VOLUME 57: Oct 2007 | online at www.cmha.bc.ca/enews/enewsoct07.htm

CMHA News
Mental Illness Awareness Week
Beyond the Blues: Depression Anxiety Screening and Education Day
Lorne Fraser Educational Fund Celebrates 25 Years - and Over 100 Recipients
Dreaming...From the Ground Up - CMHA BC's Annual Report 2006-07
Income/Homeless Outreach Project Reports and Highlights
CMHA Duncan Branch to Help House Homeless
Read the Latest Visions Magazine on Housing and Homelessness
BC Mental Health Guide: Okanagan Edition
Mental Illness First Aid
Building Pathways for Hope Fundraiser
Vancouver/Burnaby Branch Special Events
North Shore Health Lecture Series

Featured Program:
CMHA Honours Courntall Family as 2007 Mental Health Voices Award Recipients

Canadian Research
Physical or Mental Health Conditions Prevent One Third of Homeless From Finding Homes
More Soldiers Seeking Help for Mental Illness and Addictions
Depression Affects Health Of Caregivers of People with Dementia

CMHA Mailbox:
CMHA's Outreach Project - How Housing Has Improved My Life

Research From Around the World
Bipolar Disorder Diagnoses in US Double Over Past Decade
Treating Depressed Workers Boosts Productivity and Retention

New Programs and Resources
CrossCurrents Magazine on Children’s Mental Health
Network Magazine on Income and Mental Health
Facilitators’ Guide for Young Adolescent Mental Health Promotion
Guidelines to Address Mental Health Problems in Conflicts and Disasters
People with Disabilities – Removing Barriers
Violence in the Workplace Prevention Guide
Highs & Lows: Canadian Perspectives on Women and Substance Use

Announcements
World Mental Health Day
Share Your Story on Aboriginal Mental Health and Substance Use
Seeking Participants for Forum Theatre Project on Mental Health and Tobacco
GetHelpEarly.ca Seeking Artist Websites for Online Gallery
2008 Hilton Humanitarian Prize Seeking Nominations
National Awards for Excellence in Harm Reduction Seeking Nominations
Call for Workshop Proposals on Spirituality and Health
Call for Papers on Collaborative Mental Health Care
Calling All Pregnant Women with a History of Mental Illness

Public Education Events
Movie Mondays in Victoria
Kids in Control Support Groups in Vernon and Vancouver
Strengthening Families Together Program - October 3
Beyond the Blues: Depression Anxiety Screening and Education Day
The Boy Inside - Growing Up with Asperger Syndrome
Largest Eating Disorder Event in Canada
Frames of Mind Mental Health Film Series – The Bridge
MDA of BC Education Evening – Helping Family Navigate the Mental Health System
Integrating Mental Health and Addictions Services in Victoria
Balancing the Brain in Victoria
Stand Up For Mental Health Grad Showcase

Courses and Workshops
Mental Health Works Workshops for Workplaces
Problem Gambling Certificates
Skills for Working With People Who Have Mental Health and Addiction Problems
Feeling Good: how To Overcome Depression and Boost Self-Esteem

Conferences
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention Conference in Yellowknife
Hearing Voices Symposium in Toronto, ON
Western Canadian Conference on Addictions and Mental Health
Psychiatrists in Blue: Building on Success in Halifax, NS
Diverse Voices – Family Violence Conference in Edmonton, AB

CMHA News

Mental Illness Awareness Week - September 30 - October 6 [back to top]
CMHA National is proud to be a founding member of Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), a public education campaign spearheaded by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH), with the support of thousands of mental health-care organizations and volunteers. A goal of MIAW is to ensure future generations are not impeded by the stigma currently surrounding mental illness. MIAW also aims to promote discussion and informed decision-making about mental health issues. Nearly one in five Canadians is affected by mental illness, yet a persistent stigma prevents millions from getting the help they need. The continuing theme of Mental Illness Awareness Week, "Face Mental Illness," is designed to change that. By sharing their stories, the courageous "faces" of the campaign are helping bring mental illness out from the shadows. Their experiences are proof that through proper diagnosis, treatment and awareness, people with mental illnesses can live productive and fulfilling lives. Visit www.miaw-ssmm.ca to see the faces of mental illness, to hear their stories, and to find out how you can get involved.

Beyond the Blues: Depression Anxiety Screening and Education Day - October 4 [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. Many sites also feature workshops, videos, multilingual information and screenings, and risky drinking checkups. 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).

*Here are CMHA branch-led Beyond the Blues events around BC, For a complete listing of all 60+ Beyond the Blues sites, visit www.heretohelp.bc.ca/events

Lorne Fraser Educational Fund Celebrates 25 Years - and Over 100 Recipients [back to top]
CMHA BC Division celebrated 25 years of the Lorne Fraser Educational Fund at the 2007 awards presentation on September 14. Cake, door prizes and inspirational stories of recovery and perseverence from were shared as Lorne presented bursaries to this year's winners:

• Jodie Currie - Jodie is interested in becoming a Landscape Architect by taking the Architectural Drafting Program at BCIT.
• Seema Shah - Seema will be teaching a course of therapeutic writing to improve the health of those will mental and physical illnesses. She will be working with Betsy Warland, Director of the Writer’s Studio to develop the course at SFU.
• Judy Smith - Judy has decided to be an Editor/Proofreader. She will take the Writing and Publishing Program and SFU.
• Wilma Grant Bates - Wilma is planning on studying the fine arts so she can earn a living as an artist. She will be attending the Fine Arts Program at Kwantlen College.
• Dean Branner - Dean has hopes of being an ESL Teacher. The course will be the TESL Canada Teacher Training Program at Kwantlen Community College.
• Abelina Vandermeulen - Abelina is chosing to be an Education Assistant. She will take the Education Assistant Certificate Program at Okanagan College.
• Mary Carter - Mary is interested in becoming a Technical Writer. She will attend the Associate of Arts and Sciences Program at Langara College.
• Lynda Choy - ynda has chosen to be a Certified Reflexologist by taking the Reflexology Program at North Island College.
• Punkaj Bhushan - Punkaj plans on being an Accountant. He will take the CGA Program at Kwantlen College.
  

Dreaming...From the Ground Up - CMHA BC's Annual Report 2006-07 [back to top]
Learn about CMHA BC Division's many exciting projects and activities over the past year, including groundbreaking work in areas such as child and you mental health, homelessness outreach, police response and interaction, and workplace mental health. Our 2006-07 Annual Report, Dreaming...from the ground up, is available on the CMHA BC website at www.cmha.bc.ca.

Income/Homeless Outreach Project Reports and Highlights [back to top]
External evaluation and additional research reports from CMHA BC Division's Income/Homeless Outreach project are now available on our website. Over the past year, the project connected people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to income supports, housing and health services in 8 BC communities, and conducted BC-wide research to shed light on the issues, trends and needs. Reports include an external evaluation report completed by CitySpaces Consulting, research on pathways into and out of homelessness in small BC communities, best practice in outreach approach, and highlights from an online survey on the broad community impacts of the outreach project. Lessons learned from all of this work are summarized into a very readable 4-page project highlights report also available on the webpage. Check out the reports at www.cmha.bc.ca.

CMHA Duncan Branch to Help House Homeless [back to top]
In January, CMHA Cowichan Valley Branch plans to break ground on a new homeless shelter and housing resource centre. The centre, slated to open for the 2008-09 winter season, will include social services, community kitchens, 15 overnight beds, and transitional apartments. The transitional apartments are intended to help homeless individuals build the relationships and supports they need in order to find a way out of homelessness. See "Homeless shelter will offer a path off the streets," at www.canada.com.

Read the Latest Visions Magazine on Housing and Homelessness [back to top]
This milestone issue of Visions, BC's award-winning mental health and addictions journal, navigates through the intricate web of housing and homelessness. You'll come to realize just how deeply entrenched mental illness and addiction are in BC's homelessness landscape. This issue is full of heartbreaking, frustrating and uplifting personal stories from people who have lived or are still living on the streets; and from the compassionate souls who are trying to help them. Read the issue online at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.
   >> Now Visions can be delivered straight to your inbox a week before it hits the press! To subscribe or unsubscribe to e-Visions, simply use the sign up form on the Visions page of www.heretohelp.bc.ca. It's a free subscription!

BC Mental Health Guide: Okanagan Edition [back to top]
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health problem, you may not know where to turn for information, help or support. The new BC Mental Health Guide: Okanagan Edition has been created to assist individuals, families, friends or professionals in accessing information on the variety of services and supports that are available in the Okanagan region. The guide can be downloaded form the CMHA Kelowna Branch website at www.kelowna.cmha.bc.ca. For those in Vancouver, Richmond and the North Shore, there is also a Vancouver Coastal Edition on the BC Mental Health guide, available from the CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch website at www.vancouver-burnaby.cmha.bc.ca.
   >> looking for mental health resources in your area? Call the BC Mental Health Information Line at 604-669-7600 or 1-800-661-2121 outside the Lower Mainland.

Mental Illness First Aid - Starts October 4 [back to top]
Mental Illness First Aid is a workshop for people interested in learning more about mental illnesses and how to support individuals who are experiencing mental distress. CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch is offering the course over four Thursday evenings October 4 - 25. Fee: $159. At CMHA Vancouver Burnaby Branch, 175 W. Broadway, Vancouver. For more information call Jaki at 604-872-4902 ext. 231.

Building Pathways for Hope Fundraiser - October 11 [back to top]
CMHA Richmond Branch's Pathways Clubhouse cordially invites you to attend their 2nd annual fundraising dinner with silent auction, door prizes, live entertainment and more! Pathways Clubhouse helps people with serious and persistant mental illness develop life skills, personal interests and social networks through supportive work environments and social activities. Tickets are $50 per person or $375 for a table of 8. Begins at 5:30pm at Riverside Palace Grand Ballroom, 1231 Burdette Way, Richmond. To purchase tickets or for information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Dave MacDonald at 604-276-8832 ext. 36 or dmacdonald@cmha-rmd.com.

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.
October 5 - Burns Bog Interpretive Walk
October 12 - Chaelee Goodbye Party
October 19 - UBC Men's Hockey vs. Regina
October 22 - Meditation and Relaxation
October 26 - A Pirate's Halloween Party Adventure
October 29 - Westminster Abbey in Mission

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 Vancouver (between Chesterfield and Lonsdale Avenue). All lectures start at 7pm. For more information please phone 604-987-6959 or visit www.northwestvancouver.cmha.bc.ca.
October 3 - What to Expect from Your Psychiatrist
October 10 - Depression in the Workplace: Dealing with Mood Swings
October 17 - Shelter and Homelessness on the North Shore
October 24 - Cognitive Behaviour Therapy: Managing Change

Featured CMHA Program: CMHA Honours Courntall Family as 2007 Mental Health Voices Award Recipients   Six CMHA branches in BC have jointly presented an award to the Courtnall family of Victoria for their efforts in raising awareness about mental illness in the community. The Mental Health Voices award recognizes public figures touched by mental illness who have spoken openly about their lives. With stigma and misunderstanding about mental illness still prevalent in our community, the award is an opportunity to thank and hear from these community leaders. The award is part of our celebration of Canada’s Mental Illness Awareness Week. The inaugural award in 2006 was presented to Archbishop Raymond Roussin of Vancouver for his openness about his struggle living with depression. Geoff and Russ Courtnall are well known figures in BC, both having played for the Vancouver Cunucks. Between them they played more than 2,000 NHL games and Geoff won the Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers in 1988. More biographical information about their playing careers can be found at the BC Hockey Hall of Fame. Geoff, Russ, and their brother Bruce and sister Cheryl, lost their father Archie to suicide when they were children. "Dad got into a deep depression," Geoff told CMHA. "He got further and further into a dark tunnel he couldn’t come out of. At that time it was something people hid and didn’t get treatment for." Together the family started a series of fundraising events in Victoria that raised over $2 million. In 2004, the Archie Courtnall Centre opened at Victoria’s Royal Jubilee Hospital. The centre sees upwards of 35 people a day who are experiencing from psychiatric emergencies. At least one of these people will be suicidal. "Exposing our stories and our lives was difficult to do," says Bruce, "but it was a healing process for us and many other people. Our family wants to thank CMHA for this beautiful award. We really appreciate it and we’re glad to see we’ve made a difference." A video of the award ceremony, held at Victoria’s Fairmont Empress Hotel, will be shown at 6 fundraising events on Wednesday October 3rd in Vancouver, Cowichan, Nanaimo, Vernon, Salmon Arm, and Cranbrook. The events are by invitation only. Learn more about the Mental Health Voices Awards on the CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch website at www.vb.cmha.bc.ca.

Canadian Research

Physical or Mental Health Conditions Prevent One Third of Homeless From Finding Homes [back to top]
One third of people interviewed in a health survey of Toronto's homeless said their physical or mental health conditions were preventing them from finding and keeping housing, and that more than halp had experienced serious depression in the past year. The Street Health Report 2007 presents the results of a survey on the health status and needs of homeless adults in downtown Toronto. Also among the findings, 1 in 3 said they had no one help them in an emotional crisis and 1 in 10 attempted suicide in the past year. For full results, download the report at www.streethealth.ca.

More Soldiers Seeking Help for Mental Illness and Addictions [back to top]
Combat missions in Afghanistan continue to take their toll on the mental health of Canadian soldiers, as waiting lists stretch from a few weeks to months for Manitoba soldiers seeking psychological help at a Winnipeg clinic. Referrals from the Canadian Forces are up 78% over last year, say officials at the Operational Stress Injury Clinic in Winnipeg. Operational Stress, sometimes known as combat stress, is the term used to describe any persistent psychological problem resulting from military service, including post-traumatic stress disorder. Addictions among soldiers are also on the rise. Compared with last year, CFB Edmonton has experienced a 250 to 300% increase in the number of soldiers referred for addition treatment this year. See "More soldiers seeking help for mental illness: Manitoba clinic," at www.cbc.ca and "Rising number of soldiers treated for addictions," at www.cbc.ca.

Depression Affects Health Of Caregivers of People with Dementia [back to top]
In a 10-year study of people with dementia and their caregivers from each province, caregivers with symptoms of depression also reported poorer and worsening health over time. In the study, published in the July issue of the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, authors conclude that as the population ages, the prevalence of dementia is expected to increase and it will be important to treat caregiver depression to prevent both their own decline and the premature institutionalization of people with dementia who could be maintained in the community. The study was funded by Health Canada with contributions from Pfizer Canada Inc., Bayer Inc., the BC Health Research Foundation, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. See "Recurrent Depressive Symptomology and Physical Health: A 10-Year Study of Informal Caregivers of Persons with Dementia," available in PDF format at www.publications.cpa-apc.org.

Calling All Pregnant Women with a History of Mental Illness [back to top]
A group of researchers at UBC are seeking pregnant women who have a history of mental illness to participate in a study of risk factors for postpartum depression. By conducting this research, the group hopes to develop interventions to reduce the risk of postpartum depression. Participants will meet with a researcher once during the pregnancy, and again during the postpartum period. At these visits, participants will complete questionnaires, have a short interview and a blood draw. At each visit, participants will be provided with an honorarium. Women who would like to find out more about the study are warmly encouraged to call the lead investigator, Dr Jehannine Austin at 604-875 4111 ext.68304 or email jcaustin@interchange.ubc.ca for further information.

Public Education Events

Movie Mondays in Victoria [back to top]
Every Monday at 6:30pm, Bruce Saunders' Movie Monday project presents free movies at the Eric Martin Pavilion at the 1900 block of Fort Street in Victoria. More details at www.moviemonday.ca.
October 8 – Hot Fuzz
October 15 – Shameless
October 29 – Crackled Not Broken
November 5 - Unspeakable

Kids in Control Support Groups in Vernon and Vancouver [back to top]
The Kids in Control Support Group Program gives information, education and support to children 8 - 13 years old who have a parent with a serious mental illness. It helps provide the tools and coping skills that they need to grow up happy and healthy despite their challenges and risks. An important goal of the group is to let kids see that they are not the only ones in the world that are having this experience, and helps them learn that their experiences are shared by others. A variety of activities and games are used to educate and provide a means for the group to support each child. The program offers eight weekly sessions between and is free for families. For more information on the Kids in Control Program please visit www.kidsincontrol.bcss.org.
Vernon - Oct. 10 - Nov. 28 - 3:15 – 4:45 pm at The People Place Building Room 003 3402 27th Avenue, Vernon. Contact Dianne at 250-260-3233.
South Vancouver - Oct. 1 - Nov. 19 - 4 – 5:30pm. Transportation will be provided to South Vancouver residents. Contact Carolina Romero at the South Mental Health Team at
604-266-6124.
   >> interested in the topic of parenting with a mental illness? Read the issue of Visions Journal on Parenting at www.cmha.bc.ca.

Strengthening Families Together Program - October 3 [back to top]
The BC Schizophrenia Society is now offering a free, 10-session group for families and friends of someone living with mental illness. Strengthening Families Together provides support, information about mental illness, treatment options, and services, as well as problem solving and coping tools. The program starts October 3 and runs evenings. For more information, visit www.bcss.org and to register, contact Jessica Smits, Vancouver/Richmond Coordinator, at jessicasmits@bcss.org or at 604-247-1884.

Beyond the Blues: Depression Anxiety Screening and Education Day -October 4
[back to top]
Beyond the Blues is an opportunity to learn more about these treatable conditions, complete a brief, confidential 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. There are 65 sites across BC. Beyond the Blues is coordinated annually in October by CMHA BC Division on behalf of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information. 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.

The Boy Inside - Growing Up with Asperger Syndrome – Airs October 8 + 9 [back to top]
In The Boy Inside, Vancouver filmmaker Marianne Kaplan turns the camera on her own family, with a candid, personal, and often harrowing story about her 12 year-old son, Adam, and a turbulent year in the life of a family. Adam has Asperger Syndrome (AS), a form of high-functioning autism characterized by socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior and an inability to interact successfully with others. The film follows Kaplan's son Adam as he makes his way through Grade seven. The Boy Inside premieres on Monday, October 8 at 9pm on the Knowledge Network. For more info, visit www.knowledgenetwork.ca.

Largest Eating Disorder Event in Canada - October 11 [back to top]
Until Your Heart's Content is an awareness event featuring international and local speakers, as well as musicians and performers who have struggled with eating disorders themselves. Renowned author and co-founder of the Anorexia and Bulimia Center of Hawaii, Anita Johnston, will be holding her Soul Hunger workshop on October 13, as well as be the keynote speaker of the evening. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Shelley's Angels Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping those without the financial means afford private counselling for an eating disorder. The event will be held from 7 to 10pm at the Red Robinson Show Theatre at the Boulevard Casino in Coquitlam. Tickets are available through www.ticketmaster.ca. For more event information, please visit www.untilyourheartscontent.com or contact Shelley Jensen, "S" Team Counselling Services and Event Coordinator at 604-552-4363 or at shelley@shelleysteam.com.

Frames of Mind Mental Health Film Series – The Bridge – October 17 [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. This month's feature, The Bridge, in an attempt to "peer into the darkest corners of the human mind and challenge us to think and talk about suicide in profoundly different ways," documents suicide attempts from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, interspersed with deeply personal, often heart-wrenching interviews with the families and friends of those who had committed suicide, and with witnesses who observed suicides. Includes post-screening discussion Terry Smith, Chief Coroner of the Province of British Columbia. As Chief Coroner he has led a number of initiatives focused on reviewing trends in common causes of death and developing long-term prevention strategies. At Pacific Cinémathèque, 1131 Howe Street, Vancouver. Tickets: $9.50 regular / $8 for students and seniors. Eligible for 1.0 hour Section 1 of Royal College's Maintenance of Certification Program. For more information visit www.psychiatry.ubc.ca or www.cinematheque.bc.ca.

MDA of BC Education Evening – Helping Family Navigate the Mental Health System – October 18 [back to top]
Join Mood Disorders Association of BC for their monthly Education Evening for the community. Dr. Katherine Baranyi, MD, will present "Helping Family Members Navigate the Mental Health System." A question and answer period will follow. The free event starts at 7pm at Sunrise Hall, 1950 Windermere St., Vancouver. The hall is wheelchair accessible. Call 604-873-0103 or email mdabc@telus.net for more information.

Integrating Mental Health and Addictions Services in Victoria – October 29 [back to top]
A panel of Mental Health and Addictions professionals will present and take questions on the successes and failures in integrating mental health and addictions services. Presented by the REES network. From 1 – 3pm at the Eric Martin Pavilion, 2nd Floor, Room 208. Space is limited and advance registration is required. To register call the REES office at 250-595-8619.

Balancing the Brain in Victoria – November 5 [back to top]
Psychotropic medications expert, Dr. Bayla Schecter, will share a fascinating, user-friendly introduction to the effects of medications and street drugs on the brain. Presented by the REES network. From 1 – 3pm at the Eric Martin Pavilion, 2nd Floor, Room 208. Space is limited and advance registration is required. To register call the REES office at 250-595-8619.

Stand Up For Mental Health Grad Showcase – November 17 [back to top]
Led by Vancouver counselor, stand up comic, and author of The Happy Neurotic: How Fear and Angst Can Lead To Happiness and Success, David Granirer, Stand Up For Mental Health teaches people with mental illness to take control by turning their problems into comedy. Featuring our 2007 class and alumni comics doing hilarious new material. Also featuring psychiatrist Judy Allen making her comedy debut and discussing treatment options! Get there early and buy a Stand Up For Mental Health shopping bag made from 100% recycled jeans only $15. David will also do a booksigning. Buy these great Christmas presents and support a great cause! Tickets: $24. Doors at 6:15pm, show at 7 pm at the Arts Club Granville Island Stage. For tickets, call the Arts Club Box Office at 604- 687-1644.

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. 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. Full-day workshop $210 per participant, plus expenses for 12 - 16 participants; or series of three 3-hour workshops $350 per participant, plus expenses for a minimum of 12 participants.
• 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. Cost: $800, plus expenses.
• Workplace Influence (3 hours) - Employees consider ways to positively influence both their own mental health and that of their co-workers. Cost: $1500, plus expenses.
• 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. Cost: $1500, plus expenses.
• 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. 3-hour workshop $1500, plus expenses.
• 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. Cost: $1500, plus expenses.
• 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 participants in considering approaches to the more difficult situations. Cost: $1500, plus expenses.
• 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. Cost: $1500, plus expenses.
• Managing the Return-to-Work (3 hours; minimum of 12 participants) - 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. Cost: $200 per participant.

Problem Gambling Certificates – Starts Oct 4 [back to top]
The Justice Institute of BC is offering Problem Gambling - Clinical Assessment, Treatment and Prevention, a 42-hour certificate offered in partnership with BC's Problem Gambling Program. A prerequisite for anyone wanting to become a problem gambling counsellor in BC, the course is also useful for allied professionals such as addiction counsellors, mental health workers, educators, or other interested in integrating issues of problem gambling into their work. To register, please call 604-528-5590 or toll free at 1-877-528-5591. For more information, please visit www.jibc.ca/cfcs or contact Caroline White, Program Coordinator, at 604-528-5620 or at caroline@jibc.ca.

Skills for Working With People Who Have Mental Health and Addiction Problems - Info session: October 17 [back to top]
Douglas College is offering a new Advanced Citation in Co-Occurring Disorders to workers in the helping professions. This program - the first in BC - provides those with a certificate,diploma, or degree in social services and allied professions or related experience the tools to understand the challenges of co-occurring disorders. An information session will be held on October 17 at 6:30 pm in Room 2802, Douglas College New Westminster Campus, 700 Royal Ave. Classes start January 2008; register early for limited seating evening courses. For more information, please contact John Fox at 604-220-9114 or Bob Shebib at 604-527-5139.

Feeling Good: how To Overcome Depression and Boost Self-Esteem – November 29 + 30 [back to top]
In this exciting new workshop for mental health and related professionals, Dr. David Burns will illustrate treatment innovations that focus on five vitally important areas: assessment, empathy, motivation, technique, and the structure of the treatment itself. He will illustrate how to treat patients with unipolar and bipolar mood disorders and will bring these new methods to life with live demonstrations. Presented by Jack Hirose & Associates Inc. Fee: $315 before October 9; $335 after October 9; Group and Student rates available. From 8:30am to 4:30pm at the Norman Rothstein Theatre at 950 West 41st Avenue. For more information please visit www.jackhirose.com or call 604-924-0296.

Conferences

Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention Conference in Yellowknife -
October 5 - 8 [back to top]
The theme for this year's conference is Embracing Life - Choosing Your Future. Speakers and workshop presenters will address suicide prevention, intervention and postvention areas that pertain to survivours, caregivers, community development, research, youth, culture and traditional healing. Conference fee: $295; early bird, member, student, elder and single-day rates available. For more information and to download a registration form, visit www.casp2007.ca.

Hearing Voices Symposium in Toronto, ON - October 15 [back to top]
The Community Health Systems Resource Group at the Hospital for Sick Children is hosting a symposium entitled "Hearing Voices: The Utilization of Qualitative Research in Early Psychosis." It will focus on international qualitative research that reveals the voice of young people affected by psychosis, their families and the practitioners who serve them. Given the growing interest in moving qualitative research findings into practice, the utility of qualitative health research findings in first episode psychosis will be featured. Innovative methods of knowledge translation and exchange will also be highlighted. At St. Andrews Conference Centre, 150 King Street West, Toronto, ON. For information, please please visit www.sickkids.ca or contact Sarah Bovaird, Project Coordinator, at sarah.bovaird@sickkids.ca.

Western Canadian Conference on Addictions and Mental Health - November 14 - 16 [back to top]
The Western Canadian Conference on Addictions and Mental Health is a three-day gathering of addiction and mental health professionals exploring practical tools and techniques they can use now to help their clients and themselves. This year, the conference will feature a youth-focused concurrent session each afternoon. It runs from November 14 to 16, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm at the Best Western Richmond Inn Hotel and Conference Centre, 7551 Westminster Highway, Richmond. For more information, please visit www.jackhirose.com.

Psychiatrists in Blue: Building on Success in Halifax, NS - November 18 -20
[back to top]
Police officers, policy leaders and trainers, mental health workers, members of the justice system, and mental health or law students are invited to attend 6th annual conference on Police/Mental Health Systems Liaison Conference, hosted by The Halifax Regional Police and The Mental Health Crisis Team. Keynote speaker Dr. Duncan Chappell will speak on major developments in Australia affecting policing and people with mental illness. Conference fee: $375. At the Delta Halifax, Halifax, Nova Scotia. For more information and registration, visit www.cacp.ca.

Diverse Voices – Family Violence Conference in Edmonton, AB – November 18 – 20 [back to top]
The Diverse Voices conference on Ending Family Violence – It’s Not As Hard as You Think will cover such diverse topics as supporting woman abuse survivors as mothers, elder abuse, child prostitution and family violence, war affected children, and family violence in the aboriginal community. Conference fee: $140 until Oct. 18; $165 after Oct. 19. At Fantasyland Hotel, West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton, Alberta. For more information and registration, visit www.diverse-voices.com.

DISCLAIMER
This newsletter contains information collected from a wide variety of sources, individuals and organizations which we consider reliable. However the content of the news delivered as well as referred to does not necessarily represent the official view of CMHA, BC Division. Under no circumstances shall CMHA, its employees, directors, volunteers, or the authors of information provided in this newsletter, be liable for damages, losses, demands, or claims.

To subscribe or unsubscribe from MIND MATTERS, visit www.cmha.bc.ca.

If you have any ideas or content for MIND MATTERS, please send them to mindmatters@cmha.bc.ca.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), BC Division is a provincial non-profit charitable organization which has, for the past 50 years in BC, been concerned with promoting the mental health of all British Columbians and changing the way we view and treat mental illness in BC. We are part of a national association with over 80 years of experience in Canada. CMHA staff and volunteers focus on four major responsibilities: policy, public education, community-based research, and mental health service and support resources. We are located at: 1200-1111 Melville St., Vancouver BC, V6E 3V6 Phone: 604-688-3234 or 1-800-555-8222 (free within BC); Fax: 604-688-3236; General email: info@cmha.bc.ca; MIND MATTERS email:mindmatters@cmha.bc.ca; Web: www.cmha.bc.ca