Supporting a Family Member: Mental Health Resource

Hello everyone,

Karen and I have been searching the web for resources pertaining to the support and education of family members coping with mental health struggles within the family and have found a valuable resource. This resource is from British Columbia's mental health initiative "here to help" and is free to the public.

The "Supporting a Family Member" page is a hub for trusted educational articles and covers specific diagnosis' and family needs. Not only does the website provide resources for parents but it also provides links to age appropriate resources for siblings. All information is up to date and can be navigated easily for downloading/viewing purposes.

Note: Small portions of the website are tailored for the province, for instance community mental health events.

Here's the link:

http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/skills/supporting-family#symptoms

Hope this resource can be of use!

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Peer Support!

It's so common to see only negative stories in the media about individuals who are experiencing Mental Illness.  As I've said before, I think it's incredibly important to share as many positive, hopeful and realistic stories as we can, so we can combat those stories that only lead to more stigma.

Please read this wonderful article that was written about Mississauga's own, Kirk Wiscombe, who has been diagnosed with Schizophrenia for the last 12 years.  He is now doing great work as a peer support worker with The Canadian Mental Health Association and helps support others in our community who are struggling with their mental health.  I'm so happy to his story out there, and I hope that our communities will continue to spread that message of self care and support. 

In addition, there is a Peer Support Job Fair happening in Mississauga and Halton soon.  If anyone who has lived experience is interested in getting into peer support work, this is a great opportunity to talk to agencies who are looking to hire more people for these positions.

Peer Job Fair Flyer

CBTp (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis) Group for Hearing Voices

Just received information about this group which assists individuals who require support in coping with hearing voices.  Deqa Farah of  Fred Victor is running the group.  Deqa spoke at one of FAME's Etobicoke Educational Meetings earlier this year and her approach embodies the Recovery Model and a holistic view of living with a mental health challenge. Details of the group are as follows:
In this FREE 16-week group participants will learn: 


Learn self-management strategies using CBTp tools and principles [developing a tool box] to cope with voices.

Learning to identify triggers/cues for voices and what keeps cycle going.

Understanding meaning of voices, normalizing information about voices.

Sharing coping strategies and trying out new ones etc.

Learn connection of thoughts, mood and behaviour and how this relates to voices.

Receive hand-outs, reading material, and other resources.

WHEN: Every MONDAY for 16 weeks, starting May 25^th  
WHERE: The HUB - 2660 Eglington Ave E (Brimley Rd and Eglinton Ave E)
TIME: 12pm to 2pm 
For more information, please call Deqa Farah at 416 482- 4103 extension 223.