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

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.

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.

International Initiative on Mental Health Leadership

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.

Time for renewal

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.

Call for volunteers at Mood Disorders Ottawa

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 held on the 3rd Tuesday each month from 7:30-9:30 at the Southminster Church, 15 Aylmer Ave.

MDO offers mutual support discussion groups for people with mood disorders to share their experiences. As well, MDO offers a family support group in Orleans and is looking to establishing one downtown. A volunteer is needed to help develop this new group and to facilitate the sessions.

For any questions about MDO and to learn how you can volunteer, please contact Barbara, MDO President, at (613) 729-4831.

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.

--------------------------------------------------------------

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

Local event: Aspirations / Autism Ontario Benefit Concert

Understanding and Celebrating Asperger Syndrome through Music and Art

Friday, March 16, 2007 at 7PM
The Bronson Centre
211 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa

For more information on the event click here.

Asperger('s) Syndrome (AS) is an Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is a developmental condition that can be detected in children although many individuals are not diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood. Individuals with AS have differing degrees of difficulty with social, communication, and behavioural skills. However, most of these individuals have average to superior levels of intelligence. But due to their difficulties they often rely on alternative learning methods customized to their needs.

Visit the Aspergers Society of Ontario to learn more about this condition.

Ontario's Health Plan: join the conversation

"Make a difference in the future of health care. Have your say."

How can the Ontario government improve health care for its citizens? What's important to you? Make your voice heard.

The provincial government is in the midst of a campaign to get answers from you. Hey, it's your tax money so make sure it goes where you want it to! The campaign's site provides a form to submit suggestions for improving Ontario's health care system. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care will also be holding public consultations throughout the province.

I will be attending the Ottawa session on Wednesday, March 7th and I will be advocating for the improvement of mental health services and increased funding. You may register online to attend (for free, but space is limited). There are also sessions being held this week in Kitchener, Oakville, Toronto, and Sault Ste. Marie.

Fear of Flying?

Phobias affect 1 in 10 Canadians and fear of flying, also known as aerophobia, is one of the top reported phobias.

Did you take to the air for travel over the holidays? I was lucky to have visited family in my birth city, Regina. On my return, I flew Air Canada from Regina to Toronto and had quite an interesting experience. Luckily, I am *almost* over my fear of flying. In fact, I don't mind the mechanical aspect of flying and I really enjoy peering out the windows at the scenic views below. Rather, its sitting on a plane for a long period of time (claustrophobia) that I don't enjoy.

My last flight proved to be quite the test of mental power. The plane was due to take off at 8:40pm. My family and I arrived at check-in to find out the CRJ we were originally to fly was having "mechanical difficulties". In that case, I don't mind waiting for another plane to use.

Once we boarded our fully booked plane, baggage and all, we were told that due to snow on the runway and that the plane was too HEAVY for take-off. I have never heard of this happening to anyone before. But, the pilot assured passengers that everything would be fine after some de-icing and weight removal.

After conducting some mathematically calculations - or rather - checking the dials and gadgets in the cockpit - the pilot determined the plane would need to relieve 10 of 50 passengers plus all of the stowed baggage. How he came up with this number I do not know.

A full two hours passed as we sat in the plane on the runway. We were de-iced. Crossing my fingers, the plane sped down the runway and took off without a hitch. To my surprise, I was even able to drift off to sleep.

We enjoyed a safe landing in Toronto at 3:00am and my baggage appeared intact a few days later.

Do you have any flying experiences to share from the holidays? Do you enjoy flying? If not, how do you manage?

When shopping is stressful

Christmas holidays can be stressful! Whether you are hosting an event or traveling to one, there are so many things you need to think about. One of them is buying gifts. I find one of the most stressful events at this time of year is going to the shopping malls.

I have decided this year to avoid shopping malls as much as possible. The buildings are crowded and everyone seems rushed. It's not the type of atmosphere that gets me in the holiday mood.

I am not pessimistic, really. I just think that my mental health (and perhaps my wallet too) would benefit from removing myself from that environment. There are lots of great independent stores that I like to go to. I find I often receive better service from them, too.

We try to save ourselves money and find convenience in shopping at big-box stores and shopping malls when really they can be just plain stressful. It's quite the paradox.

Some of you are laughing right now because you either 1) did your shopping in August; or 2) did your shopping online. For those of you who haven't finished yours, if you want to avoid the mall, try some of your local family-run shops. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Please feel free to share your shopping experiences here. Do you prefer the mall? If you have problems shopping at this time of the year what do you do?

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.

The stress of moving

I apologize for the past week’s hiatus. I’ve recently moved with my partner Julian. While the new digs and living arrangement are great I have been overwhelmed with the amount of work there is to do. It feels like a never-ending list. Boxes upon boxes – most put away now – but some are still in the hallway to serve as a reminder to empty them. It’s not laziness by any means. There are simply a million and one things to do and the miscellany-filled boxes in the hallway are not at the top of my list (although Julian might have a different viewpoint!). Luckily, I’ve had the help of friends and family to facilitate the process.

Although moving is considered by most people to be a stressful life event there are things you can do to decrease your stress level before and during your move. I would like to share with you what I have learned (some of it the hard way).

Prior to your move, do as much preparation as possible. Some sites provide helpful moving lists. Canada Post has one I like.

During moving day make sure you’re up early and well-fed. Moving is a lot of work, even if you do have hired help. Once you’ve moved everything that day you need relax in the evening. Congratulate yourself with some wine and a hot bath (since your muscles will surely ache the next day).

After moving day is over there is a still lot to do: unpacking, painting, furniture arranging, picture hanging, etc. The most important thing I’ve learned is to set realistic daily goals, i.e. put clothes away and stock kitchen cupboards, as opposed to “finish bedroom and kitchen”. If you try to do the latter, you won’t get very far, trust me.

The most important thing to remember throughout the entire process is to enjoy your new home and living arrangements (new roommates perhaps). Schedule in some time each day for a break and reward yourself for work completed.

If you have some interesting moving stories to share or tips on managing the stress of a move, please post your comments.

Guest Blog: Hopeful Aspirations by Tara Timmers

The journey to recovery has been Full, full of learning’s, expression and love. As I gathered my self esteem and pride in who I am I evolved from a creature with potential to suffer to an outstanding contributor to the mental health community. My message is filled with Hope for the future, my future and yours.

As a participant in mental health services, I have truly found myself and become what I aspire to be: compassionate, healthy, caring and giving. I have attained a lifestyle that enables me to help others and grow into my rightful stance. Through acceptance of my illness and gaining an insightful repertoire of knowledge I am more able to see the light of day, metaphorically speaking, and gather a will for peaceful interludes and personal reflection.

In the past five years, I have gone to school and graduated from Business Administration with 97% honours - demonstrating that mental illness will not hinder intelligent dialogue or being able to be fully present in the learning community. At school, I applied myself diligently and I take pride in my scholastic achievements. I have always been a knowledge-seeker, looking for groups/workshops/psychotherapy and any bits of help which could give me the skills to heal/cope with my illness. I do take medication and with it I can see such an outstanding difference in my personality and life choices from the stability it offers me.

There are so many opportunities out in the world and as a Consumer or Active Voice I have the right to become involved to speak my mind and to overcome stigma by challenging the illusional status quo. I am open about my illness and have met amazing people who are supportive and life affirming who want to hear what I have to say and this, to me, is progress.

This year I was a part of the FACES Campaign for Mental Illness Awareness Week and flew to Ottawa to represent Victoria, BC and all of us who live with mental illness. The experience was both exciting and challenging. However, it inspired me further to motivate others to come forward, get help and reduce society’s stigma toward mental illness.

Hope is the guideline for success, and recovery is expected. Starting now, let’s pave the way for all those with mental illness to be able to be full in their lives, healthy and cared for. We need to support one another toward our highest potential, offering our hands extended as each one of us moves forward into the enriched lives we’ve always wanted to live.

As a Peer Support Worker not only have I learned skills to provide a service and be a role-model to others, I have used those skills to help myself. It is a most rewarding and honouring experience to give back. This type of work gives my life meaning and purpose and brings me immense joy. I also appreciate the opportunity to be valued by professionals. Wellness is attainable, suffering is avoidable and connection to each other is imperative!! I support the process of recovery and wish the best for those with mental illness, here’s to the journey ahead!

Take care,

Tara Timmers

(Tara lives with Schizophrenia)

The New Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre

Today marks the launch of the new Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre. I attended the Grand Opening of the new centre which replaces the old Royal Ottawa Hospital, both figuratively speaking and in bricks-and-mortar. The facility also incorporates the University of Ottawa Institute for Mental Health Research (IMHR) as well as other community organizations like the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario (SSO), Ottawa Chapter.

Of note, the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre is the new home of the first teaching hospital and research institute in Canada to work in partnership with the private sector to provide the design, construction, financing, and maintenance of the new facility.

The gala event tonight featured impassioned speeches by Bruce Swan, CEO of the ROHCG, David Coffey, Chair of the Royal Ottawa Health Care Foundation, Dr. Zul Merali, President & CEO of IMHR, Minister John Baird of the Treasury Board, and Richard Patten, MPP for the riding of Ottawa-Centre, to name a few.

Equally as important, special recognition goes to the staff and volunteers that put this fabulous event together: Kathryn Hendricks and the communications team at ROHCG, Tulips and Maple Catering and the dozens of volunteers from Nepean High School.The ROHCG is running the campaign entitled "Open Minds Open Doors" in order to raise money for the new facility. Thus far, they have acquired close to half of the funding required. Therefore, your help is important in helping the ROHCG reach its goal. Given that mental illness affects 1 in 5 Canadians, your donation has the potential of helping hundreds of thousands of people in the National Capital Region in their recovery. So please donate generously!