visit cmha website  :  view web version  :  e-news sign-up  :  contact us  :  email us  :  unsubscribe

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, 19 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 the help of gaming revenue from the Province of British Columbia and support from donors. Your gift helps CMHA continue to provide services and make mental health a priority in BC.

CMHA NEWS:

FEATURED PROGRAM:

What Helped You Recover From Mental Illness? Calendar Photo Contest - July 31 Deadline

CANADIAN RESEARCH:

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD:

Sexual Trauma May Spark Mental Health Issues
Early Cannabis Use May Increase Risk of Psychosis

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

New Online Medical Files Database From Telus
HowToChill.ca Launched in Toronto
New Report On The RCMP and Taser Use
Schizophrenia Society of Canada Key Messages Survey
TD Financial Literacy Grant Calling for Applications - July 31 Deadline
Substance Use Counsellors Needed for Research Study
Calling For Abstracts for Annual Forensic Psychiatry Conference - Sept 17 Deadline
New Community Psychology MA program

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES:

PUBLIC EDUCATION:

Community Education Series in Richmond - June 23 - July 28
Gallery Gachet's World Mad Pride 2010 Biennale Festival - July 2 - 31
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Caregiver Support Workshop Series - July 8
Frames of Mind Monthly Film Series: "Raging Bull" - July 21
Registered Disabilities Savings Plan (RDSP) Chinese Teleseminars - July 21
BC Public Health Summer School - July 26-27
Mental Health and Substance Use Issues in BC Schools - Aug 26

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS:

Mental Health Works Full-day Workshop in Vancouver - Aug 18

CONFERENCES:

Mental Health Camp - July 10
Brain Development and Learning Conference - July 16-20
Women's Mental Health Conference - Oct 1

CMHA NEWS

What Helped You Recover From Mental Illness? Calendar Photo Contest - July 31 Deadline [back to top]
Was it a good friend? A pet? A yoga class? Pacific Blue Cross and CMHA BC are calling on people across BC to capture the people, places, activities and animals that have made a difference in their recovery from mental illness. Twelve contestants will have their photos chosen to appear in the 2011 Pacific Blue Cross/CMHA Difference Makers calendar and also receive a $75 Visa gift card. BC residents are invited to participate by entering their photos before the contest closes on July 31, 2010. Read more in our Featured Program section

CMHA BC Board Elections [back to top]
CMHA BC Division is currently in the process of electing 5 new members to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is the group of volunteers that govern our organization. All members of CMHA in BC are asked to review their election packages carefully and to help determine the future of mental health in BC with your vote. If you are a member of CMHA in BC and have not recieved an election package in the mail by July 14th, please contact CMHA BC Division at 1-800-555-8222. Ballots are due at CMHA BC Division on August 13, 2010 by 4:00 pm. Results will be announced at CMHA BC's Annual General Meeting on September 24, 2010.

Beyond The Blues Report Now Up on HeretoHelp [back to top]
The 15th annual Beyond the Blues: Depression Anxiety Education and Screening Day was held during Mental Illness Awareness Week in October 2009 and saw over 5000 people come out to learn about the symptoms of depression, anxiety and risky drinking. This was the highest attendance in the event's history as 62 sites across British Columbia offered participants educational resources, presentations, workshops, and screening self-tests. The mental health awareness campaign was provincially coordinated by CMHA BC and the Centre for Addictions Research of BC on behalf of BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information, with numerous local organizations reaching out to youth, young adults, aboriginal and multicultural communities, seniors and postpartum women, as well as the general public. Read the Beyond the Blues final report at www.heretohelp.bc.ca/events for complete results and statistics of last year's event.

>> If you are interested in hosting a Beyond the Blues site this year, email beyondtheblues@heretohelp.bc.ca.

Mental Health Works Full-day Workshop in Vancouver - Aug 18 [back to top]
CMHA BC Division will be hosting "Complex Issues Clear Solutions," a Mental Health Works workshop in Vancouver this August. This full-day workshop is open to managers, supervisors and union representatives, and provides participants with strategies for identifying and addressing mental health issues in the workplace. Registration is $295 (group rates available) and seating is limited to 16 participants. All workshops run from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and provide refreshments and lunch. The event will be held at the Volunteer Vancouver Centre, 1183 Melville Street, Vancouver, BC and the registration deadline is August 6th. For more information or to register for either event, visit www.cmha.bc.ca/workshops.

Save the Date! Thriving in 2010 and Beyond - Oct 22-24 [back to top]
In October, Ontario will play host to CMHA's Thriving in 2010 and Beyond national mental health conference. The event aims to bring together consumers, family members, service providers, researchers and policy makers to build on what is working to help people thrive in Canadian society. Keynote speakers will include Shelagh Rogers, a veteran broadcast journalist and honorary patron to CMHA BC, who will discuss the experiences of overcoming and recovering from issues with mental illness. The conference will take place from October 22 to 24 at the London (Ontario) Convention Centre. For more information on the event, visit www.thrivingin2010.ca or email info@thrivingin2010.ca.

Health Lecture Series in North Vancouver [back to top]
CMHA North & West Vancouver Branch will be continuing its ongoing monthly lecture series, supporting mental health and awareness. Lectures in July include topics such as healthy minds, emotional freedom techniques and more. Lectures will take place every Wednesday at 7:00 pm on the 2nd floor of the John Braithwaite Community Centre, 145 West 1st Street, North Vancouver, starting July 7th.

• July 7 - The Healthy Brain
• July 14 - Sound Advice: What Everyone Needs to Know About Hearing
• July 21 - Clearing Emotional Clutter
• July 28 - Finding Answers Amid Chaos

For more information and details contact Janyse Hrynkow at 604-987-6959.

FEATURED PROGRAM

What Helped You Recover From Mental Illness? Calendar Photo Contest - July 31 Deadline

Was it a good friend? A supportive family member? Your pet? A special spot to connect with nature? A replenishing yoga class? What helped ease your mind when you were faced with a mental health challenge? Tell us - with your camera.

Pacific Blue Cross and the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) BC Division are calling on people across BC to capture the people, places, animals and activities that have made a difference in their recovery from mental illness—mental illnesses like depression, bipolar disorder, an anxiety or eating disorder or schizophrenia. The event aims to showcase the natural talent of people across BC as well as help combat the stigma of mental health.

"Rick Hansen's 'Difference Makers' segment for the Olympics has resonance way beyond sport. This calendar will celebrate recovery, showcase the creative and storytelling talents of people who have experienced mental illness, and honour the connections in people's lives that made a difference to their mental health," says Bev Gutray, Executive Director of CMHA’s BC Division. "There are a lot of effective treatments for mental illness to help people feel relief from their symptoms. But it’s the other supports that can really help people get and stay well."

The 12 winners will have their photos featured in the 2011 Pacific Blue Cross/CMHA Difference Makers Calendar and each receive a $75 Visa gift card. Winning and runner-up entries will also be featured online and at displays at future CMHA BC and Pacific Blue Cross events. Calendars will be available at Pacific Blue Cross offices and CMHA branches in the fall.

"We see the impact of mental illness everyday in our workplace and our clients' workplaces," says Lucette Wesley, Director, Disability Claims, Pacific Blue Cross/BC Life. "Since 2007, CMHA BC has been our community partner and we're proud to work with them to raise awareness about an issue that directly affects 1 in 5 British Columbians. We hope pictures can spark important conversations about mental illness and what helps people recover."

The full press release can be found at www.cmha.bc.ca.

BC residents are invited to participate by entering their photos at www.2010pbccmhacalendar.com beginning June 1, 2010. You can submit as many photos as you like, just be sure to include a 50-word description explaining the story behind each one. The contest closes at 5pm on July 31, 2010; winners are announced in August.

CANADIAN RESEARCH

Older Adults with Mental Disorders Not Receiving Services [back to top]
A national survey has been looking at mental health services use among adults who were 55 years of age or older. The one-year study observed the social, demographic and need factors of mental health services in relationship to their utilization of the 700 plus participants. Secondary data was used from the Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-Being. Results indicate that over 60% of adults, aged 55 and older and met the clinical criteria for a disorder, were not using mental health services and social and demographic factors did not significantly predict service use. To read the full report, visit publications.cpa-apc.org.

Psychiatric Drugs May Increase Heart Risks [back to top]
A study published in this month's issue of the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry has highlighted a serious health risk in the use of antidepressants, antipsychotics and other psychoactive drugs. The study followed 52 patients between the ages of 16 to 40 that had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder, many of which had never been treated before. At the beginning of the study, 11% of the participants met the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome, a condition that increases the risk of heart attacks or strokes. In a two-year follow up on the patients after treatments, this value increased to 17%. Dr. Valerie Taylor, a researcher on the study, notes that while "medications used to treat depression are lifesaving", people need to be aware of the side-effects. She recommends early screening and treatment for cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome for those suffering from depression. Please talk to your doctor if you are concerned about side effects of your medication and do not change or discontinue use without consulting your doctor. To read the full article, visit www.vancouversun.com and to see the full study, visit publications.cpa-apc.org.

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Sexual Trauma May Spark Mental Health Issues [back to top]
Recent research at the University of Ulster's Psychology Department has revealed that traumatic sexual incidents may have a serious impact on a person's mental health. In collaborative study with the University of Southern Denmark, data was taken from the Danish Civil Registration System (CRS) and identified a relationship between rape and subsequent diagnosis of a psychotic disorder over the following 10 years. The study has helped to identify social factors that increase the rate of sexual victimization and estimate the physical and psychological costs, as well as provide more information in the development of therapies for schizophrenia. Read the full news release at news.ulster.ac.uk.

Early Cannabis Use May Increase Risk of Psychosis [back to top]
A recent study by the Park Centre for Mental Health in Wacol, Austrailia has found that cannabis use at an early age significantly increases the risk of psychosis among young adults. Over 3,500 young adults born between 1981 and 1984 were followed for 21 years in order to study the relationship between cannabis and psychosis. At the end of the follow up, individual assessments found that 65% of paticipants had been diagnosed with non-affective psychosis, persistent delusional disorder or acute and transient psychotic disorders. Those who had used cannabis for more than 6 years were found to be twice as likely as those who had never used cannabis to develop psychosis and three times as likely to have experienced hallucinations. More information can be found at www.camhcrosscurrents.net and an abstract of the study can be found at archpsyc.ama-assn.org.

>> If you are interested in learning more about Cannabis and Psychosis, check out the Cannabis factsheet at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Online Medical Files Database From Telus [back to top]
Telus has launched a new consumer electronic health service that will give patients instant online access to all their medical files. Patients and their health-care providers will now be able to input and share information in a high-security database over the web. One of the major advantages for this new system is that vital health information will be instantly available to medical staff when it is most needed. It can also help people with mental illness and their families better track and manage their mental health care information. The service is currently in the pilot stage and is expected to launch to individual consumers by the end of the year. To read the full article on the announcement, visit www.vancouversun.com. CMHA National proudly supports this new platform and hopes that it will enhance mental wellness by allowing Canadians to have an active role in managing their own health and living healthier lifestyles. You can find the CMHA National press release at www.cmha.ca.

HowToChill.ca Self-care Tool for Girls Launched in Toronto [back to top]
A web-based, self-care tool for managing girlhood stress, behaviour problems, depression and stress, called HowToChill.ca, has been launched in Toronto. HowToChill.ca was developed by Child Development Institute (CDI), as part of the SNAP (Stop Now And Plan) Girls Connection program, which provides individual and group intervention to girls under the age of 12, generally dealing with depression and bullying. The website was made as a response to the growing need for mental health services for children and youth. Feel free to visit the website here, or for more information on CDI and the SNAP Girls connection, visit www.childdevelop.ca.

Report On The RCMP and Taser Use [back to top]
The Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP (CPC) has just released a new report titled RCMP Use of the Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW): January 1, 2009 – December 31, 2009. The report highlights the CPC's investigation on the RCMP use of TASERs, including the examination of nearly 700 TASER reports. In cases involving those with mental health issues, the TASER was deployed 50% of the time, compared to the 39% deployment rate in non-mental health cases. It was also found that 40.7% of mental health related incidences or reported CEW use occurred in BC. To read the full report, visit www.cpc-cpp.gc.ca.

Schizophrenia Society of Canada Key Messages Survey [back to top]
The Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC) has recently put up a survey for common Key Messages. The survey will help to determine the messages SSC will adopt towards mental health and recovery, as well as what role they will play in the future. They are asking anyone who has personal experience with mental illness to participate in their survey which can be found here.

TD Financial Literacy Grant Calling for Applications - July 31 Deadline [back to top]
Earlier this year, TD Bank Financial group and Social and Enterprise Development Innovations (SEDI) created an $11 million fund in order to help spread financial literacy skills to low-income and disadvantaged individuals across Canada. They have now opened up the funding to charitable and other not-for-profit organizations to apply for grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. Organizations interested in applying, or looking to review the grant's guidelines should visit www.sedi.org/grantfund where information and the application form is available - the first round of grant applications are due on July 31st.

Substance Use Counsellors Needed for Research Study on Ethno-cultural Factors [back to top]
A new study at UBC is calling for professional substance use or alcohol and drug use counsellors to participate. Titled Understanding and Incorporation of Clients' Diversity Factors in Substance Use Counselling, the project intends to explore how counsellors' understanding and incorporation of clients' ethno-cultural diversity factors contribute to treatment and services. Counsellors must have at least 2 years of experience with BC health authorities, have provided care to ethno-culturally diverse clients and have their masters degree in psychology. For more information or to participate, contact researcher Hajera Rostam at 778-858-8666 or hajerarostam@yahoo.com.

Calling For Abstracts for Annual Forensic Psychiatry Conference – Sept 17 Deadline [back to top]
The upcoming Pacific Forensic Psychiatry Conference, hosted by BC Mental Health & Addiction Services and the UBC Department of Psychiatry, is calling for abstracts for workshops, panels, presentations related to mental health and the justice system. The conference themes include risk assessment and treatment models in forensic and correctional settings, aggression, bullying, mental health and community courts, substance use disorders, addictions and more. All disciplines are invited to submit their ideas at www.bcmhas.ca, where further information can also be found, before September 17, 2010. The conference will take place next year, from March 30th to April 1st.

New Community Psychology MA program [back to top]
The Adler School of Professional Psychology, Vancouver campus is now offering an MA in Community Psychology. The 48-credit program provides community development professionals and leaders with advanced training in the application of community psychology, which focuses on the context in which social issues develop. The program consists of a 150-hour community service practicum and 350-hour community development practicum in order to develop skills in order to provide socially responsible leadership in researching and assessing community needs and strengths. For more information, visit the Adler school website, www.adler.edu/vancouver, or email the program director at bverjee@adler.edu (or by phone at 604-482-5522).

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

Best Practices Project Assists Workers with Mental Health Conditions [back to top]
A new consensus and evidence-based resource, developed by Occupational Health and Safety Agency for Healthcare BC (OHSAHBC) and several stakeholders, provides Return to Work (RTW) and Stay at Work (SAW) intervention strategies for workers with mental health conditions. The resource follows 5 Best Practice Principles, including the requirement of a detailed and clear workplace mental health policy and the encouragement of work accommodations. For more information, view the summary online at www.ohsah.bc.ca. For access to the full report, email Philip Mah at philip@ohsah.bc.ca.

>> For more information on workplace mental health, visit the Mental Health Works website at www.mentalhealthworks.ca.

New ToolKits Available to Promote Evidence-based Practices in Mental Health Services
[back to top]
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and its Centre for Mental Health Services (CMHS) have recently released five new toolkits to improve mental health services using evidence based practices. Developed in the US, the Evidence-Based Practice KITs (Knowledge Informing Transformation) cover illness management and recovery, assertive community treatment, supported employment and more. Each KIT includes information sheets, demonstration videos and workbooks for practitioners. To read more on the toolkits, or access online pdfs with more information, visit mentalhealth.samhsa.gov.

PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS

Community Education Series in Richmond [back to top]
Vancouver Coastal Health and Richmond Addiction Services have teamed up to present a series of six educational lectures on substance abuse, addiction, recovery and more. The events will take place every Wednesday at 200-7900 Alderbridge Way, Richmond, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. No registration is required and every lecture is free.

• July 7 - The Recovery Process
• July 14 - The Family Context
• July 21 - Helping Others
• July 28 - Drugs in Our Society

For more information on the Communication Education series, visit www.carbc.ca.

Gallery Gachet's World Mad Pride 2010 Biennale Festival - July 2 - 31 [back to top]
In celebration of Gallery Gachet's International Mad Pride Day on July 14th, the art gallery will be hosting "ECO Madeness!!! Or... Humans are Killing the Planet and I Feel Fine." Through art, film, performance and music, the festival aims to engage the concept of ecopsychology: an emerging field of study that criticizes mainstream psychology for ignoring social, and especially ecological, determinants of mental health. Events, such as exhibitions, concerts and film showings, will be held at Gallery Gachet throughout the entire month of July. For more information, visit www.gachet.org or contact Cherise Clarke, the coordinator at madpride@gachet.org.

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Caregiver Support Workshop - July 8
[back to top]
VCH is offering a caregiver stress reduction workshop, part of a monthly series, in July for people that provide care or support to an adult family member or friend who is aging, has an illness or a disability. This will be the third workshop since the series' beginning in May and will be located at Raven Song Community Health Centre near Main and Broadway. The workshop will last from 10 am to 11:30 pm. To register, or obtain additional information, call 604-877-4699.

Frames of Mind Monthly Film Series: "Raging Bull" - July 21 [back to top]
The Institute of Mental Health, UBC Department of Psychiatry and Pacific Cinemateque will be premiering their Frames of Mind Summer Classics Film Series with Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull towards the end of July. Frames of Mind is a monthly film event that uses film to promote spread awareness of mental health and illness issues. The film screening will take place on Wendesday, July 21st at 7:30 pm, with a post-event discussion led by Michael van den Bos, a film theory and visual storytelling professor at Vancouver Film School. Tickets cost $9 for adults and $8.50 for students and seniors and the screening will take place at the Pacific Cinematheque Theatre, 1131 Howe Street, Vancouver. Visit www.framesofmind.ca for more information.

Registered Disabilities Savings Plan (RDSP) Chinese Teleseminars - July 21 [back to top]
RDSP is a savings plan designed specifically for people with disabilities. Depending on family income, the government will match up to $3 for every $1 saved in an RDSP account, up to $3500 per year; low income families can also benefit, with the government offering $1000 annually with no required contributions. Planned Lifetime Advocacy Networks (PLAN) is currently offering a Mandarin version of the RDSP teleseminar for Chinese families across the country on July 21st from 5pm to 6:30pm. To register for the event, call 604-439-9566 or email inquires@plan.ca. Visit www.rdsp.com for more information on RDSP.

BC Public Health Summer School July 26-27 [back to top]
The Public Health Association of BC (PHABC) will be hosting its first Public Health Summer School in Vancouver, Victoria and Prince George towards the end of July. The purpose of the 2-day event is to provide an opportunity for public health practicitioners to practice population health promotion with a focus on community change. Registration for non-members of PHABC is $140 and the deadline is July 16th. For more information, visit www.phabc.org or email Hannah Moffatt at hcm5@sfu.ca.

Mental Health and Substance Use Issues in BC Schools - Aug 26[back to top]
In August, the Summer Institute will be hosting a professional development event for teachers, parents and mental health professionals on "Mental Health and Substance Use Issues Among Child and Youth in BC Schools". The event focuses on helping educators recognize, understand and help students with mental health and substance use issues in school environments. Topics include anxiety, eating disorders, drug use and more. The free event will be located in the Chan Centre Auditorium, BC Children’s Hospital at 4480 Oak Street and also available online as a webcast. To register, or find more information, visit www.carbc.ca.

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

Mental Health Works Full-day Workshop in Vancouver - Aug 18 [back to top]
CMHA BC Division will be hosting "Complex Issues Clear Solutions," a Mental Health Works workshop in Vancouver this August. This full-day workshop is open to managers, supervisors and union representatives, and provides participants with strategies for identifying and addressing mental health issues in the workplace. Registration is $295 (group rates available) and seating is limited to 16 participants. All workshops run from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and provide refreshments and lunch. The event will be held at the Volunteer Vancouver Centre, 1183 Melville Street, Vancouver, BC and the registration deadline is August 6th. For more information or to register for either event, visit www.cmha.bc.ca/workshops.

CONFERENCES

Mental Health Camp - July 10 [back to top]
Mental Health Camp will be discussing the intersection of social media and mental health. The conference was created after a successful panel discussion about the relationship of social networking and reducing the stigma around mental illness. It focuses on asking how blogging and the use of other social interactive activities can help provide awareness for mental health and connect people with issues to eachother. This will be the second conference in the series and will take place at the Aquatic Ecosystems Research Laboratory (AERL) building the UBC Point Grey campus starting at 9 am. For further information on the conference, and to register, visit www.mentalhealthcamp.org.

Brain Development and Learning Conference- July 16-20 [back to top]
The UBC department of Psychiatry will host the Brain Development and Learning Conference: Making Sense of the Science. The conference is dedicated to improving the lives of children by presenting and sharing research on a broad spectrum of topics, including child psychology and adolescent mental health, with those who work with children on a daily basis. The event will take place at the Hyatt hotel in Vancouver from July 16th to the 20th. Visit the conference website or blog for more information and to register.

Women's Mental Health Conference - Oct 1, Toronto [back to top]
The Women's Mental Health Program of the University of Toronto will be hosting the "Women's Mental Health: Building Networks and Research Capacity" conference. The conference intends to act as a forum for women's mental health researchers, educators, students, clinicians and others in order to share research and develop new strategies to improve the life of women. The all-day conference will include paper presentations, poster sessions and networking groups. The conference will take place at Toronto's Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. For more information or to submit a proposal to the conference, email adrienne_amato@camh.net.

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.

visit cmha website  :  view web version  :  e-news sign-up  :  contact us  :  email us  :  unsubscribe