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

Could your depression be your greatest asset?

This link is work checking out.

Average length of hospital stay higher for mental illness patients

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 Mental Health Services in Canada, 2004-2005

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.

Out-of-body experiences

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 reduce the severity of panic attacks.

Mental Illness and Relationships

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 anonymous if you'd like. Note, this is not an official survey, just an online discussion.

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.

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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

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.

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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.

Moving, Part 2

I have not forgotten about my loyal readers! Things have been very busy. My partner and I are moving again. Yes, it was only last November that I wrote about the stress of moving. While we are much more prepared this time, I'm still a little anxious - hoping everything goes smoothly.

We will be moving within Ottawa and this time around we bought a house, a townhome, actually. We hadn't planned on moving so soon. However, our landlady would like to occupy her home - something we could never have planned for.

While I work on the move, I'll leave you with some reading during my short absence.

Interesting stories to check out:

-54 million people suffer from mental illness (United Nations)

-scientific breakthrough with stem cells provides hope for better treatment of Alzheimer's and diabetes

-gene discovery to aid in the development of new treatments for bipolar disorder, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure and Crohn's disease.

-Systems Enhancement Evaluation Initiative (SEEI) suggests that the new money invested in Ontario's mental health since 2004 is making an impact.

-Regina, Saskatchewan struggling to hire more mental health professionals; rates of mental illness much higher among low-income population - study's results reflect the incidence of mental illness in the poor around the world

What is recovery?

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 and experiencing illness simultaneously.

While professional intervention can be helpful in determining one's stage in the recovery process, a person should evaluate his/her intrinsic state. Only then, can one determine his/her place in the journey of recovery. In other words, I think professionals provide benchmarks and those in recovery have to look within themselves to more appropriately gauge their progress.

Clearly, recovery is a subjective and personal experience.

How do you define recovery? How does it relate to your personal experiences, mental health-related or others?

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.

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.

On gratitude

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 work. A second option was available to gain access by paying with credit card. But, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. The fee, frustration, and security concern of entering my info during public Internet access was all too much for me.

I decided to try something I haven’t tried in a long time – work on my laptop without my Internet running in the background. For some of you reading, you know this task is not as easy as it sounds. As a communications professional, I am glued to Google searches, email, news sites, and dictionary.com. It is my job after all.

I managed to put in 2 hours of work this way. It felt good, but I was still experiencing some Internet withdrawal.

At 1:00 p.m. I maintained my work ethic and re-visited the library. I renewed my card with the help of a friendly librarian. While I visit bookstores regularly and use university libraries’ services online, sadly, I hadn’t been to the public library for ages – so long that my card had expired and disappeared.

I perused the psychology, marketing and fundraising sections. I found a few titles to borrow and signed them out using the self-checkout machine.

Since I didn’t have my cell phone with me, I thought I’d fire off an email to my partner to find out if he was ready to meet and head home. Blackberry dead, I opened my laptop to go online. I soon found out there isn’t wireless at the Public Library.

I grabbed a seat at one of the many desktop computers lined along the wall. Although unoccupied, the half-dozen or so free computers had holds placed on them. I found out from the librarian that I would have to go downstairs to a different set of computers to place a hold on one the computers upstairs.

With some patience left, I went downstairs only to find all the computers were occupied – presumably by people booking their time for the computers upstairs???

Alas, without Internet or a cell phone, I did another something else that I haven’t done in awhile…..I used the pay phone.

Am I addicted to the Internet? Perhaps. Impatient? Perhaps.

Today, I was reminded not to take things for granted. And I’m not just referring to technology.

I saw many kinds of people at the library. There were people looking for jobs, friends and, for some, a warm place to stay/sleep during the rain. For them, the library is an important public facility.

Clearly, one person’s frustration is another’s satisfaction.

Isabella Mori has it right. It’s important to think about gratefulness on a regular basis. I remember writing about my gratitude often as a part of my recovery from mental illness. This simple action helped me through the worst of times.

Here are just a few of things I am grateful for today:
-waking up, healthy, in a great house with the love of my life
-enjoying breakfast with my family (my parents were in town)
-the kind person working at the coffee shop
-the kind person working at the library
-having a car in order to drive downtown and free parking on Sunday
-Canadian artists (I’m watching the Juno Awards)
-spring flowers
-clean air
-rain

What are you grateful for?

Mental health groups thrilled with budget announcement

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 Mental 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.”

"We would like to congratulate Michael Kirby on being named Chair of the new Canadian Mental Health Commission. His passion and commitment - as well as that of his Senate Committee colleagues - have resulted in the creation of this new commission today, and his leadership will ensure that it makes a real difference tomorrow. We are thrilled," said Dr. Paul Garfinkel, President & CEO of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

"We applaud the government on this important decision," said Phil Upshall, National Executive Director of the Mood Disorders Society of Canada. "We look forward to working with the government, the Honourable Michael Kirby, Chair of the Commission, and our partners at Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness Mental Health to make the Commission a success."

Summary of the 2007 Budget

(from the Canadian Mental Health Association)

Mental Health Commission

• $10 million over two years and $15 million a year thereafter to establish the Canadian Mental Health Commission, headed by Michael Kirby.

• $400 million for Canada Health Infoway to support the development of electronic health records.

• $22-million-per-year increase to the Canadian Institute for Health Information.

Income Security Elements

• A Working Income Tax Benefit of up to $1,000 per year for families or $500 for individuals will help people over the "welfare wall" and strengthen incentives to work for more than 1.2 million low-income Canadians.

• A new Registered Disability Savings Plan to help parents and others save money to care for children with severe disabilities.

• $10 million a year to expand the New Horizons for Seniors program, which will help prevent abuse and telemarketing fraud and to expand capital assistance for community buildings, equipment and furnishings.

• $10 million a year to achieve meaningful results in key areas such as the economic status of women and combating violence against women and girls.

• Increase in the age limit to 71 from 69 for registered retirement savings plans and registered pensions.

• The public transit tax credit will be extended to new electronic fare products and weekly passes used on an ongoing basis.

• An additional supplement for low-income working Canadians with disabilities to promote workforce participation.

Housing

• $17.6 billion in gas tax and other base funding for municipalities.

• $300 million for the development of a housing market in First Nations communities.

National Anti-Drug Strategy

• Covers three priority areas:
o Combat illicit drug production
o Prevent illicit drug use ($10M)
o Treat illicit drug dependency ($32.2M)

• An investment of $63.8 million.

Correctional Services

• The system is facing a changing offender population, including, inmates with mental health and substance abuse problems.

• Commitment to review operations to enhance public safety.

• Pending the results of the review, CSC will receive $102 million over two years deal with issues including beginning work towards implementing a mental health strategy for offenders.

Other

• Eliminating the capital gains tax for charitable donations of publicly-listed securities to private foundations.

Lilly-MDAO Moving Lives Forward Scholarship 2007

Six scholarships will be awarded to recipients from across Ontario with mood disorders to help them resume their studies and achieve their goals. The amount is approximately $2,500 (for tuition and supplies). This year's awards may be taken up in September 2007 and are tenable for 12 months of study.

Applications are due by Friday, April 27th, 2007.

For more information, including application forms visit MDAO's site.

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.”