BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter February 2012

2012-02-02T17:22:15Z

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BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter:

Your Donations Help BCSS Help Families

Become a fan of the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society on Facebook

If this email was forwarded to you, you can sign up for your own copy of future editions at www.bcss.org

Inside this Issue:

Long-time BCSS Family Volunteer Relocates
One Day's Pay Challenge
Mental Illness Articles in the Media
New clinical psychiatric genetic counselling service (available BC-wide)
Understanding Depression
Featured BCSS Resource

Long-time BCSS Family Volunteer Relocates

Eileen Callanan and her husband Jim are moving from Terrace to Nanaimo, BC. This incredible lady is a dedicated BCSS member and tireless promoter of the Society’s mission to improve the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through education, support, public policy and research.

Over the years, Eileen Callanan has worked with remarkable focus, playing a major role in promoting BCSS education and support programs. Her efforts have pioneered change in the mental health system in her community.

Eileen’s history with BCSS began in 1989 when her son was diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder. She began by attending local support group meetings, and eventually joined the BCSS Board of Directors. As a Provincial Director, she helped bring about amendments to the Mental Health Act that made it easier for BC families to obtain treatment for their ill relatives. More recently, she wrote to the Mental Health Commission of Canada with recommendations for a national mental health strategy.

While she was active on the BCSS Board, Eileen became involved with NAMI’s Family To Family course. She has since taught the course to countless families in Terrace and surrounding area. Eileen not only teaches family members, she empowers them as advocates and supporters of other families. In her own words, "I consider each person who takes this course a pebble dropped in water, and the ripples are the education and advocacy that occur among family, friends and acquaintances." Eileen has taken on many other projects, recruiting volunteers and raising awareness about mental illness through her participation in BCSS’s Partnership education program and her local Mental Health Advisory Committee.

Even after the tragic loss of her son in 2007, Eileen continued to be fully engaged as an educator and advocate. She takes every opportunity to educate others and to advocate with policy makers who can influence change in the mental health system. She keeps abreast of new research and developments and often brings them to the attention of service providers. "Eileen remains passionate about our mission, and is a shining example of the difference that one person can make when they set a goal for themselves and actually commit to the achievement of that goal," said Dolly Hall, BCSS Northwest Manager and Regional Coordinator in Terrace. "Eileen’s husband Jim has also contributed countless hours, energy, and support to BCSS," notes Dolly. "He tends to be more involved behind the scenes, attending support groups, putting up posters for workshops and conferences, opening up the Callanan home to bille t visiting presenters, hosting teas and dinners for other volunteers."

Jim’s fabulous hospitality is apparently legendary and unrivalled. "Terrace and area will feel a great loss at their leaving. We wish them every happiness in their new life ‘down south’ and hope Nanaimo realizes how lucky they are to have this wonderful couple in their community!" A sincere and heartfelt thank you to Eileen and Jim Callanan for their extraordinary work on behalf of our cause over the years.

One Day's Pay Challenge

One of our generous donors and long time supporters is challenging everyone to match his gift of “one day’s pay.” He chose his one day’s gross income but it is totally up to you to pick your one day’s, half day’s or couple of hours pay. We will leave that choice to you. The ultimate goal is to raise $5000.00 in 14 days. More information

Here is how it works:

Challenge Start Date: February 1, 2012
Challenge End Date: February 14, 2012
Target Goal: $5000.00

Step 1: Calculate your One Day’s Pay
Salary (Gross or Net) / 252 (no. of working days) = One Day’s Pay

Step 2: Click on this link to donate

Step 3: Share this link with your friends, family and coworkers through Facebook, Twitter and email

All money raised through this challenge will be used towards BC Schizophrenia Society’s “Greatest Need” areas.

Join the Challenge

Mental Illness Articles in the Media

Understanding mental illness: New clinical psychiatric genetic counselling service

Do you or one of your family members have a mental illness?
Would you like to learn more about the causes of mental illness?
Are you concerned about potential risks for your children or other family members?

Who are genetic counsellors?

Genetic counsellors are health care professionals with specialized training and experience in the areas of medical genetics and counselling.

Genetic counsellors can tell you what is currently known about the causes of mental illness, and can help you to apply this information to your own family.

Who is this service available to?

Men and women who:

Are interested in learning more about the causes of their and/or their family member’s mental illness
Live in British Columbia

What is involved with a genetic counselling appointment?

We welcome self-referrals as well as referrals from physicians.
Prior to the appointments, the genetic counsellor will phone you to do a family history. This usually takes approximately 30 minutes.
The genetic counselling appointments are approximately an hour in length.
The genetic counsellor will try to answer any questions that you may have about the causes of your or your family members mental illness.

Please note: We are not offering any genetic testing.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Is there a charge for this service? No. This is a free clinical service.
Q: Do I need to be referred by my family doctor? No. We welcome self-referrals!
Q: Where do I go for appointments? The appointments take place at the department of medical genetics at BC Women’s and Children’s hospital: 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC
Q: I live quite far from Vancouver, would I have to travel to the clinic? No. We are able to do appointments by telehealth, Skype, and by phone.

Interested in Genetic Counselling?

Contact: Dr. Jehannine Austin PhD CGC / CCGC
Genetic Counsellor

604-875-2000 ext 5943 jehannine.austin@ubc.ca

Understanding Depression

[Interview by BCSS Coordinator for Powell River and area Danita Senf with a person with depression]

In her own words:

Soon after becoming a teenager I began experimenting with drugs. I was lost. I wanted to leave this world. I did not find joy or peace within myself or anywhere else. I could not grasp reality and what I had I hated. I started to live life without fear of dying, and doing things that would hurt me or hopefully kill me.
At age 16 I had my daughter. I was at that time living with my brother and his wife. They became my family, and without them I would not be here now (which may or may not be a good thing.) My father had taken his own life when I was 12, so my mother was going through hard times.

When I was about 18 I took lots of pills and had to get my stomach pumped. That was the first of more than a dozen times I have tried to end my life. I managed to find a job, but the trouble was always there. I tried to hide my depression from everyone and appear to be what is considered "normal." It is still a battle to maintain that façade.
I have had numerous doctors tell me what is wrong with me and put me on many different anti-depressants over the years. You just get tired of the deep dark hole in which you live. Still, I managed to get married and have a son. My biggest worry was that my children would be like me. With the help of my husband I managed to do a pretty good job of hiding my depression from them when they were young. Eventually they realized why I was in the hospital so often.

My life has consisted of going back and forth between work and a variety of hospitals, during which time I have been seen by many different doctors who have addressed many different concerns by prescribing many different treatments, resulting in many different side-affects. Significant weight loss or weight gain accompanies most of the medications, and numerous shock treatments have affected my memory so that now I can’t even remember things like my daughter getting married.

Her Answers to my questions:

How has your illness affected your life?
You get angry with yourself for being depressed all the time, so you start cutting yourself to relieve the anger. But to anyone who asks, I am fine. I’m always fine. That’s what I am. It’s very tiring. You worry about how your illness affects everyone around you.

How has your illness affected your marriage?
I am still married after 28 years, but it has been very tough. My husband has gone through a lot. I never find any joy in living, and he has been with me through numerous suicide attempts. He never knows if I will be alive the next time he comes home. He has to be the strong one, because he has no one to lean on.

How has your illness affected your children’s lives?
I was a single parent until my daughter was seven. She has a fear of dying, perhaps from knowing I have tried to kill myself so many times. My son is now in medical school, and neither he nor my daughter suffers from depression. But I worry about my grandchildren, one of whom is 9 years old and already has anxiety issues.

How does the future look to you?
Very painful…so long as I’m still on this earth, very painful. I am in a deep hole that I cannot dig my way out of. I just hope I can one day see the light.

What have been your greatest frustrations?
The health care system. The doctors and nurses have been wonderful, but the system is flawed. I once waited two years to see a specialist, and when I was finally sent to Vancouver I was told they only treat residents of that city. I was then referred to a doctor in Victoria, but when I finally got an appointment with him I was told I was part of a different health authority, and should be seen by a doctor in Vancouver. I eventually saw a doctor in there, but 6 months later was offloaded onto a doctor in Comox.

What advice would you give to others who suffer from depression?
I would say keep fighting. There are always new treatments being made available.

What advice would you give to mental health professionals who treat people with depression?
Be patient, and keep trying new treatments. Be there for the patient.

What advice would you give to the families of people who suffer from depression?
Hang in there. And whatever the outcome, don’t take it personally. Seek help for yourself, so that you have someone to talk to.

Featured BCSS Resource

Family Charter of Rights

Families have a right:

To explicit information that families do not cause mental illness.
To basic information about diagnosis, treatment plan, options, and prognosis.
To information about behaviour management, advice and guidance about resources in the community, and the availability of peer support.
To education that can assist them in coping with mental illness.
To respect from professionals for the expertise of the family, as well as the sharing of power in the therapeutic process.
To become appropriately assertive and to overcome traditional socialization that teaches families not to question authority.
To be involved with their family member as a support system and resource.
To have a social ethic that is more concerned about the welfare of the person with mental illness than about cost effectiveness.
To a mandated role on governance or advisory boards and a clear voice in mental health planning and legislation that directly affects their lives.
To a non-adversarial legal system that is understanding of potential tragedy and helpful in attempts to prevent disaster from occurring.

¬ British Columbia Provincial Mental Health Family Advisory Council, 1996

¬Vancouver Mental Health Family Advisory Council, 2004

More information resources from BCSS, listed alphabetically

Studies looking for Participants

A listing of research studies looking for participants is now available here

Programs and Services

How to Make a Donation

To Donate: Click here to donate online, send a cheque payable to the BC Schizophrenia Society to 201 - 6011 Westminster Hwy, Richmond , BC V7C 4V4 or click here or the link above for more options. Read More»

Online Support Groups for Family / Supporters

Visit www.support.bcss.org to participate in our online support groups for family members and supporters. Read More»

Monthly Family Support Group Meetings

BCSS regions and branches offer support groups for family members and supporters of persons with schizophrenia and other serious and persistent mental illnesses. For a full list click on the link above or visit: www.bcss.org/category/calendar/monthly-meetings
Read More /»

Local referral and support

Do you have a family member with a mental illness/? Are you wondering what services are available for serious mental illness in your community and how to access them/? Need help figuring out what to do/? BCSS can help. We have staff and volunteers in locations near you who can talk to you about your options and help you get connected. For contact info, please visit the link above for a list of locations or contact BCSS at 1-888-888-0029 to be referred to the person nearest you. Read More»

Reaching Families Project

This project provides assertive outreach to family members and supporters of persons with a mental illness through interconnected online tools including online support groups, e-newsletters and a calendar of events. Visit www.support.bcss.org for more.
Read More »

Partnership Education

Partnership Education is based on a personal storytelling model. It is a unique and powerful presentation that helps people in the community to understand the nature and prevalence of chronic and severe mental illness. A Partnership presentation is a panel of three guest speakers - a person with a psychiatric diagnosis, a family member, and a mental health professional. The three guests are presented as a team and each describes their own personal experience with mental illness. For information about volunteering for or arranging for a partnership presentation in your area, please contact the BCSS staff person or volunteer near you.
Read More »

Kids in Control Support Group Program

The Kids in Control Support Group Program, originally created by BCSS, gives information, education and support to children eight to thirteen years of age who have a parent with a serious mental illness. The Teens in Control program is now available for Teens. For more information visit: www.bcss.org/kidsincontrol
Read More »

Strengthening Families Together /– 10 session group for family and friends

Do you have a relative or friend with a serious mental illness/? Strengthening Families Together is a 10-session group for families and friends, which provides information, skill-building, and support. Offered in many locations throughout BC in spring and fall. Contact your local branch for details. www.bcss.org/strengtheningfamilies
Read More»

Ulysses Agreement – planning for support

A Ulysses Agreement is a voluntary plan that allows a parent to plan how their children will be cared for should they relapse and be temporally unable to care for their children. Help to create these plans is available in Boston Bar, Hope, Agassiz, Mission, Abbotsford, Langley, White Rock /& Surrey from Mark Littlefield at (604) 832-0705. Outside the Fraser region, please call Mark for more information or click on the link for written information and templates. Read More»

Calendar of training, support and other events in BC

Our online calendar at www.bcss.org/calendar contains support groups, training and events for people with a mental illness and their family and supporters. It is updated regularly and includes events and resources from all over British Columbia. Read More»

Family Respite Program

The Family Respite Program provides a modest amount of funding to families to pay for activities or services to help give family members helping their ill relative a break or rest. As families are all different, each family is helped to come up with a respite plan that works for them. Visit http://www.bcss.org/respite for more information. For service in the Fraser region contact 604 608-0477 Read More»

ReachOut Psychosis Concert and Education Program for Youth

A fun and interactive performance that aims to educate young people about the symptoms of this brain condition and where to get help. Delivered to tens of thousands of youth each year in secondary schools across BC. More information at reachoutpsychosis.com
Read More»

B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Education and Support Program

BRIDGES is a course taught by consumers for consumers. BRIDGES helps people learn things that will help them in their journey to recovery. People who have taken the course find it helps them to be part of their own treatment. In the course, students learn about psychiatric diagnoses. They also learn about what mental health treatments work best. More information: www.bcss.org/bridges
Read More»

Partnership Puppeteer Program

A puppet show that educates grade 4/5 students in order to give them accurate information and to dispel the myths and misunderstandings about mental illness.
Read More»

Save the Date - Family Event - Fraser Health

2012-01-26T19:47:08Z

Save the Date

Fraser Health Mental Health & Substance Use is pleased to present a 1 day interactive event

Families Are Part of the Solution:

A strategic direction for family support & inclusion

Families and loved ones are key partners in recovery from mental illness. Families play a critical and crucial role to people with mental illness and their contributions must be supported and encouraged. Recovery is facilitated when families are supported through education and other services that enable them to be effective partners in the care of adults with mental illness.

Recognizing the value of families in recovery from mental illness, Fraser Health’s Mental Health and Substance Use Services Leadership Team commissioned the development of a strategic direction to strengthen family support and inclusion in mental health care. A Family Support Task Group was created to oversee the process which included: a review of family inclusion and existing services and supports for families living in the Fraser Health communities; a literature review on evidence-based best practices; and consultation with Fraser Health families, mental health clinicians and consumers.

This review process is now complete, and we are holding an interactive 1 day event to start the next phase of our strategic direction.

When: Tuesday Feb. 28, 2012; 8:30 networking, 9:00-4:00 (lunch included)

Where: Sunrise Golf Course – 5640 188 St. Surrey (corner of 188 and Hwy #10)

Who: MHSU staff including staff working in inpatient and emergency departments, family members and community agency staff working with family members

What: Keynote presentation by Michele Maurer, MSc

“Good Things Happen When We Include Families”

Michele has been a family therapist and supervisor working with youth and families for over twenty years, in Alberta, BC and Ontario. Michele has a Master's of Science in Couple and Family Therapy and is a clinical member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

A presentation of Fraser Health’s strategic direction with time for questions

A panel presentation/discussion sharing experiences of working with families from a client, family member, case manager and psychiatrist perspective

Interactive discussions to help solidify these ideas in our system and everyday practice.

Registration: Family members, consumers and non-Fraser Health staff register by phone to Jennifer Conlon at 604-476-7168 or by email to jennifer.conlon@fraserhealth.ca with name, number attending, community, (agency if applicable), contact number

Registration deadline: February 11, 2012

--
David Dickinson
Mental Health Family Support
and Respite Service - Fraser Region
Program Manager
Family Support - Burnaby, New Westminster, the Tri-Cities, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows

Phone: 604-523-1072
Email: daviddic@telus.net

www.familysupportandrespite.com
1-877-717-5518

A free public service operated by:
BC Schizophrenia Society
**Hope and Help for Families**

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter January 2012

2012-01-10T19:23:48Z

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BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter:

Your Donations Help BCSS Help Families

Become a fan of the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society on Facebook

In Memory of Betty Vaughan
William G. Honer, MD, FRCPC, Head, Department of Psychiatry
Success Story from a Very Thankful Mom and Dad
Programs and Services
Support and Education Events
Family Support Online 24/7
Research looking for participants

If this email was forwarded to you, you can sign up for your own copy of future editions at www.bcss.org

In Memory of Betty Vaughan

It is with great regret we advise that Betty Vaughan— Honorary Director of the BC Schizophrenia Society and one of our revered “founding mothers”—passed away in November 2011.

It all began in 1980, when Betty went to a meeting with her friend, Nancy Kirk.

There they met a man named Bill Jeffries, who was touring across Canada to

establish schizophrenia support groups for families.

Betty and Nancy, inspired by Bill’s determination, decided to get involved. Little

did they know that – 30 years later – the results of their labour would be the

thriving organization we have today.

Over the years, Betty worked hard on behalf of the Society. She was one of the

members instrumental in helping to establish the Jack Bell Chair in

Schizophrenia Research at the University of British Columbia.

Betty was also a great believer in advocacy and education, and closely followed

the development of the excellent programs and services we provide throughout

the province today.

Thanks to pioneers like Betty, BC Schizophrenia Society programs now bring

hope and creative solutions to the tens of thousands of families coping with

serious mental illness.

Following Betty’s example, we continue to believe that obstacles can

be overcome and needless suffering can be alleviated.

We will continue in our mission to improve the quality of life for

those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through education,

support, public policy, and research.

Many, many people owe Betty a deep debt of gratitude for her foresight,

tenacity, and determination.

Donations in Memory of Betty Vaughan â Click on https://www.gifttool.com/donations/Donate?ID=2001&AID=1795

or call Jana Miller 604-270-7841 Ext. 202

William G. Honer, MD, FRCPC, Head, Department of Psychiatry

The University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine has announced the appointment of Dr. William Honer as Head, Department of Psychiatry and Director, UBC Institute of Mental Health.

Dr. Honer, a member of the BC Schizophrenia Society Medical Advisory, is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and the Jack Bell Chair in Schizophrenia. He is also the Scientific Director of the BC Mental Health & Addictions Research Institute.

Dr. Honer received his medical degree from Queen’s University. He completed specialty training in psychiatry at Vancouver General Hospital and the New York State Psychiatric Institute/ Columbia University. This was followed by research training in neuropathology and genetics at Columbia University and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
His research interests include mechanisms of illness in schizophrenia, brain aging and complex co-occurring illnesses such as psychosis, addiction and infectious disease. He is the author of more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and has authored the assessment section of the Canadian Clinical Practice Guidelines for Schizophrenia.

Dr. Honer has received the Young Investigator Award and the Heinz Lehmann Award from the Canadian College of Neuropsychopharmacology and a Scientist Award from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. He is also the recipient of a 2011 Award for Excellence in Mentoring Early Career Faculty from the UBC Faculty of Medicine.
In his new role as Head, Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Honer will provide leadership in teaching and research, and in promoting and improving patient care and clinical service delivery, working in partnership with affiliated Health Authorities across BC.
On behalf of people with schizophrenia and their families, we would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Honer for all that he does, and to offer our sincere congratulations on his new appointment in the Faculty of Medicine!

Success Story from a Very Thankful Mom and Dad

As parents, we had been noticing a major decline in our daughter's mental health for months already. She has almost a 10-year history of schizophrenia, at least 8 hospital stays, plus numerous emergency visits, and we could see the pattern repeating itself.

Our daughter had been fairly stable for about 2 years while on "extended leave", and receiving a long acting injectable medication. However, since the conditions required under her "extended leave" status had been lifted, her compliance with the medication was no longer mandatory.

In a very short time our daughter decided she didn't need the medication and discontinued it. She became extremely anxious, paranoid, psychotic, and began losing weight again. We knew from past experiences that it was just a matter of time before she would have to be hospitalized once more. We tried to encourage her to reconsider going back on her medication but were unsuccessful.

Several days before her November 3rd appointment with her psychiatrist at the local Mental Health office, my husband emailed the psychiatrist's office and briefly explained the sympt

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter Message

2011-12-02T01:55:20Z

Email not displaying correctly/? Click here to view it in your browser.

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter:

Your Donations Help BCSS Help Families

Thank you for Giving the Gift of Peace of MIND.

Spread the word! Become a fan of the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society on Facebook

Tell Us Your Story
Schizophrenia Research and Media Stories
Vancouver Coastal Health Cuts BCSS Respite Program
Fact Sheet Profile - cognitive deficits in Schizophrenia
Our newest regional coordinator - Tammy Lohnes - Vancouver/Richmond
BCSS Northern Interior - Aboriginal Day, Screening, Drop in Social
BCSS North-West - Stigma Busting Art Event, Looking for Partnership Volunteers
BCSS Vancouver-Richmond - looking for Partnership Volunteers
Programs and Services
Support and Education Events
Family Support Online 24/7
Research looking for participants

If this email was forwarded to you, you can sign up for your own copy of future editions at www.bcss.org

Tell Us Your Story

BCSS is interested in hearing from you, about your experiences as a person with schizophrenia or supporting someone with a mental illness as a family member. You can provide your stories anonymously or use your name, at your choice. The stories will be used in our work to help people understand schizophrenia and the needs and concerns of families.

We invite you to provide us with your story via a form on our website online here.

Schizophrenia Research and Media Stories

Links to Mental Illness Seen in Fetal Brains: Study - Genes involved in autism, schizophrenia may be activated in womb

Abbotsford Police mark one year since mental health unit began (Good news!)

Vancouver Coastal Health Cuts Family Respite Program

Despite Premier Christy Clark’s much-proclaimed Families First policy -- funding for family respite services was completely cut by Vancouver Coastal Mental Health as of October 31, 2011.

The BCSS Family Respite Services program began in 1996. It provides much-needed respite for primary unpaid caregivers of individuals with a serious mental illness.

About 25% of people with schizophrenia live with a family member; another 25% require extensive support that is provided by the family. It is no secret that unpaid family caregivers save the government hundreds of millions of dollars each year.

The mental health mandate for the BC Ministry of Health and Health Authorities is to provide core mental health services, which includes respite care for family caregivers.*

Respite offers a planned break for family caregivers. It provides time off from caregiving, relieves caregiver stress, and allows caregivers to attend to other areas of their lives. The consequences of not providing respite can include caregiver burnout and crisis.

BCSS believes that cutting funding for family respite services is a false economy, and will ultimately result in more strain on the system and much higher costs.

*Ministry of Health, Government of British Columbia 1998

Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia

Neurocognitive deficits are a core feature of schizophrenia. 94% of patients with schizophrenia have cognitive deficits. Cognition/thinking problems reduced attention span, difficulties with memory, reasoning, judgement, problem solving, and decision making are key features of schizophrenia. Memory is particularly impaired. The ability to plan, prioritise and implement strategies is also disrupted.

Cognitive deficits are probably the most important factor for poor outcome in people with schizophrenia. Research shows that the worse a person with schizophrenia's verbal memory, executive functioning and visual vigilance is the worse they will be able to function. Cognitive abilities are more predictive of functional outcome than psychotic symptoms.

Compared to psychotic symptoms, neurocognitive deficits (negative symptoms) are not as noticeable or odd. But, the deficits are still there and they have an enormous impact on the patient’s life.

Little effort is made at present to examine cognitive functioning in people with schizophrenia. Cognitive testing would be of great benefit to patients, clinicians, families and other caregivers. Evaluation of data from neurocognitive testing of patients with schizophrenia would lead to better service planning for all people who suffer from the disease.

BCSS has a fact sheet providing information on this important issue here.

Tammy Lohnes

Tammy was born, educated, and has lived all her life in Richmond and Vancouver. She has travelled a fair amount across the globe but is content to call Vancouver home. For the past 20 years Tammy has worked developing Crisis Line volunteer programs for North Fraser Region mental health and for provincial projects like the 310 mental health information line and 1800 Suicide. She sees the importance of including the entire community in training and development to reduce the barriers for family members and consumers in receiving the support and resources they need. She is inspired by the work being done through the BCSS and proud of the opportunity to play a part. For more information on services from BCSS in the Vancouver Richmond area visit this link.

Vancouver Richmond BCSS looking for partnership volunteers

Vancouver/Richmond Partnership Education Program is looking for individuals who have received treatment for psychosis within the mental health system to volunteer as Partner Presenters and share your personal story of recovery. Experience sharing your story is an asset but some training is also provided. Must be able to access public transportation (or provide own transportation) within the Vancouver area and be available weekdays for 2-4 hours/month (days & times are flexible). An honorarium is provided. For more info please contact the Vancouver/Richmond Coordinator Tammy Lohnes at 604-726-5997 or vanrich@bcss.org www.bcss.org/partnership

BCSS Northern Interior Update

Heather Megchelsen, Omineca Lakes District Regional Coordinator for BCSS recognized Aboriginal Day with a popular Burns Lake display including information and engaging the children with brown paper bag puppets, craft supplies and bandages to show that mental illnesses are physical illnesses of the brain – that can be successfully treated.

Heather and BCSS partnered with the Omineca Lakes District school counselors, Carrier Sekane and Mental Health & Addictions Services to host a Beyond the Blues depression screening event at the high school in Burns Lake during Mental Illness Awareness Week. Hundreds of students participated and school counselors are planning mental health programs for students based on the screening results.

Heather and Patricia Pedersen continue to host the growing ever popular Drop In Social at their Burns Lake centre for individuals and families affected by any mental illness - with FREE homemade soup and buns – and the promise of added games and activities. Participants report a relaxing time and a chance to make new friends. Everyone welcome. More information on BCSS Northern Interior here.

BCSS North-West - Stigma busting art event, looking for partnership volunteers

In September/October the Stepping Stone Centre (Terrace’s Mental Health & Addictions clubhouse) hosted an Art Exhibit featuring the art of 12 clients. They hosted an Opening Night, complete with refreshments and a String Orchestra. During the planning stages BCSS Cooordinator Noreen Spence met with the artists and organizers and offered to create an Art Calendar based on the exhibit.

On Opening Night over 100 community members came through the doors. It was an exciting evening. Many of the artists sold some of their work. It was also an evening of stigma busting.

Our Calendar has now gone to the Printer and will be ready at the end of this week. In return for their willingness to share their art, each artist will receive two calendars and Noreen will be using the remaining calendars as Christmas gifts for our volunteers and partners.

Noreen is looking for family members in Terrace who would like to participate or learn more about participating in the Partnership Education Program. In Kitimat and Prince Rupert she am looking for both consumers and family members interested in participating.

For more information on this or other events and services in the Terrace area, please contact Noreen Spence, NW Regional Coordinator for the BC Schizophrenia Society
at terrace@bcss.org or visit www.bcss.org/northwest

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter Message

2011-12-01T17:41:13Z

Email not displaying correctly/? Click here to view it in your browser.

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter:

Your Donations Help BCSS Help Families

Thank you for Giving the Gift of Peace of MIND.

Spread the word! Become a fan of the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society on Facebook

Tell Us Your Story
Schizophrenia Research and Media Stories
Vancouver Coastal Health Cuts BCSS Respite Program
Fact Sheet Profile - cognitive deficits in Schizophrenia
Our newest regional coordinator - Tammy Lohnes - Vancouver/Richmond
BCSS Northern Interior - Aboriginal Day, Screening, Drop in Social
BCSS North-West - Stigma Busting Art Event, Looking for Partnership Volunteers
BCSS Vancouver-Richmond - looking for Partnership Volunteers
Programs and Services
Support and Education Events
Family Support Online 24/7
Research looking for participants

If this email was forwarded to you, you can sign up for your own copy of future editions at www.bcss.org

Tell Us Your Story

We invite you to provide us with your story via a form on our website online here.

Schizophrenia Research and Media Stories

Links to Mental Illness Seen in Fetal Brains: Study - Genes involved in autism, schizophrenia may be activated in womb

Abbotsford Police mark one year since mental health unit began (Good news!)

Vancouver Coastal Health Cuts Family Respite Program

*Ministry of Health, Government of British Columbia 1998

Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia

Compared to psychotic symptoms, neurocognitive deficits (negative symptoms) are not as noticeable or odd. But, the deficits are still there and they have an enormous impact on the patient’s life.

BCSS has a fact sheet providing information on this important issue here.

Tammy Lohnes

Vancouver Richmond BCSS looking for partnership volunteers

BCSS Northern Interior Update

BCSS North-West - Stigma busting art event, looking for partnership volunteers

On Opening Night over 100 community members came through the doors. It was an exciting evening. Many of the artists sold some of their work. It was also an evening of stigma busting.

Can't Attend? Be an absentee bidder!

2011-11-17T14:26:59Z

Endeavour Auction Items

The BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) is proud once again to be a recipient of this year’s Endeavour Society Annual Gala.

100% of the auction price of donated items goes directly to the BCSS programs & Services

Can’t Attend?

Be an absentee bidder!

You can place bids on any of our items by calling Jana at

604-270-7841 x202

Deadline: Friday November 18^th 5pm

Items for Auction

Category Value $3000 to $5000

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter November 2011

2011-11-01T20:39:10Z

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BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter:

Your Donations Help BCSS Help Families

Become a fan of the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society on Facebook

Moving Lives Forward Scholarship Recipients for 2011
Schizophrenia research in the media
You like us, but do you 'like' us yet?
Xavier Amador - author of "I'm not sick. I don't need help" coming to BC.
Programs and Services
Support and Education Events
Family Support Online 24/7
Research looking for participants

If this email was forwarded to you, you can sign up for your own copy of future editions at www.bcss.org

Moving Lives Forward Scholarship Recipients for 2011

(If the image below is not visible, please visit this link for the story)

Many thanks to Eli Lilly for sponsoring this scholarship, which is presented by the BC Schizophrenia Society and the Mood Disorders Association of BC.

Schizophrenia Research in the Media

Click on the links below to read some recent articles about promising schizophrenia research.

The Insanity Virus - a good description of Dr. Fuller Torrey's research in Discover Magazine

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter October 2011

2011-10-13T21:08:40Z

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BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter:

Your Donations Help BCSS Help Families

Become a fan of the British Columbia Schizophrenia Society on Facebook

Reserve Your Seat at the Virtual Table
New Services for French-Speaking Families
Media Coverage on Serious Mental Illness
Programs and Services
Support and Education Events
Family Support Online 24/7
Research looking for participants

If this email was forwarded to you, you can sign up for your own copy of future editions at www.bcss.org

Reserve Your Seat at the Virtual Table

If you are outside the Vancouver area or unable to attend this year's Endeavour Gala benefitting BCSS, you can still show your support by making a donation online today and sitting with BCSS at our virtual table. Click here to view the exciting auction items.

Online Support Groups Now Include Services for French-speaking Family Members

The BC Schizophrenia Society is proud to announce two new services for people caring for a loved one with a mental illness whose first language is french. Our online family support group system, which allows family members to ask questions of our moderator and support one another in caring for a loved one with a mental illness, now includes features allowing people who are more comfortable with French to use the system in that language. A french-speaking Nurse, Martine Lagasse from La Boussolle, a francophone community centre based in Vancouver, will be moderating the French language section of the site and helping families there. In addition there is also be a bimonthly french language bulletin for family members, providing information in french on helping a loved one with a mental illness.

The family support group system was developed by BCSS for HereToHelp, and the addition of services for french-speaking families was made possible by a partnership with RésoSanté Colombie-Britannique. Louis Giguère, the director of RésoSanté, says "We are thrilled to see that Francophone families can find information, support, and empathy in their own language. The platform also means we can reach across the Province, in urban and rural areas alike. We hope the community embraces the opportunity to share and to help each other."

We could use your help connecting with families who need support and who would prefer to get that support in French. If you have friends or family who might find this new resource for French-speaking people useful, we hope you will forward this email to them. The website is at www.reachingfamiliesproject.org and the French speaking section is at www.reachingfamiliesproject.org/francais.

Media Coverage on Serious Mental Illness

With Mental Illness Awareness Week recently past, family members may be interested in recent media coverage on the realities of coping with a serious mental illness and and activism by family members to expose problems with the Vancouver General Hospital psych ward, along with coverage of the controversy over the Mental Health Commission of Canada's lack of attention to the needs of people with serious mental illness.

Here is a sampling of recent stories available online that may be of interest. You can click on the links to read the full stories:

Studies looking for Participants

A listing of research studies looking for participants is now available here

Programs and Services

How to Make a Donation

Online Support Groups for Family / Supporters

Visit www.support.bcss.org to participate in our online support groups for family members and supporters. Read More»

Monthly Family Support Group Meetings

Local referral and support

Reaching Families Project

Partnership Education

Kids in Control Support Group Program

Strengthening Families Together /– 10 session group for family and friends

Ulysses Agreement /– planning for support

Calendar of training, support and other events in BC

Family Respite Program

ReachOut Psychosis Concert and Education Program for Youth

B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Education and Support Program

Partnership Puppeteer Program

A puppet show that educates grade 4/5 students in order to give them accurate information and to dispel the myths and misunderstandings about mental illness. This program is currently offered in Nanaimo, Terrace and Penticton Read More»

Family Support Buddy Program

The program matches volunteers with persons who are family members of persons with a serious and persistent mental illness. The volunteers, who are also family members of a person with a mental illness, provide peer listening and some information during a weekly phone call or visit. This program is not currently operating but full program materials are available at the link above for organizations or branches who would like to offer it. Read More»

Click here for Local Information and Support

Upcoming Family Events

More Family Calendar Events | Printable Monthly Support Group List | Events by Region

Burns Lake Events (6)
Campbell River Events (6)
Castlegar Events (4)
Coquitlam/Port Coquitlam/Port Moody Events (5)
Courtenay Events (3)
Cranbrook Events (3)
Events Calendar (all) (95)
Fort St John Events (6)
Fort St. James Events (4)
Fraser Lake events (6)
Fraser Region Events
(Abbotsford, Agassiz, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Delta, Hope,
Langley, Maple Ridge, Mission, New Westminster,
Pitt Meadows, Surrey, The Tri-Cities, White Rock) (18)
Granisle Events (2)
Haida Gwaii Events (3)
Kamloops Events (7)
Kelowna Events (3)
Kitimat Events (6)
Mackenzie Events (4)
McBride Events (4)

To donate by mail or phone:
British Columbia Schizophrenia Society - Provincial Office #201 - 6011 Westminster Hwy. Richmond, B.C. V7C 4V4 Canada Phone: 604-270-7841 Toll Free: 1-888-888-0029

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British Columbia Schizophrenia Society - Provincial Office #201 - 6011 Westminster Hwy. Richmond, B.C. V7C 4V4 Canada Phone: 604-270-7841 Toll Free: 1-888-888-0029

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter

ReachOut Psychosis Concert Tour Celebrates our 100,000th Audience Member with an Evening of Music and Comedy Feb 9th

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter February 2012

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter:

Inside this Issue:

Long-time BCSS Family Volunteer Relocates

One Day's Pay Challenge

Mental Illness Articles in the Media

Understanding mental illness: New clinical psychiatric genetic counselling service

Who are genetic counsellors?

Who is this service available to?

What is involved with a genetic counselling appointment?

Frequently Asked Questions:

Interested in Genetic Counselling?

Understanding Depression

In her own words:

Her Answers to my questions:

Featured BCSS Resource

Family Charter of Rights

Studies looking for Participants

Programs and Services

Save the Date - Family Event - Fraser Health

Save the Date

A strategic direction for family support & inclusion

When: Tuesday Feb. 28, 2012; 8:30 networking, 9:00-4:00 (lunch included)

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter January 2012

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter:

Contents

In Memory of Betty Vaughan

William G. Honer, MD, FRCPC, Head, Department of Psychiatry

Success Story from a Very Thankful Mom and Dad

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter Message

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter:

Contents

Tell Us Your Story

Schizophrenia Research and Media Stories

Vancouver Coastal Health Cuts Family Respite Program

Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia

Tammy Lohnes

Vancouver Richmond BCSS looking for partnership volunteers

BCSS Northern Interior Update

BCSS North-West - Stigma busting art event, looking for partnership volunteers

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter Message

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter:

Contents

Tell Us Your Story

Schizophrenia Research and Media Stories

Vancouver Coastal Health Cuts Family Respite Program

Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia

Tammy Lohnes

Vancouver Richmond BCSS looking for partnership volunteers

BCSS Northern Interior Update

BCSS North-West - Stigma busting art event, looking for partnership volunteers

Can't Attend? Be an absentee bidder!

Endeavour Auction Items

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter November 2011

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter:

Contents

Moving Lives Forward Scholarship Recipients for 2011

Schizophrenia Research in the Media

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter October 2011

BC Schizophrenia Society Newsletter:

Contents

Reserve Your Seat at the Virtual Table

Online Support Groups Now Include Services for French-speaking Family Members

Media Coverage on Serious Mental Illness

Studies looking for Participants

Programs and Services

Upcoming Family Events