VOLUME 47: November 2006 | online at www.cmha.bc.ca/enews/enewsnov06.htm

CMHA News
Holiday Bath Bomb Bears from Escents
This Holiday, Give a Gift with Meaning – Give a Gift of Hope!
CMHA BC Reaches Out to 179 Homeless – and Counting
Responding to the Call: An Adult Picture Book on the Gift of Depression
Mr. Excitement - Lorne Fraser Sings to Raise Funds for Educational Bursaries
CMHA National Advocacy on Senate Committee Report, "Out of the Shadows at Last"
Vancouver/Burnaby Branch Special Events
North Shore Health Lecture Series

Featured CMHA Program:
Reaching Out to the Homeless

Canadian Research
The Human Face of Mental Health and Mental Illness in Canada
Vital Signs: Report on Vancouver’s Livability and Wellness
Addictions and Mental Illness Main Barriers for Homeless in Tri-Cities
Cannabis Use Highest in British Columbia
One Million Canadians Unhappy at Work
Stress Both On and Off The Job Associated With Depression
Canadian Organizations Are Not Doing Enough to Keep Their Workplaces Healthy
Ontario Women Twice As Likely As Men To Experience Depression
Substance and Mood Disorders Risk Factors for Completed Suicide
Rural Canadians at Higher Risk of Suicide Than Urban Populations
Watch for Suicide Risk Among Cancer Patients, Oncologist Advises
Program for Children of Parents with Mental Illness in BC Proves Promising
Recreation and Adventure Program Helps People with Schizophrenia Lose Weight

CMHA Mailbox:
I Am Never Alone

Research From Around the World
Hispanic and Women Heart Patients May Face Higher Risk of Depression in US
Improved Community Mental Health Services Would Reduce Racial Discrimination in UK
Community Care for Concurrent Disorders Saves Costs With No Less Benefit in US
Antidepressants Linked to Lower Youth Suicide Risk
Ritalin May Have Some Benefits for Preschoolers
Watch for Overdoses for Antidepressant Effexor
Older Antipsychotic Drugs No Less Effective Than Newer Drugs
Side-Effects Outweigh Benefits of Antipsychotics for Alzheimer’s
Computer-Based ‘Games’ Boost Mental Function in Alzheimer’s Patients
Link Between Spanking and Mental Disorders Refuted
Source of Online Health Info Often Not Checked

New Programs, Resources and Announcements
Kirby Uses Last Weeks in Senate to Promote Mental Health Program
Campbell Pledges More Health for Welfare Recipients and People With Mental Illness
Treatment Before Housing Says Maple Ridge Mayor
End Media Silence About Suicide, Ontario’s Lieutenant-Governor Urges
Capital Region People with Mental Illness Safer
Rent Subsidies for BC’s Struggling Families
Federal Government Cuts Hit Voluntary Sector
Ex-CEO Leads Fight Against Mental Illness
Changing the Workplace: Improving Mental Health Among Hospital Workers
Seniors and Addictions: A Bad Gamble
Champions of Mental Health Awards Winners
BC Schizophrenia Society Honours Mental Health Advocate
Nominations Open for BC Community Achievement Awards
ReachOut Brings Music, Poetry, and Psychosis Education to BC Schools
Anti-Stigma Campaign Combats ‘Psychosiphobia’
New Wellness Centre for Langley Youth
60 More Care Beds for Elderly Mental Health Patients in Delta
Alberta Launches Mental Health First Aid Program
Sidney Writer Wins Award for Mental Illness-Themed Children’s Book
New Tool for Reporting Adverse Reactions to Health Products
New Online Resource for Health Care Providers Serving Francophones
AskAway.org – BC Launches Free Internet Reference Library Service
Health Promotion and Education World Conference – Call for Abstracts
Government Invites Public Input on Adult Guardianship Law
Volunteers Needed for Recreation and Leisure Program
Newborn Behaviour Study Seeking Expectant Mothers
BC Children’s Hospital Seeking Registered Nurse
Forensic Psychiatric Hospital Seeking Forensic Nurses

Public Education Events
Movie Mondays in Victoria
Concurrent Disorders Education Series for Families
Crazy Talk: Three Stories From the Other Side
Free Caregiver Education Series
'Inner Worlds' Public Printmaking Workshops
Stand Up For Mental Health: A Happy Neurotic Grad 2006 Showcase
Frames of Mind Screening – An Angel At My Table
Mother Nature and Mother Nurture in Mother’s Depression and Children’s Antisocial Behaviour
ADABC Christmas Dinner Cruise Fundraiser
Child and Adolescent Mental Illness Education Forum

Courses and Workshops
Mental Health Works Workshops
Ready, Set, Go! Online Communications Training Workshops
DRU Professional Health Workshop
Dealing with Crystal Meth, Cocaine and Oxycontin Workshop
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training in Invermere
Knowledge & Practice Skills for Working with People with Mental Disorders
Co-Occuring Disorders Advanced Citation

Conferences
Remission and Recovery: Schizophrenia Conference in Sidney
BC/Yukon Aboriginal Forum on Homelessness Research
Immigrant & Refugee Men: Mental Health & Systemic Stressors
Western Canadian Conference on Addictions and Mental Health
Housing Matters! Non-Profit Housing Conference
Towards a New Public Health: An Ecological View

CMHA News

Holiday Bath Bomb Bears from Escents [back to top]
Escents Aromatherapy has chosen CMHA BC again as this year's charity of choice for their seasonal store promotion. Two dollars from the sale of each plush bath bomb bear will support the work of CMHA. Decked out in festive reindeer antlers and jingle bells, the cuddly, stress-busting bear makes a great gift or decoration for the holidays, and has a bath bomb in his tummy. The bear will be available in mid-November to purchase in Escents stores and online at www.escents.ca for $12.95 plus tax.
    >> use code 'CMHA' when purchasing online and Escents will double the portion donated to CMHA to $4!

This Holiday, Give a Gift with Meaning – Give a Gift of Hope! [back to top]
Finding the courage to get through the holiday season can be difficult for those struggling with mental illness without the proper services and supports. Your gift to CMHA can help ensure that for those in need of hope, help is here. Through the support of our communities, CMHA is able provide year-round services and supports - from community clubhouses and supported housing projects to support groups and public education campaigns. Please show you care with your donation. Find out how at www.givehope.ca.
    >> share your gift with others - for each $15 you donate, you will receive a two beautiful "Gift of Hope" greeting cards to give as a gift to someone you care about.

CMHA BC Reaches Out to 179 Homeless – and Counting [back to top]
As of September 30th, CMHA BC's Income Assistance/Homeless Outreach Project has provided service to 179 homeless individuals throughout the province. Outreach workers at CMHA branches in Kamloops, Kelowna, Port Alberni, New Westminster & Maple Ridge (Simon Fraser Branch), North Vancouver, and Williams Lake are working with homeless individuals to connect them to Income Assistance, secure suitable housing, and connect them to addiction, primary care, and mental health services. First announced in May, the outreach project, a partnership between CMHA BC and the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance (MEIA), supports homeless individuals to access income supports by removing many of the barriers - ID requirements, long wait times, needing to produce administrative documentation - normally required to access IA. The project is this month's Featured CMHA Program.

Responding to the Call: An Adult Picture Book on the Gift of Depression [back to top]
CMHA BC is proud to release the second edition of Responding to the Call, an adult picture book to help those suffering from depression understand what Suzan Milburn calls 'a gift.' The book features drawings by Milburn, an Vernon artist who prior to her depression had never drawn anything in her life, weaved together with a narrative by the author about what the ‘gift’ of depression feels like from the perspective of those living with it. The book is being distributed free of charge to CMHA branches in BC, clubhouses, art therapists, depression support programs and mental health centres throughout the province. Single copies are available for FREE from your local CMHA branch. Additional copies are available from CMHA BC for $4 each, plus taxes and shipping. To locate the branch nearest you, visit www.cmha.bc.ca. To order additional copies, call us at 604-688-3234 or 1-800-555-8222 or email info@cmha.bc.ca.
    >> meet the author! In December, five CMHA branches throughout the province will be hosting performances by Suzan Milburn and fellow artist Karen Six. Stay tuned to www.cmha.bc.ca for more details.

Mr. Excitement - Lorne Fraser Sings to Raise Funds for Educational Bursaries [back to top]
Lorne Fraser has released CD of traditional country music entitled "Mr. Excitement," to raise funds for the Lorne Fraser Educational Fund. The fund, administered by CMHA BC, provides scholarships to further the job skills of individuals disabled by mental health problems, enabling them to improve their employment possibilities. The CDs are $10 each. To order you copy, call Lorne at 604-599-6416.

CMHA National Advocacy on Senate Committee Report, "Out of the Shadows at Last" [back to top]
National mental health organizations are asking the federal government to establish a mental health commission, which was recommended by the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology in its May 2006 report, "Out of the Shadows at Last: Transforming Mental Health, Mental Illness and Addiction Services in Canada." The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is a coalition of 17 national organizations dedicated to advocating for a national strategy on mental health and mental illness. CMHA National, a member of CAMIMH, has been meeting with members of parliament to promote the report of the senate committee. CMHA National is now developing an advocacy strategy to involve local branches and their members. Key issues and messages related to a mental health commission and a national mental health strategy are available at www.cmha.ca. To learn more about CAMIMH, visit www.camimh.ca. The senate committee’s report is available at www.parl.gc.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.
November 6 – Double Feature at the Hollywood
November 17 – Capilano Fish Hatchery Tour and Walk
November 20 – Skating and Hot Chocolate
November 24 – Bowling at the Zone
November 27 – Victoria Day trip

North Shore Health Lecture Series [back to top]
The free weekly Health Lecture Series organized by CMHA North and West Vancouver 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. For more information please phone 604-987-6959 or visit www.cmhanwv.com.
November 8 – Treating Your Mental Health With Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
November 15 – Accepting Our Bodies
November 22 – Metacognitive Skill Training for Patients with Schizophrenia
November 29 – Write Your Way to Wellness

Canadian Research

The Human Face of Mental Health and Mental Illness in Canada [back to top]
Public Health Agency of Canada has released a new report that will provide the public, policy makers, health professionals, researchers, educators, and stakeholders with vital information about mental health and mental illness. The Human Face of Mental Health and Illness in Canada, developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada in collaboration with Statistics Canada, the Canadian Institute for Health Information, Health Canada, and the Mood Disorders Society of Canada, is endorsed by the Canadian Mental Health Association. The report shows that stigma is a major factor influencing whether people go for treatment, talk about their illness with others, or feel accepted in the community, and includes detailed information on the major types of mental illness, which will help people better understand them. The report and press release can be found at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca.

Vital Signs: Report on Vancouver’s Livability and Wellness [back to top]
Vancouver Foundation has released a comprehensive and consumer-friendly report on Vancouver’s livability and wellness. Vital Signs offers a unique snapshot of 12 key areas: the livable city; diversity as a way of life; work; getting started; gap between rich and poor; housing; safety; learning; art and culture; belonging and leadership; health and wellness; and environment. According to the report, the rate of depression for the Vancouver region is on par with the national average (7.1%). However, life stress is lower (21.1%) than the national average of 26.4%. Similarly, the incidence of heavy drinking is lower in Vancouver (12%) than the national average of 15.4%. See the PDF format press release and full report at www.vancouverfoundation.bc.ca.

Addictions and Mental Illness Main Barriers for Homeless in Tri-Cities [back to top]
There are more than 170 homeless people in the Tri-Cities, according to the Hope for Freedom Society - a local drug and alcohol recovery society who is completing a six-month study on the issue. Of the 132 homeless individuals contacted, the researchers found over 80% had drug issues and over 40% had mental illness. See "More than 170 homeless in Tri-Cities," at www.thenownews.com. For the Mayor of Maple Ridge's response the the report see "Treatment before housing," at www.mrtimes.com.
   >> six CMHA branches have just launched a new one-year outreach effort to help people with mental illness who are homeless connect to income supports, medical and housing services through a $750,000 grant from the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance. Read more about it this month's Featured CMHA Program.

Cannabis Use Highest in British Columbia [back to top]
Based on the results of the 2004 Canadian Addiction Survey, the Centre for Addictions Research of BC has published a research bulletin on cannabis use in BC. The bulletin examines aspects of cannabis use in BC compared with the rest of Canada, with a focus on potentially risky patterns of use. Compared with the rest of Canada there is more occasional and low-risk cannabis use, more tolerant attitudes, and greater availability. There is only limited evidence of increased risky use in BC, though the risks associated with especially frequent and heavy use are underestimated. See "Cannabis Use in British Columbia: patterns of use, perceptions, and public opinion as assessed in the 2004 Canadian Addiction Survey," in PDF format at carbc.uvic.ca.

One Million Canadians Unhappy at Work [back to top]
More than one million Canadians—or about one in 12—aren’t happy at work, a new study has found, and mental health experts are warning employers to start paying attention to those disgruntled workers. Job stress, shift work and lower incomes are all factors associated with job dissatisfaction, says the Statistics Canada article Unhappy on the Job. A substantial number of workers reported feeling stress on and off the job and the study said stress can be a precursor to depression. Just over one million adults had experienced a major depressive episode in the year before the survey and of those people, seven in 10 were employed at the time, the study reported. The number of disability days taken in the previous two weeks before the survey was conducted was three times higher for unhappy workers than for people who were very satisfied with their jobs. See "Stress, strain wearing on unhappy workers," at www.canada.com. See also "Unhappy on the job," at www.statcan.ca.
   >> mark the date for the 2007 Bottom Line Conference - March 6 + 7 - on improving mental health and effectively addressing mental illness in the workplace. To receive updates on the conference, email conference@cmha.bc.ca.

Stress Both On and Off The Job Associated With Depression [back to top]
High stress, both on and off the job, is associated with depression for both male and female workers, according to a report from Statistics Canada. Stress and Depression in the Employed Population used data from the 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-Being and the National Population Health Survey to examine the association between stress and depression. Both men and women in high strain jobs (in which demands are high but control over work and use of skills is low) were more likely than those in low strain jobs to have experienced depression. Men in high strain jobs were more than three times more likely than men in low strain jobs to have developed depression. For women, high job strain, high personal stress and low co-worker support were associated with incidents of depression. See "Stress and Depression in the Employed Population," at www.statcan.ca. For tips on managing stress at work, see "Mental health at work–managing stress is essential!" at www.canadian-health-network.ca.
   >> learn more about our Mental Health Works workshops, for managers, employees, union leaders, and human resource specialists, in the courses and workshops section. For more information, contact Margaret Tebbutt at 1-800-555-8222 or mentalhealthworks@cmha.bc.ca.

Canadian Organizations Are Not Doing Enough to Keep Their Workplaces Healthy [back to top]
Employees are an organization's most valuable asset, yet most Canadian organizations are not making employee health a priority. The National Wellness Survey Report 2006, by Buffett & Company Worksite Wellness Ltd., reveals that only 15% of organizations develop an operating plan for wellness program offerings. In addition, the survey shows that less than 30% of organizations are actually evaluating the success of their program offerings. A lack of financial resources and adequate staffing, as well as the inability to quantify the results are identified as major barriers to implementing wellness programs. See "Canadian Organizations are Not Doing enough to Keep Their Workplaces Healthy According to a New Survey," at www.ccnmatthews.com.
   >> mark the date for the 2007 Bottom Line Conference - March 6 + 7 - on improving mental health and effectively addressing mental illness in the workplace. To receive updates on the conference, email conference@cmha.bc.ca.

Ontario Women Twice As Likely As Men To Experience Depression [back to top]
Ontario women are twice as likely to experience depression compared to men, according to a literature review on depression among women released by the Ontario Women’s Health Council. The report, A Literature Review on Depression among Women: Focusing on Ontario, works from a gender perspective to understand mental health issues. The report found that adolescent women and new mothers have a higher risk of depression. See "A Literature Review on Depression among Women: Focusing on Ontario," available at www.womenshealthcouncil.on.ca.

Substance and Mood Disorders Risk Factors for Completed Suicide [back to top]
Substance-related disorders are a key dimension of completed suicide, according to a study published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. By interviewing family members and reviewing medical charts of suicide victims, researchers found that 95% of the people who completed suicide had a mental health disorder. Findings also revealed that at time of death, 65% of the people who completed suicide had a mood disorder, 59% had a substance-related disorder, and 42% had both a mood disorder and substance-related disorder. From their findings, the authors conclude that substance and mood disorder comorbidity are major factors in suicide risk. See "Suicide Cases in New Brunswick from April 2002 to May 2003: The Importance of Better Recognizing Substance and Mood Disorder Comorbidity." An abstract with paid access to the full text is available at www.cpa-apc.org.

Rural Canadians at Higher Risk of Suicide Than Urban Populations [back to top]
Rural Canadians generally have a higher mortality rate than urban Canadians, including a higher risk of suicide, according to a report from the Canadian Population Health Initiative (CPHI), the Public Health Agency of Canada and Laurentian University researchers. The report, How Healthy Are Rural Canadians? An Assessment of Their Health Status and Health Determinants, indicates that suicide mortality rates among men are significantly higher in rural areas in all age groups compared with urban men. The risk of suicide was found to be significant in young girls and boys (aged 5 to 19) living in rural areas. Living in the north increases the risk of committing suicide among women aged 15 to 24, although the risk decreases with increasing age. See "How Healthy Are Rural Canadians? An Assessment of Their Health Status and Health Determinants," at secure.cihi.ca.

Watch for Suicide Risk Among Cancer Patients, Oncologist Advises [back to top]
The overall incidence of suicide is low among cancer patients but they are twice to 2½ times more apt to take their own life than members of the general population, an oncologist in Ottawa says. Dr. Wayne Kendal, a radiation oncologist at the Ottawa Hospital Regional Cancer Centre, came to the conclusion after analyzing 1.3 million cancer cases in the US. Male cancer patients were nearly five times more likely to commit suicide than female patients, which matches the male-female suicide ratio in the general U.S. population. Suicide risk was higher for cancers of the lungs and bronchus, bladder, head and neck, esophagus and myeloma. See "Watch for suicide risk among cancer patients, oncologist advises," at www.cbc.ca.

Program for Children of Parents with Mental Illness in BC Proves Promising [back to top]
A recent effectiveness study of the BC Schizophrenia Society's "Kids in Control Program" offered by different facilitators in five BC Communities found promising results for this psychoeducational program with children ages 8 to 13. Children completing the manualized program were contrasted with the next set to begin the program. Researcher Gordon Richter found the program had a number of benefits for many of the children who participated in this study: many children were able to learn and retain factual information about mental illness; some children experienced an increase in their level of self-esteem; many children reported that they were less likely to avoid their problems; and some children appeared to learn that their parents' problems are not their fault and that it is not their responsibility to fix these problems. The results suggest that these children were more resilient after participating in the Kids in Control program. Unfortunately, the study was not long enough to know whether or not these changes were enduring. For further information on the study, contact phoenix@cm.nu. To learn more about the Kids in Control program visit www.bcss.org.

Recreation and Adventure Program Helps People with Schizophrenia Lose Weight [back to top]
A recreation- and adventure-based group for people with schizophrenia improved their self-esteem and overall functioning while they lost weight, according to a study in the August issue of Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. The Going Beyond program provided people with recreation and adventure activities, including camping, rock climbing, snowboarding and bowling. Compared to a control group who had access to the usual activities offered through a psychiatric clinic, such as movie nights and dances, people who participated in the program lost a mean of 12 pounds, while the control group gained a mean of nine pounds. Participants also showed significant improvement in their self-esteem and global functioning. See "Going Beyond: An Adventure- and Recreation-Based Group Intervention Promotes Well-Being and Weight Loss in Schizophrenia," at www.cpa-apc.org.

Research from around the World

Hispanic and Women Heart Patients May Face Higher Risk of Depression in US [back to top]
Hispanic and women heart patients may be at a greater risk of developing depressive symptoms than non-Hispanic white and male heart patients, according to a study in the October issue of Psychology and Health. The results have important implications for rehabilitation, the authors say, because depressed patients may not change their behaviour in ways that are likely to help them recover from their heart problems. Social support was also an important preventive measure from depression for both Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients. See "Social Support, Coping, and Depressive Symptoms in Cardiac Illness among Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White Cardiac Patients,". An abstract with paid access to the full text is available at journalsonline.tandf.co.uk.

Improved Community Mental Health Services Would Reduce Racial Discrimination and Costs in UK [back to top]
A study of British Black African and Caribbean people's over-representation in inpatient psychiatric hospitals, secured services and some community services found that investments in community-based services would not only reduce discrimination but also cost less. The authors, from the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, found that black adults were nearly twice as likely to have contact with a community mental health team and six times as likely to be referred to an assertive outreach service. The report reviews a variety of theories that attempt to explain the higher%age of black people in specialist mental health services, including the possibility of misdiagnosis, a biological predisposition to schizophrenia, social factors such as poor housing and racism, and psychological factors. The report concludes that there is no simple reason for the higher numbers but that alternatives to current patterns of care for the black population are needed. See "The Costs of Race Equality," at www.scmh.org.uk.

Community Care for Concurrent Disorders Saves Costs With No Less Benefit in US [back to top]
People with concurrent disorders – both substance use and psychiatric disorders – in community-based residential treatment had treatment results comparable to those of people who stayed in hospital-based residential treatment, and community care cost much less, according to a study in the April issues of Journal of Mental Health. The 230 participants were randomly assigned to acute residential care either in a hospital or a community facility. People in community residential care had better substance use outcomes than people in hospital care. Both groups had similar mental health outcomes. While people in hospital programs had shorter stays, those stays were about twice as costly. See "Dual Diagnosis Patients in Community or Hospital Care: One-Year Outcomes and Health Care Utilization and Costs." An abstract with paid access to the full text is available at taylorandfrancis.metapress.com.

Antidepressants Linked to Lower Youth Suicide Risk [back to top]
Suicide rates among youth are lowest in areas of the US where prescriptions for a certain class of antidepressants are highest, researchers found after regulators warned of suicidal thoughts in young people on SSRIs. The findings by a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, are in the November issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry. They come on the heels of warnings two years ago by Health Canada and other regulators, who urged doctors to keep an eye on patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac and Zoloft. The findings suggest the medication may make young people think about suicide, but they don't act on those thoughts. See "Antidepressants linked to lower youth suicide risk: study," at www.cbc.ca. An abstract of study discussed is available at ajp.psychiatryonline.org.
   >> if the topic of treatments for children and youth interests you, check out the Visions Journal issue on Treatments for Young People on the HeretoHelp.bc.ca website.

Ritalin May Have Some Benefits for Preschoolers [back to top]
The first long-term U.S. government study of preschoolers who take Ritalin, the popular attention deficit disorder drug, warns of side-effects but also found benefits in children with severe problems. The drug isn't approved for use in children under age six, and the researchers said those youngsters need close monitoring because preschoolers are more likely than older children to develop side effects. The researchers say the benefits of low-dose treatment outweigh the risks for these youngsters. However, about 40% of children developed side effects and roughly 11% dropped out because of problems including irritability, weight loss, insomnia and slowed growth, leaving some skeptical. See "Some preschoolers can use Ritalin," at www.cbc.ca.
   >> if the topic of treatments for children and youth interests you, check out the Visions Journal issue on Treatments for Young People on the HeretoHelp.bc.ca website.

Watch for Overdoses for Antidepressant Effexor [back to top]
The antidepressant Effexor should be taken in the smallest possible dose to reduce the risk of overdose, US regulators said Wednesday. The drug's manufacturer, Wyeth, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have received reports of overdoses in people taking Effexor, also called venlafaxine. The overdoses were most common when the drug was taken with alcohol or other drugs, the agency said. See "Watch for overdoses for antidepressant Effexor, U.S. urges," at www.cbc.ca.

Older Antipsychotic Drugs No Less Effective Than Newer Drugs [back to top]
There were no differences in quality of life, psychiatric symptoms or the cost of care for people with schizophrenia who took older, first-generation antipsychotic drugs in comparison to those who were prescribed newer, second-generation antipsychotics, according to a randomized controlled study recently published in the October issue of Archives of General Psychiatry. While the newer second-generation antipsychotics have been considered a major advance in the treatment of schizophrenia and related illnesses because they are associated with fewer extrapyramidal symptoms (which are related to motor activity) than first-generation antipsychotics, the authors say that the research is still not clear on how different these drugs are from older antipsychotics. The newer drugs are also much more expensive. See "Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effect on Quality of Life of Second- vs. First-Generation Antipsychotic Drugs in Schizophrenia," at archpsyc.ama-assn.org.

Side-Effects Outweigh Benefits of Antipsychotics for Alzheimer’s [back to top]
People with Alzheimer's who are prescribed some antipsychotic drugs for agitation and delusions receive few benefits and many stop taking the medication because of the side-effects, a long-term study suggests. In the first major comparison of the drugs on 421 patients outside nursing homes, researchers in the US found 82% dropped out, many because they couldn't tolerate adverse reactions to the drugs, such as sedation, muscle stiffness or spasms, and confusion. Between 26 and 32% of those taking the medications improved, compared with 21% among those prescribed a placebo, although symptoms naturally vary over time, the researchers report in the New England Journal of Medicine. See "Side-effects outweigh benefits of antipsychotics for Alzheimer’s; study," at www.cbc.ca.

Computer-Based ‘Games’ Boost Mental Function in Alzheimer’s Patients [back to top]
Internet-based computer activities may improve cognition in patients with Alzheimer's disease, according to research published in the October issue of the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. Researchers from the Fundacio ACE, Institut Catala de Neurociencies Aplicades in Barcelona, Spain, and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that when used alongside medications to treat the disease, internet computer activities were even more successful than traditional exercises of mental stimulation commonly used with dementia patients. See "Computer-based ‘games’ boost mental function in Alzheimer’s patients: study," at www.cbc.ca.

Link Between Spanking and Mental Disorders Refuted [back to top]
According to a New Zealand study, punishing children by spanking does not make them more aggressive or anti-social as adults. The study claims to refute alternative research that argues children who are physically punished are more likely to be aggressive, suffer mental illness or resort to substance abuse in later life. The authors say the project appeared to be the first long-term study in the world to specifically identify and monitor participants who had simply been smacked with an open hand. Preliminary analysis showed those subjects had "similar or even slightly better outcomes" than those who were not smacked, in terms of aggression, substance abuse, adult convictions and school achievement. See "Occasional ‘smack’ not so bad for kids?" at www.winnipegfreepress.com.

Source of Online Health Info Often Not Checked [back to top]
About three-quarters of Americans who go online for medical advice fail to consistently check the source and date of the information, a survey suggests. Susannah Fox of the Pew Internet Project in Washington, DC, found about 10 million American adults, or seven% of internet users in the US, searched for health or medical information on the web in one day during August. But 75% of health seekers said they check the source and date of health information they find online "only sometimes," "hardly ever," or "never," meaning they aren't checking for signs of quality in their search results. See "Source of online health info often not checked: report," at www.cbc.ca.
   >> for some tips on evaluating online health resources, check out the article, "Finding Useful Health Information Online" on the HeretoHelp.bc.ca website.


New Programs, Resources and Announcements

Kirby Uses Last Weeks in Senate to Promote Mental Health Program [back to top]
A retiring senator has been using his final days in office to campaign for a national strategy to combat the stigmatizing of mental illness. Michael Kirby, who spearheaded a Senate report on mental health that was released this spring, said Canada has no excuse not to follow through with a strategy to dispel myths about mental disease. "We are the only major industrialized country without a national mental health strategy," says Kirby. He has been spending his final weeks on the job travelling across Canada to promote the mental health strategy. He said he is hoping the Harper government will take action on it within the next few months.
See "Kirby using last weeks in Senate to promote mental health program," at www.cbc.ca.

Campbell Pledges More Health for Welfare Recipients and People With Mental Illness [back to top]
Premier Gordon Campbell promised to boost BC's shelter rates for welfare recipients and build better facilities for people with mental illness. The premier signalled the major change in government direction as he addressed delegates at the Union of BC Municipalities convention in Victoria. Campbell also told the mayors that the province will provide new incentives to build new facilities to help people with mental illnesses and addictions. Campbell is providing few details, but he is promising more facilities, better care and more services for people with mental illness. See "Campbell pledges more help for welfare recipients, mentally ill," at www.cbc.ca.
   >> read CMHA BC Division’s response to the Premier’s announcement at www.cmha.bc.ca.

Treatment Before Housing Says Maple Ridge Mayor [back to top]
Drug treatment beds and mental health services - two things homeless people need before affordable housing according to Maple Ridge Mayor Gord Robson. He made the remarks following the release of the Report on the Homeless in Tri-Cities. The report surveyed the homeless population in Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam and Port Moody from April to September 2006. Of the 122 homeless people involved in the survey, it was found that around 40% suffer from some form of mental illness, while over 80% experience addictions issues. To reduce crime, to combat homelessness, Robson said, the first priority must be to increase the number of drug treatment beds available. Affordable housing is a secondary concern, he said, explaining that until addiction and mental health issues are addressed "everything else we do is a waste of time." See "Treatment before housing," at www.mrtimes.com. For more on the report, see "More than 170 homeless in Tri-Cities," at www.thenownews.com.

End Media Silence About Suicide, Ontario’s Lieutenant-Governor Urges [back to top]
The problem of suicide needs to garner more media attention to stop the "out-of-sight and out-of-mind epidemic" that is decimating many aboriginal communities, particularly northern ones, Ontario's lieutenant-governor has warned. Most Canadians know nothing of the despair experienced by young aboriginal people, Ontario's Lt.-Gov. James Bartleman said at the Canadian Association of Suicide Prevention conference. He blames the country's ignorance on the media's reluctance to cover the issue. Suicide should be talked about "because until we feel comfortable enough about dealing with these issues, the problems will just fester untreated," he said. See "End media silence about suicide, lieutenant-governor urges," at www.cbc.ca.

Capital Region People with Mental Illness Safer [back to top]
Victoria streets and people with mental illness are safer as a result of a mobile crisis intervention program, say police, now that the Integrated Mobile Response Team, also known as IMCRT has received a donation that will help buy a new van. The team of eight mental health specialists and two plainclothes officers respond to youth and adults in crisis, and transport people suffering from mental illness to hospital or other treatment/care facilities. The team responds to 911 calls, uniform police requests and referrals from the NEED Crisis Line. The team operates from 1pm to midnight, seven days a week. However, there is a need to expand the service to run 24 hours. See "Mentally ill safer," at www.saanichnews.com.
   >> read our police and mental health fact sheets, and learn about CMHA BC's Building Capacity: Mental Health and Police Project (BC:MHAPP) on strengthening working relationships between the police and mental health system and improving police responses to mental health crises, at the CMHA BC website. Phase 2 of this project is now underway.

Rent Subsidies for BC’s Struggling Families [back to top]
A rent subsidy aimed at BC's "working poor" highlighted a new provincial housing strategy. The subsidy will provide up to $258 a month for 15,000 families who earn less than $20,000 and spend more than 30% of household income on rent. It is designed to immediately help people who have to scrimp on food and other necessities in order to make the rent. See "B.C. Liberals target struggling families with housing plan: Families to get up to $258, but NDP argues program won’t help housing shortage," at www.canada.com.

Federal Government Cuts Hit Voluntary Sector [back to top]
The Federal government has announced plans to cut as much as $1 billion over the next two years from programs they do not consider priorities. The Canadian Volunteerism Initiative (CVI) was one of the programs affected by these cuts with the elimination of $9.7 million from its budget over the next two years. See "Federal government budget cuts hit the voluntary sector," at voluntarygateway.ca.

Ex-CEO Leads Fight Against Mental Illness [back to top]
Dofasco Inc.'s retired chief executive, John Mayberry, has helped to develop an online tool that is designed to provide employees, and their doctors, with an accurate way to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Feelingbetternow.com is designed to detect bipolar disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress, panic, anxiety, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviour and alcohol abuse, among other disorders. Users are told whether they have symptoms matching an illness. Then they can print out, to take to their family doctors, a "diagnostic risk map." In addition, they can print out a "care map" outlining appropriate prescriptions and other treatments based on best practices by the psychiatric profession. See "Ex-CEO leads fight against mental illness: John Mayberry lends his support to Web-based tool," at www.canada.com.
   >> mark the date for the 2007 Bottom Line Conference - March 6 + 7 - on improving mental health and effectively addressing mental illness in the workplace. To receive updates on the conference, email conference@cmha.bc.ca.

Changing the Workplace: Improving Mental Health Among Hospital Workers [back to top]
The first phase of the five-year Healthy Workplace Initiative is now complete. The first phase is part of a four phase initiative to evaluate interventions that will improve the mental health of healthcare workers, including RNs, RPNs, LPNs, Care Aides and Unit Clerks in acute care settings. The first phase involved focus groups with frontline workers and interviews with executives, managers and union representatives regarding the full spectrum of work. Groups reported that interaction with patients, as well as co-worker support and teamwork were the most significant factors to job satisfaction. Front-line workers felt the greatest contributors to work stress were the combination of lack of staff, volume of work, poor layout of the work environment, number of patients and patient acuity. According to the report, workers experience burnout, depression, anxiety, and irritability in response to these work stressors. To read the full report of the phase one summary in PDF format, visit www.osah.bc.ca.
   >> mark the date for the 2007 Bottom Line Conference - March 6 + 7 - on improving mental health and effectively addressing mental illness in the workplace. To receive updates on the conference, email conference@cmha.bc.ca.

Seniors and Addictions: A Bad Gamble [back to top]
The most recent Bulletin of the National Advisory Council of Aging discusses the topic of seniors and addictions. According to Seniors and Addictions: A bad gamble, though seniors are less likely to have addictions than other age groups, their physical and financial vulnerablility tend to magnify the negative effects of addictions and gambling. Sadly, many "addicted" seniors do not seek help due to denial of their condition, embarrassment or fear of judgment. Their problem may even go undetected by health professionals because symptoms of addictions (such as liver damage, anxiety and insomnia) often mimic symptoms of age-related conditions or diseases. See "Senior and Addictions: A bad gamble," at www.naca-ccnta.ca.

Champions of Mental Health Awards Winners [back to top]
The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health has announced the recipients of the 4th Annual Champions of Mental Health Awards. The awards honour Canadians who have made a difference in the advancement of important issues around mental illness and mental health. This year’s recipients include Ms. Denise Taylor, aboriginal policy co-ordinator at the Interior Health Authority. Other recipients include The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Mrs. Jocelyne Monty, Dr. Paula Stewart MD, FRCPC, Senator Michael J.L. Kirby and Senator Wilbert Keon. For more on the awards and recipients, visit www.miaw-ssmm.ca.

BC Schizophrenia Society Honours Mental Health Advocate [back to top]
A Nanaimo advocate for people with mental illness has been honoured by the BC Schizophrenia Society. Ron Plecas has been named the society's 2006 Calder Cup winner in recognition of his outstanding service and dedication to alleviate the suffering caused by schizophrenia and other mental illnesses. Plecas is the chair of the Nanaimo mental health and addictions advisory committee and a director of the Nanaimo branch of the B.C. Schizophrenia Society. He is also the founder of Open Minds Open Windows, a society with a mission to end the stigma associated with mental illness. The society also has a choir that now boasts 30 members. For more information contact BC Schizophrenia Society at 604-270-9861 or 1-888-888-0029.

Nominations Open for BC Community Achievement Awards – Due November 15 [back to top]
British Columbians are encouraged to nominate those who make a difference in their communities for the fourth annual Community Achievement Awards. The awards celebrate outstanding individuals and their contributions to the arts, sports, education, health care, public life and volunteerism The deadline for nominations for the 2007 Community Achievement Awards is November 15. For more information on the nomination process or to obtain a nomination form, please visit www.bcachievement.com or call 604-261-9777 or toll-free 1-866-882-6088. Forms are also available at government agent offices, public libraries and municipal offices.

ReachOut Brings Music, Poetry, and Psychosis Education to BC Schools [back to top]
Reach Out is a new initiative from BC Schizophrenia Society aimed at raising awareness and understanding of psychosis to today’s youth. The Reach Out program uses music and poetry to fight the stigma of mental illness and help people with psychosis get help faster. Throughout November, Reach Out will be touring the Okanagan with rock performances by popular band 10 Ways From Sunday and slam poet Barbara Adler. A fun and interactive performance aims to educate youth about psychosis while having a good time. There is no cost to bring the Reach Out concert to your school. For resources, tour dates and booking information, visit www.reachoutpsychosis.com.

Anti-Stigma Campaign Combats 'Psychosiphobia'[back to top]
To mark Mental Illness Awareness Week, Coast Mental Health launched a public awareness campaign to help eradicate the stigma around mental illness and inform British Columbians to the fact that mental illness is a medically treatable disease. The campaign is titled Psychosiphobia, a fictional term describing an irrational fear of people with mental illness. The campaign suggests that the problem is not people with mental illnesses, but rather how the society views them. Visit the Psychosiphobia website at www.psychosiphobia.com view the press release for more information.

New Wellness Centre for Langley Youth [back to top]
Langley's first youth wellness centre has opened its doors to the public and treated its first patient. The new facility, based out of the Langley Health unit at 20389 Fraser Highway, is staffed by a doctor, two nurses, two mental health counsellors and a drug and alcohol counsellor. The new facility is the result of a series of discussions with local young people about the need for a medical facility aimed at those 21 and under. The centre will be open Wednesday and Friday afternoons. It is a project of the Fraser Health Region, but is partnered with Langley Family Services and the Ministry of Children and Families.

60 More Care Beds for Elderly Mental Health Patients in Delta [back to top]
The Fraser Health Authority is bringing an additional 60 specialized care beds to South Delta for elderly patients with mental health issues. The authority announced that a contract has been awarded to the Delta View Habilitation Centre, a private facility, to provide 60 beds for geriatric behavioral stabilization, complex care neuropsychiatry and home and community care. The FHA notes the support is for elderly individuals with serious and persistent mental health issues who require more intensive stabilization and rehabilitation. See "Fraser Health awards contract for elderly mental health clients and other seniors," at www.fraserhealth.ca.

Alberta Launches Mental Health First Aid Program [back to top]
The Alberta Mental Health Board has launched Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Canada, an Australian program designed to change the way people respond to a mental health crisis or a developing mental health problem. Based on the principles of first aid, the program teaches people how to give help until appropriate professional treatment is available or the crisis is resolved. MHFA is available to anyone interested, including the general public, families affected by mental illnesses, teachers, health service providers, human resource professionals and community groups. For further information, visit the Alberta Mental Health Board website at www.amhb.ab.ca.
   >> Mental Illness First Aid (MIFA), a similar program developed by CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Branch, is offered by ten CMHA Branches in BC. Visit www.mifa.ca for more information on this award-winning program in BC.

Sidney Writer Wins Award for Mental Illness-Themed Children’s Book [back to top]
Sidney novelist Pamela Porter is the winner of the $20,000 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. The Crazy Man, the story of a 12-year-old disabled farm girl and a farm worker with mental illness, was declared the year's most distinguished English-language children's book in Canada. Porter - a poet, University of Victoria sessional lecturer and mother of two - has been writing for 30 years, but did not publish her first children's novel, Sky, until 2004. The Crazy Man was inspired by her husband Rob's family farm in Weyburn, Sask., and revolves around a 12-year-old Saskatchewan girl named Emaline whose father runs over her leg with a piece of farm machinery. Guilt-ridden, he abandons the family, prompting her mother to hire a man from a mental hospital to help out. See "Sidney writer wins $20,000 book award," at www.canada.com.

New Tool for Reporting Adverse Reactions to Health Products [back to top]
Health Canada's MedEffect Web site has been updated to accept online transmittable reports of suspected adverse reactions (ARs) to health products marketed in Canada. Now, in addition to the previous reporting methods, including mailing reports or using the toll free fax or telephone numbers, health care professionals and consumers can submit reports of ARs online. Information related to the identity of the patient and the reporter of the AR will be protected as per the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. Underreporting of ARs is a well-known global issue. International studies have estimated that only 1%-10% of all ARs are reported. The new user-friendly online AR reporting form will make the process more convenient and should contribute to increased AR reporting. Visit www.medeffect.ca to submit an AR report online and to view the latest advisories.

New Online Resource for Health Care Providers Serving Francophones [back to top]
A new bilingual website for health care providers who serve francophone clients is now available. Published by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the site provides information to assist providers to understand mental health and addiction issues, treatments and available programs. It also provides them with information to give to clients, family members and other health care workers. Visit the website at www.reseaufranco.com.

AskAway.org – BC Launches Free Internet Reference Library Service [back to top]
Information junkies will love a new "virtual reference library service" launched yesterday that aims to provide answers to your most burning questions. The service, created by the provincial government and post-secondary institutions across BC, is free. There's no registration required, just a screen name that is not your own. Once you ask your question, a librarian logs on to handle it, and in a matter of minutes, you have an answer or a direction on where to look. Your dialogue with the librarian is in a chat format, with lines popping up on the screen. The service is available from 10am to 10pm Sunday through Thursday, and 10am to 5pm. Friday and Saturday. See "Have a burning question?: Province launches free Internet reference library service," at www.canada.com.
   >> BC's Mental Health Information Line provides free pre-recorded information about mental illnesses and mental health services across BC 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Trained volunteers are available 9am to 4pm on weekdays by pressing "0" from the main menu. Call 604-669-7600 or 1-800-661-2121.

Health Promotion and Education World Conference – Call for Abstracts – Due December 25 [back to top]
The International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) World Conference is calling for the submission of abstracts of papers, workshops and symposia to be presented at the conference. The theme of the conference is "Health promotion comes of age: research, policy and practice for the 21st century." The four sub-themes are reducing health inequalities, assets for health and development, effectiveness of health promotion, and transformations. For further details and access to the online abstract submission form, visit iuhpeconference.org.

Government Invites Public Input on Adult Guardianship Law – Due December 8 [back to top]
The Ministry of Attorney General is inviting comment on possible changes to address issues that have been raised relating to the advance directive provisions of the Adult Guardianship and Personal Planning Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 32). Bill 32 would amend the legislation providing for adult guardianship and for incapacity planning instruments (enduring powers of attorney, representation agreements, and advance directives). The purpose of Bill 32 is to strengthen these personal planning instruments, and to ensure that those British Columbians who do not choose to plan, or whose plans fail, can be well served under modern guardianship law. These proposals may be viewed on the Ministry's web site at www.ag.gov.bc.ca/legislation.

Volunteers Needed for Recreation and Leisure Program [back to top]
Coast Mental Health, an organization that helps people recover from mental illness, is looking for volunteers for a Community Homes program that provides social interaction through recreational and leisure activities to those on the road to recovery. Activities include walks, baking and low-intensity sports. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to engage in individual meetings with people who want to talk privately about their situation. For more information about the Coast programs, go to www.coastfoundation.com or call Val Mayne at 604-675-2313.

Newborn Behaviour Study Seeking Expectant Mothers [back to top]
A research team lead by Dr. Fay Warnock, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, UBC/Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Career Scholar is seeking pregnant women - both those who are and those who are not experiencing depression – to participate in a newborn behaviour study. The study will investigate how babies are affected by their environment (caregiving, light, sound, etc.), as well as how they respond to everyday events, including stressful ones. For more information, contact Sylvia at 604-875-2000, local 6992 or sowens@cw.bc.ca, or visit research webpage at www.bcchildrens.ca.

BC Children’s Hospital Seeking Registered Nurse [back to top]
Provincial Health Services Authority is seeking a Registered Nurse or Registered Psychiatric Nurse, Adolescent Psychiatry, for a regular part-time position at BC Children’s Hospital. Reporting to the Program Director, you will provide and coordinate nursing care services such as patient assessment, patient and family teaching, and health promotion activities for mental health pediatric patients and their families. If you have a baccalaureate degree in Nursing along with current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the CRNBC or the CRPNBC, you are invited to apply. Please forward your CV, quoting Competition #2006-1549, to: PHSA Specialty Nurse Recruitment, Suite 800- 1441 Creekside Drive, Vancouver, BC, V6J 4S7, Tel: 604-875-7216 Fax: 604-875-7253 or Email: nurses@phsa.ca. For more information, visit careers.phsa.ca

Forensic Psychiatric Hospital Seeking Forensic Nurses [back to top]
BC Mental Health & Addiction Services is currently seeking talented RNs and RPNs to support specialized, "one-of-a-kind" tertiary level mental health services at their Forensic Psychiatric Hospital and Clinics. This is your chance to be at the forefront of this pivotal transition within the delivery of mental health care. Ideal candidates will have a diploma in Psychiatric or General Nursing, as well as current RN registration in BC under the RPN/RN Act. Experience working with psychiatric patients in a forensic or mental health setting and current CPR certification would be considered great assets. To apply, please forward your CV, quoting Competition #FOR10-2006 to: PHSA Specialty Nurse Recruitment, Suite 800 - 1441 Creekside Drive, Vancouver, BC V6J 4S7 Email: nurses@phsa.ca Fax: 604-875-7253, or Phone: 604-875-7216 / Toll Free: 1-866-744-7363. For more information, visit careers.phsa.ca.

Public Education Events

Movie Mondays in Victoria [back to top]
Every Monday at 6:30pm, Bruce Saunders' Movie Monday project presents free movies at the Eric Martin Pavilion at the 1900 block of Fort Street in Victoria. More details at www.islandnet.com/mm
November 6 – Touch the Sound
November 13 – 13 Cars
November 20 – Shameless
November 27 – Burnt Toast & Mozartballs
December 4 – Dirty Filthy Love

Concurrent Disorders Education Series for Families – September 13 – November 13 [back to top]
Providence Health Care & Vancouver Coastal Health are offering a free 8-week education series for families who have members with a concurrent disorder. A concurrent disorder is a chronic mental illness combined with an addiction. The purpose of this free education series is to offer information about a topic relevant to mental health & addictions, to offer strategies and coping skills in dealing with mental health & addictions, and to identify resources in mental health & addictions. Participants may attend some or all of the sessions. This is not a support group. Open to families in the Lower Mainland. Wednesday evenings, 6pm – 8pm at Raven Song Community Centre, 2450 Ontario Street, Vancouver. For more information and to register, please contact Otto Lim at 604-708–5289.
   >> if the topic of concurrent disorders interests you, check out the Visions Journal issue on Concurrent Disorders in our Journal archives or the HeretoHelp.bc.ca website.

Crazy Talk: Three Stories From the Other Side – October 25 – November 11 [back to top]
Solo Collective's newest theatrical offering explores versions of reality in three new stories about people on the edge. Struggling to come to terms with the reality around them, the Crazy Talk characters may be the three sanest people you'll meet this year. Featuring Victoria Maxwell’s moving and enlightening monologue Life Line, in which a young woman struggles to hold on to hope while in the chaotic grip of rapid-cycling bipolar disorder. Life Line is directed by Jane Heyman (Studio 58, Westcoast Actors, Women in VIEW) and performed by Lara Gilchrist (As You Like It, Much Ado About Nothing, Bard on the Beach; Enchanted April, Arts Club). Visit www.solocollective.ca for details.
October 25 – November 4 - At Festival House Studio, 1398 Cartwright St, Granville Island, Vancouver. Tues-Sat 8pm & Sun 3pm; Post-show Talkback Wed Nov 1. Tickets: $21 adults; $15 artists/students/seniors. Tickets at Tickets Tonight: 604-231-7535 or ticketstonight.ca. Group rate available thru info@solocollective.ca
November 8 – 11– At Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby. Wed-Sat 8pm; Post-show Talkback Thurs Nov 9. Tickets: $28 adults; $25 seniors, $15 students; $12 youth (under 14), Season Ticket Price (Red Box Series) $18. Tickets at the Shadbolt Centre: 604-205-3000.

Free Caregiver Education Series – November 7 - 28 [back to top]
Vancouver Coastal Health is offering a free series of four workshops for family and friend caregivers. Topics covered include: caregiver roles and responsibilities; stress management and relaxation techniques, family dynamics and communication; and community health services and facility placement. Participants are invited to attend one session or all four sessions. Tuesday mornings, 10am – 12pm at the Pacific Spirit Community Centre, 2110 West 43rd Ave., Vancouver. To register, please call the Caregiver Support Program at 604-877-4699.

'Inner Worlds' Public Printmaking Workshops – November 7 + 14 [back to top]
Two Worlds is a unique initiative designed to involve and bridge aboriginal and non-aboriginal mental health consumers and services through a community arts process. The final work generated from the residency will include both participant-created pieces, as well as a new body of work from Tania Willard, Secwepemc (Shuswap) artist. This will be broadly disseminated as a community resource to raise awareness about aboriginal people living with mental health issues, including an exhibition in February 2007. Through the ‘Inner Worlds’ Workshops on November 7 and 14, Tania Willard will engage the public in a series of print-making workshops exploring our worlds. A print of your linocut will be made and exhibited in February in gallery II. At Gallery Gachet, 88 E Cordova Street, Vancouver. A free, public event - no experience necessary. Preregister: 604-687-2468 or gallery@gachet.org.

Stand Up For Mental Health: A Happy Neurotic Grad 2006 Showcase - November 12 [back to top]
Led by Vancouver counselor and stand up comic David Granirer, Stand Up For Mental Health teaches people with mental illness to take control by turning their problems into comedy. Featuring our 2006 class and alumni comics doing hilarious new material. Also featuring the launch of David’s book The Happy Neurotic: How Fear and Angst Can Lead To Happiness and Success. Silent Auction at 6pm, book signing 6:45pm, show at 7:30pm. At the Arts Club Granville Island Stage. Tickets: $22 at Ticketmaster 604-280-3311 or contact david@standupformentalhealth.com 604-205-9242 for group discounts. Silent auction items can be previewed on-line from Nov 9 at www.standupformentalhealth.com. All money raised and 100% of book sales goes to support our alumni program.
    >> Cracking Up, the CBC Passionate Eye documentary on Stand Up For Mental Health airs November 16 at 8pm on the CBC main network channel 3. The film follows 11 courageous people who suffer from schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder and manic depression as they pursue a year of stand up comedy. It’s a huge boost in the fight against stigma!

Frames of Mind Screening – An Angel At My Table – November 15 [back to top]
Frames of Mind is a monthly film event utilizing film and video to promote professional and community education on issues pertaining to mental health and illness presented by Pacific Cinémathèque and the UBC Department of Psychiatry. Originally conceived of as a television miniseries, Jane Campion's brilliant, heart-breaking three-part film, An Angel At My Table, adapts celebrated New Zealand author Janet Frame's autobiography involving a shy, poverty-stricken childhood, a nervous collapse leading to a wrongful diagnosis and eight years in a mental institution enduring hundreds of electroshock treatments, and European travels with a bohemian awakening. Includes a post-screening discussion with Ramon Kubicek, writer, artist, and educator at Emily Carr Institute and Langara College. 7:30pm at Pacific Cinémathèque, 1131 Howe Street, Vancouver. Tickets: $8.50 regular / $7 for students and seniors. Eligible for 1.0 hour Section 1 of Royal College's Maintenance of Certification Program. Visit www.cinematheque.bc.ca or call 604-822-7610 for more information.

Mother Nature and Mother Nurture in Mother’s Depression and Children’s Antisocial Behaviour - November 16 [back to top]
The UBC Institute for Mental Health is sponsoring a new interdisciplinary colloquium series for 2006-07. All talks will take place on Thursdays at noon at UBC's Detwiller Lecture Theatre, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, basement. "Mother Nature and Mother Nurture in Mother’s Depression and Children’s Antisocial Behaviour" will be presented by Julia Kim-Cohen, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Yale University. Visit www.mhanet.ca for more information.

ADABC Christmas Dinner Cruise Fundraiser – November 26 [back to top]
The Anxiety Disorders Association of British Columbia (ADABC) is proud to invite you to their Christmas Fundraiser Dinner Cruise. Come and enjoy a fun night of carol signing, dancing, comedy and piano music. Ticket includes an exquisite full-course buffet meal, dessert, tea or coffee. Tickets: $70 each; $130 for two. Tax receipt for donation component will be issued upon request. Boarding begins at 6pm at 750 Pacific Boulevard (east side of Plaza of Nations). The Abitibi sails at 6:30pm.

Child and Adolescent Mental Illness Education Forum – November 30 [back to top]
This free forum presented by Mood Disorders Association will cover topics including nutrition, ADHD, medications and treatments. Guest speakers are: Dr. Derryck Smith, BC Children's Hospital; Dr. Jane Garland, Mood & Anxiety Disorders Clinic, BC Children's Hospital; Dr. Karen Davison, Registered Dietician, Dr. Adil Virani, Regional Clinical Pharmacy Manager, Fraser Health Authority & Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UBC; and an Adolescent Guest speaking on living with a mental illness. 7pm at Norman Rothstein Thatre, 41 Ave. & Oak, Vancouver. Contact MDA at 604-873-0103 or mdabc@telus.net for more details.

Courses and Workshops

Mental Health Works Workshops [back to top]
Mental Health Works provides organizations with the tools and resources they need to effectively address issues involving mental illness in the workplace. Informational presentations and skills building workshops are available for various audiences in the workplace - from employees at all levels, to union representatives to senior management. Cost: "Complex Issues. Clear Solutions" full-day workshop $210 per participant, plus expenses (12-16 participants); "Complex Issues. Clear Solutions." series of three 3-hour workshops $350 per participant, plus expenses (12-16 participants); 3-hour workshops $1500; "Issues and Solutions" workshop $1500; other 2-hour workshops $800 - $1000. Learn more at www.mentalhealthworks.ca or contact Margaret Tebbutt at 1-800-555-8222 or mentalhealthworks@cmha.bc.ca for more information.
"Complex Issues. Clear Solutions" Management Workshop (full-day 7-hour workshop, or three 3-hour workshops) - Learn to effectively address the complex issues around mental health problems in the workplace. This award-winning workshop is a practical and interactive multimedia learning experience. Includes materials and resources.
Awareness of Workplace Mental Health (1 hour) - An engaging look at what it is like to experience conditions such as depression or anxiety at work
Workplace Influence (2 hours) - Employees consider ways to positively influence both their own mental health and that of their co-workers.
Issues and Solutions (2 hours) - Provides a quick overview of the Mental Health Works approach to building awareness, recognition and strategies around mental health issues in the workplace.
Assisting Workers with Mental Health Issues (3 hours) - For union representatives and stewards. A unique look at the role of the union in helping members through workplace conflict, accommodation and disability.
Affecting Workplace Mental Health (3 hours) - Looks at the systemic and organizational factors that affect the mental health or workers and asks participants to create action plans for those factors that affect their own workplace situation.
Human Resources: Return-to-Work Strategies ( 3 to 4 hours) - For human resource personnel involved in the return-to-work or performance management of people with mental health issues. Case studies engage partici[ants in considering approaches to the more difficult sitations.
Occupational Health Strategies: Return-to-work after Mental Illness (3 to 4 hours) - Addresses challenges such as working with physicians, uncooperative supervisors or management, and employees who do not seem able to access effective treatment.
Managing the Return-to-Work (3 hours) - For managers and supervisors who have a good working knowledge of mental health and communication skills, including those who have attended previous Mental Health Workshops and want to get more ‘hands on’ in how they juggle the competing interests of the returning employee, co-workers, organizational demands and their own time management

Ready, Set, Go! Online Communications Training Workshops - October 24 - November 23 [back to top]
IMPACS, the Institute for Media, Policy and Civil Society, is offering several communications workshops for the fall. The workshops are online and interactive all conveniently accessible from the comfort and of your own office or home. All you need is a high-speed internet connection and a regular phone. Workshops being offered this fall are: Building a Strategic Communications Plan (Formerly "Plan the Work, Work the Plan"), Communicating in Print, Writing for the Web, Media Toolkit, Branding: Building Your Organization's Identity, Smart Talk, and Web 2.0 for Non-profit Organizations (formerly Building Community Online). Fee: $55 per session. All workshops run either Tuesdays or Thursdays, 10am – 12noon. For details and registrations, visit www.impacs.org.

DRU Professional Health Workshop – November 18 [back to top]
DRU yoga principles and techniques for people working as professional caregivers for prevention of burnout, compassion fatigue, maintain personal health vitality well being and perspective. Doctors, counsellors, teachers, managers, coaches, anyone working with people will learn movement, meditation relaxation, respect for the natural laws, insights into the holistic yogic model for health. The workshop will consist of both lecture and experiential DRU yoga practice & philosophy. Fee: $125 ($115 pre-paid). 10am to 3pm at the YWCA Hotel, 733 Beatty Street, Vancouver. To register contact 604-936-3255 or Canada@druexperience.org.

Dealing with Crystal Meth, Cocaine and Oxycontin Workshop – November 29 [back to top]
The workshop will provide a detailed overview of Crystal Meth, Cocaine & Oxycontin. This will include origin, effects, appeal, detox, and treatment options. It will also include information on an alternate approach to treatment that focuses on the individual’s emotional and social functioning. With Peggy Shaughnessy, MA. Registration fee: $225. 9:30am – 4pm at Simon Fraser University, Downtown Vancouver Campus, Harbour Centre, 515 W. Hastings St., Vancouver. For more information, call toll-free (888) 887-7981 or visit www.whitepathconsulting.com.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training in Invermere – November 30 + December 1 [back to top]
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is holding a two-day workshop for teachers, parents, clinicians, social workers, counselors, mental health practitioners and anyone working or involved with youth. It is being held at the Rocky Mountain School District's school board office at 620 - 4th Street in Invermere. 9am to 4:30pm both days. The cost for the two day workshop is $25 and participants are asked to pay at the door upon arrival. Pre-registration is required by November 15. For more information call Lynda Shepherdson at (250) 342-9243, ext. 234 or e-mail lshepherdson@sd6.bc.ca.

Knowledge & Practice Skills for Working with People with Mental Disorders – December 12 + 13 [back to top]
In this two-day workshop with Bob Shebib and John Fox, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills for working with persons with mental disorders. Topics include: Selected major mental disorders (depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, personality disorders, bipolar disorder); Overview of the structure and use of the DSM-IV; Interviewing and counselling skills for working with persons with mental disorders; Recognizing indicator of mental disorders; Concurrent disorders (mental illness and substance abuse); Child and youth mental disorders; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Introduction to pharmacology including medication compliance issues. 8:30am to 4:30pm at Simon Fraser University, Downtown Vancouver Campus, Harbour Centre, 515 W. Hastings St., Vancouver. Registration $275 per person or $225 when groups of three register together. To register, contact sessionreg@shaw.ca or call 604-721-7929.

Co-Occuring Disorders Advanced Citation – Begins January 2007 [back to top]
The Co-Occuring Disorders program is offered by the Community Social Service Worker Department at Douglas College. The first of its kind in BC, this program is designed for working professionals in the social service and health fields. All courses are held in the evening to accommodate working professionals. Full-time students will take two courses in the Winter and Fall semester followed by a practicum, which can be completed at your agency’s service location. To learn more visit www.douglas.bc.ca.

Conferences

Remission and Recovery: Schizophrenia Conference in Sidney – November 4 [back to top]
The 9th Victoria and 4th Vancouver Island Schizophrenia Conference will feature morning keynotes on psychosocial rehabilitation, assessment and treatment issues from a clinician’s view, and the concept of remission, as well as afternoon workshop sessions. 8:30am to 4pm at Dunsmuir Lodge, 1515 McTavish Road, Sidney. Early registration is recommended. For more information or registration please call CMHA Victoria Branch at (250) 389-1211.

BC/Yukon Aboriginal Forum on Homelessness Research – November 5 + 6 [back to top]
The BC Native Education Centre and SPARC BC (the Social Planning and Research Council of BC) invite you to the 2nd BC/Yukon Aboriginal Forum on Homelessness Research, a free event open to all interested members of the public. Participants will network and build relationships for researchers and community service providers, enhance partnership capacity within academic and community organizations, and develop action plans and recommendations for community-based strategies to meet research needs on Aboriginal homelessness in the BC/Yukon Region. Pre-Forum Reception: November 5, 7pm to 10pm at Holiday Inn Express, 2889 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver. Forum: November 6, 8:30am to 4:30 pm at Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, 1607 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver. Both are FREE to attend. For a registration and subsidy application package, please contact gtong@sparc.bc.ca or 604-718-7751

Immigrant & Refugee Men: Mental Health & Systemic Stressors – November 16 + 17 [back to top]
The 11th Annual Cross-Cultural Mental Health Symposium will be taking place at Simon Fraser University at Harbour Centre, Vancouver. Presented by the Cross-Cultural Psychiatry Program; Department of Psychiatry; VGH/Vancouver Community Mental Health Services; Vancouver Coastal Health; Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia; Storefront Orientation Services. To join the email list, sent a message to Janey Chang, Symposium Coordinator at symposium@shaw.ca.

Western Canadian Conference on Addictions and Mental Health – November 16 - 18 [back to top]
Jack Hirose & Associates presents the Tools, Tips & Techniques: Strategies for Therapeutic or Clinical Excellence. This three-day conference for mental health professionals includes keynote presentations on family systems and recovery, improving therapeutic effectiveness, and women with addictions. 8:30am to 5pm at the Best Western Richmond Hotel and Convention Centre, 7551 Westminster Highway. Conference fee: $465; $225 per day. Early bird, student, and group rates available. Visit www.jackhirose.com for more information and registration.

Towards a New Public Health: An Ecological View – November 27 – 29 [back to top]
The Public Health Association of British Columbia (PHABC) is pleased to announce its annual conference, November 27 to November 29 at the Coast Plaza Hotel in Vancouver, titled Towards a New Public Health: An Ecological View. The purpose of this conference is to explore the connection between ecology and public health practice, focusing on the broad pattern of relationships between people, their environments, and health. Confirmed keynote speakers include: Dr. David Suzuki and Dr. Etienne Wenger. Conference fee: $385. Early bird, PHABC member, student and senior rates available. For registration and more information, visit www.phabc.org.

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.

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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; General email: info@cmha.bc.ca; MIND MATTERS email:mindmatters@cmha.bc.ca; Web: www.cmha.bc.ca