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

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

CMHA NEWS:

We Want to Hear From You! Take Our Quick Survey
BC Division Welcomes Ted Woodrow to the Board of Directors
Lorne Fraser Educational Fund Accepting Applications
The Bounce Back: Reclaim Your Health Project
Bottom Line Conference Presentaions Available by Webcast
CMHA National Publishes High School Curriculum Guide for Mental Health
CMHA Kelowna and BrainTrust Battle Homelessness
CMHA Simon Fraser Branch's Breathing Easy Books Flying off the Shelves
CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Seeks Volunteers for Partnership Program
CMHA South Okanagan Similkameen Branch has Moved
New Website for CMHA Delta Branch
Read the Latest Visions Magazine on Medications
CMHA Simon Fraser Branch Open House
North Shore Health Lecture Series
Vancouver/Burnaby Branch Special Events

FEATURED CMHA PROGRAM:

Willow Community Bridging Project for the Homeless Wraps up Successfully

CANADIAN RESEARCH:

1 in 6 Youth Hurt Themselves to Deal with Mental Stress
Majority of Soldiers Avoid Mental Health Help
Brief Report on Phase II of Study on Mental Health of Hospital Workers
High Suicide Rate Persists in Nunavut
More Research Needed on Housing Solutions for Individuals with Mental Illness
Canadian Physicians Rate Access to Mental Health Services as Fair to Poor

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD:

People with Serious Mental Illness Can Sustain Competitive Employment
Older Women More Likely to be Depressed Than Men
Epilepsy Drugs May Increase Risk of Suicidal Behaviour Says FDA
Psychoeducation an Effective Coping Method for Families
Learning about Mental Illness in Secondary Schools Produces Positive Change

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES:

New Website on Schizophrenia and Substance Use
New Online Clubhouse for People with Depression and Bipolar Disorder
International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership
Webcast Provides Evidence for Person-Centred Services
Making Informed Choices about Psychiatric Medications
Managing Winter Blues

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Almost a Third of Vancouver Police Calls Involve People with Mental Illness
Mental Health Commission of Canada Appoints President & CEO
New Antidepressant Approved by Health Canada
Maple Ridge Youth Wins "What Makes You Strong?" YouTube Video Contest
BrainStorm Poetry Contest Welcomes Submissions from Consumers
UBC Study Seeks Consumers with Unipolar or Bipolar Diagnosis

PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS:

Coping Courses for Chronic Illness and Mild Depression in Victoria
Movie Mondays in Victoria
Thin - Eating Disorders Documentary
Help Shape the Future of Bipolar Disorder Research
Recovery Theatre Performance of The Loonie Awards

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS:

New Mental Health & Addictions Diploma Offered by Camosun College

CONFERENCES:

Aboriginal Health Forum in Calgary, AB
‘Are We Mad?' Conference in Edmonton, Alberta
Psychosocial Treatments for Bipolar Disorder 
Forensic Psychiatry Conference on Mental Health and the Justice System

CMHA NEWS

We Want to Hear From You! Take Our Quick Survey on Mental Health Care [back to top]
A recent report by the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) called "Lost in Transition" details how the lack of capacity in the mental health system is failing people with mental illness in Vancouver draining police resources. Our experience tells us this isn't just a Vancouver issue; tell us if we're right or not. Our quick 10 question survey is anonymous and confidential and takes just a few minutes to fill out. Your responses will guide CMHA policy work moving forward. We'll post initial findings by the end of February. Take the survey now.

BC Division Welcomes Ted Woodrow to the Board of Directors [back to top]
CMHA BC Division is pleased to welcome Ted Woodrow to the Board of Directors, the group of vollunteers that governs our organization. Ted is Regional Director of Group Marketing for The Great-West Life Assurance Company. Ted has 40 years with Great-West Life, of which most of this time has been spent in the group benefits business. He also continues to support and serve on the Final Selection Committee for the Courage to Come Back Awards provided annually be the Coast Foundation. He has been a long-time and active steering committee member for the Bottom Line Conference, including chairing the Sponsorship Committee.

Lorne Fraser Educational Fund Accepting Applications - Due April 25  [back to top]
Each year, the Lorne Fraser Educational Fund is awarded to people with a mental illness to help further their pursuit of post-secondary education. There are 7 bursaries for $700 which are based on the annual interest of the fund and are awarded for the fall term of each year. Lorne Fraser is committed to increasing opportunities for people with a mental illness. He has had bipolar disorder for many years and is aware of the difficulties associated with mental illness. He continues to raise the capital to build the fund and recognizes the importance of education to the personal well-being of a contributing member of society. Since 1982, the Lorne Fraser Fund has helped more than 100 British Columbians pursue their educational dreams. The program is currently accepting applications until April 25, 2008. To learn more about the fund and download an application form, visit www.cmha.bc.ca/services/lornefraser

The Bounce Back: Reclaim Your Health Project [back to top]
The Bounce Back: Reclaim Your Health project offers mental health support to patients coping with chronic health conditions. Through psychoeducation and guided self-help, Bounce Back can help primary health care practitioners to help patients improve their quality of life. This project is led by CMHA BC Division and funded by the BC Ministry of Health. For more information visit www.cmha.bc.ca/services/bounceback.

Bottom Line Conference Presentations Available by Webcast [back to top]
Thank you to everyone who contibuted to the success of CMHA BC Division's 6th annual Bottom Line Conference on mental illness in the workplace. The 2008 conference took place on February 20 in Vancouver, celebrating leadership in workplace mental health while exploring innovative and best-practice strategies. Key presentations from the conference are available to view by webcast, free of charge at www.bottomlineconference.ca.

CMHA National Publishes High School Curriculum Guide for Mental Health [back to top]
CMHA National recently published their Mental Health and High School Curriculum Guide: Understanding Mental Health and Mental Illness. The resource was created to support educators within Canadian secondary schools who address issues of mental health and mental illness in the classroom. The guide includes six lesson plans, complete with activity worksheets, handouts, and flash videos. Each lesson fits into 50 minutes of classroom time. The videos were created in partnership with Laing House, a community support centre for young adults, ages 17-24, who are living with serious mental illnesses such as psychosis or mood disorders. For more information and to download the entire curriculum, visit www.cmha.ca/highschoolcurriculum. Other resources on mental health in high school are available at www.cmha.ca/highschool.
  >> Visions Journal's summer issue on High Schools seeks stories: If you're a junior or senior high school student, parent or other family member of one, or educator in one, and have a personal story to share about schools' role in promotion of mental health and healthy substance use, we want to hear from you. Email us visions@heretohelp.bc.ca for more information.

CMHA Kelowna and BrainTrust Battle Homelessness [back to top]
CMHA Kelowna and BrainTrust Canada are working together to bridge a service gap for homeless individuals who are disabled as a result of brain injury. This innovative collaboration pairs one staff member from Brain Trust Canada with the CMHA Outreach Services team. Together, they will provide affordable housing solutions for persons with brain injury and life skills training to prevent future homelessness in Kelowna. This program is funded until the end of March 2009 by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), and is supported by the Poverty and Homelessness Action Team for the Central Okanagan (PHAT-CO). For further information please contact CMHA's Shelagh Turner at (250) 861-3644 or at kelowna@cmha.bc.ca. You can also get in touch with BrainTrust's Magda Kapp at (250) 762-3233 or at mkapp@braintrustcanada.com.

CMHA Simon Fraser Branch's Breathing Easy Books Flying off the Shelves [back to top]
Tougher provincial anti-smoking laws have been boosting sales of CMHA Simon Fraser Branch's Breathing Easy books on smoking cessation. A recent order of 100 books to help implement Riverview implement their new smoking policies pushed sales to over 460 in the last six months from such diverse customers as Tri-Cities Mental Health, Rainbow Clubhouse Maple Ridge, CMHA Kelowna Branch, Vancouver Health Authority, Prince Rupert Mental health and Addictions, Stepping Stone Clubhouse in Langley, and Citi Centre Health Care in Windsor Ontario. Breathing Easy is an education and support program based on cogntive behavioural techniques designed to help people with psychiatric disabilities face the challenge of quitting smoking. If you're interested in learning more about the program or ordering the program books, contact CMHA Simon Fraser Branch at 604-516-8080 or email cmhasf@telus.net.
  >> read about the Breathing Easy program in the issue of Visions on Tobacco at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Seeks Volunteers for Partnership Program [back to top]
The Volunteers in Partnership Program at CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby branch is looking for adult volunteers, who can offer 2-4 hours per week to adults in the Vancouver area, who are experiencing a mental illness. Volunteers assist participants with improving their skills, increasing their independence and exploring new activities. Volunteers and participants are asked to commit to their partnership for a minimum of six months. This is an opportunity to volunteer off-site in the community with support and guidance from the program coordinator. For more information contact the VIP Program Coordinator at 604-872-4902 ext. 290 or e-mail katy.vinson.vb@cmha.bc.ca.

CMHA South Okanagan Similkameen Branch has Moved  [back to top]
CMHA South Okanagan Similkameen Branch together with Unity House have moved from 825 Westminster Ave., West, Penticton, B.C. V2A 1L1 to 2852 Skaha Lake Road, Penticton, BC, V2A 6G1.

New Website for CMHA Delta Branch [back to top]
CMHA Delta branch has their new website up and running at www.delta.cmha.bc.ca. Their old one does not redirect and is not connected to the branch. Please update your bookmarks and directories.

Read the Latest Visions Magazine on Medications [back to top]
Medications are often a double-edged sword. They can lift symptoms of mental illness or addiction so that people can feel well enough to do all the other hard work needed for recovery. But they also present a host of complex challenges from side effects and interactions, to affordability and access. This issue of Visions: BC's Mental Health and Addictions Journal aims to help consumers feel more like partners in their care and tries to present a helpful guide into the complex world of pharmaceutical treatment of mental or substance use disorders. Visions is produced by CMHA BC Division on behalf of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information. Read it online at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.
  >> Now Visions can be delivered straight to your inbox a week before it hits the press! To subscribe or unsubscribe to e-Visions, simply use the sign up form at www.heretohelp.bc.ca. It's a free subscription!
  >> Visions looking for reactions to recent issue! Read something in the Medications issue that made you think? We'd like to hear your reactions to any article or articles in the last issue. We'll print them in our next issue. Email your letters to the editor to bcpartners@heretohelp.bc.ca

CMHA Simon Fraser Branch Open House - March 14 [back to top]
Come and help CMHA Simon Fraser Branch celebrate their brand new location at 609 - 4th Avenue, New Westminster. Drop by between 10am and 2pm for a slide show, guessing games, door prozes and refreshments. For more details contact CMHA Simon Fraser Branch at 604-516-8080 or email cmhasf@telus.net.

North Shore Health Lecture Series [back to top]
The 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. Admission by donation. For more information please phone 604-987-6959 or visit www.northwestvancouver.cmha.bc.ca.
Feburary 27 - Unlocking the mystery with choice therapy
March 5 - The Power of Gratitude

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 22 - Snow Shoeing at Mount Seymour
Febvruary 29 - Westcost Express Trip to Mission

FEATURED PROGRAM

Willow Community Bridging Project for the Homeless Wraps up Successfully [back to top]
CMHA Kelowna's Willow Community Bridging Project is in the final days of operation and has
successfully provided short-term transitional housing for 38 homeless in our community since it
began last November.

Westcorp Properties Inc. pitched the idea to use Kelowna's landmark Willow Inn that was slated
for demolition. "We saw this as a great opportunity to provide a 3 month program to people who
experience barriers in finding and maintaining stable housing." says Shelagh Turner, Executive
Director of CMHA Kelowna. The City of Kelowna gave the project a boost by providing a grant
for $9,500 to offset the property tax costs for the 3 months.

Since 2006 CMHA has provided a successful Outreach Service for Homeless people funded
through BC Housing. Outreach Workers identify homeless people in the Kelowna area, links
them to key supports and services in the community and helps them to find sustainable housing.
In 2007, the CMHA Outreach team was able to find market housing for over 80 people. The
majority of whom were able to maintain that housing for longer than 3 months.
"The Willow Project has far exceeded our expectations," says Turner. "This is a result of a clear
vision for the project, a strong staff team at the Willow, and a whole lot of hard work by the 38
people who were part of the program. There are 15 people who will be in the building until
February 1st. We are confident that they will all find a place to go once we close the doors.
CMHA Outreach workers and community service providers are working hard to ensure everyone
will be looked after."

As soon as an individual entered the Willow, the CMHA team began working with them on
creating an exit plan. The Willow provided that "bridge" that people who are homeless need in
order to work on other areas of their life that have limited their housing options. Since entering
the Willow, 7 people have found employment and many have sought treatment and recovery
programs.

The community has been incredibly supportive by volunteering their time, the occasional chili
dinner, cash and gifts" says Turner. "We were overwhelmed by the response. The project
demonstrates that our community will stand behind well run projects that make a difference and
make sense."

CMHA Kelowna committed approximately $30,000 of their own funds to ensuring the building
was safe and the clients were well supported 24/7. "It's unfortunate that the government has not
stepped up with financial support for this innovative project," says Turner. "We went forward
with the Willow because it was the right thing to do. We are very proud of what we have
accomplished and that CMHA Kelowna has played a significant role in addressing homelessness
in our community."

Westcorp was prepared to lease the building to CMHA for an additional two months but CMHA
could not continue to bear the costs alone. "Obviously we are disappointed but we have made
every effort to ensure that everyone will have somewhere stable to go to after the end of January."
says Turner.

Find out more at www.kelowna.cmha.bc.ca.

CANADIAN RESEARCH

1 in 6 Youth Hurt Themselves to Deal with Mental Stress  [back to top]
A new study has found that a significant number of young people deliberately hurt themselves, not as an attempt at suicide but as a way of coping with mental stress. The survey of Victoria youth aged 14 to 21 found that 16.9% of those interviewed — about one in six — reported self-harming behaviours, from cutting, scratching, hitting and burning to taking excessive amounts of medication or illegal drugs. Most who admitted self-harm also reported depressive mood symptoms and other problems, such as financial difficulty in the family. Self-harm as a coping mechanism is especially problematic because it may also be addictive. The study emphasizes the urgent need for community response to this prevalent yet underreported problem. Read "Survey warns youth hurt themselves to deal with mental stress" at www.cbc.ca.

Majority of Soldiers Avoid Mental Health Help  [back to top]
The first Canadian Study to examine mental health among armed forces and barriers to help found that more than half of military members with a mental disorder do not use any of the mental health services available to them. Published in the journal Medical Care, the study surveyed 8,441 Canadian soldiers, 1,220 of which (or 14%) met the criteria for at least one mental disorder in the past year. Some of the barriers to seeking help include failure to acknowledge need for services, mistrust of military administrative health and social services, and belief that a condition is temporary or the inability to identify a problem as a mental illness. See "Mental health in the military: Majority of troops avoid couch talk," at nouvelles.umontreal.ca. An abstract of the study with paid access to full text is available at www.lww-medicalcare.com.

Brief Report on Phase II of Study on Mental Health of Hospital Workers  [back to top]
The brief report of Phase II of the Changing the Workplace: Improving Mental Health or Hopital Workers summarizes the results of the baseline survey on work conditions. The results of the survey completed by 848 hospital workers reveal high workload and insufficient staffing as the most frequently cited concerns about work conditions.The results also indicate that participants perceive themselves as providing a higher quality of patient care on units when these are not concerns. Both the quantitative and qualitative results suggest that the physical environment, including issues pertaining to a lack of space, limited patient beds and poor cleanliness are of concern to the participants. Some participants also indicated being concerned about organizational communication, input into decision making, and to a lesser extent, work-life imbalance.The report is available in pdf format at www.osah.bc.ca.

High Suicide Rate Persists in Nunavut  [back to top]
Suicide continued to be a major social ill for Nunavut in 2007, the territory's chief coroner says. Since Nunavut was formed in 1999, more than 230 people in the territory of nearly 30,000 have taken their own lives. Despite this grim reality, there is still hope. Researchers are conducting a study involving the families and friends of Nunavut suicide victims to learn about the causes of suicide and use the results to sponsor positive changes in the community. Meanwhile, The Qikiqtani Inuit Association has been approved for a second year of funding for its Inuit youth suicide prevention program, receiving $93,800 in funds. The program aims to engage youth in the region in meaningful activities, such as traditional camping trips. Read "High suicide rate persists in Nunavut: coroner" at www.cbc.ca/health

More Research Needed on Housing Solutions for Individuals with Mental Illness [back to top]
More research is needed on housing solutions for individuals with serious mental illness who live in temporary or inappropriate housing, according to a recent review of past studies published in Health and Social Care in the Community. The review suggests that there is strong evidence that housing has a positive effect on the health of people with serious mental illness who were once homeless. However, most of the evidence on housing and health outcomes for people with serious mental illness is generally of poor quality due to the inconsistent nature of the studies. The review calls for more accurate research, and proposes that housing be unlimited after discharge from hospital, because the chronic and fluctuating nature of serious mental illness requires stable accommodations to maintain health. See "Effects of Housing Circumstances on Health, Quality of Life and Healthcare Use for People with Severe Mental Illness: A Review," Health and Social Care in the Community, available at www.blackwell-synergy.com. The article abstract is free for viewing, while the full text version is available for a fee.

Canadian Physicians Rate Access to Mental Health Services as Fair to Poor [back to top]
Canadian physicians believe access to mental health and addictions counselling and psychosocial support in Canada is poor, according to a 2007 national survey. The National Physician Survey (NPS), conducted by the College of Family Physicians of Canada, the Canadian Medical Association and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, found that two-thirds of the family physicians surveyed rated their patient's access to psychiatrists in 2007 as fair to poor. Nearly 20,000 physicians completed the survey. See "NPS Identifies Urgent Need for a Canadian Physician Workforce Strategy," at www.newswire.ca

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD

People with Serious Mental Illness Can Sustain Competitive Employment [back to top]
People with serious mental illness have the capacity to sustain competitive employment with few work interruptions, according to an American study published in the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services. This five-year study in the US examined the employment patterns of 328 people with bipolar disorder, depression or schizophrenia. Almost half (47%) of participants demonstrated continuous employment during the study period. Work interruptions were caused most often by the onset of psychiatric symptoms and were usually limited to one or two episodes. The likelihood of work interruption was increased for those who had more severe illnesses. Clinical implications of the study results include the need to rethink existing beliefs about work capability, to extend treatment timelines in order to reduce work interruptions and to focus on workplace accommodations. See "Patterns of Employment among Individuals with Mental Illness in Vocational Recovery," Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, available at www.jpnonline.com. The article abstract is free for viewing, while the full text version is available for a fee.

Older Women More Likely to be Depressed Than Men [back to top]
Older women are more likely than older men to suffer from depression, a new study suggests. In 18-month segments between 1998 and 2005, researchers at the Yale School of Medicine looked at how men and women aged 70 and over transitioned between three states: not depressed, depressed and death. Overall, depression rates were quite high, revealing 35.7% of the 754 participants were depressed at some point. Women were found to have higher rates of transitioning to a depressed state and lower rates of remaining non-depressed or transitioning to death. Among those who were classified as depressed, women had higher rates of remaining depressed and lower rates of transitioning to non-depressed or death. See "Older women more likely to be depressed than men: study," at www.cbc.ca.

Epilepsy Drugs May Increase Risk of Suicidal Behaviour Says FDA [back to top]
Epilepsy drugs used by millions of people may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviours, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), warned in an alert to doctors. The FDA found that drug-treated patients face about twice the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours compared with those who took a sugar pill (placebo). Drug-treated patients were at increased risk regardless of their diagnosis. Anti-seizure drugs are used for a variety of illnesses in addition to epilepsy, including migraines, certain nerve-pain disorders, and psychiatric diseases such as bipolar disorder which carry a risk of suicide themselves. The FDA has advised doctors to balance the risk with the patients' need for the drug, educate patients and their families about the risk of suicide and urge them to contact a doctor if suicidal thoughts or behaviours arise in the patient. Read "Epilepsy drugs may increase risk of suicidal behaviour: FDA" at www.cbc.cal.

Psychoeducation an Effective Coping Method for Families [back to top]
Psychoeducation is an intervention method that provides illness education, support, problem-solving training and crisis intervention. It has shown to be especially effective for families. According to a recent American study in the journal Psychiatric Services, leadership support, training of licensed professionals and financial investments are needed to increase the success of family psychoeducation models for serious mental illness. The authors also recognize the need for complementary or alternative forms of treatment for families that are not suited to psychoeducation. These can range from short-term interventions, such as brief education, to occasional counselling for issue resolution. See "The Family Forum: Directions for the Implementation of Family Psychoeducation for Severe Mental Illness," Psychiatric Services, available at www.psychservices.psychiatryonline.org. The article abstract is free for viewing, while the full text version is available for a fee.

Learning About Mental Illness in Secondary Schools Produces Positive Change [back to top]
Both secondary school teachers and their students report increased understanding about mental illness following the completion of classroom based mental health promotion, according to an Australian study published in the International Journal of Mental Health Promotion. The study investigated mental health promotion in a local school setting, specifically the Understanding Mental Illnesses module of the government-sponsored MindMatters program, a free teaching resource kit provided to every secondary school in Australia. The module includes lesson plans and resources that provide information on terminology, symptoms, prevalence, stigma and appropriate help-seeking. The study further suggests that teachers may need specialized support to incorporate teaching about mental illness into what they already do in the classroom. Finally, practical problems related to curriculum constraints and resource and time allocation must be resolved. See "Teaching and Learning about Mental Illnesses: An Australian Perspective," at www.citeulike.org.
  >> CMHA National has a similar school kit called Mental Health and High School Curriculum Guide: Understanding Mental Health.

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

New Website on Schizophrenia and Substance Use [back to top]
The Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC) has launched a new online resource on concurrent disorders and people affected by schizophrenia. A concurrent disorder is when someone has more than one condition at the same time; in this context, SSC is referring to when a person has both schizophrenia and a substance use problem. The website provides easy access to information and resources for consumers, families and service providers, answering questions about concurrent disorders and providing resources and links directed at each audience. To visit the website, go to www.schizophreniaandsubstanceuse.ca. See "Concurrent Disorders and Schizophrenia: A National Awareness Strategy: Discussion Paper at www.schizophrenia.ca.

New Online Clubhouse for People with Depression and Bipolar Disorder [back to top]
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, a consumer-directed mental health organization in the US, launched FacingUs.org on December 3, 2007. The new website offers support and information for those living with depression and bipolar disorder. It allows visitors to use and customize personal journals, wellness plans and books. It also offers meditation and yoga presentations online, and provides other recovery tools and inspirational messages. To visit the website, go to to www.facingus.org.

International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership [back to top]
The Internation Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL) is a 'virtual' agency that works to improve mental health services by supporting innovative leadership proceses. As of June 2007, there are 8 countires, including Canada, participating in the initiative. IIMHL offers support and technical assistance to countries and their mental health provision leaders by providing a support network through partnership with other leaders from around the world. IIMHL aims to identify and share the best in managerial and operational practices together with access to information about developments that are occuring in other countries. Leaders of organizations that provide services, funds, commissions services, or provide technical assistance in the field of mental health and substance use by completing a survey. For more details on the initiative, visit www.iimhl.com.

Webcast Provides Evidence for Person-Centred Services [back to top]
A new webcast from the National Research and Training Center on Psychiatric Disability (NRTC) supports the use of effective person-centred and community-based services for adults with serious mental illness. The NRTC, which operates out of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Illinois at Chicago, offers a series of three presentations on the importance of allowing people with mental illness to participate their recovery and care planning. Based on a 2005 study on the effectiveness of such programs, the presentations explore various models of care and provide recommendations for expanding the models into mainstream mental health services. See "Grading the Evidence for Consumer-Driven Services," available at www.psych.uic.edu.

Making Informed Choices about Psychiatric Medications [back to top]
The achievement of autonomy in managing psychiatric medications is the subject of a recent special issue of the Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health (CJCMH). The issue focuses on the degree of choice people have when taking medications and the challenges they face in making informed decisions about medications. The issue also includes a handbook called My Self-Management Guide to Psychiatric Medication which includes facts about medications, their therapeutic and side-effects and how to ask questions about psychiatric treatment in order to make informed choices. See "Medication and Mental Health: Promoting Autonomy," available at cjcmh.metapress.com. To order My Self-Management Guide to Psychiatric Medication, contact one of the guide's co-creators, a Quebec coalition of alternative mental health resources (RRASMQ), by e-mailing rrasmq@rrasmq.com.

Managing Winter Blues [back to top]
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a condition in which a person feels symptoms of depression during the winter months, when there is less exposure to sunlight. SAD is a mood disorder that affects thousands of people every winter between September and April, peaking in December, January and February. The "winter blues," a milder form of SAD, affects even more people. The main symptoms of SAD are depression, anxiety, mood changes, sleep problems, lethargy, overeating, and sexual difficulty. The main group suffering from SAD are women between 18 and 30 years of age. Phototherapy, or bright-light therapy, has been shown to be effective in 85% of cases, if it begins before daylight hours become too short. If you think you might suffer from SAD, discuss your symptoms with your doctor. Read "Winter Blues? Talk to Your Doctor" at www.bclocalnews.com.
 >> Also check out the Seasonal Affective Disorder fact sheet from the BC Partners, available at HeretoHelp.bc.ca

ANOUNCEMENTS

Almost a Third of Vancouver Police Calls Involve People with Mental Illness [back to top]
According to a report by the Vancouver Police Department, almost a third of the calls its officers handle involve people with mental illness, more than 40 per cent in some neighbourhoods. The report, entitled Lost in Transition, says responding to such calls drains police resources and underscores a breakdown in the mental health system. While the report says the problems officers encounter now stem in part from the failure of de-institutionalization policies like closing most of Riverview, Bev Gutray, executive director of CMHA BC, and Dr. Taylor Alexander, executive director of CMHA National, say the policy is not to blame, but its implementation. Across Canada, large hospitals for people with mental illness were shut down on the argument patients could do better living independently or in group homes with plenty of support. But, said CMHA, that support often didn't materialize. Gutray says there are examples we can learn from, such as in Calgary, of people with mental illness who are successfully diverted from the criminal justice system. See "Mental health advocates welcome Vancouver police report on mentally ill," at www.cbc.ca. Read the report and summary at www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/police.
  >> learn about CMHA BC's current and recent work in the area of mental health and the criminal justice system at www.cmha.bc.ca/advocacy/justice
  >> share your thoughts with CMHA BC on the recommendations from the report at www.cmha.bc.ca

Mental Health Commission of Canada Appoints President & CEO [back to top]
The Honourable Michael Kirby, Chair of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), today announced the appointment of Michael Howlett as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the newly formed Commission. Mr. Howlett is currently the President and CEO of the Canadian Diabetes Association. For the last five years, he has been a champion for those affected by diabetes, working with government, the medical and research community and business. Under his direction, the CDA experienced a dramatic turnaround. It has become a financially sound and effective national organization, internationally recognized as the authority in diabetes research, education and advocacy. The MHCC is a non-profit organization created to focus national attention on mental health issues. It is funded by the federal government but operates at arm’s length from all levels of government. The Commission’s objective is to enhance the health and social outcomes for Canadians living with mental health problems and illnesses. View the press release in PDF format at www.mentalhealthcommission.ca.

New Antidepressant Approved by Health Canada [back to top]
Health Canada has approved Cymbalta for the symptomatic relief of major depressive disorder in adults - the first new antidepressant available in several years. The net wholesale price of a 60 mg capsule of the drug is $3.56 and a 30 mg capsule is $1.78. The price is comparable to that of other branded antidepressants available in Canada. Cymbalta is being marketed by Lilly and Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd. See "Cymbatla Comes to Canada," at www.benefitscanada.com.

Maple Ridge Youth Wins "What Makes You Strong?" YouTube Video Contest [back to top]
MuchMusic’s Going Coastal Host and Producer, Lauren Toyota kicked off Jessie’s Hope Society’s first ever YouTube Video Contest Premier for BC Youth at UBC Robson Square Theatre in Vancouver on February 5 as part of Disordered Eating Awareness Week. The contest was open to all BC youth between the ages of 12 – 22, with $2,000 in scholarships that were awarded to the top 3 winning videos. Sixteen entries were received from youth living in Prince George, Kelowna, Abbotsford, Maple Ridge, Surrey, North Vancouver and Vancouver. The first place winner was awarded a $1,000.00 scholarship and went to Maple Ridge youth Sundeep Gill for his video "I Am Strong." Sundeep was able to demonstrate an optimistic message on how he and his friends recognize healthy self-esteem and body image in spite of all the daily pressures youth face in today’s society from the media, sports, film, peers and diet industries. All videos can be viewed on the YouTube website at www.youtube.com/group/jessieshope. For more information on the contest and winners visit www.jessieshope.org.

BrainStorm Poetry Contest Welcomes Submissions from Consumers - Due March 28 [back to top]
The 6th Annual BrainStorm Poetry Contest, organized by Northern Initiative for Social Action encourages consumers to submit their best poetry by March 28, 2008. The top three poems, judged by a panel of mental health consumers and family members with literary interests, 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. Rules and entry form are available at www.nisa.on.ca or you can call 1-705-675-9193, ext. 8286.

UBC Study Seeks Consumers with Unipolar or Bipolar Diagnosis [back to top]
Early studies suggest that disturbance of the stress hormone system may cause problems in cognitive function and make the symptoms of unipolar and bipolar disorders worse. Dr. Allan Young from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia is recruiting subjects for a study on stress hormone levels in patients with mood disorders. The study looks at levels of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone and their connection to thinking and memory. If you have a diagnosis of unipolar or bipolar disorder and are interested in participating in this study, please contact Sean McIsaac at 604-827-3352 or smcisaac@interchange.ubc.ca for further details.

PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS

Coping Courses for Chronic Illness and Mild Depression in Victoria [back to top]
The University of Victoria is offering free six-week courses for people living with chronic conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart and lung disease, fibromyalgia and mild depression. An analysis of participants of past seminars revealed significant improvements in terms of managing symptoms, having more energy and feeling less pain. The courses will be offered at ten locations throughout Duncan, Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay and Sidney. For information on when they start in a location near you call 1-866-902-3767 or visit www.coag.uvic.ca

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.
Feburary 25 - Dog Gone Addiction
March 3 - Stardust
March 10 - Reservation Soldiers
March 17 - Into the Wild

Thin - An Eating Disorders Documentary - Feburary 20 [back to top]
Thin, a documentary by Laruen Greenfield chronicling the journeys of four women with eating disorders is presented as part of the Frames of Mind film and video series promoting professional and community education on mental health issues. The film follows these women through early-morning weight checks, emotionally draining mealtimes, tearful therapy sessions, and tense encounters with staff and family members. Unflinching and incisive, Thin takes us on an emotional journey through the world of eating disorders, offering an intimate and devastating portrait of self-loathing, denial, and depression.The documentary screening at the Pacific Cinematheque (1131 Howe St.) is followed by a discussion by Dr. Keller, a staff psychiatrist at St. Paul's Eating Disorders Program. At Pacific Cinémathèque, 1131 Howe Street, Vancouver. Tickets: $9.50 regular / $8 for students and seniors. Eligible for 1.0 hour Section 1 of Royal College's Maintenance of Certification Program. For more information, view the flyer at www.psychiatry.ubc.ca or www.cinematheque.bc.ca

Help Shape the Future of Bipolar Disorder Research - March 13 [back to top]
Dr. Erin Michalak from the Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, and members of CREST.BD (The Collaborative Research Team to study psychosocial issues in Bipolar Disorder) are holding a consultation event entitled: Psychosocial issues in bipolar disorder: setting the CREST.BD agenda. The day aims to identify ways of supporting a meaningful collaboration between CREST.BD and the consumer sector, and to help shape CREST.BD's future research agenda. The event takes place at Cecil Green Park on UBC campus in Vancouver. If you experience bipolar disorder, or are associated with a relevant consumer or community group and would like to attend, please contact Erica Amari for further details at 604 822 7247 or erica.amari@ubc.ca.

Recovery Theatre Performance of The Loonie Awards - March 21 + 22 [back to top]
Now Who's Talking Recovery Theatre, an innovative project where people in recovery from mental illness and addiction learn a variety of theatre disciplines including acting, voice, improvisation and playwriting, presents The Loonie Awards (Not Just Another Recovery Awards Show). The Loonie awards are presented to people in recovery from mental illness and addiction, people who have the courage to show the inner working of the recovery process. Using a humorous awards show format the cast explores a variety of recovery experiences, like learning what it truly means to be handicapped, the challenge of dealing with negative people, and what it’s like to be obsessed with the colour yellow. By using personal experiences to explore the entire recovery process the show breaks down the stigma of mental illness. March 21 at 1pm and 7pm, March 22 at 7pm - Matinee FREE for people in recovery. At St. James Community Square, 3214 W 10th (at Trutch). Tickets: $12 advance, $15 at the door. For more info, to volunteer or reserve tickets www.whoscrazynow.com/loonieawards or email loonieawardsvancouver@gmail.com

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

New Mental Health & Addictions Diploma Offered by Camosun College [back to top]
Camosun College if offering a new Interprofessional Mental Health & Addictions (IMHA) post-degree Diploma for professionals who want to enhance skills and knowledge in mental health and addictions with a focus on collaborative practice. The next IMHA program is scheduled June 2008 to June 2009; it is part-time in a blended delivery, including web-based and face-to-face components. Students are in one course at a time throughout most of the program, and take the Interprofessional Issues course along with practicum for the last part of the program. Registration is available online at www.camosun.bc.ca or in person at Registration & Information, Lansdowne or Interurban campuses.

CONFERENCES

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

'Are We Mad?' Conference in Edmonton, Alberta - March 1-2 [back to top]
The treatment of people with mental illnessl in Canada, both by the law and by larger society, is an ongoing source of concern. This conference will present perspectives from academic literature, which are generally not understood or appreciated by the public. In particular, the legal, social and ethical implications of the medicalisation of mental illness, the pharmaceutical industry's effort to make the public disease-conscious, the implications of forced treatment, alternate views on patient rights, and stigmatization will be addressed. Keynote Speakers include Robert Whitaker, Pulitzer Prize nominated journalist and author of Mad in America: Bad Science, Bad Medicine, and Don Weitz, co-founder of the Coalition Against Psychiatric Assault (CAPA). Admission for this conference is free. The conference is calling for abstracts to be submitted by Feb. 4, 2008 to smcansh@ualberta.ca. You can find out more at http://lac.apirg.org/Home.html.

Psychosocial Treatments for Bipolar Disorder - March 15 [back to top]
The Collaborative Research Team to study Psychosocial Issues in Bipolar Disorder (CREST.BD) and Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) are holding a one day Continuing Medical Education (CME) event entitled Psychosocial Treatments for Bipolar Disorder. The event will review evidence based psychosocial treatments for bipolar disorder via a series of talks from international experts in the field and interactive workshops providing training in treatments such as psychoeducation, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and recovery. At UBC Robson Square, Vancouver. To sign up reach Erica Amari at 604 822 7247 or erica.amari@ubc.ca.

Forensic Psychiatry Conference on Mental Health and the Justice System - April 2 - 4 [back to top]
The Forensic Psychiatric Services Commission has once again joined with the Youth Forensic Psychiatric Services, the University of British Columbia and the Alberta Mental Health Board to present a conference on mental health and the justice system across the lifespan. This year's conference features a number of teaching seminars related to risk assessment, specifically the Short-Term Assessment of Risk & Treatability (START), treatment of serious and violent juvenile offenders, and assessing malingering of mental health problems. Registration Fee: $595; Student, Early Bird and Single-Day Rate also available. At the Coast Plaza Hotel, 1763 Comox St., Vancouver. For more information and registration visit www.bcmhas.ca.
   >> learn about CMHA BC's current and recent work in the area of mental health and the criminal justice system at www.cmha.bc.ca/advocacy/justice

DISCLAIMER

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

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

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

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