Past Events

January 2008

Depression... Living and Winning - January 24, 2008

An eye opening and unveiling evening panel discussion on depression and the devastating effect it has on families, friends and community. Untreated, depression is more prevalent than we think. Discussions dealt with this as well as depression’s impact on our society. The role of the family, friends and prescription drugs was covered, as well as counselling and getting help if you or a family member or friend is in need. The panel highlighted the work British Columbians are doing to address the mental health of our youth. This presentation hoped to demonstrate that there is hope and help for those suffering.

Presented by the Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation in partnership with BC Mental Health & Addiction Services and BC Children's Hospital Foundation, the event was held at the Chan Auditorium and Chieng Atrium at the Child and Family Research Institute at BC Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC.

Download copies of the presentations: (PDF Files)
Dr. Alan Young - Depression
Dr. Jane Garland - Depression in Young People
Dr. Jana Davidson - Creating Calm During a Storm: Working with Youth in Crisis
Shannon Griffin - Health Literacy & Access to MH&A Information & Resources including the Kelty Resource Centre
Keli Anderson - Our Family's 10 Year Journey from Despair

February 2008

Disordered Eating Awareness Week (DEAW) Events:

Disordered Eating Awareness Week occurs each year during first week of February. During this week events are held across Canada to bring about awareness of eating disorders and related issues, here is a list of local and national events:

• The National Eating Disorder Information Centre (NEDIC) is hosting Eating Disorder Awareness Week: Celebrating Our Natural Sizes from February 3 - 9, 2008. NEDIC is a program of the University Health Network located in Toronto, Ontario.
For more information, check out the link: http://www.nedic.ca/whatsnew/nedic.shtml.

NEDIC has EDAW materials including posters and bookmarks available for purchase. To order on-line, phone: 416-340-4800 x8114 or Email: nedic@uhn.on.ca. Check out EDAW 2008 events across Canada: http://www.nedic.ca/whatsnew/events.shtml and submit your events and listings for EDAW 2008.

• Jessie’s Hope Society (JHS) Disordered Eating Awareness Week (DEAW) is held on FEBRUARY 3-9, 2008. JHS’s goal is to reduce the prevalence of eating and weight disturbance issues such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, compulsive eating and disordered eating through public education campaigns.
Check out the link for more information: http://www.jessieshope.org/26.html

This year Jessie’s Hope Society invites you to join their YouTube “What Makes You Strong” Video Contest Awards Night at UBC Robson Square, Vancouver, BC, on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 at 6:15pm. Please come to celebrate the night with the Award winners and enjoy seeing some innovative videos that are educational, creative, diverse, original and of quality that demonstrates how the winners and their family and/or friends develop healthy self-esteem, body image and inner strength to live with a healthy mind, body and soul.

For more information, please contact:
Head Office Phone: 604-689-9854 Program Office Phone: 604-466-4877 or Toll Free: 1-877-288-0877 Fax: 604-466-4897 E-mail: info@jessieshope.org

• The Looking Glass Foundation for Eating Disorders is celebrating DEAW on Friday, February 8, 2008 at the Rocky Mountaineer Station, 1755 Cottrell Street, Vancouver, BC. This fundraising event host is Pamela Martin, CTV's News at 6 Anchor and their special guests include Dr. Laird Birmingham, MD, MHSc, FRCPC and celebrity guests. Reception/ Silent Auction starts at 6:00 pm and Dinner at 7:30 pm. $250 per person.
For more information, please call (604) 986-6056.

• The North Shore Eating Disorder Community Advisory Committee - Education & Prevention Subcommittee (Vancouver Coastal Health) is organizing a Disordered Eating Awareness Week Poster Contest (Feb.4th-8th). Students from North or West Vancouver High School are welcome to join. Posters should deliver a clear message and focus on media-awareness, achieving positive self-esteem and positive body image, consequences of unrealistic media images. Students may submit their posters by Feb 8th to their assigned teacher, the school office or to any youth clinic nurse on the North Shore.

For more information please contact: CaraLynne McLean at 604-728-7193 or caralynne.mclean@gmail.com

In honour of Disordered Eating Awareness Week, the North Shore Eating Disorder Community Advisory Committee-Education & Prevention Subcommittee has also launched a morning announcement to all secondary schools mentioning DEAW week and suggesting a more positive interaction with others. They invite students to make an effort starting the week of Feb 4th – 8th to compliment friends with words about what they mean to you as opposed to what they look like. For example, “You’re a good listener,” “You make me laugh,” “I trust you,” “You’re fun to be with,” “It’s good to see you,” We’re all more than what we look like on the outside. Act now

• The CHIMO Crisis Services is organizing an Information Night about Eating Disorders on Tuesday Feb 19th, 2008 at Richmond Caring Place 120-7000 Minoru Blvd., Richmond, BC. The free event funded by the Vancouver Coastal Health is open to family, friends and individuals who would like to know more about issues related to eating disorders.
For more information, please call Liz McKenna at 604-279-7077.

• The North Island Regional Eating Disorders (NIRED) Program, Vancouver Island Health Authority, is hosting a 4 week group for parents as part of DEAW. The parents group will focus on increasing awareness around factors that may influence the development of eating and body-image issues and ways to foster positive body-image and self-esteem. This group is open to parents in the Comox Valley and Campbell River.
For more information, please call the North Island Regional Eating Disorder Program at 250-898-2200 Ext. 2200.

• The Provincial Specialized Eating Disorders Program (Adult) located at St Paul’s Hospital and the Medical Students for Mental Health Awareness have co-sponsored a film event titled “Thin” scheduled for Wednesday, February 20 - 7:30pm at Pacific Cinémathèque, 1131 Howe Street, Downtown Vancouver, BC. The event has been scheduled in order to raise awareness of Disordered Eating. Director Lauren Greenfield spent six months inside The Renfrew Center, a Florida treatment facility for eating disorders. The event will be introduced by Jenny Barley, 4th year UBC medical student and Co-Chair, Medical Students for Mental Health Awareness. A post-screening discussion will be held with Dr. Samantha Kelleher, a staff psychiatrist at Royal Columbian Hospital and St. Paul's Hospital and will be moderated by Dr. Harry Karlinsky, Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, UBC.
For more information, see the Pacific Cinémathèque Program Guide:

http://www.cinematheque.bc.ca/jan_feb_08/frames_of_mind.htm
or
http://www.psychiatry.ubc.ca/teaching/CME/film/YearVI/2008-02.htm

May 2008

International No Diet Day (INDD) - an annual celebration of body acceptance and diversity. It is observed on May 6 of each year. INDD is for everyBODY! Since its origin in 1992, INDD has been celebrated by size acceptance, anti-diet, body image, and eating disorders activists, groups, and individuals around the world who want to empower people of all sizes. The light blue ribbon was designated by INDD's founder Mary Evans Young as its international symbol. This year on May 6, we invite you to put on a light blue ribbon and join the celebration! Events and activities will be held in cities and towns spanning the globe. Check out the official INDD website for more information, at http://www.eskimo.com/~largesse/INDD/ and

Jessie’s Hope Society’s website http://www.jessieshope.org/28.html

Vancouver Events

Up to Date: Substance Use and Related Harm in BC

This free public seminar will present the latest data from the BC Alcohol and Other Drug Monitoring System, a multi-site and multi-component collaborative project which reports patterns of substance use and related harms across BC. Event is Co-Hosted by the Centre for Addictions Research of BC and BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network.

Date: Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Time: 9:00 -12:30 (8:30 for coffee and snacks)

Place: Simon Fraser University at Harbour Centre, Rm 1400 Vancouver, BC

For further information, please visit http://www.aodmonitoring.ca/ or http://www.carbc.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=218.

3rd Annual Working Together to Educate Families Conference

The conference is dedicated to families with the belief that families are valuable partners in care. Presented by the Family Advisory Committee (FAC), a partnership of the BC Schizophrenia Society, MDA - Mood Disorders Association of BC and Family Support & Involvement - Vancouver Mental Health Services (VMHS).

Date: Saturday, May 3, 2008

Place: Paetzhold Education Centre at Vancouver General Hospital

Cost: $25 for individuals and $30 for families
For more information, please contact Jessica Smits at 604-247-1884 or visit http://www.mdabc.net/events.html. Register at familyconference3@yahoo.com

Celebration of Mental Health Week May 5 to 11

Since 1951, the first week of May has been celebrated as national Mental Health Week and the host agency has been the Canadian Mental Health Association. The purpose is to raise public awareness about mental health issues and increase respect for people living with mental illness. A series of educational events are planned.

Presentation on Mental Health Resources—City of Vancouver ‘Minds at Work’ event

Date: Monday May 5th

For information, please contact Sue Macdonald (English programs) or Stella Lee (Chinese programs), CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby branch at 604-872-4902.

Free Stress Cards: Sidewalk Giveaway—CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby branch will hand out free cards that help the public to see their stress level, in front of the branch office at 175 West Broadway, the entire week from May 5 to 11. Photo opportunity with giant stress card on Tuesday May 6.

Special preview of the new Responding with Respect Co-occurring Disorders Workshop
Date: Saturday, May 10th

Time: 9am-5pm

Place: St John’s Ambulance, 6111 Cambie Street, Vancouver

Cost: $20 to attend (lunch not provided). Limited space.

Mental Illness First Aid Course for the public

Date: May 15th through June 5th, 4 Thursdays

Time: 6pm-9pm

Place: CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby branch, 175 West Broadway

Frame of Mind Film Festival celebrating Mental Health Week in May

The UBC Institute of Mental Health, UBC Department of Psychiatry and Pacific Cinematheque present the 5th Annual FRAMES of MIND Mental Health Film Festival - May 8-11, 2008.

All screenings and workshops at Pacific Cinematheque, 1131 Howe Street, Downtown Vancouver. Tickets: Adult, $9.50; Seniors/Students, $8.00. Tickets available at the door or online at www.cinematheque.bc.ca. Advance tickets available online only.

Co—sponsors: Vancouver Coastal Health Authority; Mood Disorders Association of BC; Amnesty International Canada — Pacific Regional Office; Ending Relationship Abuse Society of BC; Chinese Mental Health Program, Canadian Mental Health Association; Vancouver—Burnaby Branch and the UBC Dept of Psychiatry Cross—Cultural Psychiatry Program; S.U.C.C.E.S.S.; MOSAIC.

For more info call 604-688-8202 or go to www.cinematheque.bc.ca/framesofmind/

Mental Health Week Lecture Series

Strathcona Mental Health Team has organized a series of lectures from Tuesday, May 6 to Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 330 Heatley Avenue. All talks are free and open to everyone. All talks include interactive discussion on issues related to mental health and addictions for people living in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver.

"Borderline Personality Disorder for the Everyday Worker"

Date: May 6, 9:00-12:00 at 330 Heatley Avenue.

Alex Chapman, Ph.D., associate professor of Psychology at S.F.U. and co-author of The Borderline Personality Disorder Survival Guide

Things are constantly changing on how we perceive and treat this disorder. Dr. Chapman has conducted numerous workshops on BPD and has done post-doctoral work with Marsha Linehan. He has done in-depth research on emotional regulation, self-harm and suicidal behavior and is the President of the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Centre of Vancouver. Come and hear the latest on prognosis, treatment, and research on this disorder.

"Heroin, Cocaine, and Amphetamine Substitution Pharmacology."

May 6, 1:00-4:00 at 330 Heatley Avenue

Dr. Eugenia Oviedo-Joekes, Research Scientist, CHEOS, Dr. David March, Vancouver Coastal Health and Donald MacPherson, City of Vancouver

Vancouver's illicit drug problem makes the local papers virtually very day. At its most pessimistic, it seems like nothing can be done. However, there are people devoting a great deal of time trying to understand and to develop solutions for these problems. Come and hear the philosophical underpinnings and the research findings of substitution trials and programs worldwide, and what they might portend for the Vancouver scene.

"Alone in the Woods Without the Bread-Crumb Trail: Mental Health Housing and the Circuitous Paths to Other Neighborhoods."

May 7, 9:00-12:00 at 330 Heatley Avenue

Allyson Muir, Vancouver Coastal Health and Dominic Flanagan, BC Housing

It has long been an observation, maybe even a criticism, of Vancouver that many of the services have been "ghettoized" to the Downtown Eastside. Come and hear Allyson and Dominic describe the efforts being made in Mental Health Housing to address this situation and to bring a continuum of housing to Vancouver City at large.

"Community Court, the Urgent Response Team and the 100 Bed Facility: Implications for Re-institutionalization, Enforced Treatment, or Just Good Old Problem Solving?"

May 7, 1:00-4:00 at 330 Heatley Avenue

Judge Gove, Denise Bradshaw, Urgent Response Team and Lorna Howes, Vancouver Community Mental Health Services

There has been much speculation and prognosticating about this new form of service delivery. Come and get the latest information from the planners of this exciting new service.

"Far Away Pastures are Always Greener: A Comparison/Contrast of San Francisco's Tenderloin and Vancouver's Downtown Eastside."

May 8, 9:00-12:00 at 330 Heatley Avenue

Dr. Tim Sinclair, Strathcona Mental Health Team and Dr. Bill MacEwan, St. Paul's Hospital

It is part of the mythos of alcohol and addiction programs that things are always better elsewhere-Scandinavian Countries, Amsterdam, or small agrarian countries with few urban centres. Come and hear the thoughts of two psychiatrists who work in the inner city of two very different cities, both of which have their model programs and staggering challenges.

"Community Capacity Building: What Do Mental Health Services Have to Give Back to the Community?"

May 8, 1:00-4:00 at 330 Heatley Avenue

Stephen Epp, O.T. Strathcona Mental Health Team and James Ash, Rain City Housing

Neighborhoods are usually concerned about the burden mental health services in their area will bring. But what can services give back? Stephen and James will look at some initiatives where the mental health community has given back tangible services to their local neighborhoods, and what a difference this makes in the great dialectical debate between stigma and xenophobia.

The 16^th Annual David Berman Memorial Concurrent Disorders Conference
Date: May 26 - 28, 2008

Location: The Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites, 1763 Comox Street, Vancouver, BC V6G 2V4

**Early Bird Deadline is March 28, 2008. Register by phone, fax, direct mail, or through our online registration website at http://www.peopleware.net/index.cfm?eventDisp=IPE%2EMAR09&subeventdisp=IN9551

Burnaby Events

Work/Life Balance Workshop for the public
Date: Wednesday May 7

Time: 7pm-9:30pm

Place: Alan Emmott Centre, 6650 Southoaks Crescent (near Kingsway and Sperling), Burnaby

Cost: $10 at the door. Limited space. Refreshments at break (no meal).

For information, please call Sue Macdonald CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby branch at 604-872-4902.

New Westminster Events

Movies and psychiatry: The depiction of mental illness in film.

A multimedia event presented in partnership by Fraser Health, Douglas College Dept of Psychology, SFU Counseling Services, Mood Disorders Association, CMHA Simon Fraser and BC Schizophrenia Society.

Date: Monday May 5th

Time: 7pm-8:30pm

Place: Room 2201, Douglas College, 700 Royal Avenue, New Westminster

For information, please call Rodney Baker CMHA Simon Fraser branch at 604-516-8080 or

604-523-1072.

Dr. Karlinsky, psychiatrist, will provide a historical overview of the depiction of mental health issues within the world of cinema. He will also explore how the practice of psychiatry can be influenced by concepts first introduced in popular movies. Various film and video clips will be utilized throughout the forum to illustrate key points. Dr. Harry Karlinsky is a Clinical Professor at the UBC Dept of Psychiatry, Coordinator of Medical Education for Richmond Mental Health Services, Founding Director of Frames of Mind Mental Health Film Series and Festival and film critic for the Canadian Psychiatric Association.

North Vancouver Events

Teen suicide: Awareness and prevention lecture

Date: Wednesday May 7

Time: 7pm

Place: 2nd floor, John Braithwaite Community Centre, 145 West 1st Street (between Chesterfield and Lonsdale Avenues)

Cost: Admission by donation

For information, please contact Katie Hughes, CMHA North and West Vancouver branch at 604-987-6959

As a ‘survivor’ of her son’s untimely death, Jude Platzer tells the story of losing her beloved teenage son, Josh, his battle with depression and his subsequent suicide. She recounts the life changing effects that suicide brings not only to immediate family members but to all relationships in the surrounding community. The presentation features a docudrama interspersed with professional insights, through which families can learn to recognize the warning signs of a crisis. Jude Platzer is the executive director of The Josh Platzer Society and has been recently nominated for the Canadian Medical Association Award for Excellence in Health Promotion, the United Way W.J Van Dusen Community Service Award.

Richmond Events

Not Just a Bad Day: Living with Bipolar Disorder, A FREE Mental Health Public Film Screening Presented by Richmond Mental Health Services, Richmond Mental Health Consumer & Friends Society and Canadian Mental Health Association Richmond Branch. No registration required.

This event features information tables and a post-screening discussion with Dr. Paul Termansen, Gillian Hrankowski (Director) and people living with bipolar disorder.

Date: Wednesday May 7

Time: Doors open / light refreshments at 7pm, film screening (no late seating) at 7:30pm

Place: Ralph Fisher Auditorium, Richmond Hospital, 7000 Westminster Hwy, Richmond. Free parking in the gravel lot off Westminster Hwy

For information, please contact Barbara Fee, CMHA Richmond branch at 604-276-8834.

On the surface, Mike, Erin, and Martha appear to have little in common, but all live under the shadow of bipolar disorder. Mike is a charismatic young man whose partying lifestyle and abuse of recreational drugs foreshadow a severe manic episode that has him committed to a psychiatric ward. Erin is a young mom whose ability to cope with her new baby deteriorates as she swings between manic episodes and soul-crushing depressions. Martha is a divorced single mom who lost her career and marriage to a manic episode; with group therapy and medication, she is finally lifting herself out of a crippling two-year depression. Treating them all is Dr. Paul Termansen, a psychiatrist at Community Psychiatric Services on Metro Vancouver’s North Shore, where the three attend his mood disorders program. With intimate access and great sensitivity, the film details their personal struggles with the emotional highs and lows of a disorder they must learn to manage in order to lead productive, balanced lives. [Documentary: Canada, 2007, 50 mins, PG for coarse language].

White Rock/South Surrey Events

Mental Health and Work/Life Balance Information and Resource Display

Date: Thursday May 8

Time: 9am-5pm.

Place: Peace Arch Hospital Lobby (across from elevators), 15521 Russell Avenue, White Rock.

For information, please contact Debbie Sesula, CMHA White Rock/South Surrey at 604-536-2486.

Okanagan/ Kootenays Events

BBQ— Open to the public as a promotion to celebrate mental health and provide educational materials

Date: Wednesday May 7

Place: Cranbrook site, 39 13th Avenue South
For information, please contact Janice Bradshaw, CMHA for the Kootenays–Cranbrook at

250-426-5222.

New Child & Youth Mental Health Resource Guide—published and distributed throughout the Interior Region starting Mental Health Week. For information, please contact Shelagh Turner, CMHA Kelowna branch at 250-861-3644.

Penticton

Annual poster contest in South Okanagan Similkameen schools

The posters will be displayed at the middle school convention where representatives of all middle schools in BC gather in Penticton at the end of this month. During mental health week May 5 -9, the winning posters will be displayed at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre alongside a CMHA booth distributing information about mental health. Presented in partnership with the Penticton Branch of the BC Schizophrenia Society.

For information, please contact Frank Belden, CMHA South Okanagan Similkameen at

250-493-8999.

Elly Litvak’s ‘Who’s Crazy Now’ One-Woman Play Free event.

Date: Thursday May 8th

Time: 7pm

Place: Salmar Classic Theatre

For information, please contact Dawn Dunlop-Pugh, CMHA Salmon Arm branch at 250-832-8477.

Trail

BBQ- Open to the residents, family members and friends as a promotion to celebrate mental health week and provide educational materials.

Date: Wednesday May 7

Place: Silver City Gardens, 1939 Columbia Avenue

For information, please call Sue Flagel, CMHA for the Kootenays–Trail at 250-368-5223.

Vernon

Work-Life Balance Display—Visit the Vernon Public Library and learn how to maintain the work-life balance For information, please contact Sandy Rysen, CMHA Vernon and District branch at 250-542-3114.

Elly Litvak’s ‘Who’s Crazy Now’ One-Woman Play

Date: Wednesday May 7^th

Time: 7pm

Place: Powerhouse Theatre, Vernon

Call 250-542-3114 to arrange for tickets.

Family Fun Day BBQ, Boat rides, games - For people with mental illness and their family.

Hosted by CMHA Vernon Branch and BC Schizophrenia Society Vernon Branch.
Date: Thursday May 8

Time: 3pm-7pm

Place: Paddlewheel Park

For information, please contact Sandy Rysen, CMHA Vernon and District branch at 250-542-3114.

Multicultural Health Fair -Work/life Balance presentations and brochure distribution

Date: Friday May 9

Time: 10am- 5pm

Place: Schubert Centre

If you would like to receive more information or a short presentation to your management and staff on achieving that “Balance” in your place of business, please call 250-542-3114.

Cariboo Events

Information and resource material on mental health display

Date: May 5-9, 2008

Place: 100 Mile House Library
For information, please contact Maggie Patterson-Dickey, CMHA 100 Mile House branch at

250-395-4883.

Kamloops

Community displays of members’ artwork—look for displays in first week in May 5^th till 11th at places like universities and health centres. Displays will include information on mental illness, strategies to maintain mental health and the services CMHA offers in Kamloops.

For information, please call Doug Sage, CMHA Kamloops branch at 250-374-0440.

Prince George

‘Stress and How to Keep your Brain Healthy’ Workshop

Presented by Penny Jones, RPN, CPRP

Date: Monday May 5

Time: 7pm-8:30pm

Place: Keith Gordon Room at the Prince George Public Library

For information, please call Linda Doran, CMHA Prince George branch at 250-564-8644.

Information Booth on mental health/mental wellness

Date: Tuesday May 6 to Thursday May 8

Time: 10am-4pm

Place: Prince George Hospital

For information, please call Linda Doran, CMHA Prince George branch at 250-564-8644.

‘Stress: the Silent Killer’ Workshop presented by Penny Jones RPN, CPRP

Date: Thursday May 8

Time: 12pm-1pm

Place: Vern Fraser Room, Prince George Hospital

For information, please call Linda Doran, CMHA Prince George branch at 250-564-8644.

Vancouver Island Events

Port Alberni

Information booth on mental health will be held at West Coast General Hospital in May

For information, please call Bob Hargreaves, CMHA Port Alberni branch at 250-724-7199.