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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:

Mark the Date for CMHA BC's Annual General Meeting - September 12
Mind Matters Survey - Enter To Win a $75 Gift Certificate! - Draw extended until August 7
CMHA National Seeks Nominees for Board of Directors
Making Waves for Change - CMHA National Conference, Nova Scotia - August 22 + 23
CMHA Mid-Island Searches for Alternative to Proposed Housing and Drop-In Centre
CHMA Kamloops Steps in with Beds for Women
Buildings to Help House the Marginalized in Kelowna
Much Needed Transitional Housing in Post Alberni Now Full
CMHA Ontario Releases Policy Position on Poverty Reduction
Job Posting: Executive Director of CMHA South Okanagan Similkameen Branch
CMHA Vancouver Burnaby Offers Mandarin/Cantonese Self-help Groups
Vancouver/Burnaby Branch Special Events

FEATURED PROGRAM:

CANADIAN RESEARCH:

People with Mental Illness Visit Emergency Department More Often
Family Doctors Rate Psychiatrist Access as Poor
New Report Emphasizes the Importance of Investing in Preventing Depression
Non-medical Determinants of Mental Health
Depression More Likely to Lead to Heart Disease in Women
Overtime Work Tied to Anxiety and Depression
1 in 3 Employees Report High Levels of Job Stress
Senior Executives Out of Touch with Mental Health Issues
Homeless Women at High Risk for Mental Illness
25 Years of Mental Health Advocacy Report

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD:

Psychiatrists Urged to Monitor Physical Health Outcomes
Diabetes and Depression Go Hand-in-Hand
Obesity and Depression Have Much in Common
Early Treatment of Schizophrenia Helps Prevent Negative Symptoms
Mental Illness Results in Significant Loss in Earnings
Caregiver Education Reduces Manic Episodes in Patients with Bipolar Disorder
Improving Mental Health Employment Programs

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES:

Globe and Mail Breakdown Series Tackles Mental Illness
New Tardive Dyskinesia Support Group
Providing Care to a Senior? Program Teaches You Coping Skills
Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development
Postpartum Mood Disorders Resources
Trauma Resource Kit for Aboriginal Communities
A New Model of Public Engagement
Clinical Research Hub for Practitioners
Pharmacoepidemiology Hub Wiki Helps Practitioners Share PharmaNet Data
New Book by Marja Bergen on Living with Bipolar Disorder and God

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Canada Post Launches New Mental Health Foundation and Commemorative Stamp
Workplace Mental Health Research Gets Funding
Government Funds Foster Youth’s Rehabilitation
Supported Housing to be Built at 16th and Dunbar
The Spirit of Hope Award Calls for Nominations - Deadline September 12
Cracking up Documentary Wins a Voice Award
Research Team Targets High Suicide Rates on Manitoba Reserves
Schizophrenia Society of Canada Conducting Quality of Life Survey
Project Seeks Stories of People Who Choose to Live Following a Suicide Attempt
Mood Disorders Association is Seeking Volunteers for Pride Parade
Mental Health Research Showcase 2008 Calls for Abstracts – Deadline August 22
Arts in Healthcare Grants – Letters of Inquiry Due August 8

PUBLIC EDUCATIONS EVENTS:

Movie Mondays in Victoria
Stand Up for Mental Health at Mood Disorders Association’s Comedy Café – August 21
MDA of BC Education Evening - Bipolar Disorder Update – September 18
Reach Out Youth Concert Tour Comes to Northern BC – September 24 – October 4
Margaret Trudeau Speaks about her Journey through Mental Illness – October 9

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS:

SFU Hosts Free Summer Mental Health Workshops
SFU Surrey Courses on Mental Health Topics
Theatre Workshop on Senior Abuse – August 25-30
Family Matters: Transforming Families from Addiction to Healing, Abbotsford – September 18
My Tween and Me: a Training Program for Parents – September 17-19

CONFERENCES:

CMHA NEWS

Mark the Date for CMHA BC's Annual General Meeting - September 12 [back to top]
CMHA BC Division invites you to join us at our Annual General Meeting where you will hear from Dr. Patrick McGrath from Dalhousie University’s Family Help program. We will also be revealing results of the CMHA BC Division Board election, as well as awarding the winners of the Lorne Fraser Educational Fund, presented by Lorne Fraser himself. Stay tuned to www.cmha.bc.ca for more details to come!

Mind Matters Survey - Enter To Win a $75 Gift Certificate! - Draw extended until August 7 [back to top]
Here's your chance to tell us what you think about Mind Matters - what you want to see more of and less of! We hope you find Mind Matters to be a valuable resource for mental health news from around BC and beyond, and with your help we hope to make it more useful for you. Please help us improve Mind Matters by completing our short survey. It should take about 5 minutes of your time and you will have the opportunity to enter a draw for a $75 gift certificate to treat yourself at a Canadian restaurant, store or spa of your choice that offers gift certificates. (Only participants with a Canadian address are eligible for the draw). All survey results are completely anonymous and information collected will not be sold or used for any other reason than improving our free e-news service. The draw for the gift certificate will close July 31, 2008 and the winner will be contacted by August 8. Click Here to take survey.

CMHA National Seeks Nominees for Board of Directors [back to top]
CMHA National is now accepting nominations for two Directors-at-Large. The positions will be elected to a three-year term on the CMHA National Board of Directors. People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. CMHA is committed to a board that includes a wide variety of people with personal experience of mental illness and their families, reflecting Canadian cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity. Eligible nominees must be current CMHA members, however, CMHA experience is not required. The deadline for nominations is August 1. For more information, or to request a nomination package, contact CMHA National Office by phoning 613-745-7750 or e-mailing info@cmha.ca.

Making Waves for Change - CMHA National Conference, Nova Scotia - August 22 + 23 [back to top]
The 2008 Canadian Mental Health Association National Conference, "Making Waves for Change: From Surviving to Thriving" will be hosted by CMHA Nova Scotia. The main themes for the 2008 conference are Prevention, Recovery and Advocacy. Workshop topics related to the themes include: postpartum depression, suicide, housing and cross-cultural mental health; family support groups, mental health from a chronic disease perspective and concurrent disorders; and youth advocacy and raising the profile of mental health issues. CMHA BC Division will also be presenting on the new Bounce Back: Reclaim Your Health program to support emotional well-being of people with chronic health conditions. The event will also feature "Youth Speak", an interactive presentation on mental health and illness aimed at high school students that is written, designed and presented by young people with mental illness. Cost: $395 for both days or $200/day. For more information and registration, visit www.cmha.ca or www.novascotia.cmha.ca.

CMHA Mid-Island Searches for Alternative to Proposed Housing and Drop-In Centre [back to top]
CMHA Mid-Island Branch plans to purchase the former Balmoral Hotel on Haliburton Street to house people who, as a result of addictions or mental illness, have barriers to maintaining housing have been put on hold due to an unfavorable neighbourhood response. The branch had also planned to partner with the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) to move the Living Room from the Salvation Army’s New Hope Centre to the former bar/lounge area on the hotel’s main floor. VIHA will still operate a service out of the lounge, but it will change from a drop-in service to an appointment-only service. Read "Living Room component shot down," at www.bclocalnews.com.

CMHA Kamloops Steps in with Beds for Women [back to top]
CMHA Kamloops is partnering with the AIDS Society of Kamloops to open a temporary rooming house to replace eight shelter beds being shut down at the House of Ruth. House of Ruth, which has sheltered 500 women for a total of 5,000 bed nights in the past five years, is run by the New Life Mission Society, but is discontinuing the program on June 30. The temporary rooming house, opened on July 1, provides eight spaces for women and children until a permanent location for a new emergency shelter for women is found. Read "CMHA Steps in with Beds for Women" at www.bclocalnews.com.

Buildings to Help House the Marginalized in Kelowna [back to top]
The CMHA Kelowna Branch has been selected to run one of the apartment blocks on Boyce Crescent near downtown Kelowna. It's suited to tenants who have left emergency shelters like the Gospel Mission, hospitals or treatment centres. The building will allow people to stabilize before they move into more stable supportive housing. The CMHA received a boost last winter when an Edmonton developer allowed it to use the Willow Inn as a temporary shelter for 34 marginalized people. Most of them have since found a place to live after staff connected them with health services and taught them life skills. Read "Building to help house the maginalized," at www.kelownadailycourier.ca.

Much Needed Transitional Housing in Post Alberni Now Full [back to top]
The Port Alberni Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is operating a new 42-unit transitional housing complex, which is financed in part by rent tenants pay, plus subsidies from B.C. Housing and some aid from the Vancouver Island Health Authority. The new Roger Street Apartments are full, leading local officials to conclude transitional housing was indeed needed in the community. The new residents of the building are a mix of the absolute homeless, couch surfers, hostel residents and those living in less-than-ideal situations. Read "New Roger Street Apartments Full," at www.canada.com.

CMHA Ontario Releases Policy Position on Poverty Reduction [back to top]
CMHA Ontario has released a formal policy position on poverty reduction. Their paper addresses the relationship between poverty and mental illness, and provides detailed strategies and corresponding recommendations for reducing poverty in Ontario. The policy position presents broad-based approaches to poverty reduction, such as asset-building options and educational and skills training needs, as well as focused solutions to reduce poverty among persons with serious mental illness, such as education and supports to achieve long-term, meaningful employment. See "Strategies for Reducing Poverty in Ontario," available at www.ontario.cmha.ca.

Job Posting: Executive Director of CMHA South Okanagan Similkameen Branch - July 31 Deadline [back to top]
The Executive Director is responsible for the effective operational management of the organization; the implementation of the policies and directives of the Board of Directors; the financial management and reporting; overseeing all programs; the provision of leadership to the Staff and Program Teams, liaison with other organizations, agencies and government bodies and fundraising. Must have skills at running a client-centered service-delivery program, great written and verbal communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, including sensitivity to issues facing the mental health community, and excellent understanding of financial management, 5 years experience in a management position in the social services field, 3 years experience in a non-profit organization and a Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent experience. Salary is currently based on a part-time status (.69FTE) at $31.00 per hour plus benefits with the potential of increasing the position to full-time status. Deadline for submission is July 31, 2008. Please e-mail cover letter and resume to cmhasosbook@shaw.ca.

CMHA Vancouver Burnaby Offers Mandarin/Cantonese Self-help Groups – Begins August 20
Hosted by CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby, these interactive groups are sub-groups of the Emotional Health Support Group that meets once a month to provide people with an opportunity to understand the importance of proper and open communications in a positive manner through sharing and mutual support within their circle group. The focus is to encourage positive thinking and personal growth in dealing with daily issues. The group meetings will begin Wednesday, August 20 and run from 6:30-8:30pm. CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch is located at 175 West Broadway, Vancouver. For more information or to register, call (604) 872-4902 or (604)-603-0332 or email Stella Lee at stella.lee.vb@cmha.bc.ca.

Vancouver/Burnaby Branch Special Events [back to top]
CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Branch's Recreation Services Program provides opportunities for adults who are living with mental illness to participate in recreation and experience the benefits of leisure. The following special events take place at or depart from the Vancouver Recreation Office at 175 West Broadway. Please call 604-872-3148 to register for two of the following events. Please note that residents of Vancouver will be given priority for registration.
August 8 – Rumors of Peace Cathedral Evening Series
August 11 – False Creek Ferry Tour
August 15 – Sunshine Coast Walk
August 18 – Splash Down Park
August 20 – PNE
August 22 – Bike Riding at Stanley Park
August 29 – Widgeon Creek Canoeing

Featured CMHA Program:

Nanaimo agencies and mental health advocates say people with mental illnesses are not being adequately served by the criminal justice system. The subject of a Nanaimo conference last week was how to divert more people from the justice system and into treatment.

"You'll often see people cycling through again and again and again because the issue is not being dealt with," said Camia Weaver, justice coordinator with the provincial Canadian Mental Health Association.
She said some people fall into that cycle because their mental illness causes the criminal behaviour. "You really have to be dealing with the illness, not dealing with the criminal justice system which is really not devoted to making people well," said Weaver.

Representatives from the CMHA, the Vancouver Island Health Authority, the Nanaimo branch of John Howard Society, federal and provincial levels of criminal justice, and criminal lawyers gathered to discuss what more can be done to divert people with mental health issues from the criminal justice system.

As provincial coordinator of the Mental Health Diversion Project, Weaver has conducted forums in the Interior, Kelowna, Abottsford and Vancouver. Nanaimo was the last stop before she drafts a report to bring together everything learned.

"Our plan is to have discussions with government officials," she said. "Our intention is to build a provincial framework for people with mental illnesses who are somehow involved with the criminal justice system."

Weaver said one of the issues raised for the Nanaimo region is a disconnect between federal corrections, parole services and the community. "A lot of collaboration is happening locally," she said. "At the higher level, they need to understand the importance of that collaboration."

Weaver said there are also challenges in the legal system with recognizing people with mental illnesses, having people assessed and hooking up these people with services such as income assistance and subsidized housing. "There's a lack of understanding of alternatives - what can they do or where can they go instead," said Weaver.

Cathie Cameron, health promotions coordinator with the mid-Island CMHA branch, said the forum acknowledged work being done in the community, as well as pointing to improvements that could be made. "There needs to be more education within the law system, with other departments who are not familiar with mental health," she said.

Cameron said the CMHA also wants to explore ways to involve the community more. "We'll be looking at how can we better engage the community in being part of that so there's not that fear base."

Marshall, Jenn. (2008, July 23) Forum Examines Diversion from Justice System. Nanaimo News Bulletin, p.7
Reprinted from the Nanaimo News Bulletin. Copyright 2008 Nanaimo News Bulletin

Learn more about CMHA BC Division's Diversion Project at www.cmha.bc.ca.

CANADIAN RESEARCH

People with Mental Illness Visit Emergency Department More Often [back to top]
A recent study of hospital emergency departments in Winnipeg found that having a previously diagnosed mental illness, and especially two or more mental illnesses, was the strongest independent factor for frequent emergency department use. The study found that frequent users, defined as those who had visited an emergency room seven or more times in a year, but accounted for 13.5% of all visits. A full 96% of this high frequency group had at least one diagnosed mental illness, defined as anxiety, dementia, depression, personality disorder, schizophrenia or substance abuse. See "An Initial Analysis of Emergency Departments and Urgent Care in Winnipeg," at www.mchp-appserv.cpe.umanitoba.ca.

Family Doctors Rate Psychiatrist Access as Poor [back to top]
86% of family physicians across Canada provide care for people with a mental illness, according to the results of the 2007 National Physician Survey. However, the survey revealed that access to psychiatric services, mental health counselling and other forms of psychosocial support was limited. Only 10-15% percent of family doctors rated their patients' access to mental health services as excellent or very good, while about 50% rated accessibility as poor. Psychiatrists also identified challenges in access. Across Canada, only one in five psychiatrists identified an ability to accommodate an urgent appointment within 24 hours. The survey also revealed a high level of physician collaboration with mental health and psychiatric specialists across Canada, with almost one in five physicians participating in a formal arrangement for collaboration. View the survey results at www.nationalphysiciansurvey.ca.

New Report Emphasizes the Importance of Investing in Preventing Depression [back to top]
A Profile of Clinical Depression in Canada, a new report by the Research Data Centre Network, is an epidemiology of major depression using Statistics Canada health survey data. Designed for policy-makers and other non-specialists, this reports aims to inform specialists across Canada of others working in their field. The report identifies depression as a major problem and emphasizes the importance of investing in the prevention and treatment of major depression to benefit of Canadian society and economy. The report also recommends that decision makers invest in long-term self-management, "collaborative care" integrating mental health workers into primary care system, and research on resilience and factors influencing professional help-seeking behaviour. Access the full report at www.dspace.ucalgary.ca.

Non-medical Determinants of Mental Health [back to top]
Significant links between income and the experience of high psychological stress were found by a new study. The authors found that over a ten-year period people belonging to the lowest income category were more than 2.5 times more likely to have experienced repeated episodes of distress than those in the highest income category. People classified as middle income had a 50 percent greater likelihood of distress in comparison to the highest income group. Another factor affecting mental health was explored in a recent article based on data from the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey. The authors of the study found that over 80 percent of Canadians who reported experiencing excellent or very good mental health also had a very strong sense of community belonging. See "Using the National Population Health Survey to Identify Factors Associated with Patterns of Psychological Distress over 10 Years," at www.longwoods.com.

Depression More Likely to Lead to Heart Disease in Women [back to top]
A new Canadian study shows that middle-aged women face far greater risks of heart disease than men as a result of depression. The study, published in Health Reports, a Statistics Canada publication, used data from a national sample of men and women aged 40 or older who were followed for 12 years. The study found that of the people surveyed, 19 per cent of men and 15 per cent of women had developed or died from heart disease by 2006-2007. But women who experienced depression were at a 70-per-cent greater risk of developing heart disease than women without depression – a large enough percentage to show a causal connection. In contrast, depressed men showed no greater risk of developing heart disease than other men. The researchers attribute these findings to the greater severity, duration and reoccurrence of depression in women. Read "Heart disease stalks depressed women" at www.theglobeandmail.com. For the full report, visit www.statcan.ca.
>> Learn more about CMHA BC's new Bounce Back program to help people with chronic health conditions such as heart disease overcome low mood and depression at www.cmha.bc.ca.

Overtime Work Tied to Anxiety and Depression [back to top]
Working overtime puts you at a higher risk for developing anxiety and depression, a new study suggests. Men who worked 40 hours a week or less had a 9 % "possible" depression score on standard screening questionnaires, while 12.5% of their counterparts who worked overtime showed signs of depression and anxiety. For women, the possible depression rate increased from 7 % to 11%. The study also showed that anxiety and depression rates were higher among less-skilled workers and those with lower incomes. The study looked at 1,350 overtime workers and 9,000 with normal work hours in Norway. Men who worked the most overtime - nine to 60 hours a week - showed the greatest link to anxiety and depression. These men tended to have lower work skills and education levels than others and have jobs involving heavy manual labour and shift work. While these men were at highest risk, even moderate overtime work appeared to bump up the risk of "mental distress," the authors noted. What causes working long hours to increase anxiety and depression was not explored in the study. See "Overtime Work Tied to Anxiety, Depression" at www.washingtonpost.coml or read the abstract with paid access to the article at www.joem.org.

1 in 3 Employees Report High Levels of Job Stress [back to top]
Trying to balance paid work, family responsibilities, and personal needs takes a toll on employers, families, and workers. And it shows up as higher incidence of mental illness, absenteeism, reduced employee commitment, declining job satisfaction, lower workplace morale, and reduced satisfaction with family life. So how do Canadian employees and employers cope with competing work and family demands? The answer to this and other questions is the focus of the report Reducing Work-Life Conflict: What Works? What Doesn't published this year by Health Canada. The study provides data on strategies Canadian employees and their families use to cope with work-life conflict as well as data on the availability and use of a number of family-friendly policies and practices in Canadian organizations. The report also provides valuable information on which organizational supports and coping strategies actually help employees balance their competing work and family demands. The report is based on data from the 2001 National Work-Life Conflict Study. Read "Reducing Work-Life Conflict: What Works? What Doesn’t" at www.cprn.org.

Senior Executives Out of Touch with Mental Health Issues [back to top]
Approximately 35 million workdays are lost every year in Canada due to mental illness, although senior executives have little awareness of the problem, according to a survey of more than 450 Canadian organizations conducted by human resources consultancy Mercer in conjunction with The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health. Four hundred and fifty-two human resource professionals and business leaders, representing a wide range of industry sectors and sizes, participated in the online survey between April-May 2008. Survey respondents indicated that mental health issues are a growing concern for human resources professionals. Nearly 80 per cent reported that mental health issues have increased in importance compared with three to five years ago. Yet in contrast, only 13 per cent of survey respondents said senior executives had a strong awareness of the impact of mental health on the organization. Read "Senior executives out of touch with mental-health issues: Study" at www.canada.com.
>> Learn about CMHA's Mental Health Works workshops, helping BC workplaces address mental health issues and improve the mental health of their organization at www.cmha.bc.ca.

Homeless Women at High Risk for Mental Illness [back to top]
A new study published in Women & Homelessness Research Bulletin, calls homelessness a "life-threatening" condition for women. The study reveals staggering rates of sexual assault among homeless women, and documents health impacts that significantly reduce life expectancy. Of the 97 homeless Toronto women surveyed, one in five had been sexually abused and almost all (84%) of them had at least one serious physical health condition. These women also experienced serious mental distress, 65% of whom suffering from severe depression or anxiety and 12% having attempted suicide in the past year. The study also explores the causes of homelessness, the difficult daily lives of homeless women, their physical and mental health status, as well as the barriers homeless women face when attempting to access health care. It also sets out a series of solutions aimed at service providers and all levels of government to improve the health of homeless women and end homelessness. See "New Study Documents Brutal Impact of Homelessness on Women" at www.newswire.ca for the full article or visit www.streethealth.ca for the study.

25 Years of Mental Health Advocacy Report [back to top]
The Psychiatric Patient Advocate Office (PPAO), an Ontario organization, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the release of a special report. The report features over 120 articles by a wide range of contributors on the progress made in mental health advocacy, rights protection, social and economic advances, and the mental health system over the past 25 years. Established in 1983, the PPAO provides independent advocacy and rights advice services to in-patients of provincial psychiatric hospitals and psychiatric units of general hospitals, as well as individuals being considered for Community Treatment Orders. See "Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future: 25 Years of Mental Health Advocacy and Rights Protection," at www.ppao.gov.on.ca.

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Psychiatrists Urged to Monitor Physical Health Outcomes [back to top]
Psychiatrists have a responsibility to minimize physical health problems during pharmaceutical treatment of mental illness, argues a group of European experts in a recently published special supplement of the journal European Neuropsychopharmacology. According to the authors, few psychiatrists implement simple and inexpensive physical health measurements to monitor physical health. They also fail to promote physical health, educate or support patients throughout their journey, even though antipsychotic medications negatively impact physical health. This is especially problematic because psychiatrists are the only point of contact with the health care system for patients. The authors explore the lack of a well-defined link to primary care and assumptions that physical consequences are inevitable in treating mental illness, as possible causes of this shortcoming. See "Physical Health Considerations in Psychiatry: Views on Recognition, Monitoring and Management," European Neuropsychopharmacology" at www.sciencedirect.com.

Diabetes and Depression Go Hand-in-Hand [back to top]
The relationship between diabetes and depression cuts both ways: Not only are people with treated type 2 diabetes at a heightened risk for developing depression, individuals with depression are also at risk for developing diabetes. The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association involved 2 analyses. The first analysis involved 5,201 individuals without type 2 diabetes at the start of the trial and found that treated type 2 diabetes was associated with a 54% increased risk of developing depressive symptoms over 3.2 years. The second analysis included 4,847 participants and found that elevated depressive symptoms were associated with a 42% greater likelihood of developing diabetes during the follow-up period. The research suggests that both doctors and patients need to be more aware of the dual risks since treating one illness can reduce the likelihood of developing the other. Read "Diabetes and Depression Go Hand-in-Hand" at www.medicinenet.com.

Obesity and Depression Have Much in Common [back to top]
The challenges of obesity and depression and the treatment of these conditions have much in common, according to an article published in a recent issue of the journal Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice. The article illustrates how obesity causes depression and, similarly, how depression can lead to obesity. Obesity can lead to mobility impairment, which, in turn, leads to decreased physical activity. Decreased activity increases the risk of further weight gain and a negative body image, leading to depression. Obese individuals are often the targets of stigmatizing behaviour, resulting in low self-esteem and negative thoughts. While no studies have examined treatment of both conditions at the same time, the authors conclude that treatment for both conditions is similar. Healthy eating and cognitive behavioural therapy (to change negative thoughts and identify positive coping mechanisms) are treatments that work for both conditions. See "Understanding the Relation between Obesity and Depression" at www..interscience.wiley.com.

Early Treatment of Schizophrenia Helps Prevent Negative Symptoms [back to top]
Treating psychosis early helps prevent severe negative symptoms in people experiencing first-episode schizophrenia, according to a recent study in the Archives of General Psychiatry. Negative symptoms in schizophrenia include the flattening of emotion, reduced facial expression and a lack of motivation and energy. The study included 231 people who had experienced a first episode of the disease and who all received similar treatments during a two-year follow-up period. However, 118 of the people were from a region that offered an early detection program for psychosis. Those in the early detection program group experienced an average of only five weeks of untreated psychosis, compared to 16 weeks in the group without a detection program. The detection program group experienced milder negative symptoms at the beginning of treatment and had better functional and social outcomes related to primary negative symptoms over the follow-up period than the comparison group. Overall, early detection and treatment was found to prevent the escalation of negative symptoms, which can alter the course of the illness and lead to a better prognosis for recovery. The abstract with paid access to the full article is available at archpsyc.ama-assn.org.

Mental Illness Results in Significant Loss in Earnings [back to top]
A new study in the Journal of American Psychiatry has found that serious mental illness is associated with an annual loss of earnings totalling $193.2 billion. Data from nearly 5,000 individuals were used to estimate loss of earnings by comparing earnings in the previous 12 months of persons with mental disorders with earnings of persons without mental disorders. A mean reduction in earnings of $16,306 in persons with serious mental illness (both with and without any earnings) was observed. About 75% of the total reduction in earnings came from individuals who had some earnings in the prior year (versus those who did not have any earnings at all). There are several surprises in this report. One is the gender difference in earnings: even when the earnings of men with serious mental illness dropped to $28,070 (compared with men without serious mental illness), these earnings were still higher than earnings in women without serious mental illness. A second unexpected finding is that the loss of earnings is not mainly a function of chronic unemployment. See "Assessing the Economic Costs of Serious Mental Illness" at www.ajp.psychiatryonline.org.

Caregiver Education Reduces Manic Episodes in Patients with Bipolar Disorder [back to top]
Patients with bipolar disorder whose caregivers participate in psychoeducational sessions experience fewer hypomanic and manic episodes and have longer periods between episodes than those whose caregivers do not receive this intervention, according to a study published in the journal Bipolar Disorders. University of Barcelona researchers assigned half the caregivers of 113 stable bipolar patients to attend psychoeducation sessions. The other half did not receive psychoeducation. The sessions addressed a wide range of issues including illness education, trigger factors, treatment options, coping strategies and problem-solving skills. Of the 54% of patients who had a mood episode reoccurrence, 66% were from the control group and 42% were from the intervention group. One reason suggested for the improved results in the intervention group is increased awareness of warning signs for a manic episode, which may lead to earlier illness management. See "Impact of Caregiver Group Psychoeducation on the Course and Outcome of Bipolar Patients in Remission: A Randomized Controlled Trial," at www.ingentaconnect.com.

Improving Mental Health Employment Programs [back to top]
Several key areas must be developed if supported employment programs are to continue to be effective routes to work for people with serious mental illness, according to a recent article published in the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal. The report cites research and summarizes the benefits of supported employment programs. It also identifies nine areas of development that are needed for supported employment to become more effective and be adopted more widely. The nine areas for future work include: organization and financing of services, disability policies, program implementation and quality, motivation, job development, illness-related barriers, job supports, career development, and new populations. See "The Future of Supported Employment for People with Severe Mental Illness," at www.prj.metapress.com.
>> Need help finding employment supports? Check out our free, searchable Employment Services Inventory, lising more than 4,600 services from over 500 agencies in BC at www.cmha.bc.ca.

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

Globe and Mail Breakdown Series Tackles Mental Illness [back to top]
The Globe and Mail has launched a new mental health series titled Breakdown. The series aims to raise awareness around mental illness and lessen stigma by covering a variety of disorders from the point of view of experts and people living with mental illness. To read about mental health issues, find personal stories or post your own, and to join in the discussion, visit www.theglobeandmail.com/breakdown.

New Tardive Dyskinesia Support Group [back to top]
The Consumer Initiative Fund is sponsoring Life in Motion, a new support group for those with Tardive Dyskinesia. The group meets every Wednesday from 3:00-4:30pm at The Social Housing Office located 1212 W. Broadway. Please contact Susan Trapp at 604-733-6186 for more information.

Providing Care to a Senior? Program Teaches You Coping Skills [back to top]
The Burnaby Seniors Outreach Services Society is launching a new program called Family Care Providers Helping Each Other. The program aims to teach caregivers how to take care of themselves, handle stress, deal with emotional guilt and connect with the community and other caregivers. The program includes an education/information session for family caregivers, a self-help support group, and social/recreation program. Cost: free. Contact Katherine Willett at 604-291-2258 for more information.

Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development [back to top]
The Centre of Excellence on Early Childhood Development, a Canadian organization, has produced new information sheets to help parents and practitioners gain a better understanding of children's aggressive behaviours, sleeping behaviours, crying behaviours, the crucial role of attachment, and the effects of tobacco during pregnancy. Presented in a practical format, these 4-page key messages provide an overview of many important aspects of early childhood development. Find it at www.child-encyclopedia.com.

Postpartum Mood Disorders Resources [back to top]
Best Start is a key program of Health Nexus funded by the Government of Ontario that supports service providers to implement effective health promotion programs for expectant and new parents (including both mom and dad), newborns and young children. They have a variety of resources you can download and order on postpartum blues and mood disorders, as well as such wide-ranging topics as abuse and pregnancy, child development, nutrition, smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy. See www.beststart.org to access these resources.

Trauma Resource Kit for Aboriginal Communities [back to top]
Prepared by the BC Aboriginal Network on Disability Society, this kit includes A Basic Understanding of Trauma, Trauma Healing Guide for Aboriginal People (Adult), Trauma Healing Guide for Former Residential School Students, Trauma Healing Guide for Children and Youth, Trauma Healing Guide for People with a Disability, and two Posters. You can order each item individually or all of them. Cost: $150 for complete kit, $5-20 for individual items. To order call the British Columbia Aboriginal Network on Disability Society Toll Free at: 1-888-815-5511 or fax: 1-250-381-7312 or visit www.bcands.bc.ca for more information at or email gerald@bcands.bc.ca.

A New Model of Public Engagement [back to top]
Don Lenihan of the Public Policy Forum presented a workshop in Victoria in June entitled Public Engagement in a Multi-Stakeholder World. The workshop outlined a new model of public engagement that will be of great interest to government and non-profits alike – anyone who is concerned about involving the public in the policy planning process. The typical model of public engagement generally entails consultation such as a town hall meeting at the beginning of a planning process, and that’s often where public involvement ends. The new model details how to engage stakeholders in a meaningful way throughout the process. The model was tested through the "Public Engagement Initiative" which involved five year-long pilot projects in New Brunswick and a cross-Canada consultation with public servants. The final report of the Public Engagement Initiative was released at a national conference in May of 2008, and can be downloaded at www.ppforum.ca.

Clinical Research Hub for Practitioners [back to top]
BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network is launching a new clinical research hub to assist researchers in the selection and employment of measures to assess cognition, substance use, and severe psychopathology. The goal of the Hub is to enhance data quality while providing a forum for researchers to communicate and collaborate. The Hub is accessible to researchers both within and outside of areas traditionally thought of as mental health. It contains a library of clinical measures and scales, consultations services and a BC research inventory. Visit www.mhanet.ca to access it.

Pharmacoepidemiology Hub Wiki Helps Practitioners Share PharmaNet Data [back to top]
The Pharmacoepidemiology Hub is a resource for researchers interested in using British Columbia’s prescription database, PharmaNet, to study patterns of utilization of pharmacological agents in the treatment of mental illness and addiction. The Pharmacoepidemiology Hub Wiki seeks to address many challenges that researchers face in utilizing PharmaNet, by developing and maintaining expertise in procedures for accessing, linking and analysing PharmaNet data. The wiki format enables anyone who accesses it to contribute or modify content, using a simplified language, much like the commonly used site Wikipedia. Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health (CARMHA) will provide the initial content, and other PharmaNet researchers will share their expertise to the research community by using the site’s wiki features. Interested researchers may request access privileges by contacting the site’s coordinator.Find it at www.pharmawiki.mhanet.ca.

New Book by Marja Bergen on Living with Bipolar Disorder and God [back to top]
A Firm Place to Stand explores how it is possible to have a mental disorder yet be close to God. BC author Marja Bergen reflects on her forty-two years with bipolar disorder, showing how faith in God can help a person with a serious illness turn weakness into strength. She describes how God transformed her from an insecure, withdrawn person into a leader, an activist, and the founder of Living Room, the growing Christian support group for people with mood disorders. Cost:$20. To order a copy, visit marjabergen.com.
>> You might also be interesting in ordering a FREE copy of Responding to the Call, a beautifully illustrated adult picture book on the 'gift' of depression. To order contact CMHA BC at 1-800-555-8222 (or 604-688-3236 within Metro Vancouver) or info@cmha.bc.ca.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Canada Post Launches New Mental Health Foundation and Commemorative Stamp [back to top]
Canada Post is launching a new foundation for mental health. The Foundation, which will be administered by an independent board of experts in the area of mental health, will receive funds raised by Canada Post and its employees, as well as by others, and direct the funds towards improving the lives of people dealing with mental illness. The Foundation's aim is to raise awareness of the effect mental illness on the lives of Canadians, eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness, and support patients and families. As a first step in its fundraising efforts, Canada Post will issue a new commemorative stamp supporting Mental Health. The stamp will carry a 10-cent donation, with that entire amount being directed to the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health. The stamp will be issued on October 6, 2008 to coincide with Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), sponsored by Canada Post. See "Canada Post to Issue Fundraiser Stamp for Mental Health, Launches the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health" at. www.canadapost.com.

Workplace Mental Health Research Gets Funding [back to top]
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has announced funding for research on 14 pressing public health issues including mental health in the workplace. Dr. Carolyn Dewa of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health will research the impact of work and the workplace on people with mental illness. The research that will provide evidence to support public health policies and programs. Recipients of the grants are expected to work closely with practitioners and policy-makers to ensure research is put into practice. See "Solving Pressing Public Health Problems: Close to $13 Million to Fund 14 New Research Chairs in Public Health," at www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca.
>> Mark the date for the 2009 Bottom Line Conference on mental illness in the workplace on March 11. Watch for more details at www.bottomlineconference.ca.

Government Funds Foster Youth’s Rehabilitation [back to top]
The BC government is spending $5 million to enhance financial support for young people in foster care after they turn 19. Effective July 1, eligible youth aged 19 to 24 can apply for up to 24 months of funding to finish high school, enrol in vocational, college or university study or complete rehabilitation for addictions or mental illness. The program will assist with food and rent, tuition and child care costs. The new program is in addition to an existing assistance fund that provides funding for post-secondary studies to former youth in care. There are about 700 young people in the care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development who are turning 19 this year. Read "Youth Program Boosted" at www.bclocalnews.com.

Supported Housing to be Built at 16th and Dunbar [back to top]
The City of Vancouver and Coast foundation are building a new residence intended for those with low income, physical disabilities and mental health issues. Priority will be given to individuals from the Dunbar, West Point Grey and Kitsilano areas. Thirty of the units will be devoted to tenants with mental illness, five to those referred by the Yaffa Housing Society, which helps members of the Jewish faith in need, and four to those with physical disabilities through the St. George's Place Housing Society. The remaining tenants will come from the BC Housing Access System waiting list, which is for low income clients. The City and Coast Mental Health have agreed that the running of the facility will be governed by an Operations Management Plan (MOP) governing the resident population, staffing levels, ongoing community interaction, discipline and tenant responsibilities. If you would be interested in joining the MOP consultation group, please contact darrellb@coastmentalhealth.com. See www.dunbar-vancouver.org for more information on this project.

The Spirit of Hope Award Calls for Nominations - Deadline September 12 [back to top]
The goal of the Spirit of Hope Award is to recognize an individual, program, not-for-profit agency or public institution within BC that has made a significant impact on improving the mental health conditions of immigrants and refugees. Along with the award is a donation of $1,000 to a Mental Health program of the award recipients’ choice. For more information or to download an application form visit www.psychiatry.ubc.ca.

Cracking up Documentary Wins a Voice Award [back to top]
Cracking Up, a documentary about the Stand Up For Mental Health course teaching stand-up comedy to people with mental illness, has won a Voice Award. Sponsored by US Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Voice Awards honour writers and producers who incorporate dignified, respectful, and accurate portrayals of individuals with mental health problems into film and television productions. Cracking Up can be used as a fun way to educate your organization about mental illness. You can get your own copy of this award-winning documentary for $28.95. Visit www.hdtv-vancouver.coml for ordering information. Learn more about the Voice Award winners at www.allmentalhealth.samhsa.gov.

Research Team Targets High Suicide Rates on Manitoba Reserves [back to top]
A top medical expert from the University of Manitoba has been recruited to help a group of northern First Nations tackle epidemic suicide rates. Dr. Jitender Sareen, director of anxiety services in the University of Manitoba's department of psychiatry, will work with the Swampy Cree Tribal Council to help identify the best ways to reduce the number of suicides in their communities. Suicide rates in the Swampy Cree region in north-central Manitoba are 7 to 10 times that of the rest of the general Canadian population, Sareen said. Sareen and his team will spend five years with the eight Swampy Cree First Nations, evaluating the best methods of suicide intervention and prevention. Read "Researcher targets high rate of suicide on Manitoba reserves" at www.cbc.ca.

Schizophrenia Society of Canada Conducting Quality of Life Survey [back to top]
The Schizophrenia Society of Canada is undertaking a research project to develop a tool for measuring Quality of Life from the perspective of people living with schizophrenia and their family/ loved ones. They define quality of life as more than symptom reduction and staying out of hospital. They want to learn what quality of life means to families and consumers and use the findings from the survey to improve the educational, support and advocacy efforts of the Schizophrenia Societies. The family survey is available a www.surveymonkey.com and the consumer survey is available at www.surveymonkey.com.

Project Seeks Stories of People Who Choose to Live Following a Suicide Attempt [back to top]
A new website, www.thereasons.ca, has been launched to collect stories from people who have attempted suicide, and have since changed their thinking from wanting to die, to choosing to live. The website is part of a larger project called The Reasons to go on Living, developed by researchers in the Mental Health and Addictions Program at St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, and the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University. People are invited to submit their stories anonymously to the website. The researchers will then analyze the stories in order to get a better understanding about how people find reasons to go on living after a suicide attempt. The project is also intended to help inform health care professionals who treat people considering suicide, as well as to be a source of public education and support.

Mood Disorders Association is Seeking Volunteers for Pride Parade [back to top]
Mood Disorders Association (MDA) is seeking three volunteers to participate in the 30th Anniversary Vancouver Pride Parade, August 3, 2008. In 2007, MDA marched with approximately 100 other entrants while 385,000 spectators cheered them on. You don’t need to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered to volunteer. So if you love being in the sun, being part of a huge party and carrying the MDA message please contact the MDA message please contact the MDA office at 604-873-0103.

Mental Health Research Showcase 2008 Calls for Abstracts – Deadline August 22 [back to top]
The 4th Mental Health Research Showcase continues to highlight the importance of advancing mental health through research. The showcase brings mental health experts from around the world to Banff in November. The goal is to shed new light on illnesses that continually impact so many individuals, families and communities and bring the importance of advancing mental health research to the forefront. The four themes within this year's Showcase are: Mental Health in the Workplace, Mental Illness and Addictions, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, and Effectiveness of Mental Health Services and the System, however abstracts from any range of topics within mental health research are welcome. See www.buksa.com for detailed submission guidelines.

Arts in Healthcare Grants – Letters of Inquiry due August 8 [back to top]
Johnson & Johnson, working in conjunction with the Society for the Arts in Healthcare, seeks to promote the use of the arts to enhance the healthcare experience for patients, their families and caregivers. Proposals are being sought from healthcare and/or arts organizations who have established arts in healthcare programs with evidence of initial impact. Grants, each averaging a total of $75,000 over three years, are intended to assist organizations in strengthening program evaluation and replicating programs nationally and/or internationally. Letters of inquiry are due August 8, 2008 and applications due September 30. For more information, visit www.thesah.org.

PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS

Movie Mondays in Victoria [back to top]
Every Monday at 6:30pm, Bruce Saunders' Movie Monday project presents free movies at the Eric Martin Pavilion at the 1900 block of Fort Street in Victoria. More details at www.islandnet.com/mm.
August 4 – BC Day - For B.C.'s 150 - B.C. Boomer Special Event!
August 11 – The Savages
August 18 – She’s a Boy I Know
August 25 – Gridlock’d

Stand Up for Mental Health at Mood Disorders Association’s Comedy Café – August 21 [back to top]
This is an event of comedy brought to you by a group of people who have turned their personal struggles of living with a mental illness into something to laugh at. Stand Up for mental Health teaches those with mental illness to use humor to cope with stress and adversity. Performing comedy is a way of building self-confidence and fighting stigma. Mood Disorders Association (MDA) hopes you’ll join them for an entertaining evening starting at 7pm at Sunrise Hall, 1950 Windermere St. (East 4th Ave.), Vancouver. Cost: $5/ticket. Contact 604-873-0103 for tickets.

MDA of BC Education Evening - Bipolar Disorder Update – September 18 [back to top]
Join Mood Disorders Association of BC for their monthly Education Evening for the community. Dr. Ron Remick, a Psychiatrist at St. Paul's Hospital, will present an Update on Bipolar Disorder for 2008. The free event starts at 7pm at Sunrise Hall, 1950 Windermere St., Vancouver. Call 604-873-0103 or email info@mdabc.net for more information.

Reach Out Youth Concert Tour Comes to Northern BC – September 24 – October 4 [back to top]
The BC Schizophrenia Society and BC Partners for Mental Health and Addiction Information are harnessing the power of music to change attitudes about psychosis and promote early and more effective treatment for this devastating brain condition. The popular Reach Out high school awareness program, which has been bringing its free concert and spoken word tour to lower mainland high schools since 2005, is, for the first time, visiting high schools and correctional facilities in Northern BC and the Queen Charlotte Islands. The theme of Reach Out is: "Psychosis sucks if there is no one there to catch you!" and it will feature slam poet Barbara Adler and popular band Ten Ways From Sunday who will be helping to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and promoting early treatment for psychosis. More information on concert dates and locations, concert booking procedures, and performer and psychosis information is available at www.reachoutpsychosis.com or email reachout@bcss.org.

Margaret Trudeau Speaks about her Journey through Mental Illness – October 9 [back to top]
The Mood Disorders’ Association of BC, in partnership with Fraser Health and other community, education and mental health organizations in the region, is pleased to welcome Margaret Trudeau, mental health advocate, presenting her story on the importance of finding balance of mind, body, and spirit. This presentation will be part of mental illness awareness week taking place October 5-11. Call 604-873-0103 for more information.

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

SFU Hosts Free Summer Mental Health Workshops [back to top]
Continuing Health Education and SFU Health and Counselling Services is proving series of free workshops for the public on a variety of health topics including stress management and relationship health. These sessions are free and open to the public, but seating is limited and registration is required. All session are held at SFU Surrey at Central City, Room 3270. Visit www.sfu.ca for a full list of workshops. You can contact healthed@sfu.ca or call 778-782-7451 to register.

SFU Surrey Courses on Mental Health Topics [back to top]
Simon Fraser University Surrey Campus is offering a Mini HealthEd series of half-day courses on health, wellness and safety topics of direct relevance to healthcare professionals and the general public. The courses that deal specifically with mental health topics are:
October 2 - Attention Deficit Disorder –$85
October 23 - Seasonal Affective Disorder –$55
October 23-24 - The importance of Addressing Mental Health Issues in Rehabilitation Management – $450
For more information visit www.sfu.ca or call 778-782-7451.

Theatre Workshop on Senior Abuse – August 25-30 [back to top]
Do you know that one in five seniors suffer from some form of abuse? Would you like to help vulnerable seniors? Kitsilano Neighbourhood House is recruiting seniors to participate in this six-day theatre workshop on senior abuse. The workshop will inform and inspire participants as they learn more about the issues. Cost: free. Sign up by contacting Jo Pleshakov at 604-737-9008 or jo@kitshouse.org.

Family Matters: Transforming Families from Addiction to Healing, Abbotsford – September 18 [back to top]
The Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD) presents Dr. Claudia Black, a renowned author and trainer internationally recognized for her pioneering and contemporary work with family systems and addictive disorders. In her presentation, Claudia will give a portrait of addiction in the family, offering an overlay of how chronic stress, abandonment and blatant violence are all aspects of familial trauma. Through the words and pictures of children, Claudia will discuss goals in working with children impacted by familial addiction. The presentation will take place from 9:30-4:00 at Cascade Community Chur 35190 Delair Road, Abbotsford. Cost: $65.00; MCFD staff from out of area and Aboriginal teams: $50.00; Free for MCFD staff and Foster Parents from Mission and Abbotsford (coffee and tea included). Call 604-854-3309 or email Kulzer1@telus.net to register.

My Tween and Me: a Training Program for Parents – September 17-19 [back to top]
My Tween and Me is a new program from the BC Council fo Families for BC parents of children aged 7 to 12 years. Addressing the key areas of every school-age child’s life – home and family, school and friends, and community life – My Tween and Me explores the factors that can protect children as they move through the tween years and into the teen years. Recent research shows that the tween years are crucial to kids’ healthy growth – particularly in helping kids develop skills and relationships that will allow them to resist joining in high-risk activities, like drinking and drug use, during their teen years. My Tween and Me supports parents becoming and remaining key sources of information and influence in the lives of their tween children. Cost: $400 for three sessions (light breakfast, lunch and refreshments included) The workshops will be held at Vancouver Public Library at 350 West Georgia St., Vancouver. See for www.bccf.bc.ca details.

CONFERENCES

CMHA National Conference, Nova Scotia – August 22 -23 [back to top]
The 2008 Canadian Mental Health Association National Conference, "Making Waves for Change: From Surviving to Thriving" will be hosted by CMHA Nova Scotia. The main themes for the 2008 conference are Prevention, Recovery and Advocacy. Workshop topics related to the themes include: postpartum depression, suicide, housing and cross-cultural mental health; family support groups, mental health from a chronic disease perspective and concurrent disorders; and youth advocacy and raising the profile of mental health issues. CMHA BC Division will also be presenting on the new Bounce Back: Reclaim Your Health program to support emotional well-being of people with chronic health conditions. The event will also feature "Youth Speak," an interactive presentation on mental health and illness aimed at high school students that is written, designed and presented by young people with mental illness. Cost: $395 for both days or $200/day. For more information and registration, visit www.cmha.ca or www.novascotia.cmha.ca.

Canadian Psychiatric Association’s Annual Conference – September 4-7 [back to top]
The Canadian Psychiatric Association’s annual conference is the largest psychiatric continuing professional development program in Canada. Each year, more than 1,200 psychiatrists and other mental health care professionals attend the conference to keep up-to-date on the latest research, exchange ideas, and network with colleagues from across the country. Cost: $200 member, $250 nurse/psychologist/social worker, $350 non-member and industry. See www.cpa-apc.org for details.

New Perspectives: Conference on Addiction, Nanaimo - September 11-13 [back to top]
Edgewood Treatment Centre is hosting an upcoming conference on addiction, to take place at the brand new Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo. "New Perspectives" features preeminent researcher/educator, Dr. Carlton Erickson, from the University of Texas, a leading expert in addiction neurobiology. It will also include Intervention Training Seminars by two leading intervention specialists: Heather Hayes and Bill Maher. Cost: $380 regular, $210 Student. For more information, see www.edgewood.ca.

Breaking Through the Barriers to Recovery, Winnipeg – September 17-19 [back to top]
This conference brings together practitioners, consumers and other experts to talk about barriers to recovering from mental illness and how they can be overcome. The conference offers a variety of sessions to choose from on topics such as homelessness, models of care, deinstitutionalization and employability skills. The keynote speaker is Bill McPhee, founder, publisher, and CEO of Schizophrenia Digest. Cost: $275 member, $350 non-member, $100 consumer/family/student. Download a full program at www.psrrpsontario.ca.

Health and Wellbeing in Persons with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities – September 25-26
Health and Wellbeing in Persons with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities Children, Youth and Adults will provide education and informative updates on psychiatric, behavioural and complex health components specific to individuals with developmental disabilities, and showcase best practices in the field. Includes sessions on psychopharmacology and planning guidelines for mental health and addiction services for children, youth and adults with developmental disabilities and also addresses topics such as epilepsy, aging in down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, sexual health, self-injurious behaviour and other challenging behaviours. Cost: $495 full conference, $295 Individual Days, $250 Student. Bursaries for families and service provides are available. Visit www.interprofessional.ubc.ca for a full program and registration details.

A Consensus Development Conference on Depression in Adults, Calgary – October 15-17 [back to top]
The Consensus Development Conference on Depression in Adults invites participants to bring their perspectives and gain insight on depressive disorders in adults. The sharing of knowledge and expertise will support the creation of a consensus statement on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of depression. The distribution of the consensus statement to a wide audience has the power to immediately influence current perceptions and practice, and is essential in shaping future policy development. Conference panel members include CMHA BC Division Public Policy and Community-based Research Consultant, Nancy Hall. Cost: $315 early bird, $393 regular. See www.buksa.com/conferences for details.

Taking Action Together: Chronic Disease Prevention, Ottawa - November 24-26 [back to top]
This conference focuses on how individuals, organizations, strategies and sectors can collaboratively act on the root causes of chronic disease in Canada. Producing the greatest gains in the health status of Canadians will require urgent action that reduces the inequities giving rise to chronic diseases such as mental illness, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cost: $475 participant/presenter, $250 student. See www.cdpac.ca/conference for details.

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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