Thoughts on Stress Management

This was sent to me by a client of mine and I wanted to share this with everyone. There are some very insightful things to ponder here, both intriguing and comical. I hope that you can take something away from it! 

Stress Management   
A young lady confidently walked around the room while leading a public session on stress management, while speaking she raised a glass of water.  Everyone knew she was going to ask the ultimate question, 'half  empty or half full?'... She fooled them all .... "How heavy is this glass of water?" she inquired with a smile. Answers called out ranged from 8 oz.  to 20 oz.

How one Primary School Supports Children, Parents and Families when a Parent has a Mental Illness

This article is all about a school in Australia supporting the children and families impacted by mental illness. They give examples of how they supported families going through various life experiences from helping children connect with their unwell parent to providing parenting support to a parent with mental illness who has sole custody of the child.

Feel Good Friday

Is it Christmas?

Today, I wanted to share a feel good moment with you.The New FAME Toronto Office will be running an 8 week Meditative Self-Care Yoga program in Partnership with Family Outreach and Response(details to follow)

I had engaged every outreach opportunity available- short of sending carrier pigeons, when Chobra Yoga Centre came to the rescue.

 What is in these 3 massive boxes you may ask?

 50 FREE YOGA MATS!!!

Due to Vivian Wong and Chobras generosity, now all clients can do their breathing exercises in comfort.
Happy Friday!

A Story about an Adult who Reflects on her Experience of Growing up Around Mental Illness

This is about Victoria's Story of growing up in a family with a mother who had schizophrenia.

Moving Forward

In this world, it's much more common to see negative stories written about mental health than positive ones.  I believe it's important to share as many positive and hopeful stories as we can, so that we can start to erase the stigma that's out there.  Remember that the stigma associated with Mental Illness affects everyone involved, so we all have to work together!

Here's an article written by a young woman named Cooper Mall.  She shares the story of her struggle with Bipolar Disorder, and the path she made for herself that came out of it.  I wont' say anymore about it, so you better just read the article yourselves!  Just know that there are lots of hopeful and positive stories  out there; we just have to keep sharing them with anyone who will listen.

Strengthening Our Students

What are our post-secondary students up to?
I recently attended the 15th Annual George Brown Mental Health Conference, which got me thinking- What are our other post-secondary students up to?

I pride myself on being an Ontarian, and couldn't be happier to see that $27 million dollars worth of Ontario's comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy funding has been invested in post-secondary mental health projects.

Check out what some of our neighbours are doing :

University of Toronto-By Students/For Students
"A Digital Gateway for mental health, a new digital platform will allow users to pinpoint services in their own area using a mobile device or computer"

OCD by Neil Hilborn

A while ago, I came across this video on my daily internet scavenger hunt for Mental Health related goodies.  Neil Hiborn is a spoken word artist living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and i guarantee this poem will pull at your heartstrings.  It is really something to see someone expressing themselves with such beauty and power.
Hats off to you, Neil!

Activity of the Month!

This month's activity is also related to teaching children about mindfulness and being present to the moment!  It is called the Mindfulness Jar.  Every time I have done this activity with children they really seem to enjoy it and can't wait to use their jar.  This activity is applicable for all ages, I personally have my own Mindfulness Jar at home and I use it when I need to quiet the mind from all the happenings of the day.

For the materials you will need any type of jar with a lid that seals well.  At the Dollarama spice jars can be purchased 3 for $1.  Other supplies include water soluble hair gel, water, sparkles, a few drops of tea tree oil to keep the water sterile, paper towel, scissors (if the sparkles come in plastic packages), and an empty plastic container (for pouring out contents of the jar if needed). 

Toronto Office

Good Morning! Good Morning! The birds are chirping, the sun is brighter, and the Toronto Office is now OPEN!

 

Alert the Press!!!

Toronto- Office- Open March 3rd!
Laura Vickers
Family Support Worker
laurav@fameforfamilies.com
416-324-5060
Room 2100 (2nd Floor) 333 Sherbourne St 

Toronto-New Group Begins April 29th!
Last Tuesday of the Month from 7:00 to 9:00pm
Sherbourne Health Centre, 333 Sherbourne Street
Room 2008 on the 2nd Floor

Ill save you a seat!