April 23, 2007 | PDF
- main news release
- sidebar: how do know if you have a problem?
- sidebar: tips for good work/life balance
- CMHA events for Mental Health Week in BC
Canadian Mental Health Association kicks off annual Mental Health Week with activities to help with work/life balance
Work/Life Balance: It's a Matter of Time, urges the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) which launches its 56th annual Mental Health Week, May 7th to May 13th, across BC and Canada. This year's theme challenges British Columbians to evaluate if they have a healthy balance between work, family, social and community responsibilities—a balance that Canadian employees say is what they want most from their work lives, according to a 2003 Ipsos-Reid poll.
"With all the demands on our time, it can be so much harder nowadays to be able to set boundaries and have a full and well-rounded life," says Bev Gutray, Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association's BC Division. "And yet, we know that taking active steps towards balance is so important to improving overall mental health and life satisfaction as well as acting as a buffer against depression, anxiety and stress."
Ignoring this issue is costly. The Conference Board of Canada's Survey of Canadian Workers on Work-Life Balance, found that nearly half of Canadians reported moderate to high levels of stress as a result of trying to balance their work and home lives, a twofold increase compared to 1989. These stress levels reflected in physical and mental health problems and absences. Other research has found that professionals in BC and Ontario are the most likely to report work-life conflict.
Work-life stress can also trigger more serious mental health problems in people who are already vulnerable. That's why the BC Division of CMHA along with a number of CMHA branches in BC offer award-winning, professional Mental Health Works workshops for employers, managers, unions and HR representatives on how to create supportive workplaces for people with mental health problems. Visit www.cmha.bc.ca and click on the Mental Health Works button for more details.
"Competing demands can make people feel pulled from different directions: when they're at work, they feel guilty about not doing personal or family activities; when they're at home, they may feel guilty they didn't finish the work what they wanted to," says Gutray. "It's a kind of catch-22 where our mental health and relationships often pay the price. It's time that we as individuals and families look at this issue, but it's also time managers and organizations take a hard look at the mental health of their workers."
For links to more information on Work/Life Balance including a new CMHA work/life balance quiz, visit CMHA BC's website at www.cmha.bc.ca
For Mental Health Week, CMHA branches throughout BC, as well as other community mental health agencies, are promoting good mental health by putting on various events including art exhibitions, open houses, barbecues, seminars, musical events, fun runs, film screenings and more. Contact your local CMHA to find out what your community is doing for Mental Health Week and how you can take part. See the list of scheduled CMHA events across BC below.
Since 1951, the first week of May has been celebrated as Mental Health Week and the host agency has been the Canadian Mental Health Association. The purpose of this Week is to raise awareness about mental health issues and increase respect for people with mental illness.
CMHA is a charitable association which promotes the mental health of British Columbians through community-based programs, education and information, and research services, and also encourages public involvement to strengthen mental health services, policy development and legislation. CMHA BC has more than 50 years of service to British Columbians and is part of a network of 20 CMHA branches across BC and part of a national voluntary association that is Canada's oldest mental health charity. To get involved or donate, visit www.cmha.bc.ca or call 1-800-555-8222.
Provincial Media Contact
Sarah Hamid-Balma
Communications Director, CMHA BC Division
604-688-3234 or 1-800-555-8222 ext. 225
Local Media Contacts
see below
How Do you Know When Work/Life Balance is a Problem?
A few signs of work/life imbalance:
- You feel like you've lost control of your life
- You often feel guilty about neglecting your different roles
- You frequently find it difficult to concentrate on the task at hand
- You're always tired
Sound familiar? Take the complete Work-Life Balance Quiz to see if you're in balance.
Tips for Good Work/Life Balance
Take control: there are ways to help bring yourself into balance!
At work
- Schedule brief breaks for yourself throughout the day. Your productivity and effectiveness will increase if you take even a ten-minute break every two hours and overall, you will get more accomplished.
- At the end of each day, set your priorities for the following day. Be realistic about what you can achieve in the time you have available.
- Only respond to email once or twice a day. Then, shut off your email program to avoid being distracted as messages come in.
- Make a distinction between work and the rest of your life. Protect your private time by turning off electronic communications. Don't be available 24/7.
At Home
- Create a buffer between work and home. After work, take a brief walk, do a crossword puzzle, or listen to some music before beginning the evening's routine.
- Decide what chores can be shared or let go. Determine which household chores are critical and which can be done by someone else. Let the rest go.
- Exercise. Even if it's only for 15 minutes at a time, you'll feel more energized and refreshed.
- Create and implement a household budget. Start by setting aside some money from each pay cheque for the future.
In Your Community
- Make choices. Social, community and volunteer obligations pull us in many directions. Choose the ones that are most fulfilling and learn to say 'no' to the rest.
Mental Health Week Events Across BC by CMHA Branches
Please contact local branches for more details about the events presented and/or interviews. Listed by regions.
* Lower Mainland/Sea-to-Sky
* Okanagan/Kootenays
* Cariboo
* Vancouver Island
LOWER MAINLAND / SEA-TO-SKY
New Westminster
Rodney Baker (fundraiser) or Eric Sault (education day), CMHA Simon Fraser branch, Tel: 604-516-8080
- Crescendo Choir – Saturday May 5th, Queens United Church, 529 Queens Street, 7pm. Spring celebration fundraising concert featuring Renaissance and contemporary music by members of the BC Choral Federation. All proceeds go toward funding a new housing project for people with mental illness. Tickets: $15 at the door ($10 if unwaged). Reserve a seat by calling 604-516-8080.
- Mental Health Education Day 2007: Inspiration and tools for a healthier life – Saturday May 12th, Douglas College, 700 Royal Avenue. Featuring Speaker Lee Chamberland, Fraser Health Authority Health Promotion and Prevention, Stand up for Mental Health, screening of the film The Devil and Daniel Johnston followed by discussion. Information booths set up. A joint venture between the New Westminster Mental Health Advisory and the Mental Illness Awareness Committee made up of BC Schizophrenia Society, Douglas College Psychology Department, Fraser Health and CMHA Simon Fraser branch.
North Vancouver
Katie Hughes, CMHA North and West Vancouver branch, Tel: 604-987-6959
- Health Lecture on Work and Life Accord - Wednesday, May 9th, 2nd floor of the John Braithwaite Community Centre, 145 West 1st Street, (between Chesterfield and Lonsdale Avenues), 7pm. This workshop provides information on how to clarify values, identify and resolve stress-producing imbalances, effectively apply available time and energy and develop a personal action plan. Speaker: Emma Carpenter. Emma joined Wilson Banwell Human Solutions as a Workplace Health Consultant in 2005. Emma currently provides workshops and trainings related to wellness, workplace skills and life skills.
Richmond
Barbara Fee (film screening) or Lisa Tomicki (thrift store), CMHA Richmond branch, Tel: 604-276-8834
- Free Mental Health Public Film Screening – Tuesday May 8th, Ralph Fisher Auditorium, Richmond Hospital, 7000 Westminster Hwy. Film is Working like Crazy, which looks at the inspiring stories of people with mental illness who run their own businesses. Followed by a post-screening discussion and information tables. Doors open / light refreshments at 7pm, film screening (no late seating) at 7:30pm. No registration required. Presented by Richmond Mental Health Services, Richmond Hospital's Department of Psychiatry, Richmond Mental Health Consumer & Friends Society, CMHA Richmond Branch
- Thrift Store Sale in honour of Mental Health Week – Tuesday, May 8th to Friday, May 11th, 10am - 2:30pm, CMHA Richmond Branch Thrift Store, 7351 Elmbridge Way. Get 2 clothing items for the price of 1! (sale applies only to clothes)
Vancouver
Dayna Driscoll (daisies) or Stella Lee (chinese programs), CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby branch, Tel: 604-872-4902
- Daisies for Mental Health – Monday May 7th, downtown Vancouver. Look out for CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby branch staff and volunteers near Burrard bus loop and skytrain handing out thousands of free daisies with cards attached on how to get more info on work/life balance.
- Chinese-language sessions on mental wellness and art therapy – starting Saturday May 5th and running weekly each Saturday in May, CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby branch, 175 West Broadway. Many may find themselves overwhelmed by their emotions without knowing how to face their problems or to describe them in words. This mental wellness art therapy series offers participants an opportunity to gain awareness of these thoughts and feelings in a supportive and interesting environment. May 5th: Getting to know each other through art expression; May 12: Family collage; May 19: Guided imagery and May 26: Colours as self-exploration. Facilitated by Roxanne Chou and Samantha Ng, professional art therapists. $20 charge (subsidies available). Contact CMHA for more information or to register.
- Chinese-language support group and seminar on “Music, Mood, and Mental Wellness” – Monday May 7th, CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby branch, 175 West Broadway, 7pm-9pm. For Mental Health Week, Dr. Albert Tan, Natural Healing Practitioner, and composer will share his love of music with the Emotional Health Support Group. He will share 14 of his melodies and tips of mental wellness with the group participants. Free. Presented by CMHA and Mood Disorders Association of BC.
Whistler
Katie Hughes, CMHA North and West Vancouver branch, Tel: 604-987-6959
- Depression Education and Screening – Whistler Secondary. May 9th and 10th. A two-day initiative to help young people and their parents through the early identification of mental health problems, such as depression.
White Rock/South Surrey
Debbie Sesula, CMHA White Rock/South Surrey, Tel: 604-536-2486
- Mental Health Wellness Walkabout to various White Rock/South Surrey businesses – Friday, May 11th. Take the Work-Life Balance Quiz to see if you have a healthy balance between work, family, social and community responsibilities.
OKANAGAN / KOOTENAYS
Cranbrook
Melissa Bax, CMHA for the Kootenays – Cranbrook, Tel: 250-426-7477 ext: 33
- Community Trade Fair – Wednesday May 9th, Eagles Hall, Kootenay Street N., 3-6pm. Many community organizations will have displays available for the public to come and learn more about what services are available in our community.
Shelagh Turner, CMHA Kelowna branch, Tel: 250-861-3644
- Artworks Studio Open House – Friday May 4th, CMHA Kelowna branch, 504 Sutherland Avenue (corner of Pandosy and Sutherland). Join the artists and staff at CMHA for the Artworks Studio Open House in celebration of Mental Health Week. You will be inspired by the work which demonstrates the positive impact arts and culture have on individual and community mental health.
Dawn Dunlop-Pugh, CMHA Salmon Arm branch, Tel: 250-832-8477
- Work-Life Balance Presentations to Community Groups throughout the week including Interior Health Authority, 3 local Rotary Groups, Shuswap Women in Business, and Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union. (Not open to general public)
- Display in Piccadilly Mall and Lobby of Salmon Arm branch, 433 Hudson Ave. NE
- Radio and newspaper promotions
- Prizes in CMHA Thrift Store all week.
Sue Flagel, CMHA for the Kootenays – Trail, Tel: 250-368-5223
- Awareness BBQ – Thursday May 10th, Silver City Gardens, our Senior Supported Housing site, at 1939 Columbia Ave, 5-7pm. Bring family and friends for a burger or hot dog and lots of fun
Sandy Rysen, CMHA Vernon and District branch, Tel: 250-542-3114
- Awakening the Spirit Art Show – Open until May 30th, Performing Arts Centre. Display and sale of paintings done by individuals living with a mental illness. Public viewings, Tuesdays 10:30am-12pm, during any event at the Centre or by appointment. (call 542-3114 ask for Sue to make arrangements)
- Information display on work-life balance – Vernon Library.
- Annual Appreciation Breakfast – Wednesday May 9th by invitation only.
- Look for special sales in the CMHA "Georgette Shop" thrift store all week. Information on Work-Life Balance on display. Tea is on us on Friday!
- Local media coverage on KISS (107.5 FM) and Morning Star newspaper.
- CMHA staff will be delivering pamphlets and posters to several businesses in our area. Call 542-3114 if you would like information or a short presentation to your management and staff on achieving the Work-Life Balance for your place of business.
CARIBOO
100 Mile House
Maggie Patterson-Dickey, CMHA 100 Mile House branch, Tel: 250-395-4883
- Community forum and information session – Tuesday May 7th, South Community Health Centre, 10am-12pm. Focus is on developing a local mental health resource package. Coffee and muffins will be served.
- Branch clients' excusion – Thursday May 10th.Hike (weather permitting) and plant nursery tour.
Doug Sage, CMHA Kamloops branch, Tel: 250-374-0440
- Information booth – main lobby of Royal Inland Hospital. In partnership with Interior Health Authority's Mental Health team.
- Door-to-door blitz of downtown businesses with information, handouts and a personal presence to
- bring the message of mental health to the workplace
- On-air interviews with TV and radio
- Special newspaper insert
Linda Doran, CMHA Prince George branch, Tel: 250-564-8644
- Display booth – Monday May 7th to Friday May 11th, Prince George Regional Hospital, booth staffed 10am-4pm
- Free draw for Basket of goodies from "The Gourmet Cup" in Pine Centre
- Kite Flying at Fort George Park – Sunday May 13 (Mother's Day)
- Walking tour of downtown agencies with a relationship to mental health – Friday May 11th, 12pm-2pm. Participating agencies include CMHA, Central Interior Native Health, Intersect, Alzheimers Society, Brain Injured Group, Crisis & Intervention Centre, Active Support Against Poverty, Youth Around Prince George, Drug and Addiction Recovery, BC Schizophrenia Society, Activity Centre for Empowerment, Northern Family Health Services, Community Policing.
Trevor Barnes, CMHA Williams Lake branch, Tel: 250-398-8220
- 'It's a Matter of Time' event – Thursday, May 10th, Clubhouse, 48 Oliver Street, 11:30am-3pm. Free luncheon with games and events from 11:30am to 1pm. After lunch, bowling until 3pm. Pamphlet display and information about branch programs at the luncheon.
VANCOUVER ISLAND
Courtenay
Kristin Bjarnason, CMHA Courtenay branch, Tel: 250-703-0370
- 11th Annual CMHA Fun Run/Walk – Saturday, May 12th, Courtenay Air Park, Registration starts at 9:15. Event starts at 10. Walk or run around the air park, listen to music by Nick Sullivan and friends, have refreshments and Tuie's famous cookies and take the Work-Life Balance Quiz that can help you gauge your own mental wellness. Your results will help you to recognize your strengths and identify areas where you could improve to help you stay in balance. Great door prizes too, and a Children's area for an art activity making Mothers Day cards.
Nanaimo
Chris Martens, CMHA Mid-Island branch, Tel: 250-716-8823
- Open House – Tuesday May 8th, Phoenix Centre Clubhouse, 3-6pm.
- Accentuate the Positive. Living Well: Enhancing Mental Health through the Creative Arts – Thursday May 10th, Beban Park Social Centre, 2300 Bowen Road, 8:30am–4pm. Features panels, workshops, and singing with the Eclectics, Gallery Gachet, and Beautiful Minds Choir. Registration required. No charge for admission but call 755-3362 before May 4th to register for lunch. Anyone interested in mental health is invited. Presented by the Nanaimo Mental Health & Addictions Advisory Council Forum Planning Committee and supported by Vancouver Island Health Authority, Columbian Centre Society and John Howard Society.
Port Alberni
Bob Hargreaves, CMHA Port Alberni branch, Tel: 250-724-7199
- Information booth – West Coast General Hospital, Monday May 7th to Friday May 11th, 2-4pm.
- Information booth – Zellers, Tuesday May 8th, 2907 3rd Ave, 2-4pm.
- Mental Health Week announcement and tips Shaw Cable, 3x an hour, 24 hours a day.
Victoria
Wendy Sahaydak, CMHA Victoria branch, Tel: 250-389-1211 ext. 235 OR Clive, Tel: 250-383-0936
- Open Minds, Open Mic: An evening of words and music presented by CMHA Victoria branch and the Pandora Arts Collective – Tuesday May 8th, 1923 Fernwood Road, 7:30-9:30 pm. Also a group art show in adjacent building at Little Fernwood Gallery which will run throughout May. Admission by donation, everyone welcome.
