5 Simple Ways to a More Peaceful Mind

Happy Hump Day Everyone!
To get through the mid week I wanted to share a blog post from the Joyous Health website; where the motto is 'Live Well. Eat Well. Be Well.' Sounds good right? Joy talks about how negative thoughts harm us and how we can train our brains to be more peaceful and positive. Enjoy!

5 Simple Way to a More Peaceful Mind  

Consequences of Inadequate Support Services

I watched this 60 Minutes program which highlights what is happening to people with lived experience when proper treatment/support is unavailable. What does this say about our society when vulnerable people do not receive the respect and help they deserve? 

14 PRINCIPLES FOR FAMILY MEMBERS ON HOW TO COPE

Happy Friday! 

I just came across a really insightful and matter of fact article that is posted on the FAME website called "When Mental Illness Becomes Part of the family". The article features specific family situations and touches on the negative affects of stigma related to mental illness in our society. The Globe and Mail article also offers some key principles which I wanted to share here for family members and caregivers as a quick reference. 

1. Realize that mental health issues are not rare. 
2. Learn as much as possible, as soon as possible. 
3. Don't blame yourself - it can destroy your chances of coping forever. 
4. Seek professional helpers who are effective. 
5. Contact a self-help group for family members and caregivers. 
6. Accept that mental health challenges are complex. Our natural instincts can be an unreliable guide. Relatives need training. 
7. Get to know the origins of pressures to which family members are subject. 
8. Pay special attention to the needs of other members of the family. 
9. Remember that unlimited, unconditional self-sacrifice on behalf of someone with a mental health challenge is fatal to effective caring and coping. 
10. Be aware that spending massive amounts of time with your loved one who is experiencing the mental health issue can make matters worse. 
11. Maintain friendships, activities and hobbies, particularly those that will take you outside the home. 
12. Set your sights on appropriate independence for your loved one and yourself. 
13. Don't be surprised to find that the ability to change and look at things differently distinguishes relatives who can cope from those who can not. 
14. Take very good care for yourself. 

Over and out from the east! Have a great weekend!

Meg 

Hello Everyone,
Last night I had Graeme from the "Special Needs Planning Group", come and do an Educational Speakers Series presentation. The planning group was established with the sole purpose of supporting families and caregivers in their quest to provide a decent quality of life and a secure financial future for their loved ones with disabilities. Graeme is an amazing guy, he is down to earth, personable and extremely knowledgeable about the in's and out's of financial planning when it comes to ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program), Henson Trust, and RDSP (Registered Disability Savings Plan). I have added Graeme's contact information below and a link to the planning groups website. The site offers information to help plan for the future, and also provides resources and tools that you and your loved one can look into and consider. 

The end result of creating a "Special Needs" Plan with the group is that the person in your family with a disability will receive Quality Of Life funding and will be able to maintain a lifestyle that he or she deserves. As an added bonus, you as a family member and caregiver will have Peace of Mind knowing that your loved one will be taken care of.  

Graeme S. Treeby

The "Special Needs" Planning Group
70 Ivy Crescent, Stouffville, ON L4A 5A9                               
Phone/Fax 905 640-8285
http://www.specialneedsplanning.ca/

All the best!
Meg

LAUGHING LIKE CRAZY

At FAME we are always stressing the importance of self-care. One of the best strategies for this is to go out and have a good time. On June 5 check out Laughing Like Crazy a comedic show hosted by Mood Disorders Associaton of Ontario in which people with lived experience use humour to demonstrate how difficult issues can be viewed and dealt with. 

Psychosis Conference in Toronto on June 13

An interesting conference is being held in Toronto on Friday June 13 which will explore innovative perspectives on psychosis with speakers who have lived experience.  Check it out as it will provide an alternative view of how recovery can be viewed. Psychosis 2.0

Advocacy for Change

Do people call you crazy?

Community discussion

6pm Thursday June 5th

2999 Jane, Office for Green Change, back

door. Accessible door through the side.

Survivors and allies welcome.

Childcare and TTC tokens available.

Contact Christine to find out more

416.249.8000 ext 4006

christine.sinclair@bcchc.com