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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:

Musician Matthew Good Headlines Bottom Line 2009 - March 11
Post-Conference Mental Health Works Workshop - March 12
Mental Health Support for BC's Most Vulnerable Invisible in Budget 2009
CMHA Poll Finds One in Three British Columbians Juggle Their Career and Role as Caregiver
Crisis Intervention Team Training Video Now up on CMHA BC’s Website
CMHA Mental Health Week 2009
Open Letter from 200 Organizations Hopes to Reduce Poverty and End Homelessness
North Shore Health Lecture Series

IN MEMORY OF ...
Long Time Board Member, Volunteer and Mental Health Promoter, Else Strand

CANADIAN RESEARCH:

Study Ties Low Income to Psychological Stressors
Phone, Video and Internet-based Treatments as Effective as Face-to-Face Methods
Personal Beliefs About Schizophrenia Linked to Social Interaction and Stigmatization
New Treatment Strategy for Substance Use

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD:

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES:

Two New Mental Health Work Training Programs for Graduates
Out of the Ivory Tower – Article Summaries in Plain Language
Endowment 150 Program Provides Financial Aid People with Disabilities
Toolkit on Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Online Tool to Help Recruit Participants for Mental Health and Addictions Research

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mental Health Commission of Canada Seeking Public Feedback on National Framework
Art Studios Program Looking for Arts Teachers
Peer Support Worker Wanted for Six Month Contract
BrainStorm Poetry Contest Looking for Submissions
Survey Looking for Women to Discuss Stress Related to Work-Life Balance
New Website Seeks Canadians’ Input on the Health Care System

PUBLIC EDUCATIONS EVENTS:

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS:

CONFERENCES:

CMHA NEWS

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

Mental Health Support for BC's Most Vulnerable Invisible in Budget 2009 [back to top]
In an uncertain economy, vulnerable groups with the most barriers, such as people who are homeless and those with mental illness, are affected that much more. Budget 2009 was absent in details on how mental health supports will remain an area of priority, even with current health dollars. CMHA BC expressed concern and disappointment about the Budget's lack of attention to how important investing in safe, affordable housing and supports for people with mental illness is. Read more in our press release.

CMHA Poll Finds One in Three British Columbians Juggle Their Career and Role as Caregiver
[back to top]
CMHA BC recently commissioned a poll which found that a third of British Columbians have struggled to balance their role as employee and caregiver to a family member, often one living with disabilities, complex needs or long-term health problems. The majority admitted that this negatively impacted their mental health, and that their employer was not very helpful in striking the right balance between job responsibilities and family life. Shainul Kassam is a caregiver and employee who will be one of three panellists at CMHA's upcoming Bottom Line 2009 conference, speaking about her pressures of caring for family members with mental illness and her role working at CMHA. To read the complete poll results, visit www.cmha.bc.ca, and to learn more about Kassam’s story, see “Delicate balance between work, care” at www2.canada.com/vancouversun

Crisis Intervention Team Training Video Now up on CMHA BC’s Website [back to top]
People with mental illness are increasingly involved with a criminal justice system that often does not have the capacity to assist them. As part of its involvement in an ongoing mental health and criminal justice system project, CMHA BC worked with other agencies to develop a Crisis Intervention Team training for police and other first responders. A video featuring scenes from the training, as well as interviews with training and mental health coordinators, is now up on CMHA BC’s website. Watch the video at www.cmha.bc.ca/advocacy/justice

CMHA Mental Health Week 2009 - May 4-10 [back to top]
This year’s mental health week focuses on the theme of mental health and the economy, with the slogan “Now more than ever: Invest in yourself.” Desjardin Financial Security, which sponsors the national awareness week, has revealed results from their “Health is Cool” survey, finding that 44% of Canadians are stressed about their finances. Current problems with the economy and employment are increasing people’s concern and anxiety over their jobs, housing income, and cost of living. Mental Health Week will offer people tips on creating supportive relationships, reaching out to neighbours, friends, coworkers and family, staying fit and healthy through exercise and a proper diet, and seeking expert advice if faced with financial challenges. To find out more about Mental Health Week, visit www.cmha.ca or contact Alexandra Keay at akeay@cmha.ca or 613-745-7750, ext. 222.

Open Letter from 200 Organizations Hopes to Reduce Poverty and End Homelessness
[back to top]
On February 5, CMHA BC was one of 200 organizations across the province to sign an open letter calling on all BC political parties to create a poverty reduction plan. Among their suggestions was to launch a plan with timelines aiming to reduce BC's poverty rate by one-third in four years and to end street homelessness in two years. Also, the letter called for policy actions that would end poverty, improve conditions for the working poor, and focus on groups that are most at risk to poverty. Currently, more than 500,000 British Columbians live in poverty, the highest rate in the country. British Columbians concerned with the poverty issue are encouraged to sign their names to the open letter at www.bcpovertyreduction.ca

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). Admission by donation. All lectures start at 7pm. For more information please phone 604-987-6959 or visit www.northwestvancouver.cmha.bc.ca
March 11 – Meditation 101
March 18 – Introduction to Ayurvedic Medicine
March 25 – The Path from Depression to Wellness

IN MEMORY OF ...

Long Time Board Member, Volunteer and Mental Health Promoter, Else Strand

[back to top]

Else Strand passed away early in February at the age of 78, after a three year long battle with cancer.

Else was born in Port Arthur, Ontario, where she graduated as a gold medalist from the McKellar General School for Nurses in 1952. Four years later, she became a resident of Cowichan, BC. There, she eventually became the director of nursing at Cowichan District Hospital.

When CMHA opened its first branch in the Cowichan Valley, Else joined its Board of Directors, becoming one of the branch’s founding members in 1990. She later went on to become President of the branch. Else also served on many committees of the CMHA BC Board, of which she became President as well. Throughout her entire time with CMHA, Else’s roles as member, volunteer and donor have had important and lasting impacts on the success of the organization. Last year, this earned her CMHA’s Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Outside of her work with CMHA, Else brought her passion for health promotion to many other organizations. She served as Chair of the Regional Health Board, Chair of the Mental Health Advisory Committee, and Chair of the BC Coalition for Health Promotion. She was also involved with the Registered Nurses Association of BC and the Cowichan branches of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Alongside her timeless passion for health care advocacy, Else was known for always going about her volunteer assignments with a smile and a kind word for everyone around her. She was also an avid curler and boater, and enjoyed needlework and crafts.

Else was survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, a son and two daughters as well as a large extended family. She will be greatly missed by all.

CANADIAN RESEARCH

Study Ties Low Income to Psychological Stressors [back to top]
A recent Statistics Canada study of over 11,000 Canadians looked at the relationship between low income and psychological distress, such as depression and anxiety. It found that low income often leads to or contributes to distress. Stressors resulting from low income had a stronger relationship in women than in men, although they were different for each gender. Factors such as high neighbourhood crime had greater effects on men, while things like problems with child care, family and friends were more of a concern for low income women. To read the full study, see “Income and Psychological Distress: The Role of the Social Environment” at www.statscan.gc.ca

Phone, Video and Internet-based Treatments as Effective as Face-to-Face Methods
[back to top]
The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry has published a study reviewing 65 smaller studies looking at the use of video, telephone, and Internet in providing mental health services. Over 80% of these studies found these methods were effective or potentially effective in helping clients with mental illness. For example, depression treatment offered by psychiatry over the telephone was as helpful as a face-to-face session, while telephone-based programs for panic and generalized anxiety disorders were even more effective in improving the quality of life and health of clients. Similarly, people with schizophrenia reported lower stress levels while participating in an Internet-based program to help with their illness. To download a PDF of the full study, see “The Effectiveness of Telemental Health Applications: A Review” at publications.cpa-apc.org

Personal Beliefs About Schizophrenia Linked to Social Interaction and Stigmatization
[back to top]
A study of 200 University of Western Ontario students recently researched people’s personal values and beliefs when it came to their social interaction with people diagnosed with mental illness, especially schizophrenia. Students were given various social interaction scenarios, such as greeting someone while passing them on the street or letting someone look after their child, then asked how they felt doing these things with a mentally and emotionally healthy person versus a person diagnosed with schizophrenia or depression. The study, published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, linked people’s beliefs about dangerous or socially inappropriate behavior in mentally ill people and their likelihood to socialize with them. Also, students expressed less desire to interact with someone diagnosed with schizophrenia than with depression. To read the full study, see “Are Personal Values of Importance in the Stigmatization of People with Mental Illness?" at publications.cpa-apc.org

New Treatment Strategy for Substance Use [back to top]
Current services and supports for people with substance use problems are not enough to meet the $40 billion of costs every year to the health care system. A National Treatment Strategy working group has created a strategy for the country to address substance use issues and related costs to the health care system. The strategy suggests this can be done by matching the intensity of services to the intensity of the addiction, as well as encouraging more collaboration among substance use professionals and input from primary care providers, service providers, welfare and housing workers and service users and caregivers. For more information, see “A Systems Approach to Substance Use in Canada” at www.nationalframework-cadrenational.ca

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Supported Employment Beneficial to People with Initial Symptoms of Schizophrenia
[back to top]
An Australian study of 41 people done between 2005 - 06 found that people with schizophrenia who have experienced their first episode of psychosis benefit greatly from supported employment. The study, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, revealed that there were large improvements in four areas of employment factors: supported employment led to people with schizophrenia getting and keeping jobs, working more hours, earning more, and relying less on social assistance benefits. The authors of the study concluded that assisted employment early on in the diagnosis had many positive results for the people affected, including less severe symptoms of the illness and longer periods of employment. Costs related to the illness were also found to decrease, both for the individual and society. To read the full study, with paid subscription, see “Vocational Intervention in First-Episode Psychosis: Individual Placement and Support v. Treatment as Usual” at bjp.rcpsych.org

Few Students with Mental Illness Seeking or Receiving Substance Use Help in US
[back to top]
Researchers from Columbia University in Maryland have studied data spanning a year, which looks at how common mental illnesses are among 2,200 college students 19-25 years of age. Compared to those in the same age range who did not attend college, about half of each group had a mental illness, although bipolar disorder was not as common as other illnesses. While students with mental illness displayed a higher risk of alcohol use disorders and low likelihoods of drug and tobacco use, they were also less likely to have been treated for substance use problems. Less than 25% of those with a mental disorder has sought treatment in the year prior to the study. The authors conclude that treatment and prevention programs for students with mental disorders is important. To read the full study, with paid subscription, see “Mental Health of College Students and Their Non-College-Attending Peers: Results From the National Epidemiologic Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions,” at archpsyc.ama-assn.org

Playing a Computer Game after a Traumatic Episode May Reduce Future Flashbacks
[back to top]
A UK study has found that playing the video game Tetris after witnessing a traumatic event can reduce memory flashbacks of that event in the future. Although there are treatments for post-traumatic stress disorders, researchers found that early interventions are lacking. Results were found after showing 40 participants a traumatic film depicting scenes of real injury or death, followed by a break of either playing Tetris or doing nothing. The group that played Tetris after watching the violent film had far less flashbacks of the violent content a week following the experiment, compared to the group that did nothing. The study suggests that immediately after a person has seen a traumatic event, the effects of the visuals which their brain registers and stores for the future can be slightly altered, in this case by playing a game of Tetris. To read the full study, see “Can Playing The Computer Game “Tetris” Reduce the Build-Up of Flashbacks for Trauma? A Proposal From Cognitive Science” at www.plosone.org

Common Drug May Reduce Fearful Memories [back to top]
A recent Dutch study found that Propranolol, which is mainly used in drugs that treat hypertension, may help weaken and possibly erase bad memories. This could potentially help treat some phobias and anxiety disorders, as well as help people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. The study, published in Nature Neuroscience, looked at the effects of the drug on a group of 60 volunteers who had fearful memories of spiders. The drug was able to erase the behaviours associated with the fear memory 24 hours later, and prevented the fear from returning. Propranolol does this by targeting neurons in the brain when memories of fearful things or events are recalled and changing the way the memories effect a person. To read the full study, see “Beyond extinction: erasing human fear responses and preventing the return of fear” at www.nature.com/neuro

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

Two New Mental Health Work Training Programs for Graduates [back to top]
Camosun College is offering two unique study programs to prepare graduates to support those with mental health and addiction challenges. The Community Mental Health certificate program is offered full-time and part-time. It provides knowledge and skills needed to support people with various mental health challenges in the communities. The Interprofessional Mental Health & Addictions post-degree Diploma is part-time and primarily online. It deals with complex challenges and interventions for people and families experiencing addiction and mental illness. The program is for those who have completed a degree in areas such as Social Work, Nursing, Child & Youth Care, and Psychology and would like to build on their education and experience. To learn more, visit camosun.ca/learn/programs/mental-health.html

Out of the Ivory Tower – Article Summaries in Plain Language [back to top]
Out of the Ivory Tower is a series of academic papers which are reviewed in plain language for the general public. The first of these, a paper titled "Work Initiatives for Persons with Severe Mental Illnesses in Canada: A Decade of Development" is reviewed from the perspective of a service provider, an academic, and an Ontario Peer Development Initiative representative. The reviews and the paper itself focus on work in recovery of people living with or recovering from mental illness. The project is an initiative of the Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Knowledge Exchange Network (OMHAKEN). To read all three reviews or the paper abstract, visit www.ehealthontario.ca section. Read the full academic paper, with paid subscription, at cjcmh.metapress.com

Toolkit on Generalized Anxiety Disorder [back to top]
The World Federation for Mental Health has published a toolkit with information about generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) for people who are affected by the illness, their families and their physicians. GAD is a common and misunderstood condition marked by great anxiety about everyday things and physical symptoms like fatigue, trouble concentrating, irritability, headaches, and sleep problems. It can also be accompanied by depression or other anxiety disorders. To learn more about GAD, download the toolkit in PDF at www.wfmh.org

>> For more resources on anxiety disorder, check out the toolkit on managing anxiety disorder at www.heretohelp.bc.ca

Online Tool to Help Recruit Participants for Mental Health and Addictions Research
[back to top]
The Clinical Research Hub at BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network has launched its new Research Participant Portal. The Portal is a new online resource to help researchers recruit participants for mental health and addiction-related studies. It provides a list of research studies being conducted in BC that are currently recruiting participants. Participation is free for both participants and researchers. Visit the Portal at mhanet.ca/portal. Click on the 'for researchers' tab to submit study details using the online form; new studies will be added on an ongoing basis. For more details, please email crh@mhanet.ca

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mental Health Commission of Canada Seeking Public Feedback on National Framework
[back to top]
The Mental Health Commission of Canada invites Canadian individuals, groups and organizations to participate in the development of a mental health strategy for Canada. Their online feature, Setting the Goals to Guide a Mental Health Strategy for Canada, provides tools to learn about key issues and share your stories and ideas. The commission also encourages sharing this invitation with others in Canada who may wish to participate or learn about these topics. Please visit www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/strategy

Art Studios Program Looking for Arts Teachers – deadline March 5 [back to top]
Vancouver Community Mental Health Services has several arts teaching positions open. The Art Studios program is looking for applicants for introductory knotting, introductory slipcasting, creative writing, pottery sculpture, and wheel pottery teachers. Experience in the arts, teaching, and mental health are assets, and there will be a panel interview for the positions. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and curriculum to coordinator Sarah Sinanan by March 5. Call 604-871-9788 or fax 604-871-9794.

Peer Support Worker Wanted for Six Month Contract – deadline March 6 [back to top]
The Midtown Mental Health Team is looking for someone to fill a six month contract as a peer support worker. Job responsibilities would include one-on-one work helping clients reach their goals and learning new skills or resources; interacting with staff; and attending monthly peer support worker meetings. The successful candidate is well organized, flexible, and displays initiative, good judgment and interpersonal skills. They should have completed a Peer Support Training program or equivalent training or experience, as well as having personal experience receiving services within the mental health system. The position pays $11 hourly, up to 20 hours a month, including meetings. Please submit a resume and cover letter by March 6 to the Peer Support Office, Vancouver Community Mental Health Services, VCH, #200-520 W. 6 Ave, Vancouver BC, V5Z 4H5, or fax to 604-874-7661. Call 604-708-5274 for more information.

BrainStorm Poetry Contest Looking for Submissions – deadline March 20 [back to top]
The Northern Initiative for Social Action (NISA) is looking for writers who have experienced mental illness to submit their work for its annual BrainStorm Poetry Contest. Poetry may be about mental illness or any other subject, and submissions are judged based on poetic merit. The top three poems will be awarded prizes of $250, $150 and $75 and will be published in the Spring 2009 edition of Open Minds Quarterly, NISA’s literary magazine featuring the writing of people with mental illness. The entry fee is $10 for up to three poems, and must be sent in with a completed entry form by March 20. Download the entry form at www.nisa.on.ca

Survey Looking for Women to Discuss Stress Related to Work-Life Balance [back to top]
The National Union of Public and General Employees is inviting women in Canada, both those who are part of a union and those that are not, to take part in a survey looking at work-life balance. Statistics show that many people experience stress when balancing responsibilities at work and at home, but women are affected by this more than men. Women have child caring duties, as well as acting as primary caregivers to aging parents and doing the majority of household chores. All this adds to the initial stress, burnout, and depression caused by today’s economic and employment problems, and many women find it difficult to volunteer in their community, run for political office or get involved in their union. The survey aims to give voice to women in similar situations. Take the survey and find out more at www.nupge.ca/node/800

New Website Seeks Canadians’ Input on the Health Care System [back to top]
The Health Council of Canada has launched a new website, where it asks Canadians for their input on the health-care system. The website is looking to learn Canadians’ opinions on whether the health care system is funding the right services, if Canadians are getting the best value for the money spent, and what programs or services could offer better health improvements. There are also opportunities to debate these issues, participate in surveys, watch and listen to podcasts, and post comments. It can be found at www.canadavalueshealth.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.moviemonday.ca
March 9 - Bella Coola to Berlin
March 16 - The Strangest Dream
March 23 - The World's Fastest Indian
March 30 - Man on Wire
April 6 - The Hammer
April 13 - Mad City Chickens

Community Consultation Event on Stigma, Discrimination, and Bipolar Disorder –
March 12 [back to top]
This one-day event is for people who have experienced bipolar disorder and are interested in helping shape the future of research into this condition. Anyone who has lived with bipolar disorder, as well as their family members and community representatives will have the opportunity to network, identify important issues, and share information related to the disorder. The focus will be around issues of stigma and discrimination. The Collaborative RESearch Team for the study of psychosocial issues in Bipolar Disorder (CREST.BD) will present their research and welcome feedback from the group. It will take place at UBC’s Cecil Green Park House, 6251 Cecil Green Park Road, Vancouver from 10am – 4pm. An honorarium will be given to conumers and family members for attending. For more information or to register, visit www.mhanet.ca/event_registration

Frames of Mind Film Screening - The Doctor Who Hears Voices - March 18 [back to top]
Frames of Mind is a monthly film event using film and video to promote professional and community education on issues around mental health and mental illness. The Doctor Who Hears Voices is a documentary and drama looking at how society deals with mental illness by following the story of a young doctor who is who feels depressed and suicidal. Co-sponsored by Kelty Resource Centre, BC Mental Health and Addiction Services. At Pacific Cinémathèque, 1131 Howe Street, Vancouver. Tickets: $9.50 regular / $8 for students and seniors. For more information visit www.cinematheque.bc.ca.

MDA Education Evening - Men and Depression – March 19 [back to top]
Men and Depression is a public education evening organized by Mood Disorders Association (MDA) of BC where Dr. John L. Oliffe and Kristy Hoyak from UBC Centre for Nursing and Health Behaviour Research along with a male sufferer will present information about understanding how men cope with depression and what treatment programs are appropriate. This is a free event. The event will be held at the Sunrise Hall on 1950 Windermere Street in Vancouver at 7 pm. For more information contact the MDA office at 604-873-0103 or email training@mdabc.net

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

Mental Health Works Workshops for Workplaces [back to top]
Approaching an employee who seems to be unwell, managing performance issues where mental health may be an issue and addressing the concerns of co-workers are all issues we can help with. Mental Health Works, a multiple award-winning initiative of CMHA, provides organizations with the tools and resources they need to effectively address issues involving mental illness in the workplace. Educational presentations and skills-building workshops are available for various audiences in the workplace - employees at all levels, union representatives, operational managers, and senior executives. Learn more at www.mentalhealthworks.ca or contact Margaret Tebbutt at 1-800-555-8222 or mentalhealthworks@cmha.bc.ca for more information.

Introduction to Non-Profit Management Course [back to top]
Developed by the BC Centre for Non-Profit Development, this course provides free education to staff and volunteers in the non-profit sector. It is made up of 10 modules and covers topics such as leading and managing, financial management, marketing and public relations, board governance, strategic planning, evaluation and resource development. For more information and to find locations and dates at which the course will be held, visit www.bccnpd.ca/training

In Your Eyes: Community Approaches to Research in Mental Health – March 5
[back to top]
In Your Eyes: Community Approaches to Research in Mental health is a colloquium organized by BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network. This colloquium will focus on innovations in community engagement and community-based research to design treatment and prevention efforts that are empowering and culture-centered. Admission is free, but registration is required due to limited seating. The event will be held at Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue at the Simon Fraser University, Vancouver from 9 am to 4 pm with continental breakfast served at 8:15 am. The colloquium will also be broadcasted live via the internet. For registration and further contact Tenny Bache, Community Liaison Officer at tbache@phsa.ca or visit www.mhanet.ca

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

Self-Injury Behaviour in Youth – Issues and Strategies In Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna [back to top]
This workshop will begin with a general overview to assist participants in understanding the experience and motivations of adolescents who intentionally injure themselves. The workshop will offer practical strategies for working with youth struggling with this complex issue. Cost: $165. Earlybird rate available. For more information and registration contact the Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute at 1-877-353-3205 or visit www.ctrinstitute.com
Vancouver – April 8 - Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre, 711 West Broadway - 604-879-0511
Victoria – April 9 - Ramada Victoria, 123 Gorge Road - 250-386-1422
Kelowna – April 9 - Kelowna Sandman Hotel, 2130 Harvey Avenue - 250-860-6409

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

Get It Write Creative Writing Workshop – April 23-24 [back to top]
This workshop helps people who have experienced mental illness and wish to strengthen their writing skills and start a writing practice at home. Get It Write teaches fun and creative writing exercises and body movements to get words down on paper over a course of 1.5 days. The workshop also goes over the process of giving, receiving, and using feedback from readers and listeners. The program aims to build confidence in your writing skills and no previous experience is necessary. Please bring a journal to write in, a bag lunch and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Light refreshments will be provided. It takes place at 306 1212 W. Broadway, Vancouver April 23 from 9:45am-12:45pm and April 24 from 9:45am-4:15pm. Registration is $100. Register online at www.peernetbc.com/Get_It_Write_Register.htm

CONFERENCES

CMHA BC’s Bottom Line 2009 - Workplace Mental Illness and the Family – March 11
[back to top]
Bottom Line 2009 will look at the workplace mental health in a broader social context and explore latest research and innovative resources available to enable employers, employees and family members with mental illness to access the help they need. In addition to mental health experts, the afternoon panel features incredible personal stories of parents and caregivers, of how mental illness has affected their lives both at home and in the workplace. Keynote speakers include André Picard, Public Health Reporter at the Globe and Mail, Matthew Good, a recording artist and 2008 Mental Health Voices Award Winner and Don Buchanan, a child and youth mental health researcher. The 7th annual conference will attract more than 250 business leaders and managers, human resource and Employee Assistance Plan professionals, benefits providers, government officials, health service providers, union representatives and employees. At the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver. Cost: $385. Special group rates are also available. First 50 companies to register will receive a free subscription to BC Business Magazine (offer for new subscriptions only). For more information about the conference or to register visit www.bottomlineconference.ca

Mastering Mood Disorders: Identifying and Overcoming Stigma and Discrimination Conference – March 14 [back to top]
This one-day event will focus on stigma and discrimination in mood disorders. Research done by leading experts will present ways to identify and reduce stigma against mental illness, and will also highlight some treatment guidelines. The conference is for mental health professionals, consumers and family members, nurses and occupational therapists, physicians and public health professionals. It will be held at UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver, from 8:30 am to 4:15 pm. The cost is $125 per person; consumer and student rate is $75. Register by March 1 at mhanet.ca/event_registration. For more information, contact Erica Amari at 604-882-7247 or email erica.amari@ubc.ca

The 3rd International Conference on Fetal Alcoholism Spectrum Disorder in Victoria – March 11-14 [back to top]
FASD has a profound impact on individuals, families and all aspects of the society. This conference will provide a forum to discuss and examine current research, policy and practice that will assist parents, caregivers, service systems and governments as they struggle to prevent FASD and provide support to those who are living with it. The conference will share findings of researchers and professionals and recognized expertise from diverse cultures. The conference goal is to highlight international research, promoting social inclusion and creating healthy communities. The conference will be held at the Victoria Conference Centre on 720 Douglas Street in Victoria. Cost: $765 for the full conference, or $250 for one day. For more registration or more information email ipinfo@interchange.ubc.ca or visit www.interprofessional.ubc.ca

Hot Topics in Mental Health Conference – April 24 [back to top]
Hot Topics in Mental Health is a conference presented by Vancouver Acute and Community Mental Health Services. The conference will include topics that will focus on various disciplinary in mental health such as understanding of the brain, trauma, stress, addictions and treatment options for personality disorder. The conference is for the staff of Vancouver Acute and Community Mental Health Services, mental health professionals, caregivers and consumers from Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraserhealth. Cost is $50 earlybird, $60 regular (registration fee includes continental breakfast and lunch). Earlybird deadline is March 27. The conference will be held at Ballroom of the Plaza 500 Hotel, 500 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver from 8 am to 4 pm. For more information call 604-875-4111 ext. 61918.

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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