There is much controversy over religion. Personally my religious beliefs help me with my recovery. Although I am religious I try to keep religion out of this blog. I have a separate blog on my beliefs about Christianity. I also have some blogs that combine both schizophrenia and religion on them. I try to limit this blog just to the issues surrounding schizophrenia.
If a person does think about it religion is very important to the recovery of a lot of consumers. The religious beliefs of many consumers have a very important role in their recovery. If you consider this carefully recovery involves treating the whole person. Their heart, mind, and soul. Medication and psycho-social treatments help a person with their psychological healing. What about the rest of the person. As humans we all have that need deep within to satisfy our spiritual cravings. We need that spiritual element to our existence.
This is where the controversy comes in. There is a saying. A thousand monks a thousand religions. There are so many different spiritual and religious beliefs out there. All these different beliefs all conflict with each other. If you look back in history most of the wars that have been fought have been fought over religion. A nation has certain religious beliefs and tries to take over other countries with different religious beliefs to make them part of their own religious system. What we believe is the truth and we must eliminate those that are enemies of the faith. Convert those that will be converted and totally eliminate those that will not convert. Wipe them out of existence. Our religion should be the only one that exists on this planet. Destroy the heretics and the heretics that will repent and convert let them live.
Why is this? Religion is supposed to be about love, compassion, grace, and mercy. Love thy neighbour as thyself. Return not evil for evil. Respond to evil with goodness and love. If someone does evil towards you respond to that evil with love and compassion. Do not do evil back. There is a saying in Alcoholics Anonymous. Live and let live. Believe what you personally want to believe and live your life the way that you want to live and let others believe what they want to believe and live the way that they want to live.
Sure we all want to share our beliefs with others and convert them to what we believe but it should be done with compassion. If they so choose not to repent and convert we still should not condemn them but treat them with love, compassion and let them believe what they so choose and let them live the way they so choose.
If we all did this there would be a lot less wars in this world. The whole world would live in peace and harmony. Why can't we all just accept the fact that there will be others who will not agree with us and not believe the same thing that we do? Why can't we all just show that love, compassion, grace, and mercy towards others that do not believe what we do and all live in peace and harmony?
Man is a warlike creature. Can man change his angry, hateful, warlike nature and just live in peace and harmony with others? Is it possible for warlike man to change his ways and become more loving and tolerant of those that don't agree with them concerning religion? Is it possible for man to rid himself of that prejudice towards others that are different? History has shown us that this is not possible. Mankind in general cannot change. Some people can change and live in peace and harmony with others but most of humanity are not capable of doing such a thing. Why? Why? and Why?
I would like to end this story by stating that I have met a lot of consumers. These consumers that I have met show more love, compassion, grace, and mercy towards others than the general population. Those with mental illness are supposed be evil, wicked, and violent. We commit violent acts towards mankind and deserve to be incarcerated. This is a lie and a myth. If you look at history it is the so called normal people that have committed all the evil, wicked, violent, murderous acts towards the rest of humanity. Most of these atrocities were committed by those that do not have any type of mental illness. Their minds were evil, warped, wicked, and they committed many violent acts towards their fellow man but they did not have any form of mental illness. Why is this? There are a lot of why's to be asked but there are no answers to these why's.
All we can do is live our own personal lives the way that they should be lived. We cannot change the world but we can change ourselves. We can leave our mark on the world. We can be loving, compassionate, gracious, and merciful towards our fellow man. We can rid ourselves of all that prejudice, hate, and anger towards others that are different. We consumers can be examples to the world that it is possible for mankind to live in peace and harmony with each other. We can prove the world wrong that consumers are evil, wicked, and violent people like the world claims that we are. There is a claim in the Bible. We are to be separate from the world. We live in the world but we are not part of the world. The world lives in hate, violence, and war. We consumers can be separate by living lives of love, compassion, and tolerance towards those that are different than we are. That is what my objectives are concerning my religious and spiritual life. Sure I share the gospel with others that they might repent and believe the gospel, but if they so choose not to agree with me I still do not show prejudice, and intolerance towards them. I try to treat my fellow man with as much love and compassion as humanly possible. Let all of us consumers rise up and be an example to the world and show them the errors of their ways.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Todays Recovery
I have been recovering from my schizophrenia today. I haven't experienced any positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking) today. I was able to overcome negative symptoms (lack of motivation, flat emotions) today. Overall I had a great day free from the symptoms of schizophrenia. I was free today just to enjoy life. For me personally recovery is just having a day full of happiness, peace of mind, and being successful at my goals and objectives for today.
I got up early, did the chores, and did some things on the computer. Around 1:00 pm my best friend Harold came over and we went out to deliver the Schizophrenia Newsletters published by the Kings County Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society of NS. We went to Wolfville and delivered some at the hospital there. We also delivered some to the Doctors office across the street from the Wolfville Hospital.
On the way back we stopped at Sobeys so I could pick up a can of tobacco. Then we went to the Evageline Club. I talked to the lady working there. I never met her before so this was the first time I encountered her. I told her my name and she recognized my name even though she never met me before. I also had the opportunity to talk to a good friend of mine whom I work with on the Mental Health Perspective Newsletter published by the Kings County Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. He is one of the writers. Then we drove my friend home.
After that we went to the CMHA office in Kentville. I dropped of a few newsletters. I stayed for a few minutes and chatted with the secretary. We had a good chat.
After that we went to Coldbrook to the mental health services there. We chatted with the secretary there. We dropped off a few of the newsletters. We had a wonderful chat with her. Then we went to the Pie Country Market. My friend Harold bought some pies. Then we went to the store that sells kits for making wine and beer. He had to pick up some sweetener to make some homemade wine. Then we headed for home.
When I got home I cooked supper for Kim and I. We had rice, stovetop stuffing, and pork roast. The meal was delicious. After that we did the chores up. I got a shower, rolled some smokes, and helped Kim with making her bookmarks for her business. I made a few entries in her books as well.
Later on I taked to Mom on the phone. We had a wonderful chat. Even though I am on my own I still talk to my Mom and brother everyday. We like to keep in touch with each other. Then I did a couple of things on the computer. Then I started writing this article.
Today was wonderful day. I was happy today, had peace of mind, and I had a great time with my friend Harold. I just love spending time with him. We talked about things and we carried on with each other and made each other laugh. Laughter is good for the soul.
The events of this day might not to exciting to you but it was to me. There was a time when I wouldn't be well enough to enjoy my day. There was a time when all I did was suffer torture and torment in my mind and emotions. I was psychotic a lot of the time and when I wasn't psychotic I was suffering from the negative symptoms. I didn't have much pleasure, happiness, or peace of mind in my life. It was just a living hell day in and a day out. I suffered from long term chronic mental illness for approxematly 25 years. At the present I am very thankful and grateful for being able to enjoy life, have fun in life, and just have a ball. My life couldn't get any better. Though it will get better day by day bringing nothing but joy and happiness into my life.
I just hope that this story might help you with your recovery and encourage you to keep seeking recovery. Eventually recovery will come along your way. Stick to your treatment regime. Just have faith, hope, and courage. Not all recover at the same level but many do recover. Just don't give up but keep plugging away at it. I did and now I am living a full life. I just hope that you too will live a full life. We all are fully human and fully alive.
I got up early, did the chores, and did some things on the computer. Around 1:00 pm my best friend Harold came over and we went out to deliver the Schizophrenia Newsletters published by the Kings County Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society of NS. We went to Wolfville and delivered some at the hospital there. We also delivered some to the Doctors office across the street from the Wolfville Hospital.
On the way back we stopped at Sobeys so I could pick up a can of tobacco. Then we went to the Evageline Club. I talked to the lady working there. I never met her before so this was the first time I encountered her. I told her my name and she recognized my name even though she never met me before. I also had the opportunity to talk to a good friend of mine whom I work with on the Mental Health Perspective Newsletter published by the Kings County Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association. He is one of the writers. Then we drove my friend home.
After that we went to the CMHA office in Kentville. I dropped of a few newsletters. I stayed for a few minutes and chatted with the secretary. We had a good chat.
After that we went to Coldbrook to the mental health services there. We chatted with the secretary there. We dropped off a few of the newsletters. We had a wonderful chat with her. Then we went to the Pie Country Market. My friend Harold bought some pies. Then we went to the store that sells kits for making wine and beer. He had to pick up some sweetener to make some homemade wine. Then we headed for home.
When I got home I cooked supper for Kim and I. We had rice, stovetop stuffing, and pork roast. The meal was delicious. After that we did the chores up. I got a shower, rolled some smokes, and helped Kim with making her bookmarks for her business. I made a few entries in her books as well.
Later on I taked to Mom on the phone. We had a wonderful chat. Even though I am on my own I still talk to my Mom and brother everyday. We like to keep in touch with each other. Then I did a couple of things on the computer. Then I started writing this article.
Today was wonderful day. I was happy today, had peace of mind, and I had a great time with my friend Harold. I just love spending time with him. We talked about things and we carried on with each other and made each other laugh. Laughter is good for the soul.
The events of this day might not to exciting to you but it was to me. There was a time when I wouldn't be well enough to enjoy my day. There was a time when all I did was suffer torture and torment in my mind and emotions. I was psychotic a lot of the time and when I wasn't psychotic I was suffering from the negative symptoms. I didn't have much pleasure, happiness, or peace of mind in my life. It was just a living hell day in and a day out. I suffered from long term chronic mental illness for approxematly 25 years. At the present I am very thankful and grateful for being able to enjoy life, have fun in life, and just have a ball. My life couldn't get any better. Though it will get better day by day bringing nothing but joy and happiness into my life.
I just hope that this story might help you with your recovery and encourage you to keep seeking recovery. Eventually recovery will come along your way. Stick to your treatment regime. Just have faith, hope, and courage. Not all recover at the same level but many do recover. Just don't give up but keep plugging away at it. I did and now I am living a full life. I just hope that you too will live a full life. We all are fully human and fully alive.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Hobbies
For those of you that have schizophrenia it is a good thing to have hobbies. Hobbies can give a person something to do to occupy their time. A hobby that someone enjoys doing can give them meaning and purpose in life. It can give them a sense of accomplishment. Being successful at a hobby can boost someones self-esteem and give them a sense of joy and happiness, especially if the person does not work. If a person does work being occupied with a hobby can help them just relax and chill out. It can give the person a chance to just have time to themselves and just have fun without any pressure to perform for someone else (on the job for example).
I hold down three part time jobs. One at Flyer Services and two writing jobs. I really enjoy and love my work. I have hobbies to occupy my time when I am not working. I listen to music on online radio stations. Another hobby I have is writing for all my blogs and web sites. Even though two of my jobs are writing jobs I love writing so much I do it as a hobby besides my two writing jobs. There is no pressure writing for my blogs and web sites because there are no deadlines.
Another hobby I have is doing research. I do a lot of research online. I would rather study up on schizophrenia, religion, philosophy, and addiction and recovery than read a fiction novel. I also like to read up on science and medicine. At times I research other topics as well. I love to read and do research. I can spend hours and hours doing research. It gives me much joy, pleasure, and satisfaction. I like to obtain knowledge. There is a saying. Knowledge is power and I love obtaining knowledge. I seek to use my knowledge for the purpose of helping others. I love to share my knowledge with others for the purpose of helping them in some way. Knowledge is no good to a person unless they share it with someone else. There is an expression in Narcotics Anonymous: You can only keep what you have by giving it away.
Another hobby I have is cooking and baking. My wife Kim has been teaching me how to cook and bake. I just love to cook and bake. Kim and I cook and bake together as a team. We love to make fancy meals once in a while too. We have some real nice cookbooks with lots of fancy and special meals in them. We always look in our cookbooks for a special meal to cook on holidays. We also have people over for special meals quite often too. We love cooking special meals for company. As far as I am concerned there is nothing more enjoyable then socializing over a good meal.
There is something else I like to do. I like helping Kim make things for her business. Sometimes I help her make her scarfs and help her make bookmarks. I really have fun helping her with these things. I also keep track of her books and inventory. I enjoy doing that too. We are working together on her business plan for her business as well. I am having a ball helping her.
These hobbies that I have been writing about that I love to do are a part of my recovery from schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and addiction. Hobbies are an important part of a consumers recovery from their mental illness and/or addiction. Part of recovery is being occupied with things that give a person joy, satisfaction, pleasure, and meaning and purpose in life. Without my hobbies my recovery would not be as good as it is at the present moment. My hobbies are a very important part of my personal recovery. If you would like to find more joy, satisfaction, pleasure, and meaning and purpose in life try to find a hobby that you would enjoy doing and spend some time at it. You will be surprised at the results. You will actually have some fun in life and boost up your self-esteem. Part of living life is just having a good time doing the things that you love to do. This is what works for me and I believe that it will work for you too. I just love having fun and a good time in life and I think that if you found a hobby that you enjoy doing that you too will have fun and a good time in life.
I hold down three part time jobs. One at Flyer Services and two writing jobs. I really enjoy and love my work. I have hobbies to occupy my time when I am not working. I listen to music on online radio stations. Another hobby I have is writing for all my blogs and web sites. Even though two of my jobs are writing jobs I love writing so much I do it as a hobby besides my two writing jobs. There is no pressure writing for my blogs and web sites because there are no deadlines.
Another hobby I have is doing research. I do a lot of research online. I would rather study up on schizophrenia, religion, philosophy, and addiction and recovery than read a fiction novel. I also like to read up on science and medicine. At times I research other topics as well. I love to read and do research. I can spend hours and hours doing research. It gives me much joy, pleasure, and satisfaction. I like to obtain knowledge. There is a saying. Knowledge is power and I love obtaining knowledge. I seek to use my knowledge for the purpose of helping others. I love to share my knowledge with others for the purpose of helping them in some way. Knowledge is no good to a person unless they share it with someone else. There is an expression in Narcotics Anonymous: You can only keep what you have by giving it away.
Another hobby I have is cooking and baking. My wife Kim has been teaching me how to cook and bake. I just love to cook and bake. Kim and I cook and bake together as a team. We love to make fancy meals once in a while too. We have some real nice cookbooks with lots of fancy and special meals in them. We always look in our cookbooks for a special meal to cook on holidays. We also have people over for special meals quite often too. We love cooking special meals for company. As far as I am concerned there is nothing more enjoyable then socializing over a good meal.
There is something else I like to do. I like helping Kim make things for her business. Sometimes I help her make her scarfs and help her make bookmarks. I really have fun helping her with these things. I also keep track of her books and inventory. I enjoy doing that too. We are working together on her business plan for her business as well. I am having a ball helping her.
These hobbies that I have been writing about that I love to do are a part of my recovery from schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and addiction. Hobbies are an important part of a consumers recovery from their mental illness and/or addiction. Part of recovery is being occupied with things that give a person joy, satisfaction, pleasure, and meaning and purpose in life. Without my hobbies my recovery would not be as good as it is at the present moment. My hobbies are a very important part of my personal recovery. If you would like to find more joy, satisfaction, pleasure, and meaning and purpose in life try to find a hobby that you would enjoy doing and spend some time at it. You will be surprised at the results. You will actually have some fun in life and boost up your self-esteem. Part of living life is just having a good time doing the things that you love to do. This is what works for me and I believe that it will work for you too. I just love having fun and a good time in life and I think that if you found a hobby that you enjoy doing that you too will have fun and a good time in life.
Living Life
What is recovery all about? Living life. Living life to the fullest. It's about happiness, peace of mind, being successful at a persons goals and objectives, being independent, and simply enjoying life. It's about living in the here and now. It's about enjoying the simple things of life as well as the big things in life. It's simply all about living.
What did I do yesterday? When I got up I got ready and took the bus downtown. I went to the drugstore and picked up my meds, picked up Kim's meds, and three bottles of pop for Kim. Because it was really cold out I took a cab home. I really enjoyed getting out and doing something.
After I got back I helped Kim with the housework. I enjoyed doing that too. I also did some things on the computer. I did some reading on the blogs I am following. I worked on my Fully Human Fully Alive blog. I just love reading and writing. I get satisfaction and pleasure out of reading and writing.
When I got up this morning I helped Kim with today's chores. We are going to have a pork roast dinner today. I will be helping Kim cook the dinner today. I have been doing things on the computer. Right now as I write I am listening to CBC Radio. I am listening to a classical music concert. I listen to a lot of online radio stations. I just love music and listening to it. When it comes to music I am eclectic. I love all types of music.
I also will be helping Kim later with making her bookmarks for her business. My wife Kim has a little business on the go. She makes homemade scarfs, and book marks. She is thinking about what else to make to sell in her business.
I plan to do some more writing today, and other things on the computer. I love computers. I love doing things on the computer. Even though I smoke I can spend a long time on the computer without stopping for a smoke. I smoke a lot. A couple of packs a day.
For me personally doing these things and enjoying them is what living is all about. Just being able to accomplish things in life and having fun doing them is what gives me meaning and purpose in life. Why are all these things important to me? There was a time in my life when I couldn't enjoy life and be successful at accomplishing things in life. I just couldn't do anything. No matter what it was that I attempted to do. I lasted five minutes and stopped. I just couldn't go any further.
Another way that I live life to the fullest is through my marriage. I am happily married. My wife and I are having a wonderful relationship together. We have been married for seven years now. My wife is my lover, companion, and my best friend. Without her I would be like a little lost sheep in the wilderness. I get much happiness and joy living with Kim and having a relationship with her on a daily basis.
I also live life to the fullest through my work. I work at Flyer Services part time. I currently hold down two writing jobs as well. I write for the Schizophrenia Newsletter published by the Kings County Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society of NS. I write for the Mental Health Perspective Newsletter. This is a newsletter on mental health in general. We cover all aspects of mental health, not just mental illness.
Just living in the here and now and enjoying what life throws my way today is what I call living life to the fullest. Even though I have schizophrenia and obsessive compulsive disorder I can still live life to the fullest. There is hope for those with mental illness. Recovery is truly possible. I am recovering and having a ball just living life. I sincerely hope that this blog entry will be helpful to you and give you faith, hope, and courage to just carry on and keep plugging away at life and be successful. Good luck with your recovery.
What did I do yesterday? When I got up I got ready and took the bus downtown. I went to the drugstore and picked up my meds, picked up Kim's meds, and three bottles of pop for Kim. Because it was really cold out I took a cab home. I really enjoyed getting out and doing something.
After I got back I helped Kim with the housework. I enjoyed doing that too. I also did some things on the computer. I did some reading on the blogs I am following. I worked on my Fully Human Fully Alive blog. I just love reading and writing. I get satisfaction and pleasure out of reading and writing.
When I got up this morning I helped Kim with today's chores. We are going to have a pork roast dinner today. I will be helping Kim cook the dinner today. I have been doing things on the computer. Right now as I write I am listening to CBC Radio. I am listening to a classical music concert. I listen to a lot of online radio stations. I just love music and listening to it. When it comes to music I am eclectic. I love all types of music.
I also will be helping Kim later with making her bookmarks for her business. My wife Kim has a little business on the go. She makes homemade scarfs, and book marks. She is thinking about what else to make to sell in her business.
I plan to do some more writing today, and other things on the computer. I love computers. I love doing things on the computer. Even though I smoke I can spend a long time on the computer without stopping for a smoke. I smoke a lot. A couple of packs a day.
For me personally doing these things and enjoying them is what living is all about. Just being able to accomplish things in life and having fun doing them is what gives me meaning and purpose in life. Why are all these things important to me? There was a time in my life when I couldn't enjoy life and be successful at accomplishing things in life. I just couldn't do anything. No matter what it was that I attempted to do. I lasted five minutes and stopped. I just couldn't go any further.
Another way that I live life to the fullest is through my marriage. I am happily married. My wife and I are having a wonderful relationship together. We have been married for seven years now. My wife is my lover, companion, and my best friend. Without her I would be like a little lost sheep in the wilderness. I get much happiness and joy living with Kim and having a relationship with her on a daily basis.
I also live life to the fullest through my work. I work at Flyer Services part time. I currently hold down two writing jobs as well. I write for the Schizophrenia Newsletter published by the Kings County Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society of NS. I write for the Mental Health Perspective Newsletter. This is a newsletter on mental health in general. We cover all aspects of mental health, not just mental illness.
Just living in the here and now and enjoying what life throws my way today is what I call living life to the fullest. Even though I have schizophrenia and obsessive compulsive disorder I can still live life to the fullest. There is hope for those with mental illness. Recovery is truly possible. I am recovering and having a ball just living life. I sincerely hope that this blog entry will be helpful to you and give you faith, hope, and courage to just carry on and keep plugging away at life and be successful. Good luck with your recovery.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
For Nova Scotia Only Concerning Those on Clozapine
Original Posting on the SSNS Blog
By Stephen Ayer
Executive Director
Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia
To the very best of my knowledge and effective today, many individuals currently taking Clozaril® (clozapine) produced by Novartis Canada Inc. will be switched to a generic version of Clozaril® called Gen-Clozapine produced by Genpharm. Again, to the very best of my knowledge, this only applies to all individuals receiving income assistance form the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services or enrolled in the Nova Scotia Family Pharmacare Program and currently taking Clozaril®. Blood monitoring will now be conducted by a program called GenCAN instead of Novartis’ CSAN® program. A patient’s prior blood work information will be transferred, and from what I understand without the individual’s permission, from the CSAN® program (Novartis) to the GenCAN program (Genpharm).
If you have any questions or concerns about the above, please feel free to contact the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia.
Also see:
Evaluation of an interchangeability switch in patients treated with clozapine: A retrospective review.
Generic clozapine: a cost-saving alternative to brand name clozapine?
Branded versus generic clozapine: bioavailability comparison and interchangeability issues.
Clinical equivalence of generic and brand-name drugs used in cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
By Stephen Ayer
Executive Director
Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia
To the very best of my knowledge and effective today, many individuals currently taking Clozaril® (clozapine) produced by Novartis Canada Inc. will be switched to a generic version of Clozaril® called Gen-Clozapine produced by Genpharm. Again, to the very best of my knowledge, this only applies to all individuals receiving income assistance form the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services or enrolled in the Nova Scotia Family Pharmacare Program and currently taking Clozaril®. Blood monitoring will now be conducted by a program called GenCAN instead of Novartis’ CSAN® program. A patient’s prior blood work information will be transferred, and from what I understand without the individual’s permission, from the CSAN® program (Novartis) to the GenCAN program (Genpharm).
If you have any questions or concerns about the above, please feel free to contact the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia.
Also see:
Evaluation of an interchangeability switch in patients treated with clozapine: A retrospective review.
Generic clozapine: a cost-saving alternative to brand name clozapine?
Branded versus generic clozapine: bioavailability comparison and interchangeability issues.
Clinical equivalence of generic and brand-name drugs used in cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Psycho-social Rehabilitation
Psychosocial Rehabilitation Practitioner
Beacon Program
The Beacon Program practices Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) through a Growth and Recovery model for the treatment of persons with severe and persistent mental illness. The trend in mental health care for some time has been to move away from the Medical Model of care and towards the Recovery Model, which has an emphasis on deinstitutionalization and rehabilitation. This model recognizes that recovery must be self-directed, individualized and strengths-based. It recognizes the importance of empowering the individual, holistic care, growth occurring at varying rates, peer support, and respect. Psychosocial Rehabilitation is in harmony with the Recovery Model and identifies the same components of recovery: the Recovery Model presents a philosophy of recovery, the PSR work is a specific structured technology which PSR practitioners use to assist people in pursuing their individual recovery.
What does recovery mean? Recovery is not the same as being cured. Recovery is a journey, marked by small steps, towards reaching one’s ultimate potential. Dr. Patricia Deegan (a renowned “psychiatric survivor”) spoke of recovery as being “a process, a way of life, an attitude, and a way of approaching the day’s challenges.” Often, recovering from the consequences of mental illness is more difficult than recovering from the illness itself. Symptoms may be eased by medication, but the effects of stigma; institutionalization; lack of opportunity for self-determination, community access and social interaction; unemployment; and other life set-backs due to illness persist and take time and effort to overcome. PSR practitioners recognize that recovery, as defined by the individual, is possible for all people living with mental illness, and that individuals themselves hold the key to their recovery. The role of the PSR practitioner is to facilitate recovery by guiding the client to a better understanding of him/herself and helping the client to determine and meet goals which are in accordance with their wants, needs and personal values.
PSR had its roots in the deinstitutionalization movement in the U.S. in the 1960’s and 70’s, and the ensuing failure of this due to inadequate supports and resources for those who were transitioned into the community. It found a cohesive structure in the 1980’s through the work of Dr. William Anthony at Boston University, and the Growth and Recovery technology used by the Beacon Program was originally based on this, although adapted and modified. Since it’s inception, PSR has grown in popularity globally as mental health professionals have come to recognize it as a “best practice” for treatment of persons with mental illness.
The Growth and Recovery work focuses on four areas: living, learning, working and socializing, and is broken into eight modules. By working through the modules with their coordinator, clients of the program are able to make changes to address dissatisfactions and become more successful in their lives. The Growth and Recovery work is highly individualized, and progresses differently with each client. Although the Modules are very structured, with each one building on the work of the previous, the material is adapted and applied when and however it best serves the changing needs of the client over the course of the program.
Having seen the positive results of Psychosocial Rehabilitation first-hand, I count myself very fortunate to be involved in this work. One of the things I enjoy the most is spending my time with staff and clients who consistently show regard for the dignity, individuality and well-being of those around them.
Ashley D Perry
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Canadian Human Rights Commission :: Resources :: Legislation and Policies :: Policies
Here is the link to the Canadian Human Rights Commission. They have adopted guidelines for those that have mental illness's receive proper treatment concerning accommodations in the work force. I hope that employers will learn and practice these guidelines. Mental health consumers are not receiving proper treatment and their rights are not being imputed unto them. I am glad that the Canadian Human Rights Commission is taking the initiative to do something about this sad state of affairs.
Canadian Human Rights Commission :: Resources :: Legislation and Policies :: Policies
Canadian Human Rights Commission :: Resources :: Legislation and Policies :: Policies
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Support for Family and Friends of Persons Living with Mental Illness
A SELF HELP GROUP IN KINGS COUNTY
Caring for a loved one who is dealing with a mental illness can require emotional and practical support. You are not alone. This self help group was started in the fall of 2008 to share personal experiences in response to the need of support for the families and friends of persons living with serious mental illness.
While it originated through families involved in the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia (SSNS), the group feels it can offer support to families dealing with a wide range of brain illnesses, including psychosis (a break with reality), major depression and bi-polar disorder. This is not a resource group to provide technical, medical, or legal aid, or for advocacy although our experiences may have touched on these issues.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Kentville have kindly offered the use of their space, and everything shared within the group is confidential.
We meet on the first Monday of each month from 7-9 pm:
CMHA Offices (Suite 109)
49 Cornwallis St.
Kentville
If someone you know or meet might be interested, please encourage them to contact us at:
While it originated through families involved in the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia (SSNS), the group feels it can offer support to families dealing with a wide range of brain illnesses, including psychosis (a break with reality), major depression and bi-polar disorder. This is not a resource group to provide technical, medical, or legal aid, or for advocacy although our experiences may have touched on these issues.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in Kentville have kindly offered the use of their space, and everything shared within the group is confidential.
We meet on the first Monday of each month from 7-9 pm:
CMHA Offices (Suite 109)
49 Cornwallis St.
Kentville
If someone you know or meet might be interested, please encourage them to contact us at:
SSNS toll free number
1-800-465-2601
or email kcschizophreniasociety@hotmail.com
1-800-465-2601
or email kcschizophreniasociety@hotmail.com
"The Schizophrenia Society of Canada exists to improve the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through education, support programs, public policy and research.... as well as their families."
Friday, January 9, 2009
CBC Radio | Cross Country Checkup | This Week
Here is the link to an announcement about a radio program on CBC Radio One. The show is Cross Country Checkup. The show is about mental illness with the Honourable Michael Kirby as the guest. The show is on Sunday Jan 11 at 5:00 pm. AST.
CBC Radio | Cross Country Checkup | This Week
CBC Radio | Cross Country Checkup | This Week
The Experience of Schizophrenia
Here is a good article on relapse and relapse prevention. The article was written by a consumer themselves. This person has good insight into schizophrenia and the early warning signs of relapse. I truly hope that this article will be of help to anyone who decides to check it out.
The Experience of Schizophrenia
The Experience of Schizophrenia
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Strerngthening Families Together
FREE REGISTRATION!
Strengthening Families Together
Do you have a relative or friend with a serious mental illness?
Would you like to learn more about his or her illness?
Delivered by family members who have direct experience with the psychiatric illness of a loved one, and enhanced by invited speakers with topical expertise, Strengthening Families Together is a Canadian-based educational program for families and friends which provides information, skill-building, and support.
You will learn about:
· Early intervention and recovery
· Treatments and supports
· Coping with challenges of daily living
· Navigating the mental health system
· The importance of taking care of yourself, too
In partnership with Capital District Community Mental Health Services and Inpatient Services - 7th Floor Abbie J. Lane, the HRM Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia will deliver Strengthening Families Together in Halifax beginning at 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 29th, 2009, in Room 1613B, Camp Hill Veterans' Memorial Building, 5955 Veterans' Memorial Lane.
For an outline of the Strengthening Families Together program, please click here. Please note that Sessions 4 and 5 are being combined into one session and one additional session dedicated completely to mood disorders is being added.
A flyer announcing this session is attached; please feel free to post this flyer for others to see. Mental health service providers are strongly encouraged to forward this email or to distribute the flyer to family members who might be interested.
Registration
To register for this 10-week session of Strengthening Families Together, contact Donna Methot at (902) 462-8658 or send an email to hrmchapterssns@accesswave.ca.
Quotes from participants of 2008 Strengthening Families Together sessions:
“I would like to say thank you so very much for taking the time and effort to have this program on Thursday nights. It has been a wonderful experience and I am sad to see it end.”
“This has been a blessing to me. I am very satisfied with my experience with the group, and my understanding of the health care options and support available to us has greatly increased. I would highly recommend Strengthening Families Together to any who will listen! Thanks.”
“Some solid strategies and ideas on how to help our son.”
“I feel this program is a wonderful launching pad; it equips us to participate in community events and gives us connections to others who are equally passionate about understanding mental illness. It’s a valuable resource.”
Supporters
Funding for delivery of Strengthening Families Together is provided by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia and an unrestricted educational grant from AstraZeneca Canada Inc.
Family Education & Support Meeting
The HRM Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia
Family Education & Support Meeting
Monday, January 12th, 2009
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Room 6015
Halifax Infirmary, QEII Health Sciences Centre
1796 Summer Street,
Halifax, Nova Scotia
(Summer Street South Elevators)
Presenting: Another Double Billing
7:00 - 7:45 pm Dr. Stephen Ayer
Executive Director
Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia
Influencing Public Policy Relating to Schizophrenia & Psychosis
8:00 - 9:00 pm Dr. Zenovia Ursuliak
Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program
Motivational Interviewing (Part Three): Building Better Relationships – Particularly with Those Who Lack Insight – Through Effective Communication Skills
This technique is promoted by Dr. Xavier Amador in his book I Am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help! It utilizes the LEAP (Listen, Empathize, Agree, Partner) approach.
For those who are not familiar with Motivational Interviewing, a brief outline of Dr. Ursuliak’s initial presentation will be available as you arrive.
Please join us in learning about Motivational Interviewing and role playing various scenarios. (Role playing is on a voluntary basis only.)
Film Series On The Ethics Of Mental Health
Film series on THE ETHICS OF MENTAL HEALTH, starting with MICHAEL CLAYTON, Jan.14/09 (7PM). Hosted by Novel Tech Ethics.
To Whom It May Concern:
Novel Tech Ethics (Dalhousie University) is beginning a new season of public education events, starting with “States of Mind 2009: A FILM SERIES WITH PANEL DISCUSSIONS ON THE ETHICS OF MENTAL HEALTH”. The series features 13 different panellists spread across four sessions on four consecutive Wednesday nights, beginning Jan.14, 2009 with the movie MICHAEL CLAYTON (starring George Clooney). All screenings begin at 7:00PM at the QEII’s Royal Bank Theatre, Halifax Infirmary, 1796 Summer Street. Please help us advertise this event by posting this message to any relevant e-mailing lists, listservs, websites, news bulletins, blogs, and Facebook groups to which you may have access. Please invite your co-workers, students, friends, and family. All are welcome. No reservations. Come early, seating is limited.
For those interested in joining our e-mailing list for future notices of this and like events, please send us an e-mail at nte@dal.ca If you know of any places where you might put up a printed version of the film series poster, please obtain a copy made available here or paste the following address into your browser:
For further information on this and other upcoming NTE public education initiatives, go to the “Events page” of <www.noveltechethics.ca>. Detailed schedule below:
Wed., Jan.14, 2009 (7:00 PM), QEII Royal Bank Theatre, Halifax Infirmary, 1796 Summer St.
- MICHAEL CLAYTON: film and panel discussion
- Panellists: Marika Warren (Bioethicist), Susan Kilbride Roper (Patient/Community rep.), Claire O’Donovan (Psychiatrist), Sheila Wildeman (Health Lawyer)
- Topics: Bi-polar disorder, Anxiety/Stress, Addiction, Family dysfunction
Wed., Jan.21, 2009 (7:00 PM), QEII Royal Bank Theatre, Halifax Infirmary, 1796 Summer St.
- THE SAVAGES: film and panel discussion
- Panellists: Marika Warren (Bioethicist), Marilyn Martineau (Patient/Community rep.), Maureen Gorman (Psychologist), Joan Harbison (School of Social Work)
- Topics: Aging & dying, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Family relationships, Caregiving
Wed., Jan.28, 2009 (7:00 PM), QEII Royal Bank Theatre, Halifax Infirmary, 1796 Summer St.
- MUSIC WITHIN: film and panel discussion
- Panellists: Marika Warren (Bioethicist), Judy MacDonald (School of Social Work), Josh Dunn (Patient/Community rep.), Scott Theriault (Psychiatrist)
- Topics: Disability Rights, Cerebral Palsy, Hearing loss, Alcoholism, PTSD, Veteran’s Issues
Wed., Feb.4, 2009 (7:00 PM), QEII Royal Bank Theatre, Halifax Infirmary, 1796 Summer St.
- CHARLIE BARTLETT: film and panel discussion
- Panellists: Marika Warren (Bioethicist), Richard MacNeil (Teacher/Community rep.), Michael Unger (School of Social Work), Wade Junek (Psychiatrist)
- Topics: ADHD, Drug abuse, Teen identity Issues, Family Dynamics
Mon., Feb.16, 2009 (7:30 PM), Uncommon Grounds, 1030 South Park St., Halifax
- AUTISM – RESEARCH PRIORITIES AND THE PUBLIC PURSE: Café Scientifique
- Panellists: Susan Bryson (Psychologist), Andrew Fenton (Ethicist), Michael Price (Autism Program Director)
- Moderator: Françoise Baylis (Philosopher & Bioethicist)
- Online registration required at http://www.noveltechethics.ca/site_events.php?page=394 or call 494-2873.
Wed., Feb.18, 2009 (7:30 PM), Uncommon Grounds, 1030 South Park St., Halifax
- AUTISM – RESEARCH PRIORITIES AND THE PUBLIC PURSE: Café Scientifique
- Panellists: Susan Bryson (Psychologist), Andrew Fenton (Ethicist), Michael Price (Autism Program Director)
- Moderator: Françoise Baylis (Philosopher & Bioethicist)
- Online registration required at http://www.noveltechethics.ca/site_events.php?page=394 or call 494-2873.
Mon., Mar.16, 2009 (7:00 PM), QEII Royal Bank Theatre, Halifax Infirmary, 1796 Summer St.
- THE DIVING BELL & THE BUTTERFLY – film and panel discussion
- Panellists: Shawn Jennings (MD & author of Locked In, Locked Out), Lynette Reid (Bioethicist), Gord Gubitz (Neurologist), Maureen Merchant (Speech Pathologist), Diane Mackenzie (Occupational Therapist)
- Topics: Stroke, Locked-in Syndrome, Intensive Care & Long Term Care
Wed., Apr.29, 2009 (7:30 PM), QEII Royal Bank Theatre, Halifax Infirmary, 1796 Summer St.
- FUNDING FOR NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH – WHO SHOULD PAY? HOW? WHY?
- A public talk by Jason Scott Robert, Bioethicist, Arizona State University
Wed., June 10, 2009 (7:30 PM), QEII Royal Bank Theatre, Halifax Infirmary, 1796 Summer St.
- PATIENTS’ VOICES MATTER – WHAT DOCTORS CAN LEARN FROM TALKING WITH PATIENTS
Monday, January 5, 2009
The Dana Foundation - Eric Kandel on the Year in Neuroscience
Here is an article about the progress made in 2008 on research in neuroscience. It is through neuroscience that researchers will be able to discover better treatments and eventually a cure for various mental illness's. I personally have much faith, hope, and courage that scientists will make great progress and will develop better treatments and will eventually find that cure that everyone is working so hard to discover.
The Dana Foundation - Eric Kandel on the Year in Neuroscience
The Dana Foundation - Eric Kandel on the Year in Neuroscience
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