By admin on 01/08/2008 4:00 AM

When I was first asked to write this article, I spent sometime thinking about how I wanted to approach the topic. I decided to do what I do best and talk about Recovery from my perspective. Having lived with a diagnosed mental illness for over thirty years and realizing that I actually have had the illness for closer to fifty years, I find it interesting and shocking that my first introduction to the idea of Recovery from a mental illness came only four years ago while in Georgia training to bec ... Read More »

By admin on 01/08/2008 3:56 AM

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC) has begun a survey project intended to develop a tool for measuring Quality of Life as defined by people living with mental illness and their families. When the SSC initially looked at the research on QOL it was clear that the existing tools focus more on elements such as symptomatology, hospitalization, episodes of crisis, employment status and fail to include many measures which consumers report as meaningful to them. They are further broadened the l ... Read More »

By admin on 01/08/2008 3:55 AM

Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health
2008 National Conference:
The Future of Geriatric Mental Health in Canada

in conjunction with the

Canadian Academy of Geriatric Psychiatry
2008 Annual Scientific Meeting:
Current Challenges in Geriatric Psychiatry

September 3 & 4, 2008, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, British Columbia

There's so much going on at this incredible 2-day event!
• 5 visionary keynotes covering key mental health issues ... Read More »

By admin on 23/06/2008 4:08 AM

Dear Friends,

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC) has a new mission statement that focuses on “improving the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through education, support programs, public education and research”. This opens up broader ways for the Society to support people as they move towards recovery.

If you have experience living with schizophrenia, or a psychotic disorder, we are interested in knowing what 'quality of life' mean to you? By ... Read More »

By admin on 16/06/2008 7:06 AM

The National Network for Mental Health (NNMH) will be hosting its 2007/2008 Annual General Meeting on August 21, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. at the [u]Consumer Initiative Centre of the Self-Help Connection, 65 King Street, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia[/u].
According to our By-Laws, this year the NNMH is in need of Board of Director representation in only one region of Canada. One seat for Quebec is available for an elected seat on the Board of Directors.

If you would like to apply for a ... Read More »

By admin on 16/06/2008 7:03 AM

Some good news!!!

Cracking Up wins VOICE Award!!!

Cracking Up, the documentary about Stand Up For Mental Health, my course teaching stand-up comedy to people with mental illness has won a VOICE Award.

Sponsored by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Voice Awards honor writers and producers who incorporate dignified, respectful, and accurate portrayals of individuals with mental health problems ... Read More »

By admin on 16/06/2008 7:02 AM

Many of us are aware of the Willard Suitcase Study that was done in New York. Now, new to bookshelves is a book written about the findings at Willard.

A website was created to showcase the Willard Suitcase Study and can be found at http://suitcaseexhibit.org/indexhasflash.html .

Now, new to the bookshelves is a new book written to document the findings. The book entitled "The Lives The Left Behind: Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic" can be found at both Amazon.c ... Read More »

By admin on 16/06/2008 7:01 AM

Breaking Through the Barriers to Recovery - PSR/RPS Canada National Conference
September 17-19, 2008

Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) Réadaptation Psychosociale (RPS) Canada is an association of individuals and organizations committed to the provision and growth of psychosocial rehabilitation services to support the recovery of persons with serious mental health issues. PSR/RPS Manitoba is excited to be hosting the PSR/RPS National Conference this year in Winnipeg, MB, Canada ... Read More »

By admin on 09/06/2008 5:23 AM

ANDRE PICARD

From Thursday's Globe and Mail

June 5, 2008 at 9:22 AM EDT



There is something we need to cry out long and loud: Joshua Lall was mentally ill.

Before the murderous rampage that left two of his children, his wife and a tenant dead, the 34-year-old Calgary man reportedly was hearing voices and feared he was possessed by the devil.

Mr. Lall's family said he had told them he was having a "mental breakdown," and according to an e-mail w ... Read More »

By admin on 14/05/2008 3:36 AM

This book describes the creation and the evolution of mental health care from the standpoint of people who were sidelined and stifled, but who gradually rallied and even rebelled in order to create services which are tailored to their realities. For the past 185 years, these struggles have brought about profound changes in New Brunswick's mental health system's landscape; so that today, many no longer see themselves as passive consumers.

In this original book, the first of its kind in Ca ... Read More »