Nominations for the Champions of Mental Health Awards Accepted for 2013

We have officially opened nominations for the Champions of Mental Health Awards for 2013.  The eleventh annual Champions Awards will bring together political decision makers, business leaders, members of the national media, sponsors and other stakeholders to celebrate individuals and organizations whose outstanding contributions have advanced the mental health agenda in Canada in the past year.

Each year, we honour a group of inspiring Canadians who work diligently to raise awareness about mental health and work to end the stigma associated with mental illness.  We are truly grateful for their efforts and these awards are a way to celebrate and recognize their remarkable contributions.

Our growing Champions alumnus represents some of the best advocates for mental health in Canada and each year this multi-disciplinary network of mental health experts grows.  This impressive scope of experts provides CAMIMH with a unique position to spread the conversation about mental illness into every region across Canada. This ever broadening network not only engages more mental health experts, but also demonstrates to Canadians the value of open discussion as a means to reducing stigma.

The gala to honour the 2013 Champions of Mental Health Awards recipients will be hosted on May 6^th 2013 at the Château Laurier.  The Champions of Mental Health Awards are a key component of CAMIMH’s annual awareness campaigns and are made possible through the generous support of its presenting sponsor Bell, as part of the Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative.  In 2012, CAMIMH received a record 40 nominations and had the difficult task of choosing only five recipients.   The 2012 Champions Awards recipients included: Retired Senator W. David Angus, Scott Chisholm, founder of the Collateral Damage Project, Dr. Trang Dao, Psychiatric Researcher, Michael Landsberg, TSN Broadcaster and the Cardinal Newman Peer Mentors.

 Mental illness is an issue that reaches everyone.  One in five Canadians will experience a mental problem or disorder in a given year.  Even more will know someone who has.  We hope that by recognizing some of the work that is being done to raise awareness, end stigma and promote access to needed services and supports will make a difference for Canada’s mental health.

 To nominate a Champion or purchase tickets, please visit camimh.ca for details.  Submissions will be accepted until March 1^st, 2013 in several categories including private sector; public sector; research; community (individual), and; community (organization).

Member Blog: The Schizophrenia Society of Canada

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC) is a national registered charity that has been in operation since 1979. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through education, support programs, public policy and research. We work with 10 provincial societies to help individuals with schizophrenia and their families have a better quality of life while we search for a cure. At SSC we are committed to:

·         Raising awareness and educating the public to help reduce stigma and discrimination

·         Supporting families and individuals

·         Advocating for legislative change and improved treatment and services

·         Supporting research through the SSC Foundation and other independent efforts

Schizophrenia and psychosis are serious mental illnesses. Three percent of Canadian men and women will experience psychosis. One in one hundred will experience some form of schizophrenia. While these conditions are rare in childhood, they usually have their onset in the mid-to late teen years.

Mental illnesses are real. The heartache is real that families struggle with. But recovery...living beyond the limitations of mental illness is possible. People living with mental illnesses like schizophrenia and psychosis have talents, goals and feelings just like anyone else. Yet mental illness can have a profoundly negative effect, not only in the lives of those living with it, but their families and their communities. Individuals living with mental illness and their families are often shunned, becoming the targets of social prejudice. People living with schizophrenia may also face poverty, homelessness and high risk for suicide.

In Canada mental health services are in short supply, especially recovery-oriented mental health services. The solutions are complex, not simple, because mental illnesses are complex as are all humans. As humans we are not just "biochemical." We are body (biological), mind (psychological), social (sociological), spirit (spiritual) and relational (communal). To reduce human behaviour or treatment down to one mere dimension is "reductionistic," a fatal philosophy. "Ask not what illness a person has, but rather what person the illness has." Mental health services have to be holistic, geared towards the totality of what it means to be human.

Recovery is more possible when all issues of life are addressed from a compassionate, healing perspective. Many people with enduring mental illness need the help of medication, but just as many if not more need hope, acceptance, social inclusion, a safe place to live, adequate income, help with unresolved trauma, addictions, spiritual healing, and a “relationship” with their mental health service provider or those who attempt to help. Much of what they need is not found in a medication. Love, healing and acceptance are more than medication. There are many people on medications who are not happy or leading a life of quality, but living in bondage to some of the things listed above. And yet, many people are blessed by having a medication that helps in their recovery!

For more information please visit:
www.schizophrenia.ca  or camimh.ca

Face-to-Face with Alicia Raimundo

My name is Alicia Raimundo, and I have been through an interesting life for a 23 year old.  Growing up, I had a great family who provided anything I could ever need or want for.  I had a great education from both the public and private school systems. However, I was a different kid.  For as long as I can remember I did not experience the joys and happiness the other kids did.  I spent much of my time worrying about not being about to cheer myself up and hating myself for not being perfect.  I was the kid that no one really noticed, who starved for some sort of attention from my peers or teachers. In my darkest days, I remember wishing that someone would bully me, so that someone would notice me.  When I tried to make friends, I was so anxious about not being good enough that I would brag or put down the other kid to try and show them that I could be good enough. This, of course, did not work. I shut down, and just assumed that I could not make friends. 

 At that point, the loneliness, anxiety and depression took over and I decided that I should not be alive anymore.  I spent time speaking to professionals and trying to get up the courage to take my own life when I encountered a woman in a therapy office. She looked at me and said “from one crazy person to another, you will need this” and handed me a necklace that said hope.  Hope was something that I never had, well, other than hoping for more cookies as a young kid.  At that moment, I knew I could not give up on myself until I had tried breaking my life into smaller goals to hope for.  As I was working out this plan in my mind the woman’s daughter came up to me and said “I am sorry, my mom is in a manic phase and is giving away her stuff… can I have the necklace back”.  This woman and her daughter saved my life, and they will never know it.  I hoped to watch my sister graduate from high school ( which happened two years ago) and now I hope to stay here to show others that living doesn’t have to be so hard.  I am empowered by many great youth centric organizations like MindYourMInd and have many tactics in place to combat my bad days.

Recovery is possible because we are all mental health superheroes. We fight our illnesses like the bad guys in comic books and we are strong enough to make it to today, to reading this blog post. Recovery is easier, when we can fight our bad guys without a mask. When we feel comfortable enough in our communities that fighting a mental illness is okay, and not something to be ashamed of.  Our society is not there yet, but with great events like MIAW, amazing charities, and companies like Bell we will get there one day soon.  We need to make it so people don’t have to choose between getting better or having respect of society.  We need to allow them to be Iron Men and Woman. To fight their illness, their bad guys, and have respect for being strong enough to achieve everything in spite of it. 

Face-to-Face with Laurie Pinard

Hi, my name is Laurie and I live with mental illness. My story is about hope. My story is about the fight. I’m a 44 year old woman who has fought my way back to health from the edge of despair and darkness. I lost everything I had and I almost lost my life. I am here to give hope to anyone who suffers with mental illness that it is possible to get well and lead a fulfilling, productive life.

I used to have a big life but lost it all – my career in politics, my money, my possessions and most of my relationships due to mental illness. I suffered for years from bipolar disorder until I hit rock bottom in 2009. I have tried to commit suicide more than once and was hospitalized numerous times. It wasn’t until my 40’s that I admitted I needed help and sought it.

I never believed I could get better. I never believed in hope or the possibility of a healthy existence. All I saw was darkness. My mind didn’t work. My body was in constant pain. I was a broken person. How could it be possible that I could ever get better? Well, I proved myself wrong and slowly but surely began to get my health and sanity back.

The road to wellness began slowly. As each day progressed I put one foot in front of the other and made progress towards stability. Some of the help I received included a great psychiatrist, an incredible therapist, the loving support of my parents, a steady regime of nutritional supplements, a great deal of restful sleep, and lots of physical exercise. However, the single most important element of my recovery was me. I decided to finally take responsibility for every aspect of my life, my illness, my recovery, my treatment – absolutely everything. It was this decision to face my fears and choose to live instead of giving into the darkness that made the difference in my recovery.  I decided to change my attitude from being a victim of this illness to being an advocate of healthy living despite having a mental illness disability.

Responsibility meant working harder than I’ve ever worked before. It meant getting up when I didn’t want to. It meant facing fears I was terrified of. It meant pushing myself despite the hardships. The key to my health and recovery was accepting responsibility and fighting for a life I dreamed of. I wanted to be healthy, strong, and independent and I wanted to thrive. The only way I was going to achieve those goals was to fight – fight, fight, fight!

Today I am proud to say I’m a running instructor who motivates others. I’ve also returned to university in the field of social work. I want to become a social worker to help others like me who struggle with mental illness challenges. I still have bipolar disorder but today I have learned how to live with it and create a life I thrive at. Each day is still hard, but since deciding to face my fears and embrace difficult challenges I have developed the strength to work with my disability and face life head-on. Anyone, absolutely anyone can come back from the depths of despair to live and thrive. I did.

Face-to-Face with Sandra Yuen MacKay

            My name is Sandra Yuen MacKay and I have schizoaffective disorder, a combination of schizophrenia and a mood disorder. The teenage onset of my illness was gradual–so much that I believed the voices and ideas in my head were real. Even after being diagnosed, I was entrenched in my false beliefs. Still I took my medication and fought to keep my head above water and live as normal a life as I could. My family suffered with me every time I experienced a crisis or ended up back in the hospital. It wasn't until my last major relapse at the age of 32, I realized I had to change my negativity and self-critical attitude if I was going to improve. I exercised at the gym and swam, introduced positive self-talk, learned about recovery, and rekindled my interest in painting. I began to write and get published. I made new friends. Recovery to me meant having purpose and happiness in life, finding a niche, and social inclusion. I redefined who I was as an artist, writer and public speaker. By becoming pro-active in my own recovery and aiding others by sharing my story, I evolved into a more confident, resilient, and mature Sandra.

            Nowadays, when I have an interfering thought, I question it. Is it true or part of paranoia? Is it similar to other delusions I've had in the past? Am I stressed about something else which is causing me to have a symptom?

            Everyone's story is different. There are mental health consumers who can't work and can't afford food or other needs even with disability assistance. But I believe recovery is possible with newer medications, improved care and supports, and increased government funding. If their basic needs are met, consumers have a better chance to recover. In British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health has opened over 200 new tertiary mental health beds, which will offer consumers holistic care and give them the tools to reintegrate into the community when they are ready. But there is more work to be done.

            The sooner one gets help the better the prognosis. Support from family and friends was crucial in my case. First, I had to believe in myself, educate myself about mental illness and create a wellness toolbox including a daily maintenance plan to keep well, stress management, coping strategies, and access to proper medication. I recognized small successes and replaced self-stigma with a better self-image and opened the door to take on new challenges.

            This year I also received the Courage to Come Back Award in the mental health category for people who have faced severe adversity, risen above it and given back to the community.

            To learn more about my memoir, My Schizophrenic Life: The Road to Recovery from Mental Illness, and my art, please visit my blog at: http://symackay.blogspot.com

Face-to-Face with Chantal Poitras

My name is Chantal Poitras. I am 31 years old and I live in Fredericton, New-Brunswick. I suffer from Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). When Mental illness came into my life in 2005, I felt that my life was falling apart. This is when I realized that something was wrong with me, but what? At the beginning, I was told that I suffered from a mild depression, due to my job and various events that happened that year.

I got over it, found another job, but still, something was not quite right with me. My behavior was often erratic and my suicidal thoughts were constantly present. A friend then told me about BPD and said that many of my behaviors seemed to fit the description I gave her. I started to do some research on the Internet. I read everything I could find on BPD. I finally had to admit it to myself. I probably had BPD.

In 2010, I went to see a psychologist. I told her I suspected I had BPD. She asked me to do several tests and came to the conclusion that indeed, I had BPD with depression, anxiety and aggressiveness. However, it was only in January 2012 that this diagnosis was added to my medical file. Now, I can finally have the appropriate therapy for BPD, a group therapy named STEPPS.

Recovery is possible, but you have to work hard. You have to seek the help that works for you. The first step I took towards my own recovery was to send an email to the Canadian Mental Health Association in my area. I felt lost, I did not know where to find the help I needed and they took care of me. They knocked on doors for me when I did not have the strength to do it myself. It is important to talk to someone who can help you find the help you need, if you are not able do it for yourself.

Living with mental illness is difficult, yet not impossible. Life can still be beautiful, but you have to accept that there will always be ups and downs, more so than for most people. You can still accomplish great things, have a full time job, a family and friends, and most important, you can realize your dreams. However, you must seek help, always continue therapy treatments, even if sometimes it is hell; it takes time, but eventually, hope returns.

The Blue Veil - by Leigh Turgeon

The Blue Veil cannot be allowed to oppress,

So listen, understand, you could change a life.

-The Blue Veil, 2012, Leigh Turgeon

I have personally been dealing with depression for a long time. At first I was unaware of what was happening to me and felt terribly alone even in a crowd of people. I wanted to cry when all my friends were laughing. Then I attempted to get help and was told I would be taking medication for the rest of my life, news which in itself was even more depressing. It felt like I was slipping and sliding down a dark path alone and I could not go back or even change my direction it was just down, down, down.

One night, on a very rare occasion that I had gone out with my friends, I sat there looking around the table and it dawned on me that none of my closest friends, confidants, former roommates had a clue of the inner turmoil that I was dealing with, I had successfully ‘veiled’ this pain from them until I had totally isolated the sadness internally. I longed to be in touch with these women again. As I looked around the table I envied their happiness. So at that moment I blurted out, “So, I have depression…I’ve had it for a while…and I am going to write a book about it and call it ‘The Blue Veil.’ Everyone sat there stunned at my admission, but wow did it feel good! So, ‘The Blue Veil’ was born.

I would never want anyone to ever felt as alone, trapped and misunderstood as had felt. I wanted to promote depression awareness on three levels. The three levels of awareness I mean are depression self-awareness, depression awareness for family and friends living with a depressed person, and depression awareness in the community, such as in the workplace, community or school environments.

Well, I am one person. While it is my goal to have ‘The Blue Veil’ have a global reach, I chose to support 15 depression awareness organizations to support with proceeds from the book, as they are all organizations that provide support for people with depression and anxiety and victims left behind by suicide. Most of them are national organizations for six different nations including the U.S., England, Scotland, Ireland, Canada and Australia. All of them are established, legitimate organizations which have helped hundreds of thousands of people and I am proud to associate my story and experience with them. I never wrote the book to make money. I wrote it so that no one ever feels trapped behind the Blue Veil, stifled by depression the way I did on that night out with my friends, when it dawned on me that none of my closest friends had a clue of my inner turmoil.

I, as it turns out, will not be taking medication for the rest of my life. Did you know that depression can have remission? I am now walking on a lighter path and I could head in any direction I want. All I know is that it will be forward, forward, forward.

10th Annual Champions of Mental Health Awards Gala: A Great Success!

The Champions of Mental Health Awards Gala, held on May 7, 2012 at the Chateau Laurier, was once again an overwhelming success! This year marked the 10th anniversary of Champions and the event was met with an outpouring of support and recognition. The Gala brought together prominent political figures, business leaders, members of the national media, and sponsors to recognize and celebrate the outstanding efforts of individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the mental health agenda in Canada.

Several public figures attended the Gala this year in support of Canada’s mental health community, with 32 Parliamentarians in attendance including Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, Minister of Labour the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Finance the Honourable Jim Flaherty, and House Leader the Honourable Peter Van Loan. The Gala also included a few new elements from previous years, including a red carpet arrival for guests and the addition of a reception room where guests could mingle and pose for photographs. Photographs from the evening are available for viewing at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/miawcanada/

We were please to recognize five exceptional Champions this year, each of them having worked tirelessly to increase awareness surrounding the importance of mental health and to create positive changes in their own mental health community. This year’s winners in each of the five categories were:

Community Individual: Michael Landsberg, TSN Broadcaster
Community Organization: Cardinal Newman Peer Mentors, Stoney Creek,
Ontario Public Sector Individual: Senator W. David Angus, Q.C., Ad E.
Private Sector Individual: Scott Chisholm, Founder of the Collateral Damage Project
Researcher: Dr. Trang Dao, Psychiatric Researcher and Advocate for the Mentally Ill

We would like to offer our most sincere congratulations to this year’s winners, and a heartfelt thank you to all nominees for their support, dedication and commitment to Canada’s mental health!

The Champions of Mental Health Awards Gala would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors – Bell as our presenting sponsor and the generous contributions of RBC, Janssen, Rx&D and Eli Lilly.

The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health Promotes the 10th Annual Champions of Mental Health Awards Campaign

CAMIMH Seeks Nominations for the Latest Champions of Mental Health

The Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (CAMIMH) is excited to have launched the tenth annual Champions of Mental Health Awards and is looking for nominations from members of the public!

The annual Champions Awards are a national awards gala which brings together political decision makers, business leaders, members of the national media, sponsors and other stakeholders to celebrate individuals and organizations whose exceptional support have advanced the mental health agenda in Canada in the past year.

This is a unique opportunity for Canadians from all regions and backgrounds to nominate an individual or an organization that they think has made a remarkable contribution to mental health in Canada. In extraordinary numbers, Canadians are coming forward to help advance the mental health programs in this country and to reduce the stigma that has been associated with mental illness for far too long

The Champions Awards are held in Ottawa each year with awards given to individuals or organizations who have contributed significantly to Canada’s mental health agenda. Past Champions include The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, the Honourable Lisa Raitt, and Margaret Trudeau, among many others.

This year, the national gala for the Champions Awards, will be held at the Château Laurier on May 7th, 2012. Nominations are accepted in several categories, including private sector; public sector; research; community (individual), and; community (organization).

To nominate a Champion, please visit www.miaw.ca for details. Submissions will be accepted until March 31st, 2012. The Champions Awards winners will be selected on April 10th, 2012.

For more information or to book tickets, please contact:

Kalene Tilson, Champions Awards Organizing Committee
Tel. : 613-233-8906 Email: champions@miaw.ca

Meet Bethany Butzer

Through this year's Mental Illness Awareness Week, we came in contact with Bethany Butzer. Read her story below to see what elements aided in her recovery from mental illness.

Bethany Butzer

I'm an author, speaker, researcher and yoga teacher who provides inspirational products and services that help people manage their stress and mood. I suffered from anxiety and depression in my early 20s, and I've made it my mission to motivate others to achieve their highest level of mental fitness.

My book, The Antidepressant Antidote, chronicles my personal struggles with anxiety, depression and a dependence on antidepressant medication. I also share how I finally managed to get off the medication for good.

I truly believe that everyone is meant to enjoy optimum mental health. All of the products and services that I offer, from my writing, speaking engagements and research projects to my yoga classes for anxiety and stress, are geared toward making the world a better place by nourishing and honoring our mental wellness.

I received my Ph.D. in psychology in 2008 from the University of Western Ontario, Canada. My early research focused on anxiety and depression, which was, as you might imagine, somewhat depressing! So, after spending several years studying psychopathology, I changed my focus to positive psychology, which emphasizes the development of human strength and potential. My dissertation research on the psychology of romantic relationships garnered the Martin E. P. Seligman Award for Outstanding Dissertation Research in Positive Psychology.

After receiving my Ph.D., I originally planned on becoming a psychology professor. But the ivory tower lifestyle just didn't feel right for me. I wanted my work to be consumed by and have an impact on the general public. So I turned down a fully-funded postdoctoral research position to take a job in the private sector as a Research Analyst for Info-Tech Research Group, a leading IT Research Firm.

After almost 2 years in the private sector, I realized that the 9 to 5 cubicle life wasn't for me either. So I made the bold (and scary!) decision to quit my job to start my own business as a Mental Health & Wellness Advisor. Following my passion has been an amazing journey filled with both incredible joy and the occasional dark night of the soul.

Today, I fill my days doing what I love: writing, speaking and research. As an example, I'm currently collaborating with Kripalu's Institute for Extraordinary Living, Harvard Medical School and the Yoga Care Foundation to conduct studies on the effects of yoga on well-being.

I'm also a certified yoga teacher and have completed over 200 hours of training in yoga postures, philosophy, breathing techniques, meditation, anatomy, and ayurveda. I've also received life coaching training from the Coaches Training Institute (CTI), and I have my first degree Reiki certification. I'm a member of the Canadian Yoga Alliance (CYA) and the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT).

In addition to my book, I've published professional papers in several leading psychological journals, including Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin and Personal Relationships. I've also won numerous national and international awards for my achievements.

A unique aspect of my approach is that I've not only studied the topics that I'm passionate about - I've also lived through them. I combine my professional training with my personal experience to provide products and services that are both empathetic and backed up by solid research. I've personally overcome the obstacles of a rocky childhood, anxiety, depression, and a dependence on antidepressant medication. I've experienced grief, loss, abuse, abandonment, burnout, and almost everything in between. I've been to doctors, therapists, psychiatrists, and http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifI've tried many forms of alternative medicine. And I've come out on the other side.

Based on my familiarity with both the dark and light sides of life, my style is down to earth and approachable, and I have an extensive knowledge of the services that are available to those in need.

To connect with Bethany or learn more, you can visit her website http://www.bethanybutzer.com/.

You can share your story by connecting with us on Facebook at the Face It: Mental Illness Awareness Page, or on Twitter, @MIAWCanada .

Road to Learning: challenging stigma and discrimination

A study by the American Psychological Association shows that young children are less likely to receive treatment for mental issues than adults. Why is that? They may be shy to seek help or think they will “grow out” of their problems. So, what can we do to help these kids who are living with mental illness?

Ontario recently announced new funding to put mental health workers and nurses in schools to help 9,000 kids. Thanks to this money, these workers will be able to offer training for educators on how to identify mental health issues. This is a great way to promote education, prevention, and early intervention! If teachers can begin to educate students and raise awareness in the classroom, it will certainly help some children feel more comfortable seeking help.

Young people need a place where they can openly discuss what they’re feeling without being judged. A healthy school environment can help to improve students’ well-being. We’re thrilled to see a provincial government tackling these issues. This strategy will build awareness, help to reduce stigma, and identify problems early on.

How important do you think it is for educators to be trained to identify mental health issues?

Healthy Body = Healthy Mind

Mens sana in corpore sano is a famous Latin expression that means a healthy body can sustain a healthy mind. Exercise is not only a great way to develop a lean body, muscles, and a strong heart, but it’s also been shown to help keep us mentally fit too. There are many medical articles and research studies that show the benefits of exercise on mental health and mental illnesses including depression or anxiety. Exercise can also help our bodies deal with stress. One recent study revealed that taking a short eight minute walk can help decrease tension and boost your mood. Even short bursts of exercise can make a difference, which means you don’t have to spend long hours at the gym!

Tips:

• Exercise 20 minutes a day, or 30 minutes three times a week to help boost your energy;
• Remember physical activity can include a range of things like playing outside with your children or pet(s), dancing to your favourite music, gardening, or going for a brisk walk;
• Increase your motivation by going with a friend;
• Keep a journal to track your progress;
• Get out there and have fun!

Do you think exercise has a positive influence on your mental health?

Great news! New government funding for kids’ mental health

There’s been a lot of talk lately about youth who face mental health issues. According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, two-thirds of adults report that their mental health issues first appeared during childhood. That said, we’re happy to see the Government of Canada and the provincial and territorial Ministers of Health making mental health promotion and support a top priority by investing millions in funding to support positive mental health for children and youth.

Thanks to this funding, so many great community projects will be able to continue providing much needed mental health support services! One project, Handle with Care, offers training for parents and other caregivers in communities that are prone to stress and mental illness, including newcomers to Canada. The program assists people from coast to coast to better understand how to support children living with mental illness. We’re so pleased that this, and many more programs, will benefit from this government funding!

Share your thoughts: Do you know any programs in your community that are helping kids overcome mental health challenges?

Overcoming challenges

Our recent Facebook Page question “Have you ever struggled to find support for mental health issues?” got the MIAW team thinking...

We know the stigma of being labelled with having a mental illness keeps many people from seeking help. There have been several recent news articles about the widespread challenges facing young people who need to access mental health support. There are also studies that indicate that men, in particular, may face different issues than women.

What do YOU think are the major challenges to seeking help or finding support for mental health issues? What are some of the ways you can overcome them?

Marc's Story

Every year, we connect with so many great people through our Face Mental Illness Campaign. We meet people from across Canada with unique experiences with mental health and mental illness.

Marc is one of the people we met this year. Here's his story:

In my view, mental illness means a disease or ailment that affects the brain and/or mind. Such an ailment affects the way one thinks, feels, acts, and engages in society. Chemical imbalances and heredity are thought to be contributing factors regarding mental illness. I first experienced mental illness visiting my mother in the hospital when I was a kid. She has manic depression, a.k.a. bipolar disorder. I have chronic depression and take meds daily, for me, my downward spiral began in high school, and it’s been an uphill battle ever since, even being hospitalized a few times. I want to talk openly about it because it is a very real thing in our society, it has affected me and my family my entire life. It’s something that should no longer be ignored or frowned upon in society. Unless you’ve experienced it, you wouldn’t understand what it’s like. It can be very difficult having a mental illness, and/or living with someone who has it, or even knowing someone who has it.

The stigma (ignorance) that still exists in society today is why depression is treated differently than diabetes, cancer or other harmful physical illnesses. It isn’t fair because all illnesses affect a person’s health to a certain degree, no matter the severity. Mental illness does scare me, speaking from experience, as it relates to depression, I’ve had suicidal thoughts countless times, but I’ve managed to survive one way or another, I would say primarily with the support and love of my parents, especially my dad. I believe people can recover from a mental illness, with the right medications and psychotherapy, their lives and symptoms, including emotional and thought patterns, can be controlled. My emotions vary from anger to loneliness to guilt surrounding mental illness, including depression in particular, which to this day I still struggle with, some 20+ years later, perhaps even longer, as it relates back to an event in my pre-teen years, when me and my family moved, for the first time. My mother has struggled with bipolar for 35+ years roughly.

Lastly, I still know when something’s wrong, it’s like she becomes a completely different person, similar to someone being drunk and affected greatly by alcohol. I am currently an award-winning volunteer and aspiring writer. I live the http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifonly way I know how to now, throughhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif thick and thin, one day at a time, good, or still bad.


You can share your story with us by connecting with us on Facebook at the Face It: Mental Illness Awareness Page, or on Twitter, @MIAWCanada .

www.mentalwellness.ca

Our sponsors over at Janssen have launched a great new online resource for those affected by schizophrenia. Visit www.mentalwellness.ca and find a wealth of information about schizophrenia for patients, caregivers and healthcare providers. This includes outlining treatment options, ways of recognizing symptoms, avoiding relapses, and tips on how to educate others on the disease.

Most notably, www.mentalwellness.ca features a series of videos called “Spend A Day In My Life”. These four videos reflect everyday scenarios experienced through the eyes of someone with schizophrenia – being at the doctor’s office, on the bus, at the pharmacy, and being in the midst of a schizophrenic “mindstorm”. Watching these videos allows you to step into the mind of someone living with schizophrenia.

Take a moment to visit the website and tell us what you think. Does experiencing these everyday moments from inside schizophrenia give you a different perspective on the disease and the people who live with it? How can videos like these help promote awareness about schizophrenia?

Jobs & Mental Illness

A recent article in the Toronto Star by Dr. Kwame McKenzie explored the topic of jobs as a lifeline for those living with mental health. The writer explains that his job really helped him integrate into his community when he moved to Canada. However, he writes that many of his clients living with mental illness are not so lucky, as the stigmas surrounding mental health are so negative that they have a difficult time finding employment.

Stigma is still proving to be a big problem for those living with a mental illness and looking for a meaningful job. Dr. Kwame’s article states in his article that study after study has confirmed that having a job actually improves the quality of life for those living with mental illness. Unfortunately, employers are sometimes hesitant to give those living with mental illness a chance. Productive work is a key part in promoting and achieving positive mental health. So why is more not being done to help those living with mental illness secure employment opportunities?

Recovery from mental illness is possible, and a rewarding job may be an important stepping stone on this path.

Do you have any thoughts on how we as a society can help break down these barriers and encourage employers to give those with mental illness a chance to be a significant contributor to their organization?

Let us know what you think!

Mental Health News Update: April 29 - May 5 2011

We're back this week with a look at some of this week's news stories on mental health.

This week is Mental Health Week (May 1st-7th 2011). Did you know that the Canadian Mental Health Association's Mental Health Week is celebrating 60 years? MHW continues to make a great impact across the nation. What an amazing achievement!

• The Toronto Star’s healthzone featured an article about the new Centre for Addiction and Mental Health opening in Toronto.


• The Vancouver Courier published an article about Mental Health Week celebrating its 60th anniversary. Mental Health Week was also covered in many other local and community papers.


• The Vancouver Sun reported on a new mental health facility to be built at the Lions Gate Hospital in North Shore, B.C.


• On Monday, May 2nd 2011, past Champion of Mental Health, Margaret Trudeau, spoke to a large crowd in Belleville, Ontario about her struggles with mental illness (via The Intelligencer).


• Coast Mental Health published a story about one of this year’s Courage to Come Back Award recipients, Curtis Baldwinson.


• As part of Mental Health Week, The Montreal Gazette examined the links between depression and work environment. The article includes tips about symptoms and ways to deal with stress.


• The National Post reported about the play “Crazy Man” which helps to inform children in Toronto about mental illness.


• Toronto kicked off Mental Health Week on May 1st 2011 with a walk to raise fund for Kids Help Phone (via The Digital Journal).


• The Toronto Star reported on new research linking dropout rates to mental health, and encourages the adoption of more mental health programs in schools.

How are you celebrating Mental Health Week? Share your thoughts on Mental Health Week and other mental health issues here , or on our Facebook Page.

Happy Mental Health Week everyone!

Mental Health News Update: April 15-21 2011

Here's a look at some of the mental health headlines for the week of April 15-21, 2011.

• On Thursday, April 21, 2011 the Amherst Daily News wrote an article about the ‘Minds in Motion Walk’ that will take place on May 4th 2011 to raise funds for mental health. This will be the 4th annual walk to raise money for mental health.
  


• Also on Thursday the West Carleton EMC reported on the ‘Do it for Daron’ event which raises funds to develop tools to assist in youth mental health.


• The Pincher Creek Echo wrote an article on Thursday taking issue to the high rate of suicides in Canada due to mental health and encouraging people to speak up about their difficulties.

Do you have more mental health news to share? Post your links below!

You can also share news on the Face it: Mental Illness Awareness Facebook Page.

Mental Health News Update: April 9-14 2011

Here's a look at some of the mental health headlines for the week of April 9-14, 2011.

• On Saturday, April 9, the Vancouver Observer did a story on comedian David Granirer, founder of Stand Up to Mental Health.



• On Monday, April 11, the Toronto Star reported on the appointment of Pat Capponi, a woman living openly with mental illness, to the Ontario Consent and Capacity Board.



• Also on Monday, The Province reported on Amanda Schell, a recipient of the Courage to Come Back Awards.



• On Tuesday, April 12, the London Free Press reported on renewed funding for a study examining the relationship between poverty and mental illness.



• On Thursday, April 14, the Ottawa EMC reported on the launch of CHEO’s 2011 “Let’s Keep Kids out of Hospital” awards, recognizing teachers, volunteers, coaches, and social workers, who work to prevent injury and illness in children and youth.

Do you have more mental health news to share? Post your links below!

You can also share news on the Face it: Mental Illness Awareness Facebook Page.