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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 Province of British Columbia.

CMHA NEWS:

Lorne Fraser Educational Fund Accepting Applications
Seeking Participants for Mental Well-Being DVD
Interested in Becoming a Mental Health Works Trainer in BC?
The Results Are In: CMHA's Survey About Mental Health Care Needs in Your Region
Bottom Line Conference Presentations Available by Webcast
Your Education, Your Future - a Guide for Students with Mental Illness
Pathways Clubhouse Art Show & Sale in Richmond
Dare Dave to Dive for Dollars
North Shore Health Lecture Series
Vancouver/Burnaby Branch Special Events

FEATURED PROGRAM:

BC Partners Community of Practice Launch Workshop: February 8 and 9, 2008

CANADIAN RESEARCH:

Innovative Program Treats Depression in Chinese-Canadians
Housing and Supports for the Mentally Ill and Homeless in BC
Removing Barriers to Work for People with Disability
Unmet Mental Health Needs Higher for Persons with Concurrent Disorders
Mental Illness can Interfere with HIV Treatment
Child and Youth Mental Health Scan
Mental Health Commission Releases Report on Stigma and Discrimination

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD:

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES:

Interactive Cartoon Teaches Youth How to Help a Friend
Online Videos and Resources on Raising Resilient Kids
A Guide to Caring for Kids after Trauma, Disaster and Death
Guide to Creating a Trust to Avoid Losing Disability Benefits

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Mental Health Commission of Canada Receives $110 Million
New Burnaby Centre for Treating Mental Illness and Substance Use Problems
No New Beds for Psychiatric Patient and Royal Jubilee Hospital until 2010
Stress Levels Soar Among Victoria Police
Delta Police Deparment Gets Help in Dealing with Mental Health Issues
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Surges Among Canadian Veterans
New Antidepressant Cymbalta Approved for Use in Canada
US Bill Grants Equal Insurance Benefits to People with Mental Illness
Study on Self-Help Methods Used to Relieve Depression Seeks Participants
UBC Study Seeks People with a Mood Disorder
Mentoring Program in Victoria Seeks Volunteers
Mental Health and Substance Use Research Grants Available
Become a Peer Support Worker with Vancouver Coastal Health
Innovations in Community Health Conference Calls for Presentations
BC Non-Profit Housing Association Conference Calls for Proposals

PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS:

Movie Mondays in Victoria
Pathways Clubhouse Art Show and Sale
Bereavement Support Group for Losses through Suicide
Workshop for Seniors Dealing with Loss
Laugh Your Head Off and Support Mental Health!
Reach Out Youth Concert Tour comes to Northern BC
Webcast Series on Pregnancy, Mental Health and Substance Use Issues

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS:

Grass Roots Facilitator Training Workshop
Rethinking Treatment Symposium
Care and Advocacy: Serving Vulnerable and Marginalized Persons
Facing the Future Together
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Workshop
Anxiety Disorders in Children & Adolescents: Recognizing and Treating
Free College Entry Course for People with Mental Illness
Working with Aggressive and Violent Children & Youth

CONFERENCES:

Forensic Psychiatry Conference on Mental Health and the Justice System
Cracked but Not Broken
Employee Assistance and the Global Workforce
School Health Conference, Ottawa
BC Psychogeriatric Association Conference, Cranbrook
Educating Families Conference, Vancouver
Western Regional International Health Conference
Integrative, Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Mental Health Conference, Toronto

CMHA NEWS

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

Seeking Participants for Mental Well-Being DVD - Deadline April 4 [back to top]
As part of our new Bounce Back: Reclaim Your Health project, we're currently looking for people interested in being part of a DVD on mental well-being. We're adapting an instructional/documentary video on self-help skills for dealing with low mood. The DVD is from Scotland and we are planning to replace two of the real people who describe their simple self-care techniques with a couple of real people from BC. We need women and men for this project. You must meet all of the following criteria: live in the Lower Mainland or Fraser Valley; be between 45 and 70 years of age; be from any visible minority group; speak clear English; have gone through a moderate depression and doing better now; be interested in having your face (no names) used in a mental wellness DVD that would be widely distributed to potentially thousands of people across BC; want to help others improve their mental well-being. If you meet the criteria and are interested, please contact us at dvd@cmha.bc.ca and attach a recent photo of yourself along with a phone number that we can reach you at. You don't have to act or memorize lines. Successful candidates would receive a minimum $500 honorarium for a few hours of your time if you're chosen to be filmed. Deadline is April 4 for expressions of interest.

Interested in Becoming a Mental Health Works Trainer in BC? - Deadline April 17 [back to top]
CMHA BC Division is currently considering applications from BC residents interested becoming a certified trainer for Mental Health Works, a multiple award-winning CMHA initiative providing organizations with the tools and resources they need to effectively address issues involving mental illness in the workplace. Qualifications required include substantial experience in management and/or unions; knowledge of mental health and mental illness; solid presentation skills using computer technology to business, union, and/or professional audiences); willingness, time, and ability to market to executives in the public and private sectors; as well as commitment to CMHA values. Those accepted as prospective trainers will complete two weeks of training in the program, as well as prior assessment of knowledge of mental health/ illnesses and presentation skills. Training for new prospective Mental Health Works Certified Trainers for CMHA BC will take place July 7–18 2008 in Metro Vancouver. Participants will be responsible for their own travel, accommodation, breakfasts and dinners. Please contact us at mentalhealthworks@cmha.bc.ca. The deadline for applications is April 17.

The Results Are In: CMHA's Survey About Mental Health Care Needs in Your Region [back to top]
Thank you to the more than 200 people who completed our survey during February about mental health care needs in your community. You can now see an assessment of what we heard from the survey (900Kb PDF). We will engage you for more comments and opinions in the coming year. The responses will help guide our policy work moving forward in the area of linking the formal service system to the community sector, dealing with criminalization and urgent response, being innovative with housing, and adequately serving people with co-existing mental illnesses and addictions. The survey was a response to findings from the recent report by the Vancouver Police Department.

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

Your Education, Your Future - a Guide for Students with Mental Illness [back to top]
Attending college or universities opens up an exciting world of possibilities. It can also be pretty challenging. But if you’re living with a mental illness, it can be even more challenging. Your Education, Your Future is a CMHA National resource that is designed to make your transition to college or university just a little bit easier. It takes you through all the steps of going to school, providing information and tips for anyone living with a mental illness. Find it at http://www.cmha.ca/youreducation.

Pathways Clubhouse Art Show & Sale - March 28 [back to top]
CMHA Richmond Branch invites you to their inaugural art show and sale, showcasing the work of talented BC artists living and working with mental illness. The event takes place 7pm-8:30pm at 7351 Elmbridge Way, Richmond. For details, call 604-276-8834.

Dare Dave to Dive for Dollars - April 3 [back to top]
On April 3rd, Dave MacDonald, Executive Director of CMHA Richmond Branch, will be doing a Tandem Skydive Jump if he gets enough sponsorship. The goal is to raise $900 that will cover the cost to send a member of Pathways Clubhouse to the Canadian Clubhouse Conference in Calgary. Receipts will be issued for donations or sponsorship of $10 or more. For more information call Una Mulhall at 604-276-8834 ext. 28.

North Shore Health Lecture Series [back to top]
The weekly Health Lecture Series organized by CMHA North and West Vancouver Branch meets on the 2nd floor of the John Braithwaite Community Centre at 145 West 1st Street in North Vancouver (between Chesterfield and Lonsdale Avenue). All lectures start at 7pm. Admission by donation. For more information please phone 604-987-6959 or visit www.northwestvancouver.cmha.bc.ca.
April 2 - Standup for Mental Health, Comedy Troop 2008
April 9 - Getting Your Needs Met: Healing Co-dependence
April 16 - Forgiveness

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.
March 28 - UBC Wind Ensemble at the Chan Centre
March 31 - West Cost Express Trip to Mission

FEATURED CMHA PROGRAM:
Campus Project Community of Practice Launch Workshop: February 8th and 9th 2008

Since 2005, the Campus Project has worked with post-secondary institutions in BC to support mental wellness and healthier relationships with substances. CMHA BC is leading the project on behalf of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information (BC Partners), a group of seven non-profits working together to support individuals and families to better manage mental health and substance use problems. The BC Partners involved with the project to date include: CMHA, the Centre for Addictions Research BC, Anxiety Disorders Association of BC, the Mood Disorders Association of BC, and Jessie's Hope Society.This project, along with other BC Partners work, is funded by BC Mental Health and Addiction Services, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority.

Over two days in February, the Campus Project hosted a workshop to kick-start the launch for creating campus communities of practice and an exciting new phase in which the project will be able to reach out to more BC communities. Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. The workshop, hosted by CMHA, was facilitated by Etienne Wenger, international social learning theorist and community of practice guru. Wenger's model for building communities of practice emphasizes flexible groups that learn by engaging people from different sectors and by setting their own priorities. Over 50 participants from across BC attended the workshop, including researchers, advocates, counselors, disability advisors, administrators, students and campus security.

The workshop marks a new stage in the Campus Project in which all BC institutions are invited to participate. In the first year of the project, the BC Partners worked with four colleges and universities to share knowledge and information and set policies and priorities for addressing mental health and substance use on campus. In the second year of the project, four more institutions joined the network. The Community of Practice Launch Workshop opened the project up to all institutions in BC, and aims to move towards an open and inclusive model where any institution interested in engaging with the project will be welcome to do so.

Moving into the fourth year of the project, the Campus Project will emphasize campus communities driving the knowledge sharing, communication and decision-making. CMHA and the rest of the BC Partners will be resources for the campus communities as they try and achieve change in key action areas. Priority areas for future learning, which came as a result of the workshop, include:
1. Policy Development and Data Collection
2. Education for First Responders
3. Professional Development and Clinical Care
4. Mental Health Promotion and Student Engagement
5. Collaboration and Partnerships

At the workshop, Dr. Wenger talked a lot about different kinds of learning ranging from active to passive and synchronous (at the same time) as well as asynchronous. The idea of a community of practice is to create a learning community so ideas stick and our behaviours in the situation change. For example, as much as a campus administrator or counsellor needs a policy for approaching a student who is presenting with challenges, they also need to learn an effective way to have a conversation to determine what is going on with the student and what kind of support will work to address the challenges before the situation escalates. The learning might best happen through role playing and reference to policy rather than developing a long academic policy which will get filed but not leave the front-line practitioner with the needed skills to respond effectively.

A Design Team for the Campus Project was struck to lead the project as it moves into its fourth year. On March 10th, the Design Team, which includes members from BC campuses and the BC Partners, met to discuss the direction of the project. By hosting a series of conference calls, workshops and developing an efficient and effective website, the CMHA and the BC Partners will work with the Design Team to support campus communities of practice in developing the capacity to enhance mental well-being and decrease problematic substance use on campuses in BC.

For more information, visit our website at www.bcpcampusproject.org or contact the Campus Project Coordinator, Sarah Wiebe, at campus@heretohelp.bc.ca.

CANADIAN RESEARCH

Innovative Program Treats Depression in Chinese-Canadians [back to top]
Troubled Chinese-Canadians are much less inclined than other North Americans to seek help through therapy, say University of British Columbia researchers. A groundbreaking study conducted at Richmond Hospital in conjunction with UBC tried to align a Western therapeutic approach—cognitive-behavioural therapy—in a manner more consistent with Chinese values. To draw Chinese-Canadians into treatment, the researchers structured their program as a course teaching people how to deal with sadness as opposed to therapy for depression. They called the program "A Course on Diligent Practice of New Thought," appealing to Chinese-Canadians' willingness to engage in hard work and self-criticism. The researchers' main goal was to help clients discover a healthy balance between the Eastern focus on contributing to social harmony and the Western value of individual freedom. Cognitive-behavioural therapy was found to be especially helpful for this group since it doesn't require dealing with childhood trauma or difficult emotions. See "Treating Depression in Chinese Canadians" at www.canada.com

Housing and Supports for the Mentally Ill and Homeless in BC [back to top]
The Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction (CARMHA) at Simon Fraser University recently published a new report on homelessness and mental illness. Housing and Supports for Adults with Severe Addictions and/or Mental Illness in British Columbia offers up-to-date information on the scope of homelessness in BC, with recommendations of solutions and associated costs. The report provides estimates of BC’s current supported housing capacity as well as the unmet need for adults with severe addictions and/or mental illness who require adequate, suitable, and affordable housing and support services. Read the report in PDF format at www.carmha.ca.

Removing Barriers to Work for People with Disabilities [back to top]
Research conducted by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives reveals that flexible employment supports and creative income assistance policies make a difference. By allowing workers with a disability to cycle into and out of the labour market without risking their access to disability benefits and helping them gain part-time or part-year work, it's possible to maximize labour market participation among people with a significant disability. Read the full report at www.policyalternatives.ca.

Unmet Mental Health Needs Higher for Persons with Concurrent Disorders [back to top]
Perceived unmet mental health care needs were found to be significantly higher for people who had both a mental health issue and substance dependency than either disorder alone, according to a study in the journal Psychiatric Services. The authors found that 51% of persons with co-occurring disorders had unmet needs, compared to 13% for people with an addiction and 21% for people with a mental illness. The study also reports higher rates of unmet needs for younger adults and those with lower incomes. Find "Perceived Unmet Need for Mental Health Care for Canadians with Co-occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders" at www.ps.psychiatryonline.org.

Mental Illness can Interfere with HIV Treatment [back to top]
Hundreds of people with HIV are dying without ever taking the drug cocktails that could prolong their lives for decades. Those most at risk are people who live in poverty, are homeless, or have a mental illness or addiction. A new study by the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS found 40% of the 1,436 people who died of HIV-related causes between 1997 and 2005 hadn't accessed the anti-retroviral drugs. According to the researchers, the problems of mental illness, homelessness, drug addiction and nutrition must be tackled first, because those infected may not be pursuing treatment of a long-term illness while they're faced with more immediate concerns. See "HIV-infected are not using drug cocktails" at www.canada.com.

Child and Youth Mental Health Scan [back to top]
While child and youth mental health is an area of growing concern and priority in Canada, there is a lack of information about the systems, programs and policies across the country. That's why the Child Welfare League of Canada undertook a national scan to improve what is known about child and youth mental health. They found that there are promising programs available for children, youth and families in need and that service providers have strong desire to better meet the needs of their clients. However, there is also a lack of early interventions, problematic wait times and a general shortage of resources, both financial and human, across the country. You can find the summary report at www.cwlc.ca.

Mental Health Commission Releases Report on Stigma and Discrimination [back to top]
Research consultants commissioned by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) have released an action plan advising the Commission on how to proceed with its work on stigma and discrimination. The plan analyzed the major literature and results from an online survey to identify major issues and promising practices. It finds that while there is agreement that stigma and discrimination are pressing problems, they are complex issues that require a commitment to goal setting, research and collaboration. Leadership by people with mental illness, a focus on contact approaches (people with mental illness talking directly to people who don't have personal experience), engaging the heart and not just the head, and promoting hope and recovery messages were seen as key elements of an action plan. See "A Time for Action: Tackling Stigma and Discrimination" at www.mentalhealthcommission.ca.

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD

People with Severe Mental Illness Often Victims Not Perpetrators of Violence  [back to top]
People with severe mental illness are more likely to be the victims of violence rather than be responsible for it, according to a recent review article in the Journal of Psychiatric Services. The researchers found that the victimization of people with mental illness is a greater public health concern than the violence a minority of them cause. Also, ongoing research focus on perpetration of violence in the inpatient population may be increasing stigma and negative stereotypes of people with mental illness. See "Perpetration of Violence, Violent Victimization, and Severe Mental Illness: Balancing Public Health Concerns," at www.ps.psychiatryonline.org.

Employees Still Getting Inadequate Mental Health Care  [back to top]
A recent survey of human resources executives in the US found mental health is still not a priority for many employers. While close to one third of respondents said mental illness affects their business more than any other health issue, many employers still do not take measures to ensure their staff are aware of options or are supported when dealing with mental illness. Managers at 60% of the companies surveyed were not educated about mental illness or trained to deal with mental health problems in the workplace. And 8 out of 10 employees did not seek help due to shame, stigma and discrimination. The problem is compounded by the fact that, while most companies provide mental health benefits, only one third of those benefits are equivalent to medical benefits. The study also highlights the costs of ignoring mental health in the workplace. When employees are not adequately treated and supported in the workplace, it costs employers more money in lost productivity and increased sick days. See "Employees still not getting inadequate mental health care" at www.bclocalnews.com.
   >> Need help tackling mental health issues in your workplace? CMHA's Mental Health Works program provides organizations with the tools and resources they need to effectively address issues involving mental illness in the workplace.

Anxiety Independently Related to Heart Attacks  [back to top]
Anxiety has been directly linked to heart attacks, according to a US study. This study found that anxiety independently increases the risk of heart attack. Moderate anxiety is associated with modest risk and severe anxiety with higher risk. The study also suggests that anxiety may be the strongest predictor of heart attack among all psychological variables, and that interpersonal and social difficulties are a major source of distress that may worsen the progress of heart disease in both healthy populations and those with heart disease. See "Anxiety Characteristics Independently and Prospectively Predict Myocardial Infarction in Men" in the Journal of American College of Cardiology at www.content.onlinejacc.org.

Older Women More Likely to be Depressed than Men  [back to top]
Older women are more likely than older men to suffer from depression, a new study suggests. Researchers at the Yale School of Medicine looked at how men and women transitioned between three states: not depressed, depressed and death. The study involved 754 men and women aged 70 and over. Women were found to have higher rates of transitioning to a depressed state and lower rates of remaining non-depressed or dying. These findings are surprising considering how women are more likely to receive medications or other treatment for depression. Further studies are needed to determine whether women are treated less aggressively than men for late-life depression, and whether women are less likely to respond to conventional treatment later in life. See "Older Women More Likely to be Depressed than Men: Study" at www.cbc.ca.

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

Interactive Cartoon Teaches Youth How to Help a Friend [back to top]
Mindyourmind.ca is an award-winning site for youth by youth. I'is a place where you can get information, resources and the tools to help you manage stress, crisis and mental health problems. Share what you live and what you know with your friends. And while you are there, check out their interactive cartoon which walks you through the key steps you would take to help a friend in need. See www.mindyourmind.ca/mind-tools.

Online Videos and Resources on Raising Resilient Kids [back to top]
As much as we would like to, we can't always protect our children from upsetting experiences, but we can give our children the skills to be able to bounce back and make the most of what life throws their way: we can help them develop resiliency. Resilient children are children who can overcome adversity and reach out to new opportunities. Resiliency is in each of us and the trick is to bring it out in our children from an early age. Some key resiliency skills you can teach children include effective problem solving, realistic thinking and impulse control. To find out how you can promote resilience in children visit www.reachinginreachingout.com, the home of Reaching IN...Reaching Out project sponsored by the Child and Family Partnership, a group of four Ontario organizations including YMCA of Greater Toronto and University of Gueph. Guidebooks, articles, research summaries and parent resources are all available for download.

A Guide to Caring for Kids after Trauma, Disaster and Death [back to top]
This guide from the New York University Child Study Centre provides educational and practical tips to help schools, parents, and others who care for children understand and respond to children's reactions to traumatic events. The guide is also intended to help identify ways to strengthen the factors that promote resilience in a climate sensitive to the cultural and social context of families. Access it at www.aboutourkids.org/articles.

Guide to Creating a Trust to Avoid Losing Disability Benefits [back to top]
If you are receiving disability benefits and you suddenly come into money (for example, through an inheritance or court settlement), you can lose your benefits – including medical coverage. To help avoid this situation, you can put that money into a trust. The "How to Create a Trust" book by the Voice of the Cerebral Palsied of Greater Vancouver will help you be well-informed, so if you decide to create a trust, you will be able to use your time with a lawyer more efficiently. Families with children who have disabilities might also be interested. Go to www.vcpgv.org/trust to download the book.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mental Health CommissionReceives $110 Million for Homelessness Research [back to top]
CMHA commends the Government of Canada for promising $110 million to the Mental Health Commission of Canada to use for homelessness research projects that will be located in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, and Moncton. Each project will focus on a distinct group of homeless people living with mental illness such as the Aboriginal community, non-English speaking new immigrants, or those with a substance use problem. This research will also support the Commission's development of a national mental health strategy, as well as its efforts to reduce the discrimination faced by many people living with mental illnesses. For details, see the press release in PDF format at www.mentalhealthcommission.ca. Read CMHA National's response to the announcement at www.cmha.ca.

New Burnaby Centre for Treating Mental Illness and Substance Use Problems [back to top]
The BC government will open a new secure treatment facility in Burnaby for people suffering from severe addictions and mental illnesses. The new Burnaby Centre for Mental Health and Addictions is designed to help people with a complex range of mental health and addictions challenges by providing them a stable environment with on-site medical, nursing and psychiatric care as well as, addiction care, counselling, and trauma support. The centre will cost $3.5 million to get up and running and $14 million a year to operate. It will have 30 beds and will open by this summer. Another 70 beds will be added by the year end. The facility will only be used for about five years while the government plans a replacement centre either at the same Burnaby site or at the Riverview hospital in Coquitlam. See "New Burnaby centre to treat severe mental illnesses, addictions" at www.cbc.ca.

No New Beds for Psychiatric Patient and Royal Jubilee Hospital until 2010 [back to top]
There will be no new beds for psychiatric patients when Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH) opens its new patient care centre in 2010. Amid calls for an increase in Victoria’s ability to handle and house psychiatric patients, Alan Campbell, director for mental health and addiction services for the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA), confirmed that the number of designated beds would remain at 110 under the new configuration at RJH. He stated that while acute care is vital for stabilization, it is wrong for people on an extended basis. VIHA is counting on having better supports in place by 2010 for mental health and addictions patients, both on the street and in the form of medium and long-term housing. New residential care projects coming this year are expected to free up acute care beds by moving seniors who are currently occupying them. Some of these beds will go to psychiatric patients. See "Status quo for psych beds" at www.bclocalnews.com.

Stress Levels Soar Among Victoria Police [back to top]
Stress rates are rising among Victoria police due to heavy workloads, street issues and a number of disturbing incidents. In 2007, Victoria officers shot and killed a man, lost one of their own members to suicide, and staffed a tactical team that was first in responding to a gruesome murder-suicide that left five people dead. The Victoria police Critical Incident Stress Management Team counselled more officers last year than any other year in its 19 year history. Vicotria’s critical incident stress squad grew last year to 13 volunteer members: 10 officers, a police chaplain and two psychologists. The department plans to launch an early intervention program this spring. Read “Victoria police officers' stress levels reach record high: More Victoria cops in counselling due to heavy workload, violent cases” at www.canada.com.
   >> View the free webcast of former Vancouver Police Chief Jamie Graham sharing his experiences with mental health and the police at the 2008 Bottom Line Conference at www.bottomlineconference.ca.

Delta Police Department Gets Help in Dealing with Mental Health Issues [back to top]
The Delta police department is partnering with Delta Mental Health in a program called Community Health Intervention, which arranges for a Delta police officer to work together with a mental health and addictions professional. Constance Danny Simone is heading the new section within the police force. He will liaise with two Delta Mental Health workers and help provide outreach—home visits and follow up—to people who are dealing with mental health issues who may have come into contact with the police. Simone said the program would benefit officers because they will now have more access to background information about the individual before responding. See "Healthy Partnership Formed" at www.canada.com
   >> Delta was one of six communities who participated in the Building Capacity: Mental Health Police Project, a community partnership to identify areas for improvements in the link between police and mental health services and systems. Learn more about the project at www.cmha.bc.ca/advocacy/police.

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Surges among Canadian Veterans [back to top]
The number of former soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress has more than tripled since Canada first sent troops to Afghanistan, according to new figures released by Veterans Affairs Canada. The rising tide of psychiatric disorders among relatively young men and women is the biggest challenge facing the system of veterans care today. Part of the problem is that soldiers are reluctant to seek help and when they do, they encounter a shortage of psychiatrists and other mental-health staff within the military. In response to this crisis, the conservative government gave $9 million to the Veterans Affairs Department in 2007 to open five operational stress-injury clinics across the country, in addition to the Defense Department's existing five stress clinics. The military also hopes to double the number of mental-health staff by 2009, going to 447 from 229 at an estimated cost of $98 million. The house of Commons defense committee recently voted to hold hearings on the impact of post-traumatic stress within the military as well, further stressing the importance of addressing this issue. Read "Post-traumatic stress disorder surges among Canadian veterans" at www.cbc.ca.
   >> Interested in the topic of trauma and mental health? Read the issue of Visions Journal on Trauma and Victimization at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

New Antidepressant Cymbalta Approved for Use in Canada [back to top]
Health Canada has approved a new antidepressant called Cymbalta, for the symptomatic relief of major depression in adults and for specific use in pain management. Cymbalta is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Find out more about safe use of the drug and the federal government's decision, at Health Canada's Drugs and Health Products division.

US Bill Grants Equal Insurance Benefits to People with Mental Illness [back to top]
The US House of Representatives has passed HR 1424, the Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act. HR 1424 takes the necessary first step towards ending discriminatory health insurance policies that deny or restrict access to treatment for people who are suffering from mental illnesses and addiction. If it becomes law, the bill will require health insurers to offer mental health benefits equal in cost and scope to medical and surgical benefits. The bill passed by a vote of 268-148. This is the first time the parity bill has made it through the House, although the Senate has passed various versions for a decade now. See the bill at www.govtrack.us

Study on Self-Help Methods Used to Relieve Depression Seeks Participants [back to top]
ORYGEN Research Centre in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne invites people with mental illness from Canada to take part in an online study looking at self-help methods and their likelihood of reducing depressive symptoms. Self-help methods are those that can be applied easily by many people at low cost without the need for professional supervision. As a participant you will be required to read background information on self-help methods and complete a few questionnaires via the internet which ask you to rate the effectiveness of self-help methods and whether they are easy to implement. All tasks will be completed individually, in your own time. Your information will be kept confidential and you can pull out of the study at any time if you change your mind. If you would like to participate in this project or would like further information before deciding to participate, please contact Amy Morgan, email: ajmorgan@unimelb.edu.au.

UBC Study Seeks People with a Mood Disorder [back to top]
The UBC Department of Psychiatry is looking for people who have or have had a mood disorder to volunteer for a research study. They will be collecting saliva and a small blood sample to look at hormone levels, and asking you to complete a series of tests to look at your thinking processes and memory. They are looking for people between 19-65 who have been diagnosed with major depression or bipolar disorder who have no serious medical conditions and are willing to attend 2 clinic visits (1-4 hours per visit). If you are interested call Sean at 604-827-3352.

Mentoring Program in Victoria Seeks Volunteers - Deadline April 7 [back to top]
Interested in supporting someone throughout their recovery journey after struggling with mental illness or substance us? If so, the Victoria Cool Aid Society Mentoring Project is looking for you! The mentors will serve to reduce isolation, build competency through specific transferrable skills, and contribute to their mentee's recovery and wellness. The time commitment is about 2-4 hours per week for up to a year. Full training is provided. Training sessions begin in April 2008. You can attend an information session on March 31. For more information or to apply please contact Sally Ross at sross@coolaid.org or 250-595-8619.

Become a Peer Support Worker with Vancouver Coastal Health - Deadline April 30 [back to top]
Would you like the feeling of increased self-esteem by giving support to people just like yourself that have been diagnosed with a mental illness? You can join Vancouver Coastal Health as a peer support worker. Training will be begin in September 2008. For details on the program and how to apply, see www.vch.ca.

Mental Health and Substance Use Research Grants Available- Register by April 15 [back to top]
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is inviting applications for a Catalyst Grant to fund planning and development in mental health and addiction in the workplace. One year grants of up to $80,000 are available. Relevant research areas include risk factors for employee mental illness and substance use and the impact of mental health on performance; the effectiveness of mental health policies, practices and workplace programs; and the effectiveness of population health approaches to mental health promotion and the prevention of mental illness and addictions. For detailed requirements and application instructions, see www.researchnet-recherchenet.ca.

Innovations in Community Health Conference Call for Presentations - Deadline March 28 [back to top]
Reimagining Health Services: Innovations in Community Health is taking place in Vancouver November 6-8. This conference aims to engage a broad range of stakeholders such as service users, community health care providers, health professionals, health authorities, academics, unions, community groups and government, in a discussion of the research innovations in the community health sector. A key aim of the conference is to bring evidence from research and practice together to create a better understanding of how to achieve positive change in the community health sector. For more information and submission guidelines, see www.sfu.ca/~espweb/Conferences.

BC Non-Profit Housing Association Conference Calls for Proposals - Deadline March 31 [back to top]
BC Non-Profit Housing Association calls for abstracts for their 16th Annual Conference. This conference draws delegates from a wide range of housing societies and organizations including management, administrative and front-line staff, as well as directors and volunteers. It also welcomes housing researchers, students, and policy-makers. This year’s presentation themes include Development & Re-Development, Building Sectoral Capacity, Housing and Conceptual Change, Impact of Affordable Housing, Green and Sustainable Housing, Health and Housing, and Housing and Human Rights. Potential Proposals might fall into one or a combination of these categories: housing operations, education and programming and research. New topics are always welcome. For more information visit www.bcnpha.ca or reach Kate Nielsen, Program Coordinator at kate@bcnpha.ca or 604-291-2600 ext. 224.

PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS

Movie Mondays in Victoria [back to top]
Every Monday at 6:30pm, Bruce Saunders' Movie Monday project presents free movies at the Eric Martin Pavilion at the 1900 block of Fort Street in Victoria. More details at www.moviemonday.ca.
March 31 - Helvetica
April 7 - Flirting
April 14 - Killer of Sheep
April 21 - Lars and the Real Girl

Pathways Clubhouse Art Show & Sale - March 28 [back to top]
CMHA Richmond Branch invites you to their inaugural art show and sale, showcasing the work of talented BC artists living and working with mental illness. The event takes place 7pm-8:30pm at 7351 Elmbridge Way, Richmond. For details, call 604-276-8834.

Bereavement Support Group for Losses through Suicide - April 2 - May 21 [back to top]
Often, after a death through suicide we are in a state of feelings—confusion, shock, disbelief, denial, anger, guilt, powerlessness, panic, fear—the list goes on. We may feel that no one understands what we are going through. We hope to find safe places to express our feelings. Valley View Funeral Home support group provides a safe place—a confidential haven where you can hopefully express your feelings to a caring accepting group of people who recognize the feelings of grief. The group meets for eight weeks from 6-8pm. If you would like more information about the group, please call Marlyn Ferguson, Arborcare Coordinator at Valley View Funeral Home: 604-596-8866.

Workshop for Seniors Dealing with Loss - April 7 [back to top]
Living with Life's Losses is a series of six sessions designed to help you cope with loss. For people 55 years and older. This workshop takes place at the Pacific Spirit Community Health Centre in Kerrisdale. For more information or to register contact Anna at 604-267-2627or Kathryn at 604-267-3965.

Laugh Your Head Off and Support Mental Health! - April 13 [back to top]
Stand Up For Mental Health 2008 Gala Showcase will take place at Arts Club Theatre in Vancouver on Sunday April 13, at 7 pm. Led by counsellor and standup comic David Granirer, Stand Up For Mental Health, teaches stand-up comedy to people with mental illness as a way of building confidence and fighting public stigma. Mike MacDonald who has appeared on Just for Laughs, CBC, Showtime, Comedy Central, and an Evening at the Improv, and who lives with bipolar disorder, will be the star performer at the gala. The gala will also feature all new performances from the 2008 class and psychiatrist Judy Allen doing standup comedy and discussing treatment options. Tickets: $30+taxes. Call the Arts Club Box Office 604-687-1644 for tickets and visit www.standupformentalhealth.com 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 of 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.

Webcast Series on Pregnancy, Mental Health and Substance Use Issues [back to top]
The ActNow Provincial Education and Resource Team is pleased to announce a series of 4 webcasts on alcohol, tobacco, other substance use, violence, mental illness and pregnancy issues. To participate in a webcast you need a computer with a high speed internet access and a sound card (to hear the presentation via speakers or headset). During the presentation, you can type in any questions for the presenters to answer. The registration for each session will be done individually. Once you have registered, you will be sent a link and instructions on how to access the webcast. To find out more about the webcast topics visit www.hcip-bc.org and contact Liz Horner at lhorner@cw.bc.ca to register for any of them.

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

Grass Roots Facilitator Training Workshop - March 28 - 29, April 4 - 5  [back to top]
Grassroots Facilitation Training Workshops are designed for people who want to start or facilitate peer support groups. People who see a need in their community, gather people together and begin to help each other are engaging in peer support. These hands-on workshops are designed to help people develop and practice the skills required for successful and productive community groups. For more information visit www.selfhelpresource.bc.ca/workshops.

Rethinking Treatment Substance Use Symposium - March 28  [back to top]
Keeping the door open is a symposium exploring the relationship between problematic substance use, mental health, and HIV/AIDS from a comprehensive healthcare perspective. It also aims to discuss human rights and ethics as the underlying foundation for health care services in preparation for the upcoming review of mental health and substance use services at the national and provincial level. The symposium encourages dialogue between diverse groups such as individual who uses drugs and their family and friends, healthcare providers from all levels, community groups, enforcement officers, researchers, educators, policy makers and politicians. To register for "Rethinking Treatment: Recognising and Responding to the Spectrum of Substance Use," see www.carbc.ca or visit www.keepingthedooropen.com.

Care and Advocacy: Serving Vulnerable and Marginalized Persons - April 4  [back to top]
As health care providers in one of the world's most beautiful and affluent cities, we find ourselves caring for persons who are homeless, poor and marginalized. How does care translate into advocacy? How do we determine standards of care in the face of ills that overwhelm our energies and resources? What can we do to remove barriers and improve access to health services for those we seek to serve? Cost: $50 volunteers, staff, seniors, $90 general public (includes breakfast & lunch). View the program in PDF format at www.providencehealthcare.ca. For registration contact kdurham@providencehealth.bc.ca or call 604-806-9952.

Facing the Future Together - April 5  [back to top]
PLAN, a not-for-profit charity created by and for families who have a relative with a disability, is presenting one day workshop designed to assist brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers of a loved one with a disability to create a clear plan for the future. This workshop provides practical information and helps all members of the family address concerns about the future, hear how other families are creating peace of mind, identify key resources, balance wishes and obligations, and identify short and long term actions. Cost: $60/family. Register by visiting www.plan.ca or calling 604-439-9566.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Workshop - April 11-12  [back to top]
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), developed by Marsha M. Linehan, PhD at the University of Washington, is a comprehensive cognitive-behavioural treatment for borderline personality disorder, especially for those with chronic patterns of life-threatening or other severe dysfunctional behaviours. Research has shown DBT can effectively reduce suicidal behaviour, dropout from treatment, psychiatric hospitalization, anger, and interpersonal difficulties. This DBT Skills Training Workshop covers the fundamentals of DBT Skills Training by combining active practice of DBT skills with instruction on the nuts and bolts of teaching DBT skills in different treatment settings. Instructors will use lecture, videotape, skills practice assignments, role-play, homework review, and question and answer to provide participants with a practical and highly experiential learning environment. Cost: $346. See www.psychologists.bc.ca for more information.

Anxiety Disorders in Children & Adolescents: Recognizing and Treating the Emerging Epidemic - April 21 & 22  [back to top]
This workshop presents a model for how and why anxiety develops in children and adolescents, and provides practical assessment and treatment strategies that can be applied immediately by healthcare professionals in their various settings. See www.jackhirose.com.

Free College Entry Course for People with Mental Illness – May 4 - August 6  [back to top]
Interested in going to College? Douglas College in New Westminster is offering a free college preparation course specifically for Vancouver residents who have a mental illness. You would benefit from this course if you have completed high school or have the GED, and you are able to attend class 2 mornings per week from 10:30 to 12:30. Applicants may have attended college in the past. If you haven't completed high school and are over age 25, you may also qualify for this course if you have strong reading and writing skills. If you are interested, call Nathan Anderson at 604-527-5517or Kary Otterstein at 604-435-5677. A pre-entry interview with the instructor is required. And act fast, because there is only room for 15 students in the course.

Working with Aggressive and Violent Children & Youth - May 26, 27 & 28  [back to top]
In this seminar, aggression’s deep developmental roots will be exposed and the reasons why conventional approaches to the problem are so ineffective will be revealed. Dr. Neufeld will provide guidelines and strategies for addressing the roots of the aggression problem that will be applicable across ages and venues. See www.jackhirose.com.

CONFERENCES

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

Cracked but Not Broken - April 16 - 20  [back to top]
Cracked but not Broken is a three day international conference hosted by UBC in collaboration with the Centre of Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences (CHEOS) and the UBC Department of Psychiatry. The conference will bring together experts from various continents, cultures, and disciplines to share their unique experiences and solutions on stimulant abuse. Focusing on the particular vulnerabilities in youth, the conference will examine pregnancy and stimulant use, concurrent disorders, physical and mental illness associated with stimulant use, and the best evidence-based pharmacological and psychosocial treatments for adolescents. For more information on the conference and how to register, see www.mhanet.ca/documents.

Employee Assistance and the Global Workforce - April 16 - 18  [back to top]
The theme for the 20th Annual Institute is Emerging Issues: Employee Assistance Program and the Global Workforce. Presented by the Employee Assistance Society of North America, the event provides innovative professional development for employers and HR professionals that highlights emergent global considerations for the world of work. The conference includes sessions on workplace mental health trends in research, government and business, telephone and eCounselling programs, responding to workplace traumas and other mental health topics. Cost: $495 member, $596 non-member, $650 online. For more information visit www.easna.org/conferences.

School Health Conference, Ottawa - April 20 - 23  [back to top]
The annual gathering of the school health promotion is back. This conference brings together practitioners, researchers, administrators and policy-makers to address emerging themes in school health promotion. This year’s theme is "Showcasing Canadian School Health Innovations”. For more information or to register, please visit www.cash-aces.ca/conference_2008.
   >> Are you a teacher, counsellor, administrator, parent or youth with a mental health story or program to share? We are looking for contributors for the Schools issue of Visions. For more information, contact visions@heretohelp.bc.ca.

BC Psychogeriatric Association Conference, Cranbrook - May 1 - 3  [back to top]
The theme of the 11th Annual BC Psychogeriatric Association (BCPGA) Conference is: Making a Difference, Bridging the Gaps. This conference is open to all persons involved in geriatric care, and is aimed to support BCPGA members in making a difference, while sharing ways in which the individuals hard at work in psychogeriatrics can identify and bridge the gaps they encounter in their work. For details on conference proceedings and registration, visit www.bcpga.bc.ca.

Educating Families Conference, Vancouver - May 3  [back to top]
Working together to educate families is a conference by sponsored by Vancouver Coastal Health, the Mood Disorders Association of BC and British Columbia Schizophrenia Society. The conference will be held at Vancouver General Hospital and will tackle issues such as support services for families, rehabilitation opportunities, and concurrent disorders. Conference fee: $25/person, $30/family. To reserve seats contact familyconference3@yahoo.com.

2008 Western Regional International Health Conference - May 23 - 25  [back to top]
Simon Fraser University's Global Health Program and the Centre for International Health at the University of British Columbia are presenting The 2008 Western Regional International Health Conference. This is a multidisciplinary conference for faculty, students, and community members across disciplines such as medicine, health, education, advocacy, global health, development, and international service. The purpose is to share experiences, discuss crucial global health issues, and advance the global health community in the Pacific Northwest. This year’s theme is Meeting the Challenge: the Millennium Development Goals and Beyond and the conference is seeking submissions for oral and poster presentation on a variety of topics including global mental health. Fee: $55/ table. For submissions criteria and to find out more about the conference, visit www.sfu.ca/wrihc2008.

The 1st International Conference on Integrative, Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Mental Health, Toronto - May 23 - 25  [back to top]
This conference will focus on Native American Healing, Nursing Therapies, Nutrition, Energy Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, Psychopharmacology, Psychotherapeutic approaches, Homeopathy, Aromatherapy, Spirituality, Safety and Legal Issues. The conference is now accepting research papers and poster presentations. For more information visit www.camspecialistsconnect.com.

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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