living with mental illness, family members and supporters, mental health care providers, administrators and tobacco/addiction specialists. Presentations will include individuals speaking about their experiences with tobacco, background information and ties between mental illness and tobacco, current smoking cessation programs available in Vancouver, as well as a performance by Stand Up for Menal Health led by David Granirer. To register, please phone 604-822-0378.
    >> watch for the Spring issue of Visions on the topic of Tobacco, at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

MDA of BC Education Evening - Treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – March 15 [back to top]
Do you find yourself checking and double-checking in response to your non-stop thoughts? Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one anxiety disorder that collectively affects about 12% of our population; controlling a person's thoughts, behaviour, emotions and physical health resulting in constant distress. Everyone is welcome to attend a free MDA of BC Education Evening with Dr. Adam Chodkiewicz, Faculty of Medicine, St. Paul's Hospital. A question and answer period will follow. At 7pm, at Sunrise Hall, 1950 Windermere Street. For more information contact MDA at 604-873-0103 or email: mdabc@telus.net.

Courses and Workshops

Mental Health Works Workshops [back to top]
Mental Health Works provides organizations with the tools and resources they need to effectively address issues involving mental illness in the workplace. Informational presentations and skills building workshops are available for various audiences in the workplace - from employees at all levels, to union representatives to senior management. Cost: "Complex Issues. Clear Solutions" full-day workshop $210 per participant, plus expenses (12-16 participants); "Complex Issues. Clear Solutions." series of three 3-hour workshops $350 per participant, plus expenses (12-16 participants); 3-hour workshops $1500; "Issues and Solutions" workshop $1500; other 2-hour workshops $800 - $1000. Learn more at www.mentalhealthworks.ca or contact Margaret Tebbutt at 1-800-555-8222 or mentalhealthworks@cmha.bc.ca for more information.
    >> don't miss our pre-conference Mental Health Works workshops - March 6, 2007. Visit www.bottomlineconference.ca for details and registration.
"Complex Issues. Clear Solutions" Management Workshop (full-day 7-hour workshop, or three 3-hour workshops) - Learn to effectively address the complex issues around mental health problems in the workplace. This award-winning workshop is a practical and interactive multimedia learning experience. Includes materials and resources.
Awareness of Workplace Mental Health (1 hour) - An engaging look at what it is like to experience conditions such as depression or anxiety at work
Workplace Influence (3 hours) - Employees consider ways to positively influence both their own mental health and that of their co-workers.
Issues and Solutions (2 hours) - Provides a quick overview of the Mental Health Works approach to building awareness, recognition and strategies around mental health issues in the workplace.
Assisting Workers with Mental Health Issues (3 hours) - For union representatives and stewards. A unique look at the role of the union in helping members through workplace conflict, accommodation and disability.
Affecting Workplace Mental Health (3 hours) - Looks at the systemic and organizational factors that affect the mental health or workers and asks participants to create action plans for those factors that affect their own workplace situation.
Human Resources: Return-to-Work Strategies (3 to 4 hours) - For human resource personnel involved in the return-to-work or performance management of people with mental health issues. Case studies engage partici[ants in considering approaches to the more difficult sitations.
Occupational Health Strategies: Return-to-work after Mental Illness (3 to 4 hours) - Addresses challenges such as working with physicians, uncooperative supervisors or management, and employees who do not seem able to access effective treatment.
Managing the Return-to-Work (3 hours) - For managers and supervisors who have a good working knowledge of mental health and communication skills, including those who have attended previous Mental Health Workshops and want to get more 'hands on' in how they juggle the competing interests of the returning employee, co-workers, organizational demands and their own time management.

Mental Health & Developmental Disability Worker Diploma Program [back to top]
Stenberg College's new Mental Health & Developmental Disability Worker Diploma program offers theoretical and practical education for students who wish to support individuals with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness. The 44-week program is designed to prepare students to support and promote improved quality of life for their clients and prepare graduates for immediate employment in residential & supportive houseing, day programs, clubhouse settings and community outreach. The curriculum was developed in partnership with Coast Mental Health and Semiahmoo House Society. For more information on the program visit www.stenbergcollege.com or call 1-87-STENBERG.

Mental Illnesses and Developmental Disabilities Education Series [back to top]
Fraser Valley & West Coast Mental Health Support Teams are presenting a series of spring workshops on mental illnesses and developmental disabilities. All workshops will start at 9am and end at 3:30pm, and have a 1-hour lunch period. Workshop fee: $20/day; Lunch optional for an additional $12/day. The series of presentations in March will be hosted at the Old Mill Boathouse, 2715 Esplanade Street, Port Moody (by Rocky Point Park). For more information, please mail Anne Halas, Education Coordinator at anne.halas@fraserhealth.ca.
March 2 – Mental Illnesses & Developmental Disabilities
March 9 – Psychiatry and Psychatric Medications
March 16 – Anxiety & Mood Disorders
March 23 – Communications
March 30 - Sexuality

Helping the Helper Non-Profit Management Workshops [back to top]
This series of workshops, sponsored by Coast Capital Savings and The Centre for Non Profit Management, is designed to provide leaders in the non-profit sector with the skill and knowledge they need to be successful. From 9am - 4pm, registration at 8:30am. Workshop fee: $65 per session. Includes refreshments, materials and lunch. Coast Capital Savings member and group rates available. For information on bursaries, email info@cnpm.ca. For the full workshop schedule or to register www.cnpm.ca.
Lower Mainland - The Diamond Alumni Centre, SFU Burnaby Campus, 8888 University Drive
March 13 - Breathing Life into Your Strategic Plan
April 19 – Evaluation Front to Back
Fraser Valley - Ramada Plaza and Conference Centre, 26035 N. Parallel Road, Abbotsford
March 14 - Breathing Life into Your Strategic Plan
Victoria - Room 150, 1515 McTavish Road, Sidney
March 13 - Breathing Life into Your Strategic Plan
April 24 – Evaluation Front to Back
Nanaimo - 11 Bastion Street, Nanaimo
March 7 - Tips and Tools for Developing Effective Work Teams

Recovery Matters Workshops on Bowen Island – February 17 + 18 [back to top]
Dr. Allen Berger, Clinical Director at Cumberland Heights Treatment Centre in Tennassee, will be conducting a weekend recovery workshop at The Orchard Recovery and Treatment Centre. In the February 17 workshop on Group Process Therapy, Dr. Berger will lead training sessions for addictions professionals on hot to conduct group therapy. The February 18th workshops for individuals and couples will focus on Emotional Sobriety and Healthy Relationships in Recovery. Workshop fees: $150/full weekend; $110 Saturday; $75 Sunday; $40 Health Relationships workshop only. For more information or to register visit www.orchardrecevery.com.

Tax Tips For Families of a Relative With a Disability – February 22 [back to top]
For families of a relative with a disability, working out the various expenses and deductions permitted can be a confusing process. PLAN is offering a 2-hour tax seminar that will assist families to claim the deductions they are entitled to. Accountants from CGW Chartered Accountants will review the Disability Tax Credit, claimable medical expenses, the refundable medical expense supplement and the caregiver amount. Discussion will focus on disability supports deduction and what to claim even if your relative is not living at home. There will be plenty of time for questions and answers. Presented by Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN). Workshop fee: $40.00. From 6-8pm at #260-3665 Kingsway, Vancouver. Snacks will be provided. To register, please contact inquiries@plan.ca.

Fast, Effective Treatment for Anxiety Disorders Workshop in Duncan - February 22 + 23 [back to top]
In this 2-day workshop for mental health professionals, Dr. David Burns will describe three powerful models for the treatment of anxiety disorders: the cognitive model, the behavioural model and the hidden emotion model. Dr. Burns is Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences at the Stanford School of Medicine and author of Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy. Presented by Jack Hirose & Associates. Workshop fee: $335; Student and Group rates available. 8:30am–4:30pm at Travel Lodge Silver Bridge Hotel and Conference Centre, 140 Transcanada Highway. For more information and registration, visit www.jackhirose.com or all 604-924-0296 or toll-free 1-800-456-5424.

Disability Management and Wellness Workshops at THEO BC - Starting February 29 [back to top]
THEO BC, a non-profit organization offering a selection of employment-related programs, courses, continuing education, leisure activites, and supported education services, will be starting a new series of disability management and wellness workshops that will run Tuesdays 1-3:50pm, Wednesdays 1-3:50pm and Saturdays 9:30am-12:20pm. Topics will include Barriers, Change, Finances, Problem Solving, Stress Management, Self-Care, Health Living, Learning Styles and Disability Management Planning. For more information, contact THEO BC at info@theobc.org, 604-972-0770 or toll-free at 866-377-3670.

Free Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Workshop – March 7 + 29 [back to top]
Motivation, Power, and Achievement Society (MPA) is offering a free course for people with mental illness on how to deal with a volatile or potentially volatile situation through the use of body language and speech. Come and learn skills and tools to help you stay safe. Participants will be provided with a workbook and a certificate of completion. Free to attend and includes lunch and refreshments. From 9am to 4:30pm at the Coast Clubhouse offices at 293 East 11th Ave., Vancouver. Please contact Sandra at 604-482-3700 to register.
March 7 – for women only
March 29 – for men only

Conferences

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

Participation in the Workplace – March 2 [back to top]
The Disabilities Health Research Network (DHRN) is pleased to present its 2nd annual conference on participation in the workplace. This is a unique opportunity for DHRN members and individuals with an interest in disability health research to meet and exchange ideas. Keynote speaker presentation and facilitated discussions will range from in home work by mothers with disabilities to the exclusion of people with disabilities from paid employment. In Vancouver. Registration is FREE but space is limited. To register or for more details email dhrn@ubc.ca or call Sylvie Zebroff, DHRN Coordinator at (250) 807-8793.

2007 Bottom Line Conference – Mental Illness in the Workplace: The Elephant in the Room - March 7 [back to top]
CMHA BC Division invites you to participate in our annual conference on reducing the monumental personal and economic costs of mental illness in the workplace. Gain insight, be inspired and learn how attention to mental health and mental illness in the workplace will help retain valuable employees, increase employee health, well-being and productivity, as well as decrease absenteeism and disability claims. This year's speakers include Margaret Trudeau, Linda Duxbury, Bill Wilkerson, and Alan Young. Conference fee: $395;Group rates available. 7am-5pm at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver. Learn more and register at www.bottomlineconference.ca.
    >> don't miss our pre-conference Mental Health Works workshops - March 6, 2007. Learn hands-on skills for addressing mental illness in the workplace. Visit www.bottomlineconference.ca for details and registration.

Changing Behaviour, Changing Lives: Alcohol and Co-occuring Conditions – March 8 [back to top]
Many individuals simultaneously suffer from mental illness, problem alcohol and drug use, and other medical or physical disorders, resulting in enormous individual suffering and societal costs. The BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network invites you to take part in our 2007 Research Colloquium which will feature leading experts in the field of alcohol and co-occurring conditions. Registration is FREE but online registration is required. 9am–4pm at Fletcher Challenge Theatre, SFU Harbour Centre, Vancouver. For more information or to register visit www.cpdkt.ubc.ca.

Canadian Conference on Men's Health in Victoria – March 21 - 24 [back to top]
The Well Foundation Society and the Prostate Centre will be hosting the first-ever Canadian Conference on Men's Health, where leading experts in medicine, bio-psycho-social sciences and the public policy arena will address various issues affecting the health and wellness of men. Among the topics being covered are the lifecycle of the male, healthy living and prevention, men's sexuality and reproductive health, healthy environments and working conditions, and mental health, problematic substance use and addictions. At the Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria. For more information, see www.menshealthcanada.ca for contact Marischal at (250) 472-7644.

Mental Health and the Justice System Across the Lifespan – March 28 – 30 [back to top]
The BC Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission, BC Youth Forensic Psychiatric Services, the Alberta Mental Health Board and the UBC Department of Psychiatry is hosting the 4 th Annual Forensic Psychiatry Conference. CMHA BC's Camia Weaver will be presenting, "Before We Get to Court...Police Response to Persons with Mental Illness," at 3-3:45pm on March 28. At Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria . For additional information or conference registration contact Barbara Bell or Edna Turnbull at 604-524-7518 or 604-524-7173 or email bbell@bcmhs.bc.ca or eturnbull@bcmhs.bc.ca.
   >> learn more about CMHA BC's Mental Health and Police Project on the website at www.cmha.bc.ca.

R & R of Mental Health: Rehabilitation & Recovery Conference – April 27 [back to top]
Mental health professionals, caregivers, and consumers of Vancouver Coastal Health are invited to attend a mental health conference presented by Vancouver Acute and Community Mental Health Services. Topics include Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder, The Effectiveness of Outreach, Rehabilitation and Recovery in Film, and Community Mental Health Programs. Registration fee: $50; $45 before March 23. From 8am to 4pm at Plaza Hotel, 500 West 12th Ave., Vancouver. For more information call 604-875-4812.

Rethinking Risk – McCreary Youth Foundation Annual Conference on Youth – April 27 + 28 [back to top]
This conference for youth workers, academics, and young people will explore the theme "Rethinking Risk" and will challenge conference participants on concepts of risk and to consider both the positive and negative aspects of the risky and risk-taking behaviours of adolescents. The conference presentations will feature topics such as assessment, risk from a youth's perspective, building resiliency, high risk/vulnerability, and fostering positive youth development. Conference fee: $175 by March 15; $200 after March 15. To register, visit www.myfoundation.ca or contact Sarah Day or Kathy Powelson at 604-299-1609 or info@myfoundation.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.

To subscribe or unsubscribe from MIND MATTERS, visit www.cmha.bc.ca.

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