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.

New Care Strategy

Recently there was a study conducted to look the care strategy for individuals experiencing Schizophrenia in the United States, and the results they found are quite promising in terms of implementing more comprehensive community care.  Medication has always been at the forefront of care for individuals experiencing psychosis related illnesses, and while they can be extremely helpful, are not a "magic pill".  This study shows that participants who were on a lower dose of anti psychotic medication, while receiving comprehensive talk therapy and family therapy, tended report a higher quality of life over the next two years.
It's important that we are constantly striving to find new and better ways to support people experiencing mental illness, and please read the New York Times Article that gives a great overview of the study, and goes on to discuss how this new comprehensive care strategy can be implemented in the community.

Holiday Events in Toronto

The  Consumer Survivor Information Resource Centre has released its' annual listing of holiday events and celebrations in Toronto.  So if you want to get into the holiday spirit download their December 1st Bulletin.
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National Housing Day March on November 20

The Advocacy Centre for Tenants' Ontario has organized a march to advocate for a national housing strategy.  They advocate for the right of every Canadian to have access to affordable housing.
 For details of the event and to register check out this link. With increased costs of living it is imperative that people with disabilities have appropriate housing to maintain their overall wellbeing.  This is not a privilege it is a human right.

NEW Borderline Personality Disorder Support Group - Mississauga

I'm thrilled to let everyone know there will be a new Support Group running out of the Mississauga Office starting in November 2015!   If you are a caregiver of a loved one struggling with Borderline Personality Disorder, please come by to our new group.  This is a safe and non-judgmental space for caregivers to share, listen, and become educated on how to care for themselves and their loved one. It will be an open and supportive conversation, with lots of information about resources and education available!  The Group will run every third Thursday of the month from 7-9 pm.

Thursday November 19th, 2015

7pm - 9pm

50 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Suite 300

Mississauga Community Door

Please contact Stephanie Kerr either by phone or email if you have any questions or concerns:

Phone: 905-276-8316

Email: Stephaniek@fameforfamilies.com

Talk soon!

Telling our story of Living Mentally Well

With the work being done at the FAME Toronto Office, the importance of Narrative and resilience through story telling has been an effective practice for families; particularly those who have experienced trauma in the family . With that, I was asked to speak last Wednesday,at the 3rd Annual Mindfest Seminar hosted at the University of Toronto. Mindfest is a collective meeting of professionals, speakers with lived experience and community agencies providing discussion on the various aspects and treatments of mental health challenges active in Toronto. Below is a copy of the talk given: 

Discussion of mental health had changed in recent decades. Though, a great deal of stigma and discrimination still exists. Our acknowledgment of mental wellness as a component of health has been accepted. Additional to the advancements in therapies and available treatments has been inclusion of the subjective and personal experiences of those who live with mental health challenges. This inclusion within the dialogue of practice has promoted advocacy and awareness.

Blame

Brene Brown on Blame is a must-see video, as known from Sympathy vs. Empathy. "Brene Brown considers why we blame others, how it sabotages our relationships, and why we desperately need to move beyond this toxic behaviour." Enjoy!