A new year, a new me

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 4 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. In an acute state it can make life quite disorderly. However, when it's under control, like in my situation, I can live a very good life. I think the more people who talk about mental illness, the faster we can debunk the stigma surrounding it. So, I am not worried about telling the world.

Below you'll find a definition of Panic Disorder from the Canadian Mental Health Association.

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Fear is a natural, instinctive reaction to dangerous situations. It is what causes us to escape from a burning building. A sudden rush of fear protects us, by alerting us to danger and stimulating adrenaline so that we think and move more rapidly than usual. But for people with phobias or panic disorder, fear is an overwhelming and unwelcome feature of their daily lives. They are struck by fears which they know are irrational and illogical, yet which are so powerful and unpredictable that they drastically change their lives to avoid feared situations.

Phobias and panic disorder are anxiety disorders, which are among the most common of mental health problems. In fact, it is estimated that 1 in 10 people are affected by anxiety disorders. These conditions are medical disorders, but they are often mistaken for weakness or self-indulgence. Because of this common mistake and because of the stigma associated with mental illness, people with anxiety disorders are often misunderstood and neglected, by society and sometimes by health care professionals.

Treatment exists to help people with phobias and panic disorder, and research into new therapies and techniques continues. By learning more about these conditions, you can help remove the social stigma that prevents so many people from seeking help to cope with their illness.

It is estimated that some 2 million Canadians suffer from panic disorder. Of those who have sought treatment for their symptoms, approximately two-thirds are women. Panic disorder typically begins in a person's late teen years, or early 2Os, but children are known to suffer from the disorder. Research is discovering more information about genetic causes of panic disorder.

Agoraphobia frequently accompanies panic disorder. This is the fear of being in places or situations which would be difficult to escape from, or in which it would be difficult to find help, should a person suffer a panic attack.

Panic Disorder without Agoraphobia - Panic attacks are terrifying episodes during which the person is convinced they are about to die or collapse. Without warning, an individual is suddenly overwhelmed by emotional and physical sensations that signal imminent death. These can include heart palpitations, choking, nausea, faintness, dizziness, chest pain and sweating.

Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia - Women are roughly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with panic disorder with agoraphobia. This occurs when a person with panic disorder goes to great lengths to avoid situations which they feel they could not escape from or obtain help if struck by a panic attack. In some cases, people develop a fear of being alone. People with agoraphobia often avoid public transport or shopping malls, others refuse to leave their homes, sometimes for years at a time.

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Not fun stuff. But, I made it through! I don't wish to go into further detail at this time. But, I will accept emails and do my best to respond to them individually if there are questions or comments.

My second reason for not posting of late is because I am focusing my energies on community volunteerism and other forms of advocacy, primarily "in person". I feel that it is the best way for me to help others at this point in my life. I may still post from time to time, but infrequently.

To all Ottawa readers, I encourage you to check out eMentalHealth.ca for your mental health resource needs. The site includes a wealth of information on housing and employment resources, counseling and crisis services, etc.

Thanks for reading,

Jennifer

Way to go Ipsos-Reid - keep the surveys coming on mental health

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 new
survey on the impact of depression in the workplace. The survey, commissioned
by the Centre and conducted by Ipsos-Reid this fall in association with the
Global Business and Economic Roundtable on Addiction and Mental Health, asked
managers and employees about their personal experiences with depression.

The Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace represents
a long term, public service commitment. The Centre has two objectives: to
increase knowledge and awareness, and to turn knowledge into action - to help
employers, managers and employees prevent and reduce the impacts of mental
health issues in the workplace.

"This study sheds additional light on the issue of depression in the
workplace and provides us with some revealing data on how managers and
employees view this serious issue," said Mike Schwartz, Executive Director of
the Centre. "This is the first research project to be commissioned by the
Centre, and consistent with our public service objective, we are pleased to
make the results available to the public and to the Mental Health Commission
of Canada."

The survey revealed that:

- 19% of Canadian workers missed three or more work days due to
depression, stress or anxiety in the last 12 months
- 64% of employees who had been diagnosed as clinically depressed or
believed that they suffered from depression felt that a specific
event in their life triggered the depression
- Only 18% of Canadian managers said they had received training to help
them identify and deal with employees who exhibit signs of depression

Schwartz encouraged Canadian employers, managers and employees to take
time to read and understand the survey, and to become engaged in the issue of
mental health.

"The issue of mental health is complex and touches many lives," said
Schwartz. "By becoming informed and engaged, Canadian employers, managers and
employees can take steps today to better address workplace mental health
issues."

About the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace

Established in June 2007, the Great-West Life Centre for Mental Health in
the Workplace brings a unique focus to an important issue for Canadian
employers, managers, and employees. Focused specifically on the workplace, the
Centre is working to increase awareness and understanding and to help
employers take concrete steps to prevent and reduce employee mental health
issues. The Centre is a long-term, public service commitment to this very
important social and economic issue.

Results of the Ipsos-Reid survey will be available shortly on the
Centre's website at www.greatwestlife.com/centreformentalhealth.

About Great-West Life

Founded in Winnipeg in 1891, The Great-West Life Assurance Company has
long been a leader in the group benefits marketplace. Great-West Life is a
member of the Power Financial Corporation group of companies.

For further information: Marlene Klassen, APR, Assistant Vice-President,
Communications Services, (204) 946-7705

Could your depression be your greatest asset?

This link is work checking out.

Mental Illness Awareness Week 2007

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~

Jennifer


Faces of Mental Illness Awareness Week 2007
Meet this year's Faces

My story from MIAW 2006


About Mental Illness Awareness Week

Mental 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 initiative with federal Members of Parliament, both in their home ridings and on Parliament Hill.

Well done Nova Scotia!

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 to see Nova Scotia's commitment to and investment in reducing alcohol-related harm and we celebrate their efforts to proactively address problematic alcohol use," said CCSA's Chief Executive Officer, Michel Perron.

Both the provincial and national strategic approaches focus on alcohol from a public health perspective and underline alcohol's significant role in contributing to health and social harms in Canada. The national report, Reducing Alcohol-Related Harm in Canada: Toward a Culture of Moderation- Recommendations for a National Alcohol Strategy addresses four key strategic action areas: health promotion, prevention and education; health impacts and treatment; availability of alcohol; and safer communities.

"The development of recommendations for a National Alcohol Strategy was the result of a collaborative and dedicated approach by a diverse group of stakeholders and we must build on that success by ensuring a strong, complementary and applied execution of the Strategy," said Mr. Perron. "As co-chair, CCSA has taken an active role in promoting and monitoring the implementation of this national initiative and has identified several recommendations that will be a priority in the coming months, including enhanced efforts to transfer knowledge around prevention, treatment and population health policies and programs."

To access the national report, please visit the CCSA website at or the website for the National Framework for Action to Reduce the Harms Associated with Alcohol and Other Drugs and Substances in Canada.

For More Information Contact :
Brooke Bryce
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA)
(613) 235-4048 ext. 243
bbryce@ccsa.ca

Mental disorders account for more than half of hospital stays among the homeless in Canada

New CIHI report offers overview of links between mental health, mental illness and homelessness

August 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 diagnosed with a mental illness,” says Dr. Jennifer Zelmer, Vice President, Research and Analysis at CIHI. “However, studies show that people who are homeless are more likely to suffer from a mental illness or compromised mental health than the general population.”

For example, the leading reasons for hospital use were different for homeless patients and others. Mental disorders were the most common diagnoses among homeless patients admitted to an acute care hospital in 2005–2006 (52% of admissions). The most frequent reasons for hospitalization among other patients were pregnancy and childbirth (13%). Likewise, 35% of visits by homeless persons to selected EDs (mostly in Ontario) were related to mental disorders; injury and poisonings were the most common reasons for ED visits among other patients (25%). Among ED patients recorded as homeless, the most common type of mental disorder was substance abuse, which accounted for 54% of visits (62% for homeless men and 30% for homeless women), followed by other psychotic disorders (20% of visits), such as schizophrenia.
Homelessness linked with stress, coping, low self-esteem, low levels of social support and suicide

The report notes many factors both at the individual and broader social level—such as housing, income and the ability to cope—that have been shown to contribute to the onset or duration of homelessness. Many of these same factors are also linked to compromised mental health.

“This report explores the complex relationship between mental health and homelessness,” says Dr. Elizabeth Votta, Program Lead at the Canadian Population Health Initiative, a program of CIHI. “People with severe mental illness may experience limited housing, employment and income options. On the other hand, people who are homeless tend to report higher stress, lower self-worth, less social support and different coping strategies, factors that are associated with depressive symptoms, substance abuse, suicidal behaviours and poor self-rated health.”

Research cited in the report indicates that the homeless often experience more difficulty coping with stress, experience lower self-esteem and have less social support than people who are not homeless. For example:

-A study in Ottawa revealed that homeless male youth reported stress levels more than twice as high as levels reported by a group of non-homeless youth.

-A study in Kitchener–Waterloo showed that street youth were more likely to engage in substance abuse and self-harm as a means of coping. Non-homeless youth were more likely to cope by talking to someone they trusted or through productive problem-solving.

-A national survey found that 2% of males and 6% of females aged 15 to 24 reported having attempted suicide in Canada. Studies report higher rates among homeless youth. For example, a 2006 British Columbia survey indicates that 15% of males and 30% of females who were street-involved and marginalized reported having attempted suicide at least once in the previous 12 months.

The report also cites many examples of research linking mental illness and homelessness. These studies, conducted across Canada with different methods and over different periods of time, tended to show higher levels of diagnosed mental illness among people who were homeless than among the population as a whole. Several studies also indicate that rates of substance abuse are higher among the homeless than among other Canadians. Research suggests that homeless individuals with both a substance abuse disorder and a mental illness diagnosis are likely to remain homeless longer than others.

Canadian Population Health Initiative

The Canadian Population Health Initiative (CPHI) is part of the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). CPHI supports research to advance knowledge on the determinants of health in Canada and to develop policy options to improve population health and reduce health inequalities.

About CIHI

The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) collects and analyzes information on health and health care in Canada and makes it publicly available. Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments created CIHI as a not-for-profit, independent organization dedicated to forging a common approach to Canadian health information. CIHI’s goal: to provide timely, accurate and comparable information. CIHI’s data and reports inform health policies, support the effective delivery of health services and raise awareness among Canadians of the factors that contribute to good health.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

Christina Lawand
613-241-7860 ext. 4310
Cell: 613-299-5695
clawand@cihi.ca

Leona Hollingsworth
613-241-7860 ext. 4140
Cell: 613-612-3914
lhollingsworth@cihi.ca

The report and the following figures and tables are available from CIHI’s website at www.cihi.ca.

Table 1. Top Five Reasons for Emergency Department Visits by the Homeless and Others, 2005–2006 (based on Table 4 in the report)

Table 2. Top Five Reasons for Inpatient Hospitalization Among the Homeless and Others, 2005–2006 (based on Table 5 in the report)

Table 3. Reported Mental Illness Among Canada’s Homeless in a Sample of Canadian Cities: Results From Selected Studies (based on Table 2 in the report)

CBC Passionate Eye Documentary on Using Comedy to Fight Mental Illness and Stigma

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

Complementary and Alternative Medicine ( CAM ) and Mental Health

August 31 ― September 2, 2007 Medicine Hat, AB

Continuing Medical Education CAM Conference

The 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.

Canada's public service is depressed

Number of depressed workers claiming disability doubles in a decade

Don Butler
The Ottawa Citizen

Depressed 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 government's 40,000 or so managers and non-unionized workers make proportionately fewer disability claims than their unionized colleagues. In 2002, just 2.8 per cent were collecting disability insurance. But fully 58 per cent of them cited "mental/nervous" afflictions in 2002, up from 44 per cent in 1992.

For the rest of this story see www.ottawacitizen.com.

*****

While I worked for the public service for only 2 years I knew a few people who took stress leave in my department. In fact, it was during my time in the public service that my own mental illness progressed rapidly. At the end of my stint in the public service I had what some would call a nervous breakdown.

Note that I am not suggesting that working for the public service caused me to become sick. It was a combination of many factors. However, I can say with certainty that one department in which I worked was not conducive to good mental health. At the time, it wasn't a good fit for me. Nonetheless, I managed to produce excellent work during my time there and I received positive reviews by my supervisors.

For the most part, I enjoyed my work experience. I learned tons and was paid well considering I started as a student. I also met some great people who are still friends today. There were just certain frustrations with working for the public services that I have not experienced with the same severity elsewhere.

Out of respect for my former colleagues and government employer I would rather not go into detail about the negatives here. If you have questions, please email me.

Mental Health Literacy

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 cœur du développement d’une stratégie nationale pour améliorer l’alphabétisme en matière de santé mentale au Canada. Par conséquent, ils enquêtient autant de Canadiens que possible. L’alphabétisme en matière de santé mentale est défini comme étant les connaissances, les croyances et les aptitudes qui facilitent la détection, la gestion ou la prévention des problèmes de santé mentale. Jusqu’à maintenant, les investigations de l’ACMMSM indiquent que l’alphabétisme en matière de santé mentale semble conférer une variété d’avantages : La prévention, la détection précoce et l’intervention, et la réduction du stigmate associé avec la maladie mentale.

Si vous êtes intéressé à vous engager dans cette initiative, nous vous demandons de remplir le sondage suivant. Toutes les soumissions seront traitées dans la plus stricte confidentialité.

Only 3 days left

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

Going Green for Mental Health

The environment, being green - it's all over the news and a big topic of conversation.

I had always thought of myself as environmentally-friendly, but with all the commotion lately, I've felt the urge to make further improvements.

Something as simple as walking to the store for groceries, instead of driving, will greatly reduce impact on air quality. Plus, the behaviour provides great benefits to one's physical and mental health. For me, I find the simple act of changing a behaviour into a more positive one makes me feel better. Furthermore, getting fresh air, a little sun, and exercise from the process are added bonuses.

During my shopping excursion, I purchased canvas/cloth grocery bags from my local Loblaws/Superstore for 99 cents each. I now have half a dozen bags to carry my food home more easily (without the stretching and ripping of plastic). An added bonus to my mental health: putting an end to the accumulation of non-biodegradable plastic bags stuffed under my kitchen sink which annoyingly fall out when I open the cupboard.

Other little things you can do to improve the environment and reap the benefits toward better mental health:

-reduce transportation emissions from buying local produce and derive a warm, fuzzy feeling from improving your own community / local economy
-instead of sending items to the landfill, donate used clothes and furniture to a local charity or second-hand shop
-turn off lights and electronics when not in use, not only will the environment thank you so will your mental health when you see that your monthly bills are lowered

How are you helping the environment? What have you tried? Do you notice any benefits toward your mental health, direct or indirect?

I am interested in hearing everyone's comments.

Petition for Children's Mental Health

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 Children'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.parentsforchildrensmentalhealth.org/ then click on SIGN OUR PETITION
* Be sure to forward this to your family, friends and colleagues.

Thank you
Consumers and Advocates Committee of the Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Heath
Parents for Children's Mental Health
Youth Net/Réseau Ado

MIAW News / Nouvelles SSMM

The 2006 “Faces” Campaign – Call for Nominations

Once 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 candidatures

Une 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.

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I participated in the 2006 campaign. You can visit my profile here.

Joni Boon

(January 17, 1975 – February 16, 2007)

Beautiful, intelligent, charismatic and creative. A teacher, wife, daughter, sister, and friend. Joni was truly a wonderful person.

Like most people, Joni got sick from time to time. She lived with bipolar disorder, a mental and physical illness, but was otherwise very healthy. Joni did everything she could to look after herself.

Unfortunately, bipolar disorder brought Joni into a deep depression – worse than anything she’d experienced before.

Some people say she took her own life. They’re wrong. She did not want to die. She loved life more than anything else. She wanted to live it, give it, and make it – she wanted children. But, mental illness took it all away.

Things I’ve learned from Joni:

*Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed about

*You are not your illness, it is only part of you

*Once you’ve been diagnosed with mental illness, you gain control and can learn how to live better

*If you have mental illness, research as much as you can about it

*Mental illness can be used as a tool for helping others. For example, Joni introduced me to Motherisk – a program at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto where mothers-to-be learn about the risks associated with medications during pregnancy. I am currently participating in an SSRI study as part of the non-pregnant control group.

*Sadly, Joni’s death is proof that mental illness is very physical and kills 1000's of Canadians each year.

For Joni, please give to the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario or a mental health organization of your choice.

Addendum to "Nature/Nurture"

(and in response to the comment from "Anxiety 2 Calm" in my previous post)

Genetics is one of many factors influencing the development of mental illness. Whether someone develops a mental illness based on genetics alone is debatable and I would bet rare. Not everyone with a predisposition to mental illness will develop it. However, we can’t ignore that there are family patterns of mental illness. They could develop from a combination of genetic, environmental and social factors. However, regardless of cause, if a strong family history of mental illness is present, it should be discussed with younger generations. Children/youth should learn how to recognize the symptoms of mental illness for the sake of their own early intervention or for someone they know who is developing symptoms. Thus, knowing one's family history provides the opportunity to instigate change earlier and faster should complications arise.

While genetics may be unchangeable how a person deals with mental illness can change. As well, changing the way they are treated by friends, family, and the health care community will make an enormous difference in their recovery.

For the individual, hope is extremely important. I know this from experience. Victor E. Frankl, concentration camp survivor and later, renowned psychiatrist, said it best:

"We must never forget that we may also find meaning in life even when confronted with a hopeless situation.”

Local News: Dancing with Schizophrenia

I was very pleased to attend this year’s Christmas celebration put on by the Friendship Support Group, a recovery network run by Cynthia of the Schizophrenia Society’s Ottawa Chapter with the help of some wonderful volunteers. The evening was filled with holiday cheer and includes the singing of Christmas carols, a large turkey buffet, and a visit from Santa. The spirit in the room was remarkable. Once the band took stage, these folks immediately popped out of their seats and let loose like no one was watching. It was incredible to be a part of this experience. Volunteers and consumers alike had me dancing and twirling across the room which –in turn - had me bursting from the seams in laughter. What a blast! I only wish more people would worry less about appearances and just have a great time.

Congratulations Cynthia, son Justin, and team for a great event and thank you again for inviting me.

Stand Up for Mental Health, It's Funny

Last Thursday I attended Stand Up for Mental Health, a comedy fundraiser for lessening public stigma around mental illness. The project was started by David Granirer, a B.C. counsellor, writer, and stand-up comic. The event included local stand-up comics, mostly new to the scene, who are past or current consumers of the mental health system. According to Granirer:

“We use comedy give consumers a voice and help reduce the stigma around mental illness,” says Granirer. The idea is that laughing at our setbacks raises us above them. It makes people go from despair to hope, and hope is crucial to anyone struggling with adversity. Studies prove that hopeful people are more resilient and also tend to live longer, healthier lives.”

Eight courageous comics took to the stage, some for their debut. The program is already having success in Vancouver and Toronto and now gaining momentum in Ottawa. David is looking for volunteers, both on stage and behind the scenes to help out. Of course, financial donations are also appreciated.

Thursday’s event also happened to be filmed by CBC’s Passionate Eye and will be featured early 2007 as a documentary entitled Cracking Up. Outstanding Canuck comedians Mary Walsh and Mike MacDonald were part of the show. It was fascinating to hear their personal struggles with addiction and depression, respectively.

David Granirer also has a book out called The Happy Neurotic, How Fear and Angst Can Lead to Happiness and Success (Warwick Publishing, 2007). I am in the middle of it now – so I’ll get back to you soon with a full review. However, so far it’s great!

To get in touch with Ottawa’s Coordinator of Stand Up for Mental Health, Heather Bruce, call 613-722-2540 or email heather@standupformentalhealth.com.

Hello and welcome

Welcome to Mental Health Minutes, a blog about health promotion and wellness with a focus on the significance of mental health awareness. I encourage you to get involved in the fight against stigma towards mental illness and to encourage others to talk about mental illness which affects approximately 1 in 5 Canadians. Make your voice heard.