Ministry of Community and Social Services to Delay Implementation of Employment Related Benefit

CMHA Ontario announced in their recent newsletter that due to advocacy by the ODSP Action Coalition, a province-wide coalition of community disability agencies, provincial organizations, anti-poverty groups, legal clinics and people with disabilities on ODSP, the government has delayed implementing the  Employment Related Benefits for ODSP recipients. Therefore the seven employment benefits that are in place will continue to be available. This will mean that the WRB- Work Related Benefit which allow recipients to receive $100/month for work related necessities, such as transportation, will still be available.    Thank you to the ODSP Action Coalition for their continued and effective advocacy for people with disabilities!
 For more information on this topic go to
  Ministry of Community and Social Services  website.

Reducing Stress

It is important that we recognize when we are feeling overwhelmed and/or stressed. Loving and living with someone who has a mental illness can be very challenging and often leads to family members feeling stressed. Being aware of your early warning signs may  help you indicate times where you may be feeling stressed. Pay attention to these warning signs and try to find ways to decrease stress.

National Suicide Prevention Week 2015

September 7th - September 13th marks National Suicide Prevention week. Jamie Tworkowski from To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA) writes:

"The lie is that depression and suicide are things that we can't talk about.
It's a lie that causes people to feel alone and live alone when it comes to their pain.  The truth is that, as people, we all relate to pain.  We all struggle from time to time, we all experience sadness, and we all encounter huge questions in this life.  All of that is part of this human experience that you and I keep waking up to.

And with all of that in mind, welcome to National Suicide Prevention Week.  This week, people all across America are pushing back at the lie.  Thousands more will join them on Thursday for World Suicide Prevention Day.  Together we will say that it's important to talk about mental health and suicide.  Together we will say that it's okay to be honest and it's okay to ask for help.  Together we will say we're not alone.

In competition with myself: Mental health in Sport

In 1981, after labouring in relative obscurity, a long and lean lightweight from Nicaragua, devastated one Ray “Bam Bam” Mancini, tearing the World Lightweight Championship from his hands. A relative unknown, Alexis Arguello, now a World Champion proceeded to hug and kiss Mancini in an extension of friendship. Such was the nature of the man known as the “Explosive thin Man”. A polar opposite of his pugilistic persona, Alexis opened charities, became a politician and advocated for change in his impoverished country. Alexis would once again shock the world, as he did in 1981, with news of his suicide in 2009.

In recent years the discussion of mental health challenges amongst athletes, both amateur and professional has erupted in the wake of such detriment that befell Alexis. Talk of Traumatic Brain Injuries, Mood Disorders and experiences of Addiction have become almost mainstream in conversation with athletics. Commonly, the discussion has revolved around sports of extreme risk: football, hockey and combative sports. Research into the effects of post concussive disorders, acute trauma and the experiences of duress have begun to unravel the effects of mental instability in those we consider to be the pinnacles of our humanity.

The weekend warrior, studied fan, amateur and budding professionals in the realm of sport and competition have idolized those who pioneered their respective fields. Terry Bradshaw, celebrated Quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, suffered in silence from anxiety and depression. As does former Speed Skating Olympic champion Clara Hughes and Olympic Sailing competitor Oliver Bone. These are only a small collection of well-known athletes who have, in recent years, divulged their challenges. For individuals who dedicate their lives to being the example of human physical potential, what has caused them to suffer so heavily mentally?

Young Carers Program

Growing up in a family with mental health issues can be challenging and at times isolating. Often times, such responsibilities place on individuals from childhood transition into adulthood. Family members grow up to be care givers to siblings, parents and partners. Feelings of isolation, excess stress from additional responsibilities can lead to our own mental health challenges. At FAME, we home to prevent, support and empower young carers to tap into the resilience by creating a community of shared experience.

FAME's Toronto Office is excited to restart our Young Carers Program this September 16th.
Carers between 18-25 years are welcome to attend the group.

Our program aims to educate, empower and promote connection for a group of people whose experiences often go unheard from. 

September 16th at 6:30pm 

Sherbourne Health Centre (333 Sherbourne St) 

Room 2008, 2nd floor

Project Semicolon

There are lots of different ways to start talking about mental health, advocating for yourself and supporting others.  Something that's gaining a lot of popularity right now is the Semicolon tattoo movement - which I love! A lot of individuals are using these tattoos as a conversation starter about mental health, and a reminder to themselves that their story isn't finished yet.  This project was originally started by Amy Bleuel of Green Bay, Wisconsin, who founded "Project Semicolon" in 2013 after losing her Father to suicide and dealing with her own mental illness.  There are so many ways we can spread awareness of mental illness, and even more so, to let people know they aren't alone.  We're all in this together!  
Here are some articles about the movement:

Article from The Star

UpWorthy article

Global News - tattoo raising funds for CMHA Calgary