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Welcome to MIND MATTERS, an electronic newsletter produced by the Canadian Mental Health Association's BC Division office (CMHA) and delivered monthly to your mailbox. In MIND MATTERS, we provide new resources and programs offered by CMHA BC Division, 19 CMHA branches across BC and news from partner agencies and like-minded organizations committed to the mental health of British Columbians.

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

CMHA NEWS:

Mental Health Works Full-day Workshop "Complex Issues. Clear Solutions" – March 9 + March 11
Study on Police and People with Mental Illness - Looking for Participants
CMHA National's Thriving in 2010 Conference Calls for Submissions – Deadline February 25
North Shore Health Lecture Series
CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch Events in January

FEATURED PROGRAM:

For My Health! An exciting new program integrating physical and mental health screening and education

CANADIAN RESEARCH:

Paper Calls for Continued Support for Programs that Employ People with Mental Health Issues
Depression Reaches Epidemic Proportion Among Public Servants
Scale Assessing Work Functioning Gains Support in Clinical Trial
Correctional Investigation Calls for More Mental Health Services in Prisons
Senate Report: A Call to Action on Poverty, Housing and Homelessness

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD:

Men Who Participate in Cultural Activities Less Depressed
Chronic Depression Requires Prolonged Treatment
Longer Treatment Leads to Better Recovery Rates for Depressed Teens
US Establishes New Guidelines for Depression Screening

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Comox Valley Senior Peer Counselling Needs New Volunteers
Recovery Dialogues Seeks Facilitators
Help Douglas College Assess Demand for Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program
Clinical Research Hub Funding Available for Research-based Activities - Deadline January 22
Metropolis BC Offers Grants for Community Agency Programs – Deadline January 29
Logo Competition for ConKER - Deadline January 31
Mental Health of Aboriginal Peoples Conference Calls for Papers – Deadline February 1
CREST.BD Community Consultation Day - March 5

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES:

Book on Being Productive While Depressed
The Loneliness Workbook
Comic Book Describes Life with Mentally Ill Parent
Bipolar Memoir and Field Guide to Bipolar Disorder
Forward: A Bipolar Newsletter
Out of Control: the Ashley Smith Story
Mental Health Social Work Practice in Canada Guide
Substance Abuse Research for Women and Organizations Guide
Guide on Improving Outcomes for People with Mental Illness Under Corrections Supervision
Up to Date II: Substance Use Trends and Policy Responses in BC
Eating Disorders Awareness Week Materials Available by Order

PUBLIC EDUCATIONS EVENTS:

Movie Monday in Victoria
Comox Valley Mental Health Public Lecture Series - Wednesdays
BRIDGES Self-Help Course - January 16-March 20
Family To Family: Course for Families Dealing with Mental Illness – January 19 - April 13
The Caretaker Play Explores Homelessness and Mental Illness – January 20-February 6
Skills for Mindful Living Series - The Three Faces of Stress - January 21
Siblings or Solo: Building Resilience and Health in Families – January 21
Stand Up For Mental Health Course Now Offered in Victoria – January 22
The Downside of High Documentary – January 28, Feburary 4

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS:

Strategic Treatment of Anxiety Disorders – January 21-22
Assessing, Triaging and Managing Youth Who Self-Injure - January 22
Wellness Recovery Action Plan - Mondays, January 25-March 1
Recovery and Beyond Workshop - January 25
Mental Health Works Full-day Workshop "Complex Issues. Clear Solutions" – March 9 + March 11

CONFERENCES:

CMHA NEWS

Mental Health Works Full-day Workshop "Complex Issues. Clear Solutions" – March 9 + March 11 [back to top]
CMHA BC Division is hosting "Complex Issues. Clear Solutions," a Mental Health Works workshop. This full-day workshop is open to managers, supervisors and union representatives, and provides participants with strategies for identifying and addressing mental health issues in the workplace. Registration is $275 (group rates are available). The workshop runs from 9am-4:30pm at Volunteer Vancouver, 1183 Melville Street, Vancouver. Registration includes refreshments and lunch. The March 9 workshop is now full. To register for March 11 , call Rose Chen at 604-688-3234 ext. 248 or 1-800-555-8222. For more information, visit www.cmha.bc.ca/workshops.

Study on Police and People with Mental Illness - Looking for Participants
CMHA BC Division is involved with a research team, funded by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, examining how people who have a severe mental illness perceive and interact with the police. Participants in this study have the opportunity to be involved in focus groups, in-depth interviews, and community surveys. Recommendations generated by this research are intended to inform police training and guidelines for interacting with people who are living with severe mental illness. If you are: (1) at least 19 years of age; (2) can speak and understand English; (3) are living with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, or other psychotic disorders; and (4) have had any kind of contact with the police, we invite you to participate in a focus group to discuss your attitudes, feelings, beliefs, and experiences with the police. Groups will last about 90 minutes, and you will receive $10 for your time. If you are interested in this project, please email Caroline at cgreaves@forensic.bc.ca, or leave a message at 604-524-7725.

CMHA National's Thriving in 2010 Conference Calls for Submissions – Deadline February 25 [back to top]
CMHA National is now accepting submissions for its Thriving in 2010 and Beyond: Defining Our Roles, Aligning Control, Designing the Whole conference. Scheduled for October 21-23, 2010 in London, Ontario, this conference will bring together people who have lived experience with mental illness, family members and friends, service providers and front-line care workers, academics, researchers and policy makers from across the country to examine the concept of "thriving," what makes a consumer/survivor become a thriver and how those successes can be replicated within and outside the mental health care system. See www.thrivingin2010.ca for details.

North Shore Health Lecture Series  [back to top]
CMHA North and West Vancouver Branch holds weekly Health Lectures. These lectures are designed to assist mental health consumers, their supporters and the general public, providing helpful information about all aspects of wellness. The events run from 7-9 pm, with about an hour of lecture, and socializing afterwards. For more information, visit northwestvancouver.cmha.bc.ca or e-mail keltie.bassett@cmha.bc.ca.
January 27 - How does Behaviour Change and Why is it so Difficult?

CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch Events in January [back to top]
CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch’s Recreation Services Program offers recreational and leisure activities for adults living with mental illness. All events take place at, or depart from, the Vancouver Recreational Office at 175 W Broadway. To register for a maximum of two events, call the Rec Line at 604-872-3148.
January 22 - Vancouver Lookout
January 25 - Seattle Day Trip
January 29 - New India Restaurant

FEATURED PROGRAM

For My Health! An exciting new program integrating physical and mental health screening and education

If you want to do something for your health – beyond New Year’s resolutions – a new program may soon be able to help. In December, a new health screening and education event integrating physical and mental health was tested for the first time. The For My Health! program, especially well suited for workplaces, was developed by the Canadian Mental Health Association’s BC Division and the Healthy Heart Society of BC in partnership with the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

For My Health! is a fun and interactive health event that is free to participants, with risk factor screening, health education and goal-setting – all based on sound evidence. Participants learn about their health and how to improve it by cycling through several health screening stations covering issues from blood pressure, mood, waist girth, stress and resilience, to cholesterol, anxiety, and glucose. After the screening stations, participants meet one-on-one with a coach to review results and set a health improvement goal.

Fifty employees piloted the event at the BC Cancer Research Centre in Vancouver on December 9th, 2009, and evaluations have been very positive. In fact, a number of participants have reported taking concrete steps to improve their health as a direct result of the event. CMHA, Healthy Heart Society and PHSA are proud of the potential of the event to both inform and empower participants, and look forward to the next steps in For My Health!'s evolution, in workplaces and beyond.

CANADIAN RESEARCH

Paper Calls for Continued Support for Programs that Employ People with Mental Health Issues [back to top]
A recent policy paper by SFU researchers calls for continued investment in program that provide social and economic supports to people with mental health issues. The paper is based on two BC studies that provide support for the success of these programs. Successful features of these programs are their focus on social integration, work accommodations and balancing of income supports with employment earnings. The authors call on the government to strengthen both supported employment programs that operate with a recovery philosophy, suggesting that they continue to fund these programs as well as make changes to income support policies that make it easy to access this type of employment. See, "Removing Barriers Barriers to Work: Building Economic Security for People with Psychiatric Disabilities," at www.csp.sagepub.com.
>> You can use the Employment Services Inventory to search for supported employment programs in your area.

Depression Reaches Epidemic Proportion Among Public Servants [back to top]
Depression is reaching epidemic proportions among Canada’s public servants, undermining innovation, productivity, quality of service, and policy-making. Depression disability claims have been steadily climbing in numbers since 1991 and now account for 45% of all claims made by public service workers. Studies of federal executives also found that three quarters felt on the verge of burnout or extreme fatigue. Experts attribute these changes to weak leadership, uncertainty in the workplace and anxiety over pending pension reform and benefit cuts. Read "Depression among Public Servants Canada’s biggest 'public health crisis': Expert" at www.canada.com.
>> To learn about mental health issues at work, read the Workplaces issue of Visions at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

Scale Assessing Work Functioning Gains Support in Clinical Trial [back to top]
The newly developed Lam Employment Absence and Productivity Scale (LEAPS) is a short and simple self-rated scale of work absence and productivity for people with depression. In a recent study involving 234 people with Major Depressive Disorder, LEAPS displayed good internal and external validity, suggesting it could be a useful tool. Such a tool could be helpful for monitoring progress during treatment for depression, or for comparing the effects of depression on work productivity to that of other disease conditions. Visit "A new clinical rating scale for work absence and productivity: validation in patients with major depressive disorder", at www.biomedcentral.com.

Correctional Investigation Calls for More Mental Health Services in Prisons [back to top]
The 36th Annual Report of the Office of the Correctional Investigator (OCI) highlights the need to improve the care and treatment of federal inmates with mental illness. According to the OCI, federal prisons house the largest psychiatric populations in the country. The report states that a review of health records in Ontario suggests that one in four offenders has some degree of mental illness upon admission, and 39% of inmates have been diagnosed with a mental illness, are on medication or are receiving psychiatric treatment. The recommendations in the report call for increased hiring of mental health professionals, implementation of intermediate mental health care units in each region, and having interdisciplinary teams of mental health, security and case management personel working together to treat offenders with mental disorders. Such facilities could also house acute psychiatric offenders awaiting transfer to a treatment centre. See the "Correctional Investigator Releases 36th Annual Report," at www.oci-bec.gc.ca.
>> learn about our work in mental health and the criminal justice system at www.cmha.bc.ca.

Senate Report: A Call to Action on Poverty, Housing and Homelessness [back to top]
A major Senate report is declaring that Canada’s system for lifting people out of poverty is substantially broken and must be overhauled. The recommendations in the report are the summation of a two-year cross-country study that collected testimonies from more than 170 witnesses, including people living in poverty, several of them homeless, as well as universities, think tanks, provincial and local governments and community organizations. Based on the findings of this extensive study, the Committee’s first and fundamental recommendation is that Canada and all provinces and territories adopt the goal of lifting people out of poverty. Steps towards realizing this core goal are the coordination of a nationwide federal-provincial initiative on early childhood education, the development of a national housing and homelessness strategy, and the creation of a basic income floor for all Canadians who are severely disabled. The report and more information about the Committee are available at www.senate-senat.ca.

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Men Who Participate in Cultural Activities Less Depressed [back to top]
A new survey from Norway suggests that men who participate in cultural activities are less depressed than those who don't. People who participated in activities such as painting, dancing, playing a musical instrument, or going to the theatre or concerts had less depression. These findings held across men of different socioeconomic backgrounds, but the results were not found among women. However, both men and women who participated in cultural activities reported a better sense of overall health and wellbeing. The results are part of the Nord-Trondelag Health Study conducted by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology involving nearly 50,000 participants. To read more about these findings, see "Music and the Arts Fight Depression, Promote Health" at www.sciencedaily.com.
>> need help overcoming mild or moderate depression or anxiety? Learn more about Bounce Back.

Chronic Depression Requires Prolonged Treatment [back to top]
Chronic depression requires more intensive treatment than a single episode of depression, in part because it lasts longer and tends to be more severe, according to the Harvard Mental Health Letter. In addition, some type of maintenance therapy may be needed to prevent relapse. Clinical trials showed that 45% and 55% of study participants responded to antidepressant treatment, but only 25% to 35% of patients with chronic depression were able to achieve remission from the drug they took, at least in the short term. This study implies that patients with chronic depression may need to take an antidepressant for an extended period before experiencing any benefit. And because long-term maintenance treatment with antidepressants reduces the risk of relapse, some clinicians recommend continuing drug treatment for 6 to 12 months to increase chances of achieving full recovery. Long-term antidepressant use is best when coupled with Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy, which challenges the depressed person’s negative perceptions and ineffective behavior.

Longer Treatment Leads to Better Recovery Rates for Depressed Teens [back to top]
Longer-term treatment for depressed adolescents leads to a higher likelihood of recovery, according to a US research trial. In the study, moderately to severely depressed teens treated for a total of nine months showed greater recovery from depression than those treated for three months. The study also found that a combined treatment of cognitive behavioural therapy and medication had the greatest benefits in reducing depression in moderately to severely depressed teens when compared to medication or talk therapy alone. Adolescents on the combined treatment regimen experienced significant improvements sooner and had greater likelihood that their depression would be in remission at the end of nine months. See "Clinical Messages from the Treatment for Adolescents with Depression Study," in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

US Establishes New Guidelines for Depression Screening [back to top]
Adults and adolescents over eleven should be screened for depression in primary health care settings only when there is staff available to provide support, case management or other mental health treatment, according to revised guidelines from the US Preventive Services Task Force. The guidelines are based on a review of the evidence on the benefits and harms of screening primary care patients for depression. In response to the guidelines, the American College of Preventive Medicine has called for all primary care practices to establish systems to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment either at their site or through referral to mental health professionals. See "Screening for Depression in Adults: Recommendation Statement” at www.ahrq.gov and "Screening Adults for Depression in Primary Care: A Position Statement of the American College of Preventive Medicine” at www.jfponline.com for details.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Comox Valley Senior Peer Counselling Needs New Volunteers [back to top]
The Senior Peer Counselling program is looking for retired seniors 50 or older, who are willing to provide emotional support, guidance and understanding to their peers who may be experiencing difficulties in their lives and trying to cope with pain, worry, loneliness and stress. If you are interested in helping other seniors using your life experiences, are empathetic and have the ability to listen, consider applying to the program. No experience is necessary and a training class starts February 1, twice a week for three weeks. Some topics covered are self awareness, personality differences, communication skills, grief, loss, values and ethics. The time commitment is a few hours a week and ongoing education and support is available. Call 250-334-9917 for details.

Recovery Dialogues Seeks Facilitators [back to top]
Vancouver Mental Health is looking for family members to facilitate dialogue sessions as part of the Recovery Dialogues program. The program provides an open forum for consumers, caregivers, and mental health professionals to discuss recovery issues. No experience is required for the facilitator program and an honorarium will be provided. There are upcoming sessions on January 19, February 16, March 16 from 12:30-2 pm at Ravensong basement rooms located at 2450 Ontario Street (between Broadway & 8th). Call Shirley Rogers at 604-708-5289 if you are interested.

Help Douglas College Assess Demand for Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program [back to top]
Douglas College, a BC institute offering both diploma and degree programs, is conducting a survey to determine if there is a demand for a psychosocial rehabilitation training program providing certification to existing and new mental health workers. The college is seeking input from mental health agency staff to complete a brief feasibility assessment on the proposed training program. If it determines there is support for this program, it may begin as soon as 2011. Go to www.surveymonkey.com to take the survey.

Clinical Research Hub Funding Available for Research-based Activities - Deadline January 22 [back to top]
The BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network’s Clinical Research Hub is pleased to announce a request for applications to support activities that seek to further the development of assessment and measurement in the areas of cognition, substance use and/or severe psychopathology. Types of activities eligible for support include validation studies, reliability studies, construction of new batteries and development of new measures. The maximum request is $6,000. Please click here for the application guidelines www.mentalhealthcommission.ca.

Metropolis BC Offers Grants for Community Agency Programs – Deadline January 29 [back to top]
Metropolis BC is offering 5-10 grants valued at $2,000-$10,000 to fund projects that bring their research to the attention of the public and foster meaningful discussion in the province on issues related to immigration, integration and diversity. Examples of possible projects include an interactive website, fact sheets, social networking site, and media outreach. Visit www.metropolis.net for details.

Logo Competition for ConKER - Deadline January 31 [back to top]
This competition is seeking to find a suitable logo for Consumer for Knowledge Exchange and Research on Mental Illness (ConKER) team. The winning entry will be selected by a panel and awarded a $150.00 prize. The second and third place entries will also receive $25.00 each. The winning submission will become the property of CONKER and will be used to represent the work of this group. Please send all submissions to Merle Ginsburg, Program Coordinator of the Consumer Initiative Fund at merle.ginsburg@vch.ca or to Suite 200, 520 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC,V5Z 4H5.Good Luck!

Mental Health of Aboriginal Peoples Conference Calls for Papers – Deadline February 1 [back to top]
Workshops, symposia, panels, round-table discussions and individual papers are invited for the 20th Institute of the Section on Women and Psychology (SWAP), co-sponsored by the Aboriginal Psychology and Rural and Northern Psychology Sections, of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA). This one-day Institute will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 2010, the day immediately preceding the CPA Annual Convention being held June 3 - 5 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This institute will examine theoretical, research, and practice related issues relevant to the psychological well-being of Aboriginal Peoples and other marginalized populations. Visit www.naho.ca or contact allison.reeves@utoronto.ca for recommended topics and submission guidelines.

CREST.BD Community Consultation Day - March 5 [back to top]
The Collaborative Research Team to study psychosocial issues in Bipolar Disorder (CREST.BD), with support from the Network’s CBR Hub, is holding its annual Community Consultation Day on March 5th at Cecil Green House at the University of British Columbia. This year the focus groups and presentations will spotlight themes of recovery in bipolar disorder. The event involves consumers, family members, support workers and CREST.BD members. For more information please contact Sally McBride at smcbride@phsa.ca

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

Book on Being Productive While Depressed [back to top]
We live in a culture that celebrates and rewards productivity. When a depressed person can’t meet the expectations of society, the depression becomes worse and a vicious cycle begins. The goal of "Getting Things Done When You’re Depressed" is to break this cycle and teach readers how to prepare mentally for working while depressed, and structure their environments in a way that allows them to work more easily. The book is written by award winning journalist Julie Fast in association with psychologist John Preston and costs $11.91 on amazon.ca. To see Julie’s other mental health books visit www.juliefast.com.

The Loneliness Workbook [back to top]
No one is exempt from loneliness – rich, poor, young, or old. In the Loneliness Workbook, Mary Ellen Copeland, PHD, provides a guide to exploring the role of loneliness in everyday life, and building lasting connections that lead to a more supportive lifestyle. The book is based on Copeland’s "Loneliness Study" looking at how people relieve loneliness, and focuses on the importance of personal responsibility, building supportive relationships and enjoying time alone. The book costs $16.95 and can be ordered from her website www.mentalhealthrecovery.com.

Comic Book Describes Life with Mentally Ill Parent [back to top]
"the road to god knows..." is a graphic novel by artist Von Allan capturing his experience growing up with a mother who suffered from schizophrenia. Von Allan wrote the book to help people better understand mental illness and its effects on families and their lives. The book is intended for adults and parents will want to review the mature content if they plan on passing the materials on to their teens. The book is free and available for download at www.trtgk.vonallan.com.

Bipolar Memoir and Field Guide to Bipolar Disorder [back to top]
"Fracture: A Memoir" is Arlen Rundvall’s account of his journey into mental illness, capturing a difficult subject in an unconventional style. It's a dark tale of the struggle to find light, gain compassion, and survive. The books is accompanied by “The Bipolar Guide to the Gift”, in which Rundvall writes about how to manage bipolar disorder in a practical way, drawing on personal experience and an optimistic perspective on change. You can download free pdf versions of both books at www.arlenrundvall.com.

Forward: A Bipolar Newsletter [back to top]
Forward is a UK based bipolar newsletter written by people with bipolar for people with bipolar, their care givers, families, friends and the public at large. It aims to educate, inform, inspire its readers with a new issue every weekend. The newsletter focuses on bipolar topics of value to all mental health services users and their care givers such as news, recovery stories, and resources. Sign up for this free email newsletter by sending a blank email to ashby300@hotmail.com with 'SUBSCRIBE' in Subject Box. You can also view back issues at www.tinyurl.com/dustyarchive.

Out of Control: the Ashley Smith Story [back to top]
Ashley Smith was a troubled 19-year-old when she choked herself to death with a strip of cloth at Grand Valley Institution in Kitchener, Ontario. Her death made national headlines and led to a scathing report by Canada’s federal prison ombudsman. How did a girl from a loving family die the way she did? With the prison videotapes and exclusive access to Smith’s parents, along with a fellow inmate, CBC's fifth estate and reporter Hana Gartner expose a system that fails the many Ashley Smiths by punishing them instead of offering them the proper mental health assessment and treatment. Watch the full documentary at www.cbc.ca.

Mental Health Social Work Practice in Canada Guide [back to top]
Authored by Cheryl Regehr and Graham D. Glancy, this book is intended to provide a guide that will allow social workers and students to understand the nature of mental health issues, become aware of the Canadian legal and policy framework for mental health treatment, and learn about evidence-based social work practices that will best assist individuals and families struggling with mental health challenges. The book costs $49.95 and can be ordered from the Oxford University Press. www.oupcanada.com.

Substance Abuse Research for Women and Organizations Guide [back to top]
Two new resources are now available to assist women with addictions and community groups that serve them in making decisions about participating in research. Prepared by researchers from the Women's Health Research Institute mental health and addictions unit, the BC Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, UBC, and the University of Victoria, these guides summarize findings form a study lead by Dr. Amy Salmon that examined how to better support the active and meaningful participation of women with substance use problems in health research. To download a copy, go to www.bccewh.bc.ca.

Guide on Improving Outcomes for People with Mental Illness Under Corrections Supervision [back to top]
A recent publication by the Council of State Governments Justice Centre in New York provides a review of literature and research on individuals with mental illness who are under probation and community corrections supervision. The purpose of the guide is to inform community-based service providers, lawyers, judges, jail and prison administrators about promising practices in community corrections supervision for individuals living with mental illness. See "Improving Outcomes for People with mental Mental Illnesses under Community Corrections Supervision," at www.consensusproject.org.

Up to Date II: Substance Use Trends and Policy Responses in BC [back to top]
A public symposium co-sponsored by the Centre for Addictions Research of BC (CARBC) and the BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network, was held on December 11, 2009 at UBC Robson Square in Vancouver. Video recordings of the speaker presentations and PDF files of the Power Point slides are now available for download www.mhanet.ca.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week Materials Available by Order [back to top]
Posters, manuals and pamphlets on eating disorders are now available by order in advance of February's Eating Disorder Awareness Week (EDAW). The event, which runs Feb. 1-7, is intended to raise awareness of eating disorders and their associated issues. Materials can be ordered from the National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) at www.nedic.ca. NEDIC is also publicizing events in recognition of EDAW. To have an event listed, go to www.nedic.ca, click on What's New, and then on Submit Your Listing.

PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS

Movie Monday in Victoria [back to top]
Every Monday at 6:30 pm, Bruce Saunders’ Movie Monday project presents free movies at the Eric Martin Pavilion at the 1900 block of Fort Street in Victoria. More details at www.islandnet.com/mm.
January 23 - The Notebook
January 25 - Killer Whale and Crocodile
January 28 - Anne: artist, writer, neighbour, homeless
February 1 - Wendy and Lucy

Comox Valley Mental Health Public Lecture Series - Wednesdays [back to top]
Comox Valley Mental Health and Addictions is offering a series of Wellness Evening Educational classes for people who are interested in learning about common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, communication skills, assertiveness, and self-esteem. Participants will learn new skills and gain a better understanding of how to promote mental and emotional well-being. Each class is a stand-alone, so you can attend one or more sessions depending on your interest. Class size is limited to 15 participants each. Pre-registration is required due to limited space. All sessions are free. Classes will be held Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8 pm at the Comox Valley Mental Health and Addiction office located at 941 C England Avenue, Courtenay.

BRIDGES Self-Help Course - January 16-March 20 [back to top]
The BRIDGES (Building Recovery of Individual Dreams and Goals through Education and Support) course is a place to find acceptance, support and friendship for people recovering from mental illness. The course is a program of BC Schizophrenia Society and runs every Saturday from 1-3:30 pm for 10 weeks at George Pearson Centre, 700 West 57th St., Vancouver. This program is free. Contact 604-682-3269, extension 7856 and specify that you are calling re: the BRIDGES 10 week course to register.

Family To Family: Course for Families Dealing with Mental Illness – January 19 - April 13 [back to top]
North Shore Schizophrenia Society is presenting this intensive 12-week education course for families dealing with serious mental illness, taking place on Tuesdays, from 7-9:30 pm at the Family Support Centre, 205-1865 Marine Dr., West Vancouver. They will also be running the course in Squamish, Tuesday evenings March 2 to May 18. Cost: Free. Get more information by calling 604-926-0856 or visiting www.northshoreschizophrenia.org.

The Caretaker Play Explores Homelessness and Mental Illness – January 20-February 6 [back to top]
First performed in 1960, "The Caretaker" by Nobel-Prize-winning laureate Harold Pinter, explores important social issues such homelessness and mental illness. Originally written with three male characters in mind, this production of "The Caretaker" has been cast with actresses. Directed and produced by Christine Gibson, the reasoning for this choice was based on the notion that as difficult as it is for men to struggle with homelessness and mental illness, these circumstances are dire for any woman who has to endure them. This production will star Lori Watt, Kirby Rae, and Meeshelle Neal. The venue is located at 1057 Darklay St., Vancouver and tickets are $10 in advance, and $12 at the door. Because seating is limited to 17 audience members at a time, ticket reservations are recommended. To reserve now call 778-960-6940, or email caretaker.res@hotmail.com.

Skills for Mindful Living Series - The Three Faces of Stress - January 21 [back to top]
The series opens with The Three Faces of Stress presented by counsellor Jo-Anne Weiler from 7-9 pm in the Cedar Room at the West Vancouver Community Centre, 2121 Marine Dr. The workshops are free, but donations are welcome with proceeds going to community-based charities. Register by calling 604-987-6959, ext. 233 or emailing katie.hughes@cmha.bc.ca.

Siblings or Solo: Building Resilience and Health in Families – January 21 [back to top]
This is a free Richmond community event presented by social worker Rosalie Walls that addresses birth order, sibling relationships, parenting and the factors to consider in raising healthy solo or sibling groups. The event is free takes place from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at Ralph Fisher Auditorium located at 7000 Westminster Highway. For more information call 604-273-9121.

Stand Up For Mental Health Course Now Offered in Victoria – January 22 [back to top]
The Stand up for Mental Health (SMH) course teaches consumers how to turn their problems into comedy, and gives them an opportunity to perform their acts at a variety of public venues. The SMH program is offered in Vancouver, Courtenay, Campbell River, Chilliwack, Abbotsford, and now in Victoria. The Victoria course will begin on January 22, and run at the Eric Martin Pavilion on a weekly basis for three months. The course will end with a showcase at Eric Martin Theatre, and will be followed by performances at venues around the Greater Victoria. The January session is full but you can add your name to a waitlist for future courses by calling 604-707-0483 or emailing pat@standupformentalhealth.com.

The Downside of High Documentary – January 28, Feburary 4 [back to top]
Is strong pot damaging young minds? This provocative question is at the heart of a new documentary about the science behind marijuana and mental illness. Teenagers who start smoking marijuana before the age of sixteen are four times more likely to develop schizophrenia. That’s the startling conclusion of some of the world’s top schizophrenia experts whose research is featured in the new documentary. The documentary is part of the “Nature of Things” series with David Suzuki and airs on CBC TV on January 28 at 8pm, and on CBC News Network on February 4 at 10pm. Visit CBC www.cbc.ca for more information. >> hear more experiences and perspectives on marijuana and mental health in the Cannabis issue of Visions at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

Strategic Treatment of Anxiety Disorders – January 21-22 [back to top]
Taught by renowned anxiety disorders expert Reid Wilson, PhD, this course focuses on the essential cognitive and behavioural tasks needed for effective and efficient treatment of phobias, panic, social anxiety, generalized anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It also examines the common denominators, isolates the manifestations in each disorder and explores how the therapist can teach clients to gain ground by engineering their own tactics and strategies. The course if offered at Justice Institute of BC’s New Westminster Campus and costs $295 for individuals and $275 for groups. For more information, or to register go to www.jibc.ca or call 1-877-528-5591.

Assessing, Triaging and Managing Youth Who Self-Injure - January 22 [back to top]
Self-injury is a serious clinical health problem that can be difficult to understand. This workshop, sponsored by the BC Child & Youth Health Research Network (CYHRNet), will be led by self-injury expert and co-editor of the book Self-Injury in Youth: The Essential Guide to Assessment and Intervention, Dr. Mary Kay Nixon. The workshop is designed to help mental health clinicians understand the experience and motivation of youth who self-injure, introduce the latest research on self-injury in youth, and provide practical strategies for working with youth struggling with self-injury. The workshop takes place from 9-12pm, in Room 660, Engineering/Computer Science Building at the University of Victoria. Registration is free for CYHRNet members. For more information and registration details, visit the CYHRNet www.cyhrnet.ca website. This workshop will be filmed and posted on CYHRNet’s website for post-event viewing.

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

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

Mental Health Works Full-day Workshop "Complex Issues. Clear Solutions" – March 9 + March 11 [back to top]
CMHA BC Division is hosting "Complex Issues. Clear Solutions," a Mental Health Works workshop. This full-day workshop is open to managers, supervisors and union representatives, and provides participants with strategies for identifying and addressing mental health issues in the workplace. Registration is $275 (group rates are available). The workshop runs from 9am-4:30pm at Volunteer Vancouver, 1183 Melville Street, Vancouver. Registration includes refreshments and lunch. The March 9 workshop is now full. To register for March 11 , call Rose Chen at 604-688-3234 ext. 248 or 1-800-555-8222. For more information, visit www.cmha.bc.ca/workshops.

CONFERENCES

Annual Aboriginal Mental Health Conference - January 21 - 22 [back to top]
The 2010 Aboriginal Mental Health Conference will be focused on the theme of self-care. Bill Mussel will be the keynote speaker for this conference. The first day is open to Vancouver Coastal Health staff and caregivers, and the second date is open to all. The conference is being held at the Croatian Cultural Centre, 3250 Commercial Drive , Vancouver. To confirm your attendance, please call 604-875-6601.
>> Read the issue of Visions on Aboriginal People at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

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

Brain Development and Learning: Making Sense of the Science - July 16-20 [back to top]
This conference takes cutting-edge research in neuroscience, developmental science and mental health, and puts it in the hands of parents, educators, and doctors in ways they can understand, see the immediate relevance of and use. Topics include child and adolescent mental health, helping children with Autism, and reversing developmental disorders. The conference takes place at the Hyatt Hotel Vancouver and costs $495 regular for the five days or $250 scholarship rate for families with an income of $100,000 or less a year. Go to www.interprofessional.ubc.ca to learn more.

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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