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Welcome to MIND MATTERS, an electronic newsletter produced by the Canadian Mental Health Association's BC Division office (CMHA) and delivered monthly to your mailbox. In MIND MATTERS, we provide new resources and programs offered by CMHA BC Division, 20 CMHA branches across BC and news from partner agencies and like-minded organizations committed to the mental health of British Columbians.

MIND MATTERS is completely free and your e-mail address is not shared with any third party nor is it used for other purposes other than delivering the e-newsletter. If you would like to know more about our efforts to ensure your privacy is maintained, please contact our office. Mind Matters wouldn't be possible without support from donors and the help of gaming revenue from the Province of British Columbia.

CMHA NEWS:

CMHA BC Division Annual General Meeting
New Visions Explores the Issues Surrounding Cannabis
Beyond the Blues: Depression Anxiety Education and Screening Day
New Traditional and Simplified Chinese Resources Available on HereToHelp.bc.ca
CMHA Vernon To Operate $1.2 Million Supported Housing Project
Last Day to Buy Tickets for "Building Pathways for Hope"
CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch Events in September
CMHA North and West Vancouver Branch Health Lecture Series

FEATURED PROGRAM:

CANADIAN RESEARCH:

Antipsychotics Can Raise Risk of High Blood Sugar in Seniors with Diabetes
Recent Study Shows Depression Affects Brain’s "Pleasure Centres"
Report Finds Discrimination, Stigma Key Concerns in Mental Health Patient Safety
Research Study Looks at How to Address Mental Health Needs of Refugees
Study Suggests Up to 15% of Preschoolers Display High Levels of Depression, Anxiety

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD:

WHO Report Emphasizes Connections Between Mental Health and Social Justice
Survey Suggests Adult Gamers More Likely to Be Depressed
Researchers Discover Schizophrenia Causes "A Traffic Jam in the Brain"
New Study Questions Links Between Psychosis and Cannabis
Research Suggests People With BPD Unable to Activate Certain Brain Regions
Psychosocial Therapy Provides Stroke Patients with Clinical Depression Significant Benefits

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Federal Study to House More Than 200 Homeless in Vancouver
Chilliwack Looking for Residents to "Adopt a Senior"
APA Advises Members To Abandon Gay "Change Therapy"
Volunteers Needed for a Return to Work Program Study
Nova Scotia to Open a Specially-Designed Mental Health Court

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES:

Online Mental Health Information Booklets for Seniors and their Families
CAMH Mental Health and Addictions 101 Series Now Available en Français
New Police/Mental Health Liaison Information Website Launched
New European Campaign Promotes Workplace Mental Health
DVD On Gambling Awareness Released
Materials from Physical Activity and Depression Forum Now Online
E-learning Tutorial on Mental Health and Homelessness Released
Annotated Bibliography on Employment and Education Supports Released
Network Provides Resources, Information on Living with Disabilities

PUBLIC EDUCATIONS EVENTS:

Movie Mondays in Victoria
CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch Events in September
CMHA North and West Vancouver Branch Health Lecture Series
Comox Valley Mental Health and Addictions Wellness Evening Educationals
Suicide Awareness Week
Frames of Mind: About Face-The Story of Gwendellin Bradshaw
All About Bipolar Disorder
Mental Health Commission Peer Support Focus Groups
Mental Illness Awareness Week: Recovery is Possible
"Building Pathways for Hope" Fundraiser Dinner
Seniors and Mental Illness Lecture in Coquitlam

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS:

Mental Health and the Workplace Workshop in Kelowna
BRIDGES Self-Help Course for People Recovering From Mental Illness
Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace
Tri-City Caregivers Education Program
Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace

CONFERENCES:

CMHA NEWS

CMHA BC Division Annual General Meeting - September 25 [back to top]
CMHA BC Division invites you to attend our 56th Annual General Meeting at 4pm on Sept 25 in the Atrium at BCIT’s Downtown Campus, 555 Seymour Street, Vancouver. As a GP champion for our Bounce Back supported self-help program, Dr. Bruce Hobson, will be speaking about the importance of primary care in helping people access mental health services and supports in their community. The meeting will be followed by dinner, special awards presentations and Lorne Fraser Educational Fund bursary presentations. The Lorne Fraser Education Fund awards eight to ten bursaries each year to people with a mental illness to pursue post-secondary education. Please RSVP to Vivian Lee by Friday, Sept. 18 by phone at 604-688-3234 ext. 233 or 1-800-555-8222 or email at vivian.lee@cmha.bc.ca. Watch for more details at www.cmha.bc.ca.

New Visions Explores the Issues Surrounding Cannabis [back to top]
This issue of Visions: BC's Mental Health and Addictions Journal examines the controversial role of cannabis in society, both on its own as a substance and in the broader context of mental health. You will read many different perspectives on cannabis use and supporting research that present a more complex view of cannabis than the black and white extremes. You will hear the experiences of people who have found solace in the healing properties of cannabis, and of those who have found cannabis detrimental to their mental and physical health. Cannabis may lead you to question your own attitudes and assumptions, and you'll likely learn something new along the way. Visit heretohelp.bc.ca to read this exciting new Visions.
>>Want Visions delivered directly to your inbox? Visit heretohelp.bc.ca to sign up for eVisions and receive summaries of the latest Visions with links to the full text before the issue is even off the presses.

Beyond the Blues – October 8 [back to top]
Have you stopped feeling like yourself lately? Or maybe you're worried about someone you care about? Maybe you feel sad, empty and hopeless; anxious, panicked or stressed? You may have clinical depression or an anxiety disorder — real conditions that touch at least one in every 5 people. The good news is they are treatable. There is help and hope. Beyond the Blues: Depression Anxiety Education and Screening day 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 at approximately 65 different sites across BC. Many sites also feature workshops, videos, multilingual information and screenings, and risky drinking checkups. To find out more information, or to access resources in the meantime, visit heretohelp.bc.ca Stay tuned to find the site nearest you.

New Traditional and Simplified Chinese Resources Available on HereToHelp.bc.ca [back to top]
Nine new fact sheets on child and youth mental health in both Traditional and Simplified Chinese are now posted on HeretoHelp.bc.ca. HereToHelp is led by CMHA BC on behalf of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information, and contains mental health and substance use resources in twelve different languages.For these, and more resources in Chinese and other available languages, visit the Other Languages section of heretohelp.bc.ca.

CMHA Vernon To Operate $1.2 Million Supported Housing Project [back to top]
The provincial government recently provided $1.2 million to purchase and renovate affordable housing for people with mental health issues in Vernon, Belvedere Apartments, which is comprised of 17 affordable housing units, will be operated by CMHA Vernon Branch, with support services provided by Interior Health. Residents will be able to continue living in their communities, while receiving supports they need, in areas such as prevention, harm reduction, treatment, rehabilitation and recovery. For more information, see "Supportive Housing Opens in Vernon" at www.bchousing.org.

Last Day to Buy Tickets for "Building Pathways for Hope" - September 18 [back to top]
Join CMHA Richmond Branch at their fundraiser dinner, "Building Pathways for Hope", October 7 at the Executive Airport Plaza Hotel. Dinner will be accompanied by live entertainment, a silent auction, and a live auction for two tickets to anywhere WestJet flies. The event starts at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $50/person; $360/table of 8; or $450/table of 10. To purchase tickets, contact Dave MacDonald at 604-276-8834 ext. 31 or dave.macdonald@cmha.bc.ca.

CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch Events in September [back to top]
CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch’s Recreation Services Program offers recreational and leisure activities for adults living with mental illness. All events take place at, or depart from, the Vancouver Recreational Office at 175 W Broadway. To register for a maximum of two events, call the Rec Line at 604-872-3148 starting at 10am Sept 2.
September 18 - Richmond Skytrain. 11 am. Cost: $5
September 21 – Road Trip to Kettle Valley Steam Train in Summerland. 7 am. Cost: $10
September 25 – Squamish River Rafting Float. 8 am. Cost: $10

CMHA North and West Vancouver Branch Health Lecture Series [back to top]
CMHA North and West Vancouver Branch holds weekly Health Lectures. These lectures are designed to assist mental health consumers, their supporters and the general public, providing helpful information about all aspects of wellness. The events run from 7-9 pm, with about an hour of lecture, and socializing afterwards. For more information, visit northwestvancouver.cmha.bc.ca or e-mail keltie.bassett@cmha.bc.ca.
September 16 - "Transformational Breathing" with Prosperity Coach, Inspirational Teacher/Speaker and Transformational Breath Facilitator Tina Baudon. www.EnlightenUpCoaching.com.

Featured Program

Beyond the Blues: Depression and Anxiety Screening Day - October 8 [back to top]
Beyond the Blues: Depression Anxiety Education and Screening Day is a high profile, one-day, annual awareness campaign to educate the public about the signs and symptoms of mood and anxiety disorders; the toll these conditions take on individuals, families and communities; the ability to be quickly and easily screened for the illnesses similar to other physical conditions like hypertension or diabetes; the impact of related issues like suicide and risky drinking; the importance of intervening early; and the reality of hope and recovery by highlighting effective treatments as well as community resources and supports

Beyond the Blues events are free, anonymous and drop-in. At a site, people are invited to come and learn more about the symptoms, treatments and supports available for mood and anxiety disorders. At many sites, people are also welcome to take a screening and discuss their results with a clinician. Many sites also add trade booths, special presentations, educational videos and games to encourage attendance and interaction.

Sites are held all across BC, in both rural and urban locations. Some sites hold their events at a community venue like a mall, college, library, place of worship or community centre for anyone to attend; other sites target key population groups like youth, post-secondary students, multilingual groups, seniors or aboriginal people by bringing their sites directly to the group they want to reach.

Since its beginnings in 1995, Beyond the Blues has been attended by more than 40,699 people. Last year, more than 3600 people attended Beyond the Blues, of which 778 were screened for depression. Of the people screened, 69% were women and 31% were men. Forty-three percent of people screened for depression were likely or very likely to have symptoms consistent with major depression. Four hundred and ten people were screened for anxiety, of which 47% were likely to have symptoms consistent with one or more anxiety disorders. Risky drinking screenings were also offered, and were taken by 220 people, the highest in Beyond the Blues History. Of those, 16% showed increased drinking risks and 9% indicted signs of high-risk drinking behaviours. Both the rates of people screening likely for depression and anxiety have dropped from previous years.

This year, Beyond the Blues will be at 65 different sites across BC. Beyond the Blues is an initiative of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information and is administered by CMHA BC. A listing of sites across BC will be available online mid-September. For more information visit www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

CANADIAN RESEARCH

Antipsychotics Can Raise Risk of High Blood Sugar in Seniors with Diabetes [back to top]
New research suggests seniors with diabetes who are also given antipsychotic drugs for dementia are at a 50% higher risk of being hospitalized for potentially dangerous high blood sugar. The greatest risk appeared to be right after the patient takes the first prescription of the antipsychotic drug. Families and healthcare providers of seniors with diabetes who are also taking antipsychotic drugs should watch closely for the signs of riding blood sugar. These include increased thirst and urination, lack of appetite, as well as confusion and diminished consciousness. For more information, please see "Antipsychotic Drugs and Hyperglycemia in Older Patients With Diabetes" in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Recent Study Shows Depression Affects Brain’s "Pleasure Centres" [back to top]
A recent study has shown people with clinical depression are less able to find pleasure in activities they used to enjoy. The study measured brain activity while people listened to their favourite music, and music they neither liked nor disliked. The people without depression showed more activity in several regions of the brain that are associated with reward processing than the others, who had been recently diagnosed with depression. Researchers hope that by targeting those areas of the brain early on, they will be able to treat depression at its source. For more information, see "Brain activation to favourite music in healthy controls and depressed patients" in the journal Neuroreport.
>>BounceBack: Reclaim your Health, a guided self-help program offered through CMHA, is designed to help people experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety. For more information, see cmha.bc.ca.

Report Finds Discrimination, Stigma Key Concerns in Mental Health Patient Safety [back to top]
A recently released report, written by the BC Mental Health and Addictions Services and sponsored by the Ontario Hospital Association and the Canadian Patient Safety Institute, presents information gathered through reviews of current literature, informant interviews and a roundtable of 72 leaders with expertise in patient safety and mental health. The report found that stigma and discrimination are key concerns, along with low prioritization of mental health funding, access to care, and involvement of consumers in planning. The report also contains recommendations at planning and policy, practice and research levels. To read "Patient Safety in Mental Health" visit www.oha.com

Research Study Looks at How to Address Mental Health Needs of Refugees [back to top]
A new research study is looking at ways to improve refugee mental health, through bridging, uncovering successful mental health services and ways of providing support, then integrating these best practices into treatment strategies. The Refugee Mental Health Practices study, led by scientists from the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH), hopes to address a disconnect between the Canadian healthcare system and the healthcare needs of refugees. Refugees often are fleeing difficult experiences in their country of origin which can leave psychological scars, and being in a new environment and away from familiar supports can add to this stress and other mental health challenges. The project is expected to be completed sometime in 2010. For more information on this study, e-mail research coordinator Biljana Vasilevska at biljana_vasilevska@camh.net.

Study Suggests Up to 15% of Preschoolers Display High Levels of Depression, Anxiety [back to top]
A new study suggests up to 15% of preschoolers may have high levels of anxiety or depression. The five-year study interviewed the mothers of 1,758 Quebec mothers to assess the levels of anxiety and depression in their children. They discovered that warning signs can be spotted as early as the first year of life, and that risk factors included difficult temperaments and maternal depression. The researchers suggested supporting mothers of infants with risk factors through cognitive behaviour therapy, talk therapy and parental training. For more information, see "Depression and anxiety symptoms: onset, developmental course and risk factors during early childhood" in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD

WHO Report Emphasizes Connections Between Mental Health and Social Justice [back to top]
A recently released report by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe examines how mental health influences, and is influenced by, socio-economic factors. Among the key findings in the report were that improved mental health in adolescents corresponds with a decrease in problems such as being arrested and using alcohol or tobacco; people with mental health problems have a higher rate of physical illness; poor children with higher emotional well-being have better educational outcomes, although children from wealthier families seem to do better regardless of mental and emotional wellbeing; and improved mental well-being is linked to fewer sick days and higher productivity at work. The report emphasized small inequalities can have significant impacts on health, and that promoting respect and social justice, underlying principles that support well-being, is an urgent policy priority. For the full report, see "Mental Health, Resilience and Inequalities: how individuals and communities are affected" at www.euro.who.int.

Survey Suggests Adult Gamers More Likely to Be Depressed [back to top]
A recent survey conducted by the American Centre for Disease Control and Prevention showed that adult video gamers have more "poor mental health days" and that women respondents showed higher rates of depression than the general female population. Researchers suggested people may be using video games as a form of self-medication. The researchers found other health risks associated with adult video game use, such as being overweight. For more information, see "Health-Risk Correlates of Video-Game Playing Among Adults" in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine.

Researchers Discover Schizophrenia Causes "A Traffic Jam in the Brain" [back to top]
A recent study using a genetically engineered mouse model has provided new insight about how schizophrenia works in the brain. In the new mouse model, mice developed schizophrenic symptoms in adolescence, which was due to low levels of a brain protein called kalirin. Kalirin is necessary for building pathways in the brain which allow information to flow. Scientists discovered that without enough kalirin,the frontal cortex of someone with schizophrenia has fewer, narrower pathways, which jams up the information like rush hour traffic. The scientists plan future studies to work on enhancing kalirin in the brain to help correct the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. For more information, see "Traffic Jam in Brain Causes Schizophrenia Symptoms" from Northwestern University.
>>To learn more about schizophrenia, or what to do if you think someone you know may be experiencing psychotic symptoms, see the schizophrenia and psychosis fact sheets on heretohelp.ca

New Study Questions Links Between Psychosis and Cannabis [back to top]
A new study suggests using cannabis might not increase the risk of developing psychosis, which runs contrary to findings from previous studies linking cannabis and psychosis. The researchers examined the records of 600,000 patients, but said they failed to find the previously believed link. The researchers based their findings on the premise that, if cannabis increased psychosis risk, then incidents of psychosis should have increased with the use of cannabis. Between 1972 and 2002, cannabis use increased four-fold. Based on research supporting the link, researchers determined incidences of schizophrenia should have increased 29%. Other researchers are skeptical, saying that just because this new research didn't show a link, doesn't mean there isn't one, especially when other factors could be at play in reducing diagnoses of schizophrenia. For more information, see "Assessing the impact of cannabis use on trends in diagnosed schizophrenia in the United Kingdom from 1996 to 2005" in the journal Schizophrenia Research.
>>Cannabis has been known to both help and harm people's physical and mental health. To read some of these different perspectives, check out the latest Visions, Cannabis, at heretohelp.bc.ca.

Research Suggests People With BPD Unable to Activate Certain Brain Regions [back to top]
Researchers have used real-time brain imaging to discover that people with Borderline Personality Disorder (BDP) may be physically unable to activate brain networks that help regulate emotion. Researchers observed how the brains of people with BDP reacted to social and emotional stimuli, and when they attempted to control and reduce reactions to disturbing emotional scenes, areas of the brain that were active in people without BPD remained inactive. The research shows that people with BPD are unable to use the parts of the brain that healthy people use to regulate emotions. This research was presented at the 11th International Congress of the International Society for the Study of Personality Disorders. It will also be published in the journal Biological Psychiatry.
>>Borderline Personality Disorder isn't as well known as Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder, although often these conditions occur simultaneously. To learn more about BPD and other mental and personality disorders, read the "Confusing Behaviours" section at heretohelp.bc.ca.

Psychosocial Therapy Provides Stroke Patients with Clinical Depression Significant Benefits [back to top]
A recent study has shown that a combination of psychosocial therapy and antidepressants is significantly more effective than antidepressants alone in treating depression in stroke patients. In the study of 101stroke patients living with moderately severe depression, 48 received psychosocial therapy along with their medications, and 53 received usual care. Psychosocial therapy involved 9 one hour sessions over 8 weeks, where patients focused on education about depression and positive behaviours, such as how to increase pleasant events, solve problems, and identify and modify negative thoughts. After one year, the depression scores of patients in the psychosocial therapy had dropped 47%, compared to 32% in patients receiving usual care. One third of patients who have a stroke develop clinical depression. For more information, see "Brief Psychosocial–Behavioral Intervention With Antidepressant Reduces Poststroke Depression Significantly More Than Usual Care With Antidepressant: Living Well With Stroke: Randomized, Controlled Trial" in the journal Stroke.

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

Online Mental Health Information Booklets for Seniors and their Families [back to top]
The Canadian Coalition for Seniors Mental Health has recently released several booklets on topics surrounding seniors’ mental health. The guides provide educational, high quality, user-friendly information on important issues in seniors’ mental health, such as depression and delirium. The guides are available to download for free from www.ccsmh.ca.

CAMH Mental Health and Addictions 101 Series Now Available en Français [back to top]
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health recently released a French version of its 15 user-friendly web tutorials, "Mental Health and Addictions 101." The tutorials provide francophone communities with basic information on topics from depression and schizophrenia to harm reduction and stigma. To access the free, self-directed tutorials, see "Série 101 sur la santé mentale et la toxicomanie" at www.camh.net. To access these tutorials in English, go to "Mental Health and Addiction 101" at www.camh.net.
>>BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information offer multi-lingual resources and information on heretohelp.bc.ca, which CMHA runs on behalf of the partners. See the "Other Languages" section.

New Police/Mental Health Liaison Information Website Launched [back to top]
The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police have launched a new website to provide Police/Mental Health Liaison Information to police service personnel, mental health service providers, program developers, policy makers and researchers. The site provides a broad range of resources, including program and policy development guidelines and sample agreements and memorandums of understanding, with the main goal of ensuring individuals living with mental illness are not inappropriately criminalized. To see the website, visit www.pmhl.ca.
>>The criminal justice system and its relationship to mental health and addiction issues present an intricate and complex situation. To read more about mental health and criminal justice, check out Visions.

New European Campaign Promotes Workplace Mental Health [back to top]
The European Network for Workplace Health Promotion (ENWHP) is launching a new campaign for promoting mental health in the workplace. "Mental Health in the World of Work - A European campaign", which officially launches in October, aims to promote mental health in the workplace. The campaign operates under the slogan "Work. In tune with life. Move Europe" and is asking enterprises to join them as "Move Europe Partners" in promoting mental health in their workplaces. For more information on this campaign, visit www.enwhp.org.

DVD On Gambling Awareness Released [back to top]
The Healthy Aboriginal Network has just released a DVD on gambling awareness, based on their comic, On the Turn. The DVD tells the story of a young woman who starts playing Texas Hold'em after experiencing peer pressure to fit in. The network also has an upcoming comic on physical activity and gang prevention, which will be available in early October. If you missed Just a Story, about child and youth mental health, or Level Up, about dropping out/staying in school, there are still some copies left available for order. For pricing information, or to order, visit www.thehealthyaboriginal.net

Materials from Physical Activity and Depression Forum Now Online [back to top]
Materials from a recent forum, "Is Sweat the Best Antidepressant," have now been made available to the public online. The materials, which include video clips and slides, discuss how physical activity can both help treat and prevent depression. The half-day forum was organized by the Alberta Centre for Active Living. To access the materials, go to www.centre4activeliving.ca.

E-learning Tutorial on Mental Health and Homelessness Released [back to top]
The Canadian Institute for Health Information has released an online tutorial on Mental Health and Homelessness in Canada. The tutorial is designed for people with an interest in mental health issues related to homelessness, and covers things such as the extent and nature of mental illness among homeless Canadians and how to identify effective programs and policies for addressing mental health and homelessness. This e-learning session is free, but requires sign-in. See www.ciha.ca.
>>People with mental health issues often have substandard housing, are at risk of homelessness, or are homeless due to a lack of available supported housing after leaving a hospital or treatment centre. To read more about housing for people with mental illness, visit heretohelp.bc.ca.

Annotated Bibliography on Employment and Education Supports Released [back to top]
Ontario Mental Health and Addictions Knowledge Exchange Network recently released a 30-page annotated bibliography on employment and education supports for people experiencing serious mental illness. The bibliography references and summarizes a wide-range of Canadian peer-reviewed articles to assist stakeholders and researchers in finding research they can use to inform their own work. To read "Education and Employment Supports for People Experiencing Serious Mental Illness," visit www.ehealthontario.ca

Network Provides Resources, Information on Living with Disabilities [back to top]
The Society for Manitobans with Disabilities has recently created a Disibility Health Promotion Network to provide credible and timely health information for people living with disabilities, family members, professionals, and anyone interested in learning more about a disability. The network is searchable by keywords and contributors, and contains a variety of resources like articles and recent research, on topics ranging from mental health and addictions to birth defects and aging. To access the database, visit dhpn.smd.mb.ca.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Federal Study to House More Than 200 Homeless in Vancouver [back to top]
The federal government has recently announced a $110 million, four-year housing experiment created by the Mental Health Commission of Canada that will provide housing and intensive support to more than 1000 homeless people with mental illness in Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto, Moncton and Winnipeg. The project will operate on the "Housing First" approach. Participants progress will be tracked over the course of the study, and then compared with other participants who continued to receive standard support, such as access to shelters and counseling, that were previously available in the cities. The study will also compare the associated costs of the two approaches. The Vancouver project will focus particularly on people with substance use problems. The project team in Vancouver is still working to secure all the needed housing sites for participants, who will be chosen next month. For more information on this project, visit www.mentalhealthcomission.ca.

Chilliwack Looking for Residents to "Adopt a Senior" [back to top]
In light of upcoming funding cuts from the government, the Chilliwack and District Senior Resource Society has a campaign in place that it hopes will secure funding for its Time Out program. The program, which has been funded by Fraser Health Authority to the tune of $77000 annually, helps seniors who are at risk of isolation and loneliness by getting them out of their homes and into social activities. The health authority gave the society notice it would have its funding cut effective September 30. Sponsoring a Chilliwack senior is $30 a month for a full year, and tax receipts will be provided. For more information, contact the society at 604-793-9979.

APA Advises Members To Abandon Gay "Change Therapy" [back to top]
The American Psychological Association (APA) recently passed a landmark resolution that advises its members against telling patients they can change their sexual orientation through treatment. This decision was made after a review of 83 studies over 40 years. The review found no scientific evidence that showed sexual-orientation-change efforts are effective. The APA is instead advising that counselors and psychologists accept their patients’ sexual orientation and not portray it as an illness or disorder, and instead work to help them with the conflict between their sexual feelings and religious beliefs. Mental health professionals should also be careful not to condemn homosexuality in adolescents, as research has shown gay teens who feel rejected by their parents are most prone to mental health problems. For more information, read the article "Abandon ‘Gay Change’ Therapy, MD’s Told" in the Globe and Mail.

Volunteers Needed for a Return to Work Program Study [back to top]
UBC Department of Psychiatry is looking for people to participate in a Return to Work program study, to help develop and evaluate a return to work program. The study program is 8-weeks long, and will involve follow-up assessments including an interview and questionnaires. Participants should be between the ages of 19 and 60, and have been on temporary disability for over a month and receiving disability benefits due to a recent diagnosis of anxiety disorder. To find out if you are eligible, contact the research lab at 604-827-5531 to take a telephone screening and arrange an assessment at UBC.

Nova Scotia to Open a Specially-Designed Mental Health Court [back to top]
Nova Scotia will be opening a special court designed for people with mental illness this fall. The mental health court will sit once a week, and is designed to move people away from the criminal justice system and into treatment programs. The court will look at a person and their illness, instead of just focusing on their crime, in hopes to catch people who might otherwise fall through the cracks. Nova Scotia's handling of mentally ill offenders has been scrutinized lately due to the 2007 death of Howard Hyde, who had schizophrenia. For more information, see "N.S. mental health court to open in November" at CBC.ca.

PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS

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
September 14 – No Bikini: An evening with Ivan Coyote
September 21 – Saving Luna
September 28 – Can’Tswer and Kilimanjaro slide presentation

CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch Events in September [back to top]
CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch’s Recreation Services Program offers recreational and leisure activities for adults living with mental illness. All events take place at, or depart from, the Vancouver Recreational Office at 175 W Broadway. To register for a maximum of two events, call the Rec Line at 604-872-3148 starting at 10am Sept 2.
September 18 - Richmond Skytrain. 11 am. Cost: $5
September 21 – Road Trip to Kettle Valley Steam Train in Summerland. 7 am. Cost: $10
September 25 – Squamish River Rafting Float. 8 am. Cost: $10

CMHA North and West Vancouver Branch Health Lecture Series [back to top]
CMHA North and West Vancouver Branch holds weekly socio-educational Health Lectures. These lectures are designed to assist mental health consumers, their supporters and the general public, providing helpful information about all aspects of wellness. The events run from 7-9 pm, with about an hour of lecture, and socializing afterwards. For more information, visit northwestvancouver.cmha.bc.ca or e-mail keltie.bassett@cmha.bc.ca.
September 16 - "Transformational Breathing" with Prosperity Coach, Inspirational Teacher/Speaker and Transformational Breath Facilitator Tina Baudon. www.EnlightenUpCoaching.com.

Comox Valley Mental Health and Addictions Wellness Evening Educationals [back to top]
Comox Valley Mental Health and Addictions is starting their next series of Wellness Evening Educationals, designed to inform people about common mental health issues. Classes are from 6:30-8pm at the Mental Health and Addictions office, 941 C England Avenue, Courtenay. Classes are free but registration is required due to limited space. Call 250-338-9777 to register or for more information.
September 16 - How Thinking Styles Affect Mental Health
September 23 - Introduction to Mindfulness
September 30 - Stress and Anxiety
October 7 - Understanding Trauma
October 14 - Self-Esteem

Suicide Awareness Week– Sept 7-13 [back to top]
Suicide Awareness Week is an international initiative to raise awareness and education, decrease stigmatization, and spread the message that suicide is preventable. International Suicide Prevention Day falls on September 10, in the middle of Suicide Awareness Week. This year’s theme, "Suicide Prevention in Different Cultures," reflects the international importance of suicide awareness. World Suicide Prevention Day is an initiative of the International Association for Suicide Prevention. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to participate by holding events like concerts, BBQs, or memorial events, and by distributing educational information. For more information on World Suicide Awareness Day, or ideas on how to participate, visit www.iasp.info.
September 10 Prince George
-World Suicide Prevention Day event,entrance of Wal-Mart. This event will feature an info booth manned by workers from the Prince George Crisis Centre, as well as a $3 hot dog and pop fundraiser.
September 10 Williams Lake
-World Suicide Prevention Day event, 1-3pm at the United Church. The event will have information about suicide and community resources, as well as a Q&A period.
September 10 Nanaimo
-Suicide Awareness and Response Workshop, 9am-12pm, at the Crisis Society conference room, #30-1708 Bowen Road. This workshop, presented by the Central Vancouver Island Crisis Society to commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day, is open to anyone interested in learning about current, research-based information about suicide prevention. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs, how to explore and access community resources, common misperceptions and stigma surrounding suicide, among other things. This workshop is by donation but registration must be done in advance. For more information, or to register call 250-753-2495 or email lyndsay@cvics.ca.
September 12 Campbell River
-World Suicide Prevention Day Walk, 10am at Rotary Beach Park. This walk goes from Rotary Beach Park to Big Rock and back. The Campbell River Family Services Crisis Line will have a booth set up to dispense information and refreshments. For more information, contact the Crisis Line co-ordinators at 250-287-2421.
September 13 Victoria
-Gathering of Hope and Healing, from 2-4pm, University of Victoria’s Interfaith Chapel. This ceremony is held to remember those who have been lost to suicide and comfort those affected by suicide.
September 13 Nanaimo
-Soles Remembering Souls, registration starting at 2:45pm, with the walk starting at 3:15pm at the Port Theatre. This walk and vigil is to honour loved ones lost to suicide and will include speakers, a musical performance and picture retrospective. See www.suicidememorialwalk.com.
>>Suicide is a complex and difficult issue. To learn more about topics surrounding the issue of suicide, such as vulnerable groups and response guidelines, see the Visions edition, Suicide.

Frames of Mind: About Face-The Story of Gwendellin Bradshaw - September 16 [back to top]
Frames of Mind is a monthly movie series designed to promote education and awareness surrounding mental health issues. This month’s movie, About Face-The Story of Gwendellin Bradshaw, is the story of a woman's five-year journey to healing and acceptance, including ultimately tracking down her mother who threw her in a campfire when she was 10 months old, after attempting suicide. There will be a post-screening discussion with filmmaker Mary Katzke and Dr. Carolyn Steinberg, an infant/preschool child psychiatrist. The film starts at 8pm at Pacific Cinémathèque Theatre, 1131 Howe Street. Eligible for 1.0 hour Section 1 of the Royal College's Maintenance of Certification Program. An adult ticket is $9.50. For more information and additional ticket prices, visit www.framesofmind.ca.

All About Bipolar Disorder - September 24 [back to top]
The Mood Disorders Association of BC (MDA) is hosting an educational evening on Bipolar Disorder with Dr. Chris Gorman. Dr. Gorman will discuss current treatments, the difficulty of diagnosis, and the importance of acceptance. This free event is starting at 7pm at Sunrise Hall, 1950 Windermere St., Vancouver. For more information, contact MDA at 604-873-0103 or mdabc@telus.net.

Mental Health Commission Peer Support Focus Groups - September 29, 30 [back to top]
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is hosting two focus groups on peer support. The groups, "Making the Case for Peer Support," are open to anyone who uses mental health peer support, delivers mental health peer support, or has some relationship to a peer support initiative. Seats are limited, so RSVP by September 22 to Robyn Priest, robpriest13@gmail.com. If you are unable to attend, you can still complete the questionnaire by October 31. To fill out or review the questionnaire, go to www.mentalhealthcommission.ca.
September 29-6:30-9:30 pm at the Evergreen Health Centre, 3425 Crowley Drive (near Joyce Station)
September 30-9:30 am-12:30 pm at the Coat Mental Health boardroom, 293 E, 11th Avenue.

Mental Illness Awareness Week: Recovery is Possible - October 4-10 [back to top]
This year’s Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is focused on spending the anti-stigma message that "Recovery is Possible." MIAW is looking for people to help distribute materials like posters, bookmarks and brochures featuring five Canadians who are living successfully with mental illness. Orders for these free materials should be placed by September 14. For more information about how you can participate in MIAW, or to order materials, visit www.miaw.ca

"Building Pathways for Hope" Fundraiser Dinner - October 7 [back to top]
Join CMHA Richmond Branch at their fundraiser dinner, "Building Pathways for Hope", October 7 at the Executive Airport Plaza Hotel. Dinner will be accompanied by live entertainment, a silent auction, and a live auction for two tickets to anywhere WestJet flies. The event starts at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $50/person; $360/table of 8; or $450/table of 10, and must be purchased by Sept 16. To purchase tickets, contact Dave MacDonald at 604-276-8834 ext. 31 or dave.macdonald@cmha.bc.ca.

Seniors and Mental Illness Lecture in Coquitlam – Oct 8 [back to top]
Dr. Martha Donelly will be holding an information session about seniors and mental illness. Often, signs mental illness can be overlooked in seniors, or mistaken for signs of dementia. This session is for seniors and their families, and runs from 1-3 pm at the Glen Pine Pavilion,1200 Glen Pine Crt, Coquitlam. For more information about this free event, call the pavilion at 604-927-6940.

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

Mental Health and the Workplace Workshop in Kelowna – September 16 [back to top]
CMHA BC will be holding two full-day post-conference Mental Health Works workshops, "Complex Issues Clear Solutions – Managing Workplace Mental Health Issues" with Stephanie Innes and "Accommodating Mental Health Issues in the Workplace: Facilitating Stay@Work and Developing Successful RTW Plans" with Margaret Tebbutt, which is now being held at #111-1889 Springfield Road, around the corner from Interior Health offices. These workshops are open for public registration. Cost: $360 (includes lunch). For more information on the workshops, visit cmha.bc.ca/workshops or call 604-688-3234 ext. 248. CMHA will have an information table at the BC Health Authorities Workplace Health, Safety and Wellness conference in Kelowna, Sept 14 & 15. For more information on the conference, visit www.bchealthauthoritiesconference.com.
>>Mental Health Works is a CMHA BC service that offers workshops for employers, management and employees intended to educate on workplace mental health. For more information, or to find out about hosting a workshop at your organization, visit cmha.bc.ca or www.mentalhealthworks.ca.

BRIDGES Self-Help Course for People Recovering From Mental Illness - September 19 - November 28 [back to top]
BRIDGES is a 10-week course offered by the BC Schizophrenia Society is designed for people recovering from mental illness, and provides an environment of acceptance, support and friendship. The course runs from 1-3:30 pm on Saturdays at the George Pearson Centre, Classrooms 1&2, 700 W. 57th, Vancouver. For more information, or to register, call 604-686-3269 ext. 7856 and specify you are calling about the BRIDGES course.

Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace September 23 [back to top]
The BC Human Resources Management Association is hosting the CMHA BC Mental Health Works workshop, "Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace." This three-hour workshop provides managers, employers and business owners with strategies for identifying and addressing mental health issues in the workplace. Registration begins at 8:30 with the workshop starting at 9am. A light breakfast will be provided. The workshop will be held at the BC HRMA Provincial Offices at 1101-1111 West Hastings, Vancouver. Early bird pricing, before Sept 9, is $141.75 for members, $220.50 for non-members, and $115.50 for student members. For more information, or to register, visit www.bchrma.org.

Tri-City Caregivers Education Program - October 7 - November 4
The Glen Pine Pavilion and Leila Sinnen, a registered nurse, registered psychiatric nurse, educator, and motivational coach, will be holding sessions for caregivers of people over 50. The caregivers will learn things such as how to accomplish realistic goals, take charge of their lives, deal with stress and let go of negative thoughts, and laugh together. The sessions, funded by the United Way and co-sponsored by the cities of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam, are held once a week from 12:30-3:45 pm at the Glen Pine Pavilion, 1200 Glen Pine Crt, Coquitlam. Cost for all 5 is $10 and includes lunch. You do not need to be a senior to participate. To register, or for more information, call the Glen Pine Pavilion at 604-927-6940.

Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace October 15 [back to top]
Western Canada EAPA branch is hosting "Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace" for members of the EAP association and others. This three-hour workshop provides managers, employers and business owners with strategies for identifying and addressing mental health issues in the workplace. The session will run from 8:30am-11:15am at 1200-1090 W Georgia, Vancouver. A $15 fee will be collected at the door. To register for this second session of this award-winning workshop, e-mail csutton@clairesutton.com. For more information, visit www.bceapa.com.

CONFERENCES

Schedule for Annual Cross Cultural Mental Health Conference Now Available – October 21,22 [back to top]
The schedule for the 14th Annual Cross Cultural Mental Health Conference has now been posted. Conference events include presentations by Dr. Gabor Maté, a former medical author and columnist who was worked with patients in the downtown eastside for the past 12 years, Dr. Steven K.H. Aung, an associate clinical professor from the University of Alberta and practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine, and Dr. Sharon Smith, who has just completed a PhD that explored the meaning of spirituality for people living with schizophrenia and works for the integration of people with severe mental illness into spiritual communities. The conference will be held at Simon Fraser University at Harbour Centre 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. Early bird registration costs $180 for a regular registration and is available until October 1. For the complete schedule, or to register, visit www.ccmhs.ca.

NeuroPsychiatry Conference - October 19 [back to top]
The BC Neuropsychiatry Program's 2009 conference is designed for professionals who work in mental health, including physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, physiotherapists, rehabilitation and care aids. This year's conference will cover the issues of violence and its management in clinical practice, and somatoform disorders. Other plenary sessions include Case Definition in Neuropsychiatry, Psychiatric Presentations of Brain Injury, and How to Get Your Patients Treated. The conference is held from 8am-4:30 at the Coast Plaza Hotel, 1763 Comox Street, Vancouver. Cost: $239 early-bird before Oct. 5, $299 after. For more information, or to register, visit www.bcmhas.ca.

We Can Do It: Evidence and Interventions for Transforming Mental Health in the Workplace Congress in Toronto- October 28-30 [back to top]
"We Can Do It: Evidence and Interventions for Transforming Mental Health in the Workplace," the 4th Annual Canadian Congress for Research on Mental Health and Addiction in the Workplace, is a forum for exchanging and gathering the latest scientific research and practical tools, policies and programs for improving workplace mental health. The congress, which is being held in Toronto's Westin Harbour Castle, will involve hundreds of researchers, business leaders, policy makers, service providers and workers. Cost is $500 until September 17, and $550 after. For more information, or to register, visit www.wwrepcamh.org

Making Gains in Mental Health Conference in Toronto Now Open – November 2-4 [back to top]
Early bird registration for the Making Gains in Mental Health and Addictions 2009 conference in Toronto is now open. The conference, themed "The Future is Now," will include 38 workshops, more than 50 poster presentations and a trade show, and will include keynote speeches by the Honourable David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term care, and actress and political satirist Mary Walsh. The conference welcomes diverse stakeholders to come together to network, learn and discuss interests, ideas and concerns. The conference will run from Nov 2-4 at the Hyatt Regency. Early bird registration, open until October 2, for the entire conference is $420. Single day rates are available. To learn more about this event or to register online, visit www.makinggains.ca.

DISCLAIMER

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

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

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

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