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Welcome to this issue of professional resources, produced by the BC Schizophrenia Society, in partnership with HereToHelp. There is hope and help for families and we hope this newsletter will help you find support (see group listing at right) and information your family needs.
The following are some recent news items and service offerings from the BC Partners member agencies and other sources on topics affecting family members and their loved ones with a mental illness.
LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people often face prejudice, discrimination and isolation. Now imagine the doubly stigmatizing effect of being LGBT and having a mental illness or substance use problem. These added stresses can lead, in part, to higher rates of mental health and substance use problems. But how do you talk about sexual orientation or gender with your service provider? What happens when your service provider says that your sexual orientation or gender identity are the cause of your mental health problems? Through the words of our passionate and courageous writers, learn how others found wellness and resilience through supportive and loving families, spirituality and knowledgeable service providers. Join us as we explore the relationships between sexual orientation, gender identity, mental health and substance use.
Mental Health Research Matters - March 9
This event brings together the public and three prominent UBC researchers to discuss the latest directions and discoveries in mental health research. The topics discussed will include "What do Your Genes Mean for Your Mental Health?" by Dr. Austine, "Working with Depression" by Dr. Lam, and "Pathways to Mental Disorders and Addictions: The Role of Trauma and Neglect" by Dr. Schütz. The event will run from 7-9pm at the Chan Centre for Family Health Education at the Child & Family Research Institute, 938 West 28th Ave, Vancouver, BC. Cost: free. To register, email reseduc@cw.bc.ca or phone 604.875.2000 ext. 5397. The BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information will also be on‑site to provide information from seven leading provincial mental health and addictions agencies.
Research Studies/Projects looking for Participants
Looking to help researchers help understand mental illness? Would you like to be involved in helping researchers figure out what helps the most? Please see this link to the list of ongoing research studies looking for participants with a mental illness or their family members.
Acknowledgements
This resource is developed by the BC Schizophrenia Society. Funding for this project was provided by BC Mental Health and Addiction Services, an agency of PHSA.
The BC Schizophrenia Society is a member of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information. The BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information are a group of seven leading provincial mental health and addictions nonprofit agencies.The seven partners are Anxiety BC, BC Schizophrenia Society, Centre for Addictions Research of BC, Canadian Mental Health Association’s BC Division, F.O.R.C.E. Society for Kids Mental Health, Jessie’s Hope Society, and Mood Disorder’s Association of BC. Since 2003, we've been working together to help individuals and families better prevent, recognize and manage mental health and substance use problems. BC Partners work is funded by BC Mental Health and Addiction Services, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority. We also receive some additional support from the Ministry of Chi
ldren and Family Development. The BC Partners are behind the acclaimed HeretoHelp website. Visit us at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.
Sign up to the Families e-list to recieve information on resources for families coping with a loved one with a mental illness, including monthly up to date support calendar listing. This list is made possible in part by funding from the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information. Other sources of family resources are at: http://www.bcss.org/category/resources/family-friends/http://www.support.bcss.org and http://www.familyevents.bcss.org
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