VOLUME 46: October 2006 | online at www.cmha.bc.ca/enews/enewsoct06.htm

CMHA News
Mental Illness Awareness Week
World Mental Health Day
Beyond the Blues: Depression Anxiety Screening and Education Day
Disability, Equality, and Social Change: 25 Years Later Conference
HeretoHelp Website Survey - Let Us Know How We're Doing
Art for Awards Winners
2007 Budget Consultation Submission
Making Connections - CMHA BC's Annual Report 2005-2006
BC Campus Project Presentation at Upcoming Conference
New Issue of Visions on Treatments for Young People
Mr. Excitement - Lorne Fraser Sings to Raise Funds for Educational Bursaries
Help Us Help Others - Give Hope Today!
Scrapbooking Fundraiser in Williams Lake
Building Pathways for Hope: Pathways Clubhouse Fundraising Dinner
CMHA National Has Moved
Mental Illness Awareness Week Events in Penticton
North Shore Health Lecture Series
Point of View: Labeled for Life?

Featured CMHA Program:
Mental Health Works: Workshops for the Workplace

Canadian Research
Workplace is the New Front in War on Mental Illness Says Ambassador
Many Teens Struggle in Silence
Breaking the Silence Around Teen Suicide
Kids in Provincial Care Four Times More Likely to be Treated for a Mental Disorder
ADHD Drugs Carry Slight Risk of Side-Effects
Mentally Ill Turn to Illegal Drugs to Feel Better, Expert Says
Increasing Numbers of Combined Mental Health and Addictions Problems on the Island
Mental Illness Red Tape Keeps Officers Off the Street
Police and Mental Health Workers Hope to Expand Crisis Teams
Homelessness in Vancouver Could Triple by 2010
Canadians More Aware of Primary Health Care
The Dalai Lama Speaks with Scientists About Stress and Mental Health

CMHA Mailbox:
Confidence

Research From Around the World
General Health Among Seriously Mental Ill is Poor
Half of Teen Drug and Alcohol Use Slips By Parents
Workplaces Need to Address Effects of Mood Disorders on Productivity
Coping with Back-to-Work Blues
Study Finds Repeat DUI Offenders Have High Mental Illness Rates

New Programs, Resources and Announcements
Spirit of Hope Awards – Call for Nominations
Homelessness Awareness Week
How’s Your Workplace Celebrating Healthy Workplace Week?
Quick Facts Booklet: Mental Illness & Addiction in Canada 2006
A Self-Help Guide to Lift the Blues
Website Helps BC’s New Moms Connect
Early Psychosis Intervention Website for Youth and Families
Stuff for Sex - Youth Exploitation Awareness Campaign
mindyourmind.ca and Western Area Youth Services (WAYS)
Aboriginal Mental Health Reports Released
Frames of Mind: Mental Health in the Movies
BC Author’s Book of Short Stories on Experiences with Schizophrenia
Nelson Cartoonist Publishes Comic Book on Mental Illness
Senior Peer Counselling in Comox Needs Volunteers
BC Children’s Hospital Seeking Registered Nurse
Forensic Psychiatric Hospital Seeking Forensic Nurses

Public Education Events
Vancouver International Film Festival - Dialogues on Mental Health
Movie Mondays in Victoria
Concurrent Disorders Education Series for Families
Free Caregiver Education Series
Frames of Mind Screening – Volcano
MDA Education Evening – Psychiatric Concerns in Pregnancy & Port-Partum
My Own Private Etibocoke
Crazy Talk: Three Stories From the Other Side
Free Caregiver Education Series
Stand Up For Mental Health: A Happy Neurotic Grad 2006 Showcase
Mother Nature and Mother Nurture in Mother’s Depression and Children’s Antisocial Behaviour
Child and Adolescent Mental Illness Education Forum

Courses and Workshops
Mental Health Works Workshops
Online Seminar: Research Issues for Mental Health Consumers
Non-Profit Management Courses from Charity Village
Ready, Set, Go! Online Communications Training Workshops
Dealing with Crystal Meth, Cocaine and Oxycontin Workshop
Knowledge & Practice Skills for Working with People with Mental Disorders

Conferences
Blending Addiction Science & Practice Conference in Seattle
Ethics Conference - Moral Distress and Moral Residue
Disability, Equality, and Social Change: 25 Years Later
Native Mental Health Conference - Cultural Foundations for Wellness
Mental Health Research Showcase in Banff
Patient Adherence and Chronic Disease Management Strategies in Toronto
Remission and Recovery: Schizophrenia Conference in Sidney
Immigrant & Refugee Men: Mental Health & Systemic Stressors
Western Canadian Conference on Addictions and Mental Health
Towards a New Public Health: An Ecological View

CMHA News

Mental Illness Awareness Week - October 1 - 7 [back to top]
For too long, Canadians with mental illnesses have been in the shadows. Too few Canadians know about the burden of mental illness on our society, and too few sufferers seek help when they need it. Mental Illness Awareness Week seeks to raise awareness of the level of mental illness in Canada, to reduce negative stigma about mental illness amongst the general population and health care professionals, and to promote the positive effects of best practice in prevention, diagnosis and medical treatment. The theme of this year's campaign is "Face Mental Illness." You are invited to meet some of the "Faces of Mental Illness" at the Mental Illness Awareness Week website at www.miaw.ca, as well as take part in some of the many events taking part across Canada, also listed in the website. Mental Illness Awareness Week is coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health, of which CMHA is a member.

World Mental Health Day - October 10 [back to top]
World Mental Health Day is an annual event coordinated by the World Federation for Mental Health. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2006, "Building Awareness-Reducing Risk: Mental Illness and Suicide," focuses attention on a growing public health issue, and one which needs the priority attention of professionals and advocates working in the mental health sector worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that there are one million suicide deaths each year, representing 1.4% percent of the total global burden of disease. This year's theme encourages the global mental health community to make reducing the risk of suicide among people with mental illnesses a high priority - recognising that, left untreated, mental illnesses can be fatal and thus they must be addressed as an issue of utmost importance. For more information on the event, or to download an education package, visit www.wmhday.net.

Beyond the Blues: Depression Anxiety Screening and Education Day – October 5 [back to top]
Beyond the Blues: Depression Anxiety Education and Screening Day is coordinated annually in October during the first Thursday of Mental Illness Awareness Week by CMHA BC Division on behalf of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information. Beyond the Blues is an opportunity to learn more about these treatable conditions, complete a brief questionnaire, speak one-on-one with a clinician, and find out about the range of community resources available to help. All sites this year will also have information on alcohol use, with a dozen sites offering screening for risky drinking. If you can't make it to one of the 65 sites across BC, you can call the event hotline at 1-866-917-HOPE to book a confidential telephone screening. For more information, or to find the site nearest you, visit the Depression Anxiety Education and Screening Day website at www.heretohelp.bc.ca/events, or call the event hotline at 1-866-917-HOPE (a free call in BC).
   >> help us make this event even better! After attending a Beyond the Blues site, fill out a short online survey to tell us how it went, so we can improve next year.

*For a listing of ALL sites, visit the website at www.heretohelp.bc.ca/events*

Disability, Equality, and Social Change: 25 Years Later Conference – October 26 + 27 [back to top]
The Disability Advisory Committee of the Community Legal Assistance Society (CLAS) is holding a conference exploring strategies to address the marginalization and inequality of people with disabilities. A range of speakers and panels – local, national and international – will explore a variety of topics of interest from a pan-disability perspective. Registration fee: $75 regular / $50 student. Seating capacity is limited, so call Jean Moore at (604) 434-4533 email jean.moore@shaw.ca, or fax (604) 454-1013, to register now. In Vancouver. Sponsored in part by the CMHA.

HeretoHelp Website Survey - Let Us Know How We're Doing [back to top]
During the month of October, the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addiction Information is conducting an online survey to gather feedback on their www.HeretoHelp.bc.ca website. Findings from the survey will help BC Partners plan the future of this popular mental health and addictions information website. The survey is only up during October so have your say today on what you like and don't like about the site. See the survey link on the home page at www.heretohelp.bc.ca. BC Partners is a consortium of seven leading provincial mental health and addictions nonprofit agencies, of which CMHA BC is a member.

Art for Awards Winners [back to top]
Four BC artists received a $500 prize and recognition at the Art for Awards presentation at CMHA BC Division’s Annual General Meeting on September 16. CMHA BC’s new Art for Awards program honours the tremendous talent and creative accomplishments of BC artists who also live with mental illness. The winning paintings were selected from over eighty submissions collected by CMHA branches across BC. Also announced were six honourable mentions: Christian Boily, Ho Mei Cha, Mike Davis, Carmen Gaylard, Nori Lee, and Justina Vanovcan. See our press release for details and pictures.

• Marcia Barry - "Who’s the Mother?" (Langley)
• Julian Hahn - "Bearable Lightness of Being" (Burnaby)
• Cheryl Stein - "Waterfall" (Vancouver)
• David Wayne Wilson - "Quid Quid Latine Dictum Sit, Altum Videtur" ("Anything Said in Latin Sounds Profound") (White Rock)

2007 Budget Consultation Submission [back to top]
CMHA BC was honoured to be invited to make a submission (116 Kb PDF) to the provincial government's Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services for the 2007 Budget Consultation Process. Our recommendations for improving care for those living with mental illness and their families built on last year's submission and recommendations from the recent Kirby Report.

Making Connections - CMHA BC's Annual Report 2005-2006 [back to top]
Making connections is not only the theme of this year's annual report, but one of the core pronciples that binds CMHA divisions and branches accross the nation. This past year at CMHA BC Division has been an especially productive year of building these essential connections: with people with mental illness and their families, with like-minded community organizations, with urban, rural, and remote communities, with employers and employees, and within our own organization. Learn about the many exciting projects and activities CMHA BC has engaged in over the past year in the report, Making Connections, available at www.cmha.bc.ca.

BC Campus Project Presentation at Upcoming Conference - October 20 [back to top]
The BC Campus Project, lead by CMHA BC’s Jeff Thompson on behalf of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information, will be presenting on "Connection & Action for improving mental health and decreasing substance use problems," at the upcoming Pacific Coast College Health Association Conference. The four-day conference runs from October 18 – 21, and is intended to provide high-quality professional development for health and mental health professionals. For event details and registration, visit at www.capps.wsu.edu/pccha.

New Issue of Visions on Treatments for Young People [back to top]
This edition of Visions focuses on young people. Articles in this issue looks into the issues faced by young people and what kind of treatments and support available for them. The issue ranges in topics from eating disorders and schizophrenia to pregnancy and youth parenting. Various treatment options for young people such as play therapy, diaelectical behavioural therapy, and music therapy are also discussed without forgetting the different support and skill-building for young people.
Visions is published by BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information, of which CMHA BC is member. Visions is written by and for people who have used mental health or addictions services, mental health service providers, family and friends, and mental health and addictions leaders and decision-makers, and provided free of charge to these same groups. To view this issue of Visions online, or to subscribe visit www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

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.

Help Us Help Others - Give Hope Today! [back to top]
Through the support of our communities, CMHA is able provide year-round services and supports to those in need of hope - from community clubhouses and support groups to public education campaigns and supported housing projects. Please show you care with your donation. There are so many ways you can help. Find out how at www.givehope.ca.

Scrapbooking Fundraiser in Williams Lake – October 14 [back to top]
A special scrap booking and album-making event will be held October 14 to raise money for CMHA Williams Lake Branch and Jubilee Care Society. The association chose album making as its fundraiser because it is a wonderful fall and wintertime activity for those months where the rate of depression is higher. For more information, call Pat Metner at (250) 398-8220.

Building Pathways for Hope: Pathways Clubhouse Fundraising Dinner – October 19 [back to top]
CMHA Richmond Branch’s Pathways Clubhouse cordially invites you to their 1st Annual Fundraising Dinner, Building Pathways for Hope. Guests can look forward to a 10-course gourmet Chinese dinner, silent auction, door prizes, live entertainment, and more! 5:30pm at Continental Seafood Restaurant, 150 – 11700 Cambie Road, Richmond. Tickets: $45 each/$400 for a table of 10. For tickets or more information, contact Dave MacDonald at 604-276-8834, ext. 17 or email dmacdonald@cmha-rmd.com.

CMHA National Has Moved [back to top]
The new address for the CMHA National office is Suite 2301 - 180 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1Z8. Their phone and fax numbers and e-mail addresses will remain the same:Telephone: (416) 484-7750 Fax: (416) 484-4617 E-mail: info@cmha.ca.

Mental Illness Awareness Week Events in Penticton – October 2 - 7 [back to top]
CMHA South Okanagan Similkameen Branch, in partnership with BC Schizophrenia Society, Interior Health, and Penticton & Area Cooperative and Enterprises (PACE), is presenting a series of events in Mental Illness Awareness Week in Penticton.
October 4 – Movie Night – screening of "Mr. Jones" starring Richard Gere, 7pm at Smith and Company, 215 Winnipeg Street
October 5 – Beyond the Blues: Depression Anxiety Screening and Information Day – 11am-1pm and 4-6pm at 221 Martin Street, Penticton
October 6 – "Walk-the-World" for Schizophrenia – the walk will begin at 11am at 221 Martin Street and will take approximately an hour.
October 7 – Strengthening Families Together – free 5-week mental illness education course, beginning today at 9am. Please call (250) 493-7338 to register. Pre-registration is required.

North Shore Health Lecture Series [back to top]
The free 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 ancouver (between Chesterfield and Lonsdale Avenue). All lectures start at 7:00 PM. For more information please phone (604) 987-6959 or visit www.cmhanwv.com.
October 4 – Expressing Anger Peacefully
October 11 – Concurrent Disorders: Mental Illness and Addiction
October 18 – Emotional Fitness
October 25 – Post Trauma Stress and You

Point of View: Labeled for Life? [back to top]
CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby Branch presents a free series of presentations and discussions on different perceptions of mental illness. Everyone is welcome to attend. 7 – 9pm at Vancouver Community College, King Edward Campus, 1155 East Broadway, Rm #3011. For more information call 604-872-4902.
October 11 – Stigma Squared: Self and Societal Stigma with Sharon Ryan / Invisible Illness: Pain Behind the Mask with Scia Roots
October 18 – A Stroke of Luck: Anxiety or Mini-Stroke with Harry Lawson / Carrying Around Myself and My Body with Sonya Schmidt
October 25 – Caring for a Loved One Recovery from a Mental Illness with Robert Federchuk / An Inhuman Rights Adbuction with Joe Mangatal

Canadian Research

Workplace is the New Front in War on Mental Illness Says Ambassador [back to top]
Medical practitioners and researchers should urge the federal government to adopt a national action strategy to fight mental illness, Canada's ambassador to the United States told a conference.Michael Wilson said that while there have been efforts toward reducing the stigma surrounding depression, schizophrenia and other disorders, it is still a major problem with vast economic and societal impacts. He said the average age of onset of anxiety disorders in Canada is estimated at 12 years, and the average age for addictions is 18. He described the workplace as the new front in the war on mental illness.See "Wilson joins call for mental illness strategy," at www.canada.com. See also "Workplace is the new front in war on mental illness, Wilson says," available with a subsciption to The Vancouver Sun at www.canada.com.
   >> learn more about our mental health workshops, for managers, employees, union leaders, and human resource specialists delivered by Mental Health Works certified trainers in this month's feature article. For more information, contact Margaret Tebbutt at 1-800-555-8222 or mentalhealthworks@cmha.bc.ca.
   >> mark the date for the 2007 Bottom Line Conference - March 6 + 7 - for a day of inspiration, insight and information on improving mental health in the workplace.

Many Teens Struggle in Silence [back to top]
When the going gets tough, many teens don't get going to friends or parents; they keep their problems to themselves, a new survey suggests. In fact, the study found that 42 per cent of the teens surveyed rarely or never ask for help when they feel overwhelmed. The Raise Your Voice National Youth Study was funded by Motorola and was based on data from a national online survey of 1,007 youths between the ages of 13 and 18. While many of the teens said they never seek help to deal with the stress in their lives, 19 per cent said they routinely ask for help. See "Many teens keep problems to themselves," at www.ctv.ca.
   >> The next issue of Visions: BC's Mental Health and Addictions Journal will look at youth and the first responders to their mental health concerns. Watch for it later this month at www.heretohelp.bc.ca/publications/visions.

Breaking the Silence Around Teen Suicide [back to top]
In a survey of 15,000 BC high school students conducted recently by the CMHA, 34 per cent knew of someone who had attempted or died by suicide; 16 per cent had seriously considered it themselves; 14 per cent had made a suicide plan; two per cent had required medical attention due to an attempt. About 30 teenagers die by suicide each year in the province, according to the B.C. Coroners Service, making suicide the second most common cause of death in young people after car crashes. Yet we tend to hear and read so little about these lives quietly taken, and the shattered lives left behind. That’s why Jude Platzer’s goal, when she speaks to high school students about suicide prevention, is to make suicide as talked-about in the future as cancer is today. See "Breaking the silence around teen suicide: PREVENTION I Speaking out can save lives of young people in crisis need us to speak, mother says," at www.canada.com.

Kids in Provincial Care Four Times More Likely to be Treated for a Mental Disorder [back to top]
Children in the continuing care of the provincial government are four times more likely to be treated for a mental disorder, a joint report by B.C.'s provincial health and children's officers shows. The report also shows children in care have been prescribed Ritalin-type medications, for conditions such as attention deficit disorder, up to 12 times more often than children who have never been in care. Co-authored by B.C.'s child and youth officer Jane Morley and provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall, the 89-page report offers the first "baseline" data reflecting the health and well-being of the approximately 5,000 children in continuing care at any given time between 1997 and 2005. See "Kids in B.C. government care have higher death rates than other kids: report," at www.cbc.ca. See also "Kids in provincial care less healthy," at www.canada.com.

ADHD Drugs Carry Slight Risk of Side-Effects [back to top]
Ritalin, Adderall and all other drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have the potential to cause uncommon psychiatric side-effects including rare cases of agitation and hallucination in children, Health Canada warns. The department announced all drugs used to manage ADHD will carry new labels in December. Prescribing information will also be updated, based on an ongoing review of psychiatric events linked to the drug. Two million prescriptions for the stimulants, which increase blood pressure and speed up the pulse, were written in Canada in 2005, and use of the drugs is increasing. See "ADHD drug carry slight risk of psychiatric side-effects," at www.cbc.ca. See the Health Canada advisory at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
   >> The new issue of Visions: BC's Mental Health and Addictions Journal looks at Treatments for Young People with mental health concerns. Check it out at www.heretohelp.bc.ca/publications/visions.

Mentally Ill Turn to Illegal Drugs to Feel Better, Expert Says [back to top]
Many of the drug addicts living on Victoria's streets are people who likely began medicating themselves to gain relief from undiagnosed or unrecognized psychiatric issues - and one day couldn't quit, says the University of Victoria's new expert in illicit drugs and public health, Benedikt Fischer. It's common for addiction and mental illness to go hand-in-hand, Fischer said. When people with unrecognized, undiagnosed or untreated psychiatric illnesses experiment with drugs, they find relief from their mental health issues - and quickly get hooked. Addictions and psychiatry professionals should receive some cross-training so as to properly intervene, treat or refer clients, Fischer suggested. Ideally, their services would be located in one centre. See "Getting to the roots of addiction," at www.canada.com.

Increasing Numbers of Combined Mental Health and Addictions Problems on the Island [back to top]
Victoria and other parts of the Island are facing the challenge of "increasing numbers" of cases of combined mental health and addictions problems, according to the chief executive officer of the Vancouver Island Health Authority. According to the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA), sixty per cent of people who present with mental health issues at VIHA facilities, also have substance abuse problems. See "Number of mentally ill addicts growing," at www.canada.com.

Mental Illness Red Tape Keeps Officers Off the Street [back to top]
Instead of fighting crime on the streets, police officers say they are increasingly wasting their time in hospital emergency rooms waiting to hand over mentally ill patients to health care providers. Victoria Police Chief Paul Battershill said he's taking his concerns to the Vancouver Island Health Authority at a meeting later this month where he'll ask health officials to revisit the controversial idea of giving hospital security guards special police constable powers. Such a move would allow police to hand over custody of mentally ill people to hospital security. See "Chief wants to give police powers to hospital guards," at www.canada.com.

Police and Mental Health Workers Hope to Expand Crisis Teams [back to top]
A program that pairs police officers and mental health care workers as a first-response crisis team is so successful its organizers say they hope it can soon be expanded. The Integrated Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT) pairs a plain-clothes police officer with a mental health specialist, and allows the duo to intervene in crisis calls around the capital region. Victoria police have recently complained they must wait hours in hospital emergency rooms to hand over custody of mental health patients, and are struggling with more than 900 mental health calls a year. See "Police, mental health workers hope to expand crisis teams," at www.canada.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.

Homelessness in Vancouver Could Triple by 2010 [back to top]
Vancouver faces an imminent low-income housing crisis unless all levels of government take urgent action, says a new report by a Downtown Eastside legal advocacy group, Cracks in the Foundation: Solving the Housing Crisis in Canada’s Poorest Neighbourhood. The Pivot Legal Society's report warns that if nothing is done, the number of homeless people on the streets will triple by 2010 when Vancouver hosts the Winter Olympics. See "Homelessness in Vancouver could triple by 2010," at www.cbc.ca. The full report and executive summary are available at www.pivotlegal.org.

Canadians More Aware of Primary Health Care [back to top]
The number of Canadians who have seen or heard the term "primary health care" and who were able to provide an unaided definition of the term increased by about 10 per cent over the course of a seven-month national awareness campaign, according to the results of a public opinion poll released by the National Health Care Awareness Strategy. The $9.5-million awareness strategy ran from September 2005 to March 2006 and was designed to support provincial and territorial primary health care projects and related communications initiatives. The press release and final report for the project are available at www.phc-ssp.ca.

The Dalai Lama Speaks with Scientists About Stress and Mental Health [back to top]
The Dalai Lama, the jovial leader of millions of Buddhists worldwide who believes the purpose of life is to be happy, joined scientists on Saturday to discuss how stress can affect health. The 71-year-old monk, clad in traditional robes, answered questions from three prominent scientists who work in fields related to mental health. See "Dalai Lama speaks with scientists about stress," at chealth.canoe.ca.

Research from around the World

General Health Among Seriously Mental Ill is Poor [back to top]
As if one debilitating problem weren't enough, individuals living with serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia or severe mood disorders are also more likely to have other significant health hurdles in their lives. A recent comparison study of the overall health of people with serious mental illness found levels to be well below those found in the general population. According to the study, funded by the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression in the U.S. and published in the July issue of Schizophrenia Bulletin, only one per cent of those with serious mental illness met the criteria for five selected health indicators compared with 10 per cent in the general population. See "General health among seriously mental ill is poor," at www.kelownacapitalnews.com. An abstract with paid access to full text of the report "Health Status of Individuals With Serious Mental Illness," is available at schizophreniabulletin.oxfordjournals.org

Half of Teen Drug and Alcohol Use Slips By Parents [back to top]
Parents may be unaware as much as half of the time that their teenagers are using drugs or alcohol, say researchers who compared reports from both generations. The researchers, reporting in the October issue of the journal, Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, said among children who reported using alcohol, the parents reported it only 50 per cent of the time, the study showed. Parents seemed even more unaware of a child's use of harder drugs. For children using drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine (speed), for example, the parents reported use in only 28 per cent cases. The most commonly used substances according to the teens were alcohol (54 per cent), tobacco (44 per cent), and marijuana (23 per cent). See "Half of teen drug, alcohol use slips by parents," at www.cbc.ca.

Workplaces Need to Address Effects of Mood Disorders on Productivity [back to top]
Two studies published in the September issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry indicate that employers need to pay greater attention to the effects of depression and bipolar disorder on workplace productivity. The first study found that job performance was impaired by depression to a significantly greater extent than by arthritis or by the absence of a medical condition, an impact that continued even after the symptoms of depression improved. The second study found that both major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder predicted overall lost work performance, with significantly more lost workdays per worker with bipolar disorder. An editorial in the same edition of the journal says that more than treatment is required for people with mood disorders to return to full productivity. Workplaces need to develop specific rehabilitation interventions to effectively address these issues. See "Job Performance Deficits Due to Depression" and "Prevalence and Effects of Mood disorders on Work Performance in a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Workers" at ajp.psychiatryonline.org. For the editorial, see "Mood Disorders and Workplace Performance: Half a Loaf," available at ajp.psychiatryonline.org.
   >> mark the date for the 2007 Bottom Line Conference - March 6 + 7 - for a day of inspiration, insight and information on improving mental health in the workplace.

Coping with Back-to-Work Blues [back to top]
Many employees are struggling with the fact that summer is over, unofficially at least, and that it is time to buckle down and get back to some serious work. According to psychologists and workplace experts, the passing of Labor Day provokes anxiety and depression in many workers, who spend their first few days back wondering how they are going to return to the job routine. See "Coping with the back-to-work blues," at www.newsday.com.

Study Finds Repeat DUI Offenders Have High Mental Illness Rates [back to top]
A new study shows that alcohol may not be the only problem for repeat drunk drivers. More than half of DUI offenders also suffer from at least one mental illness in addition to a drug or alcohol-use disorder. The study found almost 60 percent of those with two or more DUI convictions reported experiencing major depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder over their lifetime. The study, published in the September edition of Journal of Studies on Alcohol, was funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. See "Study Finds Repeat DUI Offenders Have High Mental Illness Rates," at biz.yahoo.com.

New Programs, Resources and Announcements

Spirit of Hope Awards – Call for Nominations – Due October 6 [back to top]
As part of the upcoming 11th Annual Cross-Cultural Mental Health Conference on November 16 & 17, 2006, the Conference Planning Committee is calling for submissions for the 2nd Annual Spirit of Hope Award. The goal of the Spirit of Hope Award is to recognize an individual, program not-for-profit agency or public institution within BC that has made a significant impact on improving mental health conditions of immigrants and refugees. Award recipients will also receive a donation of $1,000 to a Mental Health program of their choice. For more information, or to request an online nomination form, email Janey Chang at symposium@shaw.ca.

Homelessness Awareness Week - October 16 - 22 [back to top]
Organized by the Regional Steering Committee on Homelessness, October 16 - 22, 2006 is the first annual Homelessness Awareness Week in Greater Vancouver. The theme for this year is Homelessness and Health. Through Homelessness Awareness Week, people living in the Greater Vancouver area are invited to learn more about what is causing homelessness, how homelessness affects the health of individuals and society at large, and why working together is the only way we will solve the crisis of homelessness in our community. Local and regional events taking place during Homelessness Awareness Week are listed on the website at www.stophomelessness.ca.
   >> 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 in our press release.

How’s Your Workplace Celebrating Healthy Workplace Week? – October 23 - 29 [back to top]
Employees who feel empowered and valued at their workplace are more productive, more loyal, less stressed, and have better physical, emotional, spiritual, social and mental health. It has become an accepted fact that healthy organizations have a competitive advantage and incur fewer costs associated with absenteeism, recruitment and healthcare. To celebrate the increasingly popular phenomenon of healthy workplaces, Canada sets aside a week each year. This year's Healthy Workplace Week will take place October 23-29, 2006. Workplaces are invited to organize their own activities to increase awareness about the positive impact workplace health has on personal and organizational performance. See "Here’s to Your Organization’s Good Health," at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety website or visit www.healthyworkplaceweek.ca to learn how you can participate.
   >> learn more about our mental health workshops, for managers, employees, union leaders, and human resource specialists delivered by Mental Health Works certified trainers in this month's feature article. For more information, contact Margaret Tebbutt at 1-800-555-8222 or mentalhealthworks@cmha.bc.ca.

Quick Facts Booklet: Mental Illness & Addiction in Canada 2006 [back to top]
Published by the Mood Disorders Society of Canada, this is a handy and well thought-out booklet providing facts on mental illness and addiction in Canada. Includes information on different types of mental illness, facts about vulnerable groups, mental illness in the workplace, medication, suicide, stigma, substance abuse, and more. The booklet as available in both HTML and PDF format from www.mooddisorderscanada.ca.

A Self-Help Guide to Lift the Blues [back to top]
Do you have difficulty sleeping or concentrating? Have you lost your appetite or interest in pleasurable activities? Are you sad most of the time? If so, you may be depressed. According to the CMHA, approximately eight per cent of adults will suffer from severe depression in their lifetimes. Depression costs the Canadian economy several billion dollars each year in treatments, absenteeism and lost productivity and wages. It's estimated that, by 2020, depressive illnesses will become the leading cause of disease in developed countries. However, there are several steps everyone can take to avoid and manage depression. In the article "A self-help guide to lift the blues," Dr. Carole Kanchier shares her tips for avoiding and managing depression. See "A self-help guide to lift the blues," at www.canada.com.

Website Helps BC’s New Moms Connect [back to top]
One mainland mother, astonished at her own sadnes s after the birth of her first child, found the stimulation she needed through a fitness class and an on-line support network. Inspired to help other new mothers avoid feelings of isolation that sometimes come with early motherhood, Lara Leontowich, launched a networking site for moms. Westcoastmoms.ca has two sections: Connexion (for everybody) and Network (for working moms). The website also features three resident experts: a parenting coach, a nutritionist and an image consultant. See "New moms and the baby blues," at www.canada.com.

Early Psychosis Intervention Website for Youth and Families [back to top]
GetHelpEarly.ca was created by young people living with psychosis and their families to fulfill a need for centralized best-practice early intervention resources, and was developed in partnership with the Ontario Working Group on Early Intervention in Psychosis. The website is a unique blend of clinical resources, personal experience, and art, featuring personal insights many youth are sure to relate to as well as an art gallery to sell their work. Families are invited to reach out to one another despite geographical distances by sharing their personal experiences with psychosis on-line. Check it out at www.gethelpearly.ca.
   >> The founders of this project are featured in the upcoming issue of Visions: BC's Mental Health and Addictions Journal, which will look at youth and the first responders to their mental health concerns. Watch for it later this month at www.heretohelp.bc.ca/publications/visions.

Stuff for Sex - Youth Exploitation Awareness Campaign [back to top]
mindyourmind.ca and Western Area Youth Services (WAYS) have collaborated to bring the Stuff for Sex Campaign to life. RISE for Youth is a program created by WAYS to Reduce the Incidents of Sexual Exploitation for Youth. This program has developed youth friendly posters and booklets that provide more information on the topic, and aim to increase awareness in our communities. Check out the mindyourmind.ca website to see an electronic version of the Stuff for Sex brochure, an e-quiz and both posters in downloadable form.
   >> the December issue of Visions: BC's Mental Health and Addictions Journal will look at trauma and victimization. If you are a person with a mental illness and/or substance use problem, or family member, or service provider who has a story to share about this topic, please email us at bcpartners@heretohelp.bc.ca.

Aboriginal Mental Health Reports Released [back to top]
The Alberta Mental Health Board (AMHB) in conjunction with the Aboriginal Mental Health Wisdom Committee has released two new reports on Aboriginal mental health in Alberta. The first report, "Aboriginal Mental Health: A Framework for Alberta," provides an overview and vision for Aboriginal mental health in Alberta. The second report, "Aboriginal Research Protocols," lists ethical mental health research practices in Aboriginal communities, such as understanding the extended family in order to understand the community. "Aboriginal Mental Health: A Framework for Alberta" and "Aboriginal Research Protocols" are available in PDF format at www.amhb.ab.ca.

Inuit Suicide Prevention Guide Published [back to top]
In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10, 2006), the Ajunnginiq (Inuit) Centre has released its newest report, "Suicide Prevention: Inuit Traditional Practices That Encouraged Resilience and Coping." Researchers held focus groups with Elders in each Inuit region to gather information about the values and methods Inuit used to overcome problems when life is difficult. Some key traditional values mentioned in the focus groups included patience, perseverance, communication, awareness, confidentiality and respect for others, and personal responsibility. Specific helping and coping behaviours grew out of these values. See "Suicide Prevention: Inuit-Traditional Practices That Encouraged Resilience and Coping," at www.naho.ca/inuit.

Frames of Mind: Mental Health in the Movies [back to top]
For the last three years, Harry Karlinsky has hosted movie screenings at Pacific Cinematheque for his monthly Frames of Mind series, open to professional counsellors, educators and the general public. His goal is to raise mental health issues and give audiences a chance to discuss them afterwards, and to deconstruct the world of mental health as depicted in cinema. He regularly draws a crowd of about 100. There are seats for plenty more. "It's an important exercise," says Karlinsky, "since public attitudes about mental illness, accurate and inaccurate, largely emerge from film." See "Reel therapy," at www.vancourier.com.
   >>Check out our Public Education Events section for details on this month’s screening of Volcano.

BC Author’s Book of Short Stories on Experiences with Schizophrenia [back to top]
BC author, Greg Bauder has published a short fiction collection, "The Dream House," The short story collection deals mostly with strange, offbeat stories, many of them about the author’s struggle with schizophrenia. The stories go from the sublime to the ridiculous but all of them have serious undertones. Bauder’s stories are not only amusing and entertaining but reflect the tragic nature of schizophrenia. The author has also published a children's novel, "Golden Sandals," about a desert boy's journey to find his family and his battle with dragons, ogres, mad kings, pit bulls while being helped by good witches, genies and magical dogs. It is a heartwarming quest for understanding and growth by the boy. Both books are available through Capri Publishing at www.capripublishing.net, with some of the profits going to charities.

Nelson Cartoonist Publishes Comic Book on Mental Illness [back to top]
Nelson cartoonist Josh Wapp’s graphic novella (also known as a comic book) about mental illness chronicles his journey through diagnosis, hospitalization, drug therapies and his efforts - and eventual success - in breaking free of pharmaceuticals. Jumping the Fence offers a look at what occurs in a modern hospital and sheds light on important discoveries into adrenal functions and schizophrenia. Graphic novels have emerged from the realm of underground comic to a new, highly respected art form in the literary world. Jumping the Fence took three years to complete, with more than 1,700 hours invested in its creation. Jumping the Fence is available for purchase at www.comixpress.com for $4.85 US.

Senior Peer Counselling in Comox Needs Volunteers – October 16-20 training [back to top]
A week-long training course is being offered for retired seniors over the age of 50 who would like to offer some of their spare time helping other seniors in our community. Both men and women are needed. The Senior Peer Counsellors are a dedicated group of men and women who volunteer many hours of their time to other seniors who may be dealing with problems of loneliness, stress, anxiety, depression, isolation, lifestyle changes, loss of a loved one, or coping with early dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The need is there and the personal rewards for both client and counselor are most gratifying. Please call (250) 334-9917 as soon as possible as space is limited.

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 E-mail: 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

Vancouver International Film Festival - Dialogues on Mental Health – September 28 – October 13 [back to top]
The 25th Vancouver International Film Festival line-up includes several films with mental health-related themes, including the three films listed below. The purpose of the festival is to encourage the understanding of other nations through the art of cinema and to foster the art of cinema. Tickets: Adult: $9.50, Seniors (65 and over) & Students $7.50, Matinees $7.50, Membership: $2.00. See the Vancouver International Film Festival website at www.viff.org for showtimes and details.
Tierney Gearon: The Mother Project - Art and family make for a strange mix in this challenging documentary that follows Gearon during the mounting of her most recent show about her schizophrenic/manic depressive mother.
Methadonia - Vivid portraits of New York City methadone addicts looking to get back on heroin and heroin addicts trying to kick via the use of methadone
Thin - Photographer Lauren Greenfield's directorial debut follows four women who have confronted the deeply personal hell of anorexia and bulimia at a residential treatment facility for eating disorders in South Florida.

Movie Mondays in Victoria [back to top]
Every Monday at 6:30 pm, Bruce Saunders' Movie Monday project presents free movies at the Eric Martin Pavilion at the 1900 block of Fort Street in Victoria. More details at www.islandnet.com/mm
October 9 – Eve and the Firehorse
October 16 – Braindamadj’d…Take II
October 23 – Thank You For Smoking
October 30 – Gorgi and the Butterflies

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 and 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.

Free Caregiver Education Series – October 4 – 25 [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. Wednesday evenings, 6:30pm – 8:30pm at the Renfrew Park Community Centre, 2929 East 22nd Ave. To register, please call the Caregiver Support Program at 604-877-4699.

Frames of Mind Screening – Volcano – October 18 [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. In More than a biography of a writer, Volcano: An Inquiry Into the Life and Death of Malcolm Lowry is an exploration of the greater agonies of mankind. Much of the film centres around Lowry’s writing of Under the Volcano, an intensely autobiographical study of an alcoholic’s descent into hell. 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. View the flyer or call 604-822-7610 for more information.

MDA Education Evening – Psychiatric Concerns in Pregnancy & Port-Partum – October 19 [back to top]
MDA of BC presents Dr. Deidre Ryan, Psychiatrist at BC Women’s Hospital, speaking about Psychiatric Concerns in Pregnancy & Post-Partum. Depression affects about 15% of pregnant women and untreated depression during pregnancy is the strongest risk factor for post-partum depression, leading to other major problems for Baby and Mom. There will be a question and answer period following Dr. Ryan’s talk. The free event starts at 7pm and takes place at Sunrise Hall (1950 Windermere Street) in East Vancouver. The hall is wheelchair accessible. Call 604-873-0103 or email mdabc@telus.net for more information.

My Own Private Etibocoke – October 23 [back to top]
My Own Private Etibocoke is a personal account of surviving a childhood rife with secrets, superstition and schizophrenia (all on a steady diet of sugar), written and performed by Eufemia Fantetti. Supported by the Mood Disorders Association of BC and the Provincial Working Group on Supporting Families with Parental Mental Illness. Tickets: $10. 8pm at the Havana Theatre, 1212 Commercial Drive (enter through the restaurant). For tickets or more information, contact Eufemia at 604-708-8154.

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.

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. It’s a huge boost in the fight against stigma!

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 2006-2007. 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.

Child and Adolescent Mental Illness Education Forum – November 30 [back to top]
This free forum presented by Mood Disorders Association (MDA) will cover topics including nutrition, ADHD, medications and treatments. With speakers Dr. Jane Garland, Dr. Karen Davison, Dr. Derryck Smith and Dr. Adil Virani. 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, accomodation 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

Online Seminar: Research Issues for Mental Health Consumers [back to top]
The Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University is pleased to announce a new online seminar entitled, "Research Issues for Mental Health Consumers/Survivors." This seminar will help participants to become aware of the various roles consumers/survivors can play in a research study and their rights in the research process. Successful participation in this online seminar earns 10 Professional Development Program (PDP) hours, which can be used for continuing education purposes. For more information visit www.bu.edu or contact Sue McNamara by e-mail at suemac@bu.edu or by phone at (617) 358-2574.

Non-Profit Management Courses from Charity Village [back to top]
Charity Village is offering new online courses on non-profit management. The self-paced web-based courses were developed by senior fundraising consultant and trainer, Judi Anget, FAHP. New course topics include planned giving, building volunteer programs, grant-seeking, how boards work, and policy-writing. You can also try one out for free if you visit the Charity Village Campus page at www.charityvillage.com.

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.

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.

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 Cnetre, 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.

Conferences

Blending Addiction Science & Practice Conference in Seattle - October 16 + 17 [back to top]
This conference is presented by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA/NIH), and the Washington Node (UW) and Oregon/Hawaii Node (OHSU) of NIDA's National Clinical Trials Network. This conference provides an opportunity for clinicians and researchers to examine cutting-edge scientific findings about drug abuse and addiction and their application to clinical practice. There is no registration fee for this conference, but you must register to attend. Early registration is strongly recommended. For more information and registration visit www.sei2003.com.

Ethics Conference - Moral Distress and Moral Residue - October 26 [back to top]
Providence Health Care presents "Moral Distress and Moral Residue: Challenges and Opportunities in the Professional Experience," a one-day conference for people working in clinical, administrative or service settings to network with others interested in ethical reflection. Enjoy informed speakers presenting on important topics, plus have a chance to join in discussions on pivotal issues. Registration fee: $125. To register, call Kimbery Durham at 604-806-9952 or email kdurham@provdencehealth.bc.ca. Registration deadline: October 20.

Disability, Equality, and Social Change: 25 Years Later – October 26 + 27 [back to top]
The Disability Advisory Committee of the Community Legal Assistance Society is holding a conference exploring strategies to address the marginalization and inequality of people with disabilities. Seating capacity is limited, so call Jean Moore at 604-434-4533 email jean.moore@shaw.ca, or fax 604-454-1013, to register now. In Vancouver. Sponsored in part by the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Native Mental Health Conference - Cultural Foundations for Wellness - October 26 - 29 [back to top]
The Native Mental Health Association of Canada invitees you to participate in their "Cultural Foundations for Wellness: Building on strengths connected with our ancestors" conference. Conference fee: $425. Early bird, group, and elder rates available. Early bird rate available September 15. At the Coast Plaze Hotel and Suites, 1763 Comox Street, Vancouver. For further information please email nmha@telus.net, call 604-793-1983 or fax 604-793-4557.
   >> if the topic of mental health and stigma interests you, check out the Visions Journal issue on Stigma and Discrimination in our Journal archives or the HeretoHelp.bc.ca website.

Mental Health Research Showcase in Banff - October 31 – November 1 [back to top]
The Mental Health Research Showcase continues the tradition as the major learning opportunity to explore research, leading practice and innovation in advancing mental health. It aims to expand mental health research, bridge the gaps among research, practice, and policy and encourage research utilization to continually improve services and outcomes for affected individuals and their families. Hosted by Alberta Mental Health Board in partnership with BC Mental Health & Addiction Services. At Rimrock Resort Hotel, Banff, Alberta. Full registration: $550; Consumer/Student @225; Daily registration also available. Visit www.buksa.com for details and registration.

Patient Adherence and Chronic Disease Management Strategies in Toronto - November 1 + 2 [back to top]
Learn how to create patient adherence programs that improve patient outcomes and bring you returns on your investment. Hear insightful presentations from industry experts and discuss best practices with stakeholders. Conference Fee: $1495. Early bird, group, government and health professional rates available. More information and registration at www.strategyinstitute.com.

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 – 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.

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 – 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, 2006 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