National Caregiver Day

Tuesday, April 5th is National Caregiver Day in Canada. Let us recognize families, friends, health professionals and communities supporting individuals and loved ones experiencing a mental health concern!

"Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have" - Margaret Mead

Mental Health: A Special Series

In January of this year, The Mississauga News released a a three part special Series on Mental Health.  Topics range from personal stories, funding in peel, how the mental health system in peel is supporting the population; and how it's falling short.  I found it to be an incredibly in-depth series that examines the very real, and sometimes heartbreaking effects the mental health system in peel has on the families that are reaching out for support. Please take a look at this incredible series:
Part 1: Help....The Monsters Under my Bed are Real
Part 2: "The System Failed us"
Part 3: A New Frontier in Mental Health

I've found myself recently having a lot of conversation with families in Peel about the connections (or possibly missed connections) between the campaigns to end mental health stigma (Ex: Bell Let's Talk), and the funding that goes to the programs to help people when they are ready for support.  I was really struck by a Father who told me that although he's extremely encouraged by the advocacy and stigma campaigns, he has been increasingly worried about what happens when people feel more comfortable seeking help from our system If the funding still isn't there, wait lists, inpatient beds, and even crisis response may not be caught up to even access the services. Later that same day I came across this article from the National Post that sheds some light on people who are falling through the cracks of an overburdened system.

We have certainly come a long way in Mental Health Strategies in Canada, and  I truly believe that education is the first step.  We need to know how the system is working right now, in order to help make it better.  We can write letters, talk openly about it, bring forward the ideas of the families who are using the system themselves to make sure that the people who are really needing the help don't fall through the cracks.  Remember, as a community we have a lot of power.  We can work together to make a difference.

Recovery & Mental Health

The best way to understand mental wellness is to view it as a continuum. Our positions may shift from time to time depending on the events of our lives. Seeing mental health as a continuum means that we are not always stuck in one state and we are able to move back and forth. It’s important to understand that we all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. The quality of our mental and physical health fluctuates. Factors such as stress, lack of sleep and traumatic experiences can impact our mental health as can the level and quality of support that one has in times of stress. Just as we need to do things to maintain good physical health, it helps to do certain things to maintain good mental health, such as manage our stress, seek counseling and support when overwhelmed, or take care of our bodies through proper sleep, diet and nutrition.

Recovery Story

I get asked a lot to share recovery stories that I've heard from people.  These stories can help to inspire hope, create normalcy for mental illness, and give people a voice who feel like they might not have one (or feel like people don't want to listen).  Here's a video from someone who wants to share his own experience with mental illness. 
This video contains a conversation about suicide.

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

The Rise of the Self-Help Apps

In a world that's become heavily reliant on smartphones, tablets and social media, mental health initiatives are finally taking their place in our electronic world. 

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!

-

Mind, Body and Soul

Happy  New Year to everyone!  I hope your Holidays were full of joy, care, and peace; and that 2015 brings happiness and light to everyone out there.
I would like to start off this new year with reminder that our minds and bodies are all connected, and to take care of one, we have to take care of the other as well.  There is a huge focus right now on holistic health and recovery, and here is a perfect example of what's going on in our community to support people taking care of mind, body and soul:

"As a yoga devotee and founder of her own studio, Linda Malone is sharing her passion for the practice through a special program dedicated to helping people living with mental illness. Malone is the director of the Blu Matter Project, a not-for-profit organization acting as a bridge between its ambassador yoga studios and individuals living with depression and/or bipolar disorder."

Please read this amazing article to gain some more information on how yoga and mindfulness can help in the support and recovery of your mind and body.  

The Invisible Illness.

The description of "invisible illness" is something that i often hear when families speak about their loved one's Mental Health issues.  These feelings, moods, behaviours, perceptions etc. that can take over one's life, can also be hidden from plain view.  Someone close to me recently questioned whey they keep being told they don't seem "unwell enough for treatment" because they are able to have a relationship, friends, hold down a job etc., regardless of how horrible they feel.  Sometimes this makes it difficult for the person themselves to see or admit that they aren't feeling well, and it also makes it extremely difficult for surrounding friends and family to notice that that person may need support and help. 

Sandra Charron as been writing some blog posts recently about her own battle with Mental Health issues, and this most recent post has really struck a chord with me.  In the post Can We Let Go of These Mental Illness Stereotypes?, Sandra speaks about her own issues with how Mental Illness is treated by society (and that includes health professionals as well!). 
                                                       
                                                  So let's all stop saying:                                                            
                                                 

How one person explains their own depression.

I'm constantly trying to understand what mental illness looks like through the eyes of the person who is experiencing it.  I know that i will never really understand how another person is feeling, but listening and empathizing really helps with my own perspective and coping skills.  I often ask myself "how can i help this person or family if I have no concept of what they're going through?".  I have to remind myself that it's okay that i can't see through their eyes, but i can sure try to step into their shoes for a different view on..well...everything.

 I'm a huge fan of a blog of comics written by a woman who has experienced Depression.   There are two comics in particular about her struggle with depression that have gotten a lot of attention.  They're important to me because it's very personal, real and heartbreaking; while all the while adding in some humor which really  makes these feelings easier to relate to for people who have never experienced Depression.

Please visit  Hyperbole and a half: adventures in depression for the first part, and get even more perspective from Hyperbole and a half: Depression part 2.

NOTE: the above links contain some swearing.

Depression: The Misunderstood Epidemic

I came across a video which highlights people's stories, experiences and perspectives of depression. The hour long video showcases how people struggling with depression have overcome helplessness, hopelessness and despair, how loved ones have coped with it and created partnerships which have aided in recovery and wellness, and speaks to the fact that knowledge IS power.

I encourage you to take the time to understand Depression, a mental health issue that almost 3 million Canadians live with, and is believed to become the 2nd most common cause of disability worldwide by 2020.

Depression: The Misunderstood Epidemic 

Educate, Inform and Accept

End the Stigma around Mental Illness

Mental Health Education aimed at youth to kick stigma in the butt!

Most individuals start to experience symptoms of a Mental Health concern in their teen years and early 20's; so doesn't it make sense to give all of these wonderful kids all the education and tools they  need to succeed? I think so!  STIGMA is one of those things that makes it difficult for an individual to seek out any type of support for themselves, or someone they know.  You know what? I think stigma is a jerk.  The great thing is that we can all work together to erase it from our landscape, and start the journey to be well.

Children's Mental Health Ontario has been putting on an anti-stigma YouTube contest called "change the view".  They call on youth from all over Ontario to share their stores to try to erase the stigma of Mental Illness.  Please please please click on this AMAZING STORY and be ready to be inspired by a brave 19 year old.
Her video is posted in the link as well, and i can't begin to imagine the guts it took to put herself out to the world like this.  What an inspiration!
Okay everyone, let's get out there and:

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!

FAME: TORONTO EDITION

WHO AM I?

Hello!  I'm Laura Vickers.  Yours truly has a splash of experience working in both judicial and trauma therapy, a sip of work in gerontology, a gulp of experience in newcomer and community settings and a bucket full of enthusiasm. I’ve backpacked on 4 continents but this might be my biggest adventure yet.

 Ok, first things first. Confession time. I am the new Family Support worker at FAME and I am thrilled to be a part of such a lively and passionate team. The excitement and energy surrounding the opening of our new office beats any Rob Ford video (sigh, oh Rob).  Like TFC soccer star Jermain Defoe arriving in Toronto...  FAME - ITS A BIG DEAL! 

The mothership itself is located in St James town at 333 Sherbourne in downtown Toronto, not far from Carlton and Sherbourne- an area representing all shapes and sizes of Toronto's varied population. Our community combines 160 languages and as many as 32,000 people with an average family income that is 41% below city average. FAME  is ready to hit the ground running!

FAME’s reputation and assistance has spoken volumes in the local area and we’ve already found ourselves on the St James Town network committee, participating in Toronto public mental health programs, leading scheduled information sessions, and have a continuously growing client base before we’ve even put a lick of paint on the walls. Our calendar is filling up fast with organizations eager to learn more!

Alright...Alright...I swore I wasn't going to just write facts, but I had to be sure to give you the low down on our neighborhood and quite frankly I'm pretty darn excited about what we are doing. Follow me through the trials and tribulations of opening our new office and thanks for reading!

Follow how things are growing by finding us on Twitter: @FAMEforFAMILIES

And on our Facebook too!