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A Little 'Hello' and my 5-Year Anniversary
2009-01-23 04:21:00
Hi everyone,It's been almost one year since I've posted and wow have things changed!First of all, I'd like to share with you that it's been 5 years since my most major episode [with depression and anxiety]. I have learned so much since then and have been lucky to receive great support from friends, family, professionals, as well as readers like you!While I do not live symptom-free, I am content with life with mental illness. I am very self-aware and open about what I've been through and what I still live with. I am proud of the choices I've made with respect to divulging this information. Since I last wrote to you I started a new job - working as Communications and Fund Development Manager of Citizen Advocacy of Ottawa. It's a fantastic organization that has a mission to promote social inclusion of and provide advocacy support to people with disabilities in the Ottawa region. I feel right at home. I am also getting married to a wonderful person who is very understanding of ...
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A new year, a new me
2008-02-12 03:10:00
Obviously, I've been inactive in posting for 2 months. In part, this was because I was undergoing psychiatric evaluation and wanted to wait until the assessment was complete. The words "psychiatric evaluation" may scare some people. That's normal, I suppose, but not necessarily right in my opinion. Hopefully, this will change over time. For the record, I am completely fine - very healthy. I was asked by my GP last fall if I'd ever seen a psychiatrist. While I had been diagnosed with depression previously (I am not depressed now), I'd always been curious about my anxiety condition. I was quite sick 3 years ago and had not received a detailed diagnosis. I literally jumped at the offer to see the psychiatrist. I think I made a positive choice in learning more about my body, my mind, and myself. As it turns out, what I've been living with for years is Panic Disorder (with mild agoraphobia). I'd rather call it a condition and not a disorder - but I'm not ashamed to live with it. I...
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Mental Health of Government Assisted Refugees: Launch of Community-Based Re
2007-12-04 02:58:00
Access Alliance Multicultural Community Health Centre (AAMCHC) in collaboration with Dr Carles Muntaner, Psychiatry and Addiction Nursing Research Chair at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, is initiating a new research initiative focused on exploring mental health issues for Government Assisted Refugees (GARs). In line with Access Alliance?s commitment to community-based participatory research principles, they will be recruiting GARs themselves to sit on our advisory committee and work as research collaborators in this project.
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Way to go Ipsos-Reid - keep the surveys coming on mental health
2007-11-22 04:32:00
New mental health survey sheds more light on impact of depression in the workplace TORONTO, Nov. 19, 2007 /CNW/ - The Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace (the Centre) today announced the release of a newsurvey on the impact of depression in the workplace. The survey, commissionedby the Centre and conducted by Ipsos-Reid this fall in association with theGlobal Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health , askedmanagers and employees about their personal experiences with depression. The Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace representsa long term, public service commitment. The Centre has two objectives: toincrease knowledge and awareness, and to turn knowledge into action - to helpemployers, managers and employees prevent and reduce the impacts of mentalhealth issues in the workplace. "This study sheds additional light on the issue of depression in theworkplace and provides us with some revealing data on how managers...
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Mood Disorders Association of Ontario: Inspiration Awards
2007-11-12 04:46:00
Please nominate someone who has made a difference in your life! From MDAO:In our journey through mood disorders, we know there are many inspirational people who, through their love, caring, and support inspire us.The MDAO Heart Inspiration Award is awarded to an individual who has given exceptional support as a caregiver, a loved one, a friend, a co-worker. They have put their Heart and soul into a caring relationship to help someone through the worst of times.MDAO is seeking nominations for such an extraordinary individual. On February 9 2008, one individual will be selected by a panel of judges to receive this award. Please use the attached nomination form and tell us how they have ?touched your Heart.?
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Could your depression be your greatest asset?
2007-10-31 17:14:00
This link is work checking out.
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Kaiser Foundation - National Awards for Excellence
2007-10-26 03:30:00
The National Awards for Excellence Program is supported by the Kaiser Foundation , Federal and Provincial governments and other national partners in order to recognize the selfless and outstanding work of individuals and organizations across Canada who are reducing the harm associated with addictive behaviour, substance use and mental health issues through their leadership, new ideas, research and education.There are seven award categories for which Canadians can be nominated: * Excellence in Public Policy * Excellence in Community Programming * Excellence in Aboriginal Programming * Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use Programming * Excellence in Leadership * Excellence in Youth Leadership * Excellence in Media ReportingEach of the award recipients receives a $10,000 grant to be given to a recognized charity of their choice. The winners and a guest are provided with accommodation and airfare to the host city (Calgary in 2008) to attend the awards ceremo...
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Average length of hospital stay higher for mental illness patients
2007-10-12 03:18:00
October 11, 2007--A new annual report from the Canadian Institute for Health Information shows that in 2004-2005 patients diagnosed with mental illness represented 6% of all general hospital discharges or deaths (separations) in Canada, but 13% of all inpatient days. This is due to the fact that, on average, mental illness patients had longer stays in general hospitals (17 days) compared to other patients (7 days). The average length of stay was even longer for those in psychiatric hospitals (109 days, excluding Quebec data).During the same period, mood disorders were the primary diagnoses in over a third (34%) of all mental illness separations for general and psychiatric hospitals combined, followed by schizophrenic and psychotic disorders (21%) and substance-related disorders (16%). The mood-disorder diagnosis group was the largest for all provinces and territories, with the exception of the Northwest Territories, where the substance-related disorder group was the largest.Hospital ...
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Mental Illness Awareness Week 2007
2007-10-01 04:07:00
Dear readers,I'd like to reach out and say I'm thinking about those of you who are currently experiencing mental illness and those who have lost someone to suicide. Whether or not we know each other, I'm listening.~Let there be light~JenniferFaces of Mental Illness Awareness Week 2007Meet this year's FacesMy story from MIAW 2006About Mental Illness Awareness WeekMental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is an annual national public education campaign designed to help open the eyes of Canadians to the reality of mental illness. The week was established in 1992 by the Canadian Psychiatric Association, and is now coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) in cooperation with all its member organizations and many other supporters across Canada.Campaign elements include: a grassroots public education initiative; a nationally-distributed poster and bookmark series; the 5th Annual Champions of Mental Health Awards luncheon in Ottawa and an education in...

Out-of-body experiences
2007-09-16 06:01:00
Have you ever had an out-of-body experience? If you live with an anxiety disorder, chances are you have or at least come close. During a severe panic attack (some are milder than others) one can experience depersonalization and/or derealization. I have often experienced derealization during panic attacks, but only once did I have an extreme case of depersonalization. It was absolutely terrifying. Literally, I lost my "sense of self" and was outside my own body - is was like I had a mind and no body - sort of floating in mid air or something. It sounds crazy, and well, it was. In fact, I have not found an online definition which describes my episode in its fully intensity (sorry Wikipedia!). Interestingly, scientists are now creating virtual out-of-body experiences for willing volunteers. I suppose that this virtual method may soon be used for desensitization purposes. While I don't think I would be first in line to try it, nonetheless, it might be worth trying if it is shown to red...
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Mental Illness and Relationships
2007-09-12 04:12:00
I am interested in finding out from my readers, especially those who've experienced mental illness, what their relationships are like with others who have mental illness. I'd like to hear your opinion on 2 things: -the quantity of relationships one with mental illness has with others with mental illness compared to that of the regular population (outside of support groups, health facilities, etc); other than the normal meetings spots previously mentioned, do find people with mental illness tend to group together? Are there patterns? Are we 'drawn to one another' somehow?-the quality of the relationship one with mental illness has with others with mental illness; I'm most interested in stories involving work or personal relationships outside of typical health settings. How did you find out the other person had a mental illness? Did you disclose first? While scientific research is interesting, I'd really like to know your opinion from your own experience. You can post as anonymo...
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Well done Nova Scotia!
2007-08-31 16:04:00
The province of Nova Scotia is promoting a "culture of moderation" around alcohol use...Ottawa, August 31, 2007 - The Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA), a national organization working to reduce alcohol- and drug-related harm, welcomes Nova Scotia's new alcohol strategy, Changing the Culture of Alcohol Use in Nova Scotia, and is particularly pleased that the provincial strategy embraces a "culture of moderation" as outlined in recent recommendations for a National Alcohol Strategy.An expert working group, co-chaired by CCSA, the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission and Health Canada, was created to develop consensus on recommendations for a National Alcohol Strategy. The multi-sectoral working group had representatives from government, non-governmental organizations, industry and regulatory bodies, and the research community. Nova Scotia is the first province to interpret the recommendations for a National Alcohol Strategy at the provincial level."We are very pleased t...
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Mental disorders account for more than half of hospital stays among the hom
2007-08-30 16:06:00
New CIHI report offers overview of links between mental health, mental illness and homelessnessAugust 30, 2007?Mental disorders accounted for 52% of acute care hospitalizations among the homeless in 2005?2006 (outside Quebec), according to a new report released today by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). In addition, the report shows that 35% of visits to selected emergency departments (EDs)?mostly in Ontario?by homeless people were related to mental and behavioural disorders, a proportion that is higher than that for other patients (3%).The Improving the Health of Canadians: Mental Health and Homelessness report provides an overview of the latest research, surveys and policy initiatives related to mental health and homelessness and, for the first time, presents data on hospital use by homeless Canadians.?Mental illness affects a broad range of Canadians; most people with compromised mental health are not homeless, and many people who are homeless have never been ...
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Allergies and mental health
2007-08-23 03:19:00
I've had a ragweed allergy every August and September for the last few years. It seems to get worse each year and why it only appeared in my 20s is beyond me. Anyway, I do take an antihistamine to prevent the sneezing, etc. However, I am having difficulty with the fatigue-lethargy-malaise combo. Many of you with allergies know what I'm talking about. How do you cope? For those of you who experience depression or other mental health issues how do you cope when you're depressed during allergy season?This article is quite relevant:Psychiatric News September 20, 2002Volume 37 Number 18© 2002 American Psychiatric Associationp. 23Clinical & Research NewsRagweed Allergy May Trigger Depression, MalaiseJoan Arehart-TreichelSneezing, a runny or congested nose, and swollen, itchy eyes are the well-known symptoms of ragweed allergy. And to those should be added malaise and depression, at least for some ragweed sufferers.August and September are rarely a favorite time of year for the some 36 ...
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CBC Passionate Eye Documentary on Using Comedy to Fight Mental Illness and
2007-08-21 15:35:00
Cracking Up is a life-affirming documentary about people with mental illness who embark on a quirky quest to become stand up comics. The film follows 11 courageous people who suffer from mental illness as they pursue a year of stand up comedy. Part fun and part therapy, the course, entitled Stand Up For Mental Health is the brainchild of Vancouver counselor, stand-up comic, and author of The Happy Neurotic: How Fear and Angst Can Lead To Happiness and Success David Granirer. "It's like 'The Full Monty' except people want us to keep our clothes on", he says.Doing stand-up comedy has had an amazing effect on the people in the course. For the first time in their lives, they have embraced the word crazy, and learned to laugh at their mental illness - and their audiences are laughing right along with them. They have discovered a talent they never dreamt they had.Airs nationally on August 30 at 9 p.m. On CBC's Doc Zone. For more information http://www.standupformentalhealth.com
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Complementary and Alternative Medicine ( CAM ) and Mental Health
2007-08-16 15:30:00
August 31 ? September 2, 2007 Medicine Hat, ABContinuing Medical Education CAM ConferenceThe first Canadian Conference on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Mental Health marks the inaugural gathering of a wide range of specialists in the field of CAM, to discuss its relation and impact on issues of mental health. Experts in the areas such as naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture will connect with an array of health care professionals in Medicine Hat to raise awareness of alternative treatments in the field of mental health.For more information: www.camspecialistsconnect.com.
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Canada's public service is depressed
2007-07-31 15:41:00
Number of depressed workers claiming disability doubles in a decade Don ButlerThe Ottawa CitizenDepressed and anxious public servants comprise by far the largest group of federal employees on disability insurance. And their ranks have expanded rapidly since the early 1990s.The information appears in a major federal study of public service compensation that calls for sweeping changes to benefit programs for government workers.The study was posted without fanfare on Treasury Board's website last week.According to the study, about 4.3 per cent of the federal government's 200,000 unionized workers -- nearly 8,500 in total -- were on disability in 2002.Though that proportion hasn't changed markedly since the mid-1990s, the number of public servants citing disabling depression and anxiety nearly doubled to more than 44 per cent in 2002 from 23.7 in 1991.That's far and away the largest trigger for disability claims by federal government workers. Cancer, at 14.2 per cent, is next.The go...
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Mental Health Commission of Canada
2007-07-17 04:14:00
The website is now up for the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC). Note that the MHCC is seeking applications until August 5th for a President/CEO.
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Mental Health Literacy
2007-06-25 21:29:00
The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is in the midst of developing a national strategy on improving mental health literacy in Canada. They are surveying as many Canadians as possible. Mental health literacy is defined as the knowledge, beliefs and abilities that enable the recognition, management or prevention of mental health problems. CAMIMH's investigations thus far indicate that enhanced mental health literacy appears to confer a range of benefits: prevention, early recognition and intervention, and reduction of stigma associated with mental illness.If you are interested in becoming involved in this initiative you are requested to fill out the following survey. All submissions will be treated as confidential.Ce questionnaire est aussi disponible en français.L?Alliance canadienne pour la maladie mentale et la santé mentale (ACMMSM) est au c?ur du développement d?une stratégie nationale pour améliorer l?alphabétisme en matière de santé mentale au Can...
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International Initiative on Mental Health Leadership
2007-06-25 15:20:00
The international meeting of the International Initiative on Mental Health Leadership is fast approaching. Canada will be hosting the formal events in Ottawa at the Chateau Laurier from August 29 - 31, 2007. As a member of this initiative, the National Network for Mental Health will be hosting like organizations from around the globe including but not limited to the following guests:- Jenny Speed, Deputy Director, Australian Mental Health Consumer Network Inc (Australia)- Noreen Fitzgibbon, Regional Co-ordinator, Cork, CountyCork, Irish Advocacy Network (Ireland)- Judi Chamberlin, Consumer Survivor / User Advocate, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (United States)- Shaun McNeil, Secretary, VOX-Voices Of eXperience (Scotland)- Susan Crooks, Chief Executive Officer, THE LIGHT HOUSE TRUST (New Zealand- Anne Beales, Director, Together Working for Well Being (United Kingdom) For more information on this initiative please visit this website.

RBC donates $2 million for children's mental health
2007-06-22 18:44:00
Thank you RBC! Toronto, ON, June 22, 2007 - The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) will be furthering much-needed training, research and outreach into paediatric mental health thanks to a $2 million commitment from RBC. June 21's official announcement is part of a week-long employee celebration of RBC "Putting Communities FIRST," that this evening will see hundreds of committed RBC employees walking five kilometres to SickKids in support of the hospital.This $2 million gift from the RBC Foundation will allow SickKids to share critical knowledge with remote communities and focus on advanced training opportunities in clinical research through fellowships while providing seed funding for new research opportunities."Our ultimate goal is to find the causes of behavioural and emotional problems affecting children and adolescents in order to sharpen our treatment interventions. Our hope is that greater knowledge will reduce stigma and help improve long-term outcomes for children and yo...
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Time for renewal
2007-06-19 04:47:00
No matter how much I prepare for moving, it still becomes a stressful event. To give you a sense of what I went through this weekend my movers were 6 hours late and scratched up my dining room table. At least I HAD movers as it would have taken a long time to do everything without them.Now, to finish unpacking. This part is a mentally healthy event. Establishing order in my surroundings is something others with anxiety disorders can relate to, I'm sure.
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What is recovery?
2007-05-25 18:34:00
The National Network For Mental Health (NNMH) included these definitions of recovery in its latest newsletter. They are taken from ReStorying Psychiatric Disability: Learning From First Person Accounts of Recovery (P. Ridgeway, 2001).*Recovery is the reawakening of hope after despair.*Recovery is breaking through denial and achieving understanding and acceptance.*Recovery is moving from withdrawal to engagement and active participation in life.*Recovery is active coping rather than passive adjustment.*Recovery means no longer viewing oneself primarily as a mental patient and reclaiming a positive sense of self.*Recovery is a journey from alienation to purpose.*Recovery is a complex journey.*Recovery is not accomplished alone-it involves support and partnership.My favourite description above is that of recovery as a complex journey. Illness & recovery are not black & white phenomena. One can follow the other. But, they can be cyclical as well. Also, a person can be both recovering an...

Call for volunteers at Mood Disorders Ottawa
2007-05-15 22:49:00
Mood Disorders Ottawa (MDO), formerly Depression and Manic Depression Mutual Support Group, is seeking volunteers to help with a variety of functions including fundraising, bookkeeping, and events organization. MDO welcomes volunteers with different backgrounds and skill sets including persons who live with or have recovered from mental illness. The organization is in need of new board members as well who will seek nomination at its June annual general meeting. Board members must be able to meet a time commitment of one evening meeting each month (usually the 1st Wednesday) as well as a couple hours extra per month for board work. Positions to be filled include the roles of President, Vice-President (x2), Treasurer, and others. The Ottawa-based organization is also looking for speakers for it's upcoming 2007-2008 season. Health professionals are encouraged to share with MDO information relevant to the mood disorders community. These Information Meetings are open to the public and h...
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Only 3 days left
2007-05-11 03:36:00
It's Children's Mental Health Week.If you haven't yet signed the petition, now is the time. With only 3 days left, this week-long campaign needs just a few more signatures. It has, thus far, reached 75% of its goal.Support children's mental health now!* Log on to the secure website then click on SIGN OUR PETITION
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Petition for Children's Mental Health
2007-05-01 14:06:00
Send a message to the Ontario provincial government:The opportunity to demonstrate your support for 1 in 5 children and youth who are troubled by mental health issues, is still open. Life long mental health difficulties so often start in our young. With your help, our efforts to bring this issue the attention it needs can be achieved. By May 13th, the end of Child ren's Mental Health Week, we aim to have 5000 names on our petition.So far we are almost 20% along and look for your help in moving this number up.This petition will not only be sent to the heads of our provincial parties, we can use the strength of its numbers to bolster our messaging in upcoming meetings and other advocacy efforts.If you have not already signed the petition, you still have time.* Log on to the secure website http://www.parentsforchildrensmentalhealt h.org/ then click on SIGN OUR PETITION* Be sure to forward this to your family, friends and colleagues. Thank youConsumers and Advocates Committee of the Pro...
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Welcoming the weather and excercise!
2007-04-26 00:27:00
It's been awhile since my last post (apologies!). Many things have been happening in my life lately. Notably, I have been busy working and, in my spare time, enjoying the wonderful weather we've been getting in Ottawa - and it's about time we have some sunshine!I know many people who deal with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) during the winter (depression due to lack of sunlight). I have had difficulty with this in the past. Fortunately, the last 2 winters have been warmer than usual so I was outdoors more often. Now, snowshoeing has turned to biking and hiking for me. I can't highlight enough the importance of physical exercise for mental health. I'll admit that I'm a bit of a hypocrite: some days, it seems difficult to get motivated to exercise. Thus, I am trying harder to build exercise into my life in non-traditional ways. I have never been a big fan of going to the gym or doing routine workouts. As well, I need some mental training to increase motivation when I don't ...
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MIAW News / Nouvelles SSMM
2007-04-03 18:33:00
The 2006 ?Faces? Campaign ? Call for NominationsOnce again, we are calling on members of the CAMIMH network to assist us in finding the ?Faces? for MIAW 2007. If you know someone who is living successfully with mental illness and who is willing to share their story to inspire others, please nominate them. To request a nomination package, please send us an email.La campagne «Visages» 2007 ? Demande de candidaturesUne fois de plus, nous faisons appel aux membres du réseau de l?ACMMSM pour nous aider à trouver les «Visages» de la SSMM 2007. Si vous connaissez quelqu?un qui réussit à bien vivre avec la maladie mentale et qui consentirait à partager son histoire pour inspirer d?autres personnes, veuillez proposer sa candidature. Pour obtenir une trousse de mise en candidature, veuillez nous envoyer un courriel.-------------------------------- ------------------------------I participated in the 2006 campaign. You can visit my profile here.
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On gratitude
2007-04-02 03:02:00
It?s Sunday and my partner needed to spend a day at the office. I thought I?d be productive and get some work done too. So, we drove downtown together and went our separate ways to clock time. My first stop was the public library at 11:00 a.m. I pulled on the door handle and it was stuck ? actually ? it was locked. I noticed the hours of operation posted nearby. To my surprise, the main branch does not open until 1:00 p.m. on Sundays. Laptop in tow, I found a spot across the street at a coffee shop. A ?Hot Spot?, Internet users can log-on for a fee and enjoy some steaming brew. I have used wireless in coffee shops before. My usual haunt offers wireless for free and the simplicity of entering a password provided by the cashier. At today?s location, I was instructed to provide my cell phone number?in order to receive a text message with the necessary password?for $7.50 an hour. Well, I forgot my cell phone at home and my Blackberry is on the fritz so this wasn?t going to w...
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Mental health groups thrilled with budget announcement
2007-03-20 20:43:00
In May 2006, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs Science and Technology, led by Senator Michael Kirby, released the final report “Out of the Shadows at Last: Transforming Men tal Health , Mental Illness and Addiction Services in Canada�. One of the report’s major recommendations was to establish a Mental Health Commission. Yesterday, Canada’s government announced funding for the creation of the commission. Mental health groups across Canada are welcoming the news with open arms. Here is what some mental health spokespersons are saying:“The establishment of the commission legitimizes our concerns that Canada can do a better job in providing mental health services for its citizens,� said Chris Summerville, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada. “It gives us the opportunity to reclaim the lives of those with mental illness who have been left in the shadows of stigma and discrimination and a fragmented mental health system.�"...
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