On Tuesday, November 3rd, the CMHA's Participant Advosory Committee (PAC) hosted an educational forum, "Rising Up to End Stigma." We had two speakers for the event - Wayne Cho and Andrew Kellett. Wayne Cho, on his own initiative, and initially his own funds, ran across Canada to raise awareness about mental illness. He lives with anxiety and depression himself. His next major initiative is to run around the world. Anybody interested in becoming involved or learning more about that project can contact Wayne at wayne.cho@crosscanadarun.ca. The second speaker, Andrew Kellett, is a Mental Health Peer Advocate for Fraser Health. Andrew has worked as a Mental Health advocate for 14 years, and lives with, and has family with, mental health issues.

The two speakers complemented each other while, to a certain degree, coming at the issue of ending stigma from two different directions. Wayne came at it primarily from an individualistic perspective, while Andrew took a systemic discrimination approach. Wayne emphasized how important it is for individuals with mental illness to deal with their own internalized stigma that so often prevents us from 'outing' ourselves and admitting to our families, our employers, or to the broader community that we have mental illness. Those of us with mental illness often internalize the myths and stereotypes surrounding stigma. Wayne's message was that we need to feel good about ourselves first and deal with our own stigma, then move outward to educate the community and raise awareness.

During his run across Canada, Wayne had the opportunity to speak at various community centres and schools. In order to educate these audiences about mental illness he drew parallels with physical illnesses and took the approach that mental illnesses are just that - another form of illness, only they affect the brain.

Andrew approached ending stigma from a systemic perspective. He argued that rather than focusing on stigma, we need to view people with mental illness as a group that is discriminated against. From this perspective, people with mental illness are more likely to be viewed as a group whose human rights are being harmed by other social groups and society. He stated that it is difficult for people to take advantage of these human rights because of stigma and discrimination, and that the recognition of discrimination as a human rights violation must be expanded. It is also necessary to understand that mental illness can impact many parts of an individual's life, for example, meeting workplace attendance standards.

Andrew highlighted the role of the media in associating shame with mental illness, and that this needs to be targeted in any community education program. He stated that we need action plans from family, friends, and people with mental illness to correct the media image and push communities and society to correct this view of mental illness. In addition, education programs should target discrimination against people with mental illness. Andrew suggested that with increasing awareness, as with AIDS in the 1980s, the elimination of stigma and reduction of discrimination can come about.

Both Wayne and Andrew emphasized the need to implement educational programs in schools, starting at an early age, and the value of community, the medical profession, families and the media as significant tools to end stigma.

Following the speaker presentations a lively discussion ensued. In fact, discussion had to be cut off, and could have gone on much longer, clearly indicating that there is a broader need to have similar forums that continue the discussion around diminishing stigma and discrimination in relation to mental illness.

Suicide Awareness Day

Today, September 10th, is Suicide Awareness Day. This is a public education campaign sponsored by The International Assocation for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization. In Canada, the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention has planned several events, many of which you can participate in privately.

If you are concerned about a loved one, or are considering suicide yourself, please contact any of the following organizations:

• Suicide Prevention Counselling Line: 1-800-874-2423 (for residents of British Columbia)
• SAFER Counselling Services: 604-879-9251
• Centre for Suicide Prevention (National organization)

Other Community Events

Besides Mental Illness Awareness Week, which is coming up in October, another event which raises awareness and gives you a laugh is the Stand Up for Mental Health Comedy Fundraiser at the Yale on September 30th. Featuring Mike Macdonald and David Granirer and the Comics of SMH, tickets are $20 and can be ordered on the phone - 604-707-0483 or by contacting pat@standupformentalhealth.com.

Mental Illness Awareness Week

Oops.

Just two days into the new 'schedule' of blogging, and we're already behind! Still, we can always pick up and keep on going, which is exactly what we are going to do (and we're going to tie two topics from the schedule together).

Mental illness has too long been in the shadows, something that society has kept quiet about, and kept hidden out of shame and discomfort. That is why we are so pleased that it seems that recently it seems to have come out of the shadows somewhat, thanks to a great many programs, events, initiative, and, most importantly, people. We will talk more about these in future posts, but for today we'd like to point out that Mental Illness Awareness Week, a global event, has been in existence for almost 20 years in Canada. This event puts real faces to mental health issues in order to reduce stigma, and to illustrate that recovery is possible. In 2009 the week takes place from October 4th to 10th, with activities taking place around the country. In Vancouver, some of these events include depression, anxiety and risky drinking screenings as part of Beyond the Blues. Keep checking this blog or the official site for more information about specific dates and sites.

Another important organization that is working to raise awareness about mental health issues and reduce stigma is the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Canada is currently the only G8 nation without a mental health strategy, and the Commission is working to change that through various initiatives, including those that embrace the idea of a national partnership of people and organizations working to reduce stigma and improve the lives of those living with mental illnesses. For more information on how you can help, visit their site.

There is still much work to be done, but these are the events that present the faces of those living with mental illness, who may be our family, friends, neighbours, co-workers, us.

Finding Balance Between Work and Life

Fall always seems co-related with going back to school - new clothes, new backpacks, a fresh start and opportunity to learn something new. In the case of this blog, we are going to adopt our best "Back to School" attitude and try to post about mental health issues on a more regular basis.

We've decided to post blogs somewhat thematically, although we will likely also post on issues and events as they arise, and so that you might know what to expect, and when, here is a breakdown of themes by day:

Monday: Wellness
Tuesday: Employment and Volunteer Work
Wednesday: Mental Health News and In the Media
Thursday: Community Events
Friday: Recreation

And so, in keeping with Tuesday's theme, and tying in with the first day back after the Labour Day weekend, is today's blog entry on finding balance between work and life:

The Tuesday after the Labour Day long weekend represents, for many Canadians, an unofficial end of summer, and a return to the routine and responsibilities of work and school. And, quite often, this also means a return to the demands of a heavy worload, and the stress and anxiety this can cause.

Canadians face more demands than ever, from family, friends, community, in terms of their own health, and, especially, at work. Workers may find themselves, especially in the current economic climate, taking on many more responsibilities, increasing their workloads, neglecting other areas of their lives and increasing stress levels. While some forms of stress can positively assist with work output, it is important to distinguish between that form of stress and burnout. Some people are more likely to experience work-related burnout, and learning to recognize the signs may help counter the impact.

Work demands can also lead to an inbalance in other areas of life. Some of the signs of this inbalance include feeling overwhelmed, feeling guilty that you may be neglecting other areas, and difficulty concentrating. Check out the CMHA's Work/Life Balance Quiz to figure out whether you're balanced.

It is possible for you to take steps to improve your work/life balance. The CMHA offers tips that may not only help you improve the time you spend with family and friends, but may also help job efficacy. Try a Five Minute Stress Buster, or a Three Minute Stretch at your desk!

Despite, or perhaps because of, all the demands modern life makes, it is more important than ever to maintain a good balance between work and the rest of your life. And, in maintaining balance between the two, you may find improves your work life, and the rest of your life as well.

Community Bike Ride Part 2

Thank you to everyone who came out to support mental health by riding, volunteering or donating services on Sunday! It was a rainy ride, but everyone, through their assistance and support, help raise awareness of mental health issues.

A longer update, and photos, will appear on this page soon!

Community Bike Ride for Mental Health

Join us this Sunday for the first annual community bike ride to support mental health! It's a fantastic way to spend a Sunday of a long weekend - enjoying a fun bike ride and supporting a great cause.

The scenic route starts at Central Park in Burnaby, makes its way past Queen E. Park and Trout Lake in Vancouver, before returning to Central Park. Snacks and refreshments will be provided for all riders, and participants will also receive a commemorative t-shirt. There will also be entertainment and prizes!

In Vancouver and Burnaby, over 161, 000 of our family members, friends, neighbours and coworkers are affected by mental illness, and good mental health is important for all of us. The Canadian Mental Health Association runs programs, events, support groups and educational opportunities aimed at helping those with mental illness in their recovery, and in promoting mental health for everyone. Take part in the Community Bike Ride because not only are exercise and volunteering good for your mental health, but your participation raises awareness and makes a real difference in your community.

We can't wait to see you there on Sunday! For more information visit: http://www.cmhacommunityride.ca/