Kings County Chapter of the SSNS Meeting Announcement

We will be meeting on Wednesday the 27^th of May at 7.00 pm. for the Annual General Meeting when we approve budgets and elect directors.

This session at room 119 at the Millett Community Complex in New Minas will also include the presentation on Peer Support by Candy O’Brien, Joseph MacGillivary and Roger Cann. That presentation had been scheduled for March but storm stayed.

Smoking and Schizophrenia

Thanks to research advances, scientists are learning how and why smoking and schizophrenia are so tightly linked. Nicotine — in cigarettes and other forms — appears to help normalize some of the cognitive and sensory deficits that people with this disorder experience. Scientists have looked inside the brain to uncover regions involved in deficits of schizophrenia and to learn how and where nicotine works to combat them. Now, enhanced knowledge is helping scientists develop drugs to treat this debilitating disorder.

To view the rest of this article click on the link below

http://www.brainfacts.org/diseases-disorders/psychiatric-disorders/articles/2008/smoking-and-schizophrenia/

Frequent marijuana use associated with long-term memory loss

Past research has shown that daily marijuana use can cause problems with short-term memory loss and even make changes in the brain.  New research is showing that daily smoking can cause long-term memory deficits.

To read a good article on this subject click on the link below.

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/03/12/frequent-marijuana-use-associated-with-long-term-memory-loss/

Kings County Chapter SSNS Meeting Announcement

A discussion about Peer Support in our Valley.

Presenters, Candy O’Brien (CMHA –Kings, Project H.O.P.E) and Joseph MacGillivray (Evangeline Club) will talk about what it means to BE and HAVE Peer Support and Dr. Roger Cann will discuss “Your Recovery Journey” a course sponsored by the Schizophrenia Society.

The meeting will be held on March 18, 7:00 pm. at the

Louis Millet Community Complex

9489 Commercial St

New Minas

Everyone Welcome

Nova Scotia: Together We Can Strategy

The Nova Scotia government has developed a new strategy called, Together We Can.  The purpose of this plan is to improve the mental health and addiction services in Nova Scotia. We definitely need a lot of improvements.  The government has already started implementing this plan.

To view the official document describing this plan click on the link below.

http://novascotia.ca/dhw/mental-health/reports/Mental-Health-and-Addictions-Strategy-Together-We-Can.pdf

To view the 1 year update on the plan click on the link below.

http://novascotia.ca/dhw/mental-health/reports/MHS-Together-We-Can-One-Year-Update.pdf

Childhood Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia in children is a very serious disorder of the brain.  They do not interpret reality properly.  Children experience deficits in thinking, have behavioral  and emotional problems. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking and behavior.  The symptomology varies among individuals but all are not able to function properly.

Here is the link to the article I based my paragraph on.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/childhood-schizophrenia/basics/definition/con-20029260

Mental Health Crisis Response Services

Crisis Response Services

The Kings County Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society will host a presentation of the Mental Health Crisis Response Services at 7.00 pm on Wednesday the 18^th of February at the Millett Complex in New Minas.

The Annapolis Valley District Health Authority established the Services in collaboration with the Kentville Police and the Valley detachment of the RCMP. Staff of the Crisis Response Services will present the scope of the Services and the guidelines under which they will operate.

Those attending the presentation will be encouraged to present their concerns about the effectiveness of the Response Services for those with mental health issues.

Business and the brain: How some scientists hope to cure mental illness

Researchers around the world are unlocking mysteries of the brain and causes of mental disorders in a “quiet neuroscience revolution” that, some say, will transform the way mental illness has been diagnosed and treated for the past 50 years.

Scientific breakthroughs over the past decade have created enough optimism among the world’s experts that some dare to talk about a “cure” for depression and other mental illness, the non-infectious disease that is rapidly becoming one of the biggest global public health challenges.

To read the rest of this article click on the link below

http://business.financialpost.com/2015/01/12/business-and-the-brain-how-some-scientists-hope-to-cure-mental-illness/

Suicide

Suicide is a very serious and major problem in Canada.  People with a mental illness and/or an addiction problem are at high risk for suicide.

Here is the link for a good article on suicide prevention.

http://www.cmha.ca/mental_health/preventing-suicide/#.VLw_OIpGjUY

My New Years Resolution

In 2014 I continued to write for the "A Mental Health Perspective" monthly newsletter published by the Kings County Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association.  I also wrote for and put together the "Schizophrenia Newsletter" published by the Kings County Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society.

Besides this I didn't do much writing in 2014.  My new years resolution is to do more writing in 2015.  I would also like to advance my writing career by becoming a successful, paid, published free lance writer.  I want to get published in magazines.  I will have to pick a subject to write about. There is not much opportunity in North America to get published writing about mental illness, addiction, and alcoholism.

It's going to be hard picking a subject.  I have so many interests.  During 2014 I did do a lot of research.  I researched the paranormal (ghosts and hauntings, ufology, cryptozoology), science, philosophy, Christianity, wildlife, conservation,  global warming, mental illness, addiction, and alcoholism to name a few.  I did spend most of my spare time researching these subjects.  I also intend to do more writing on this blog.  

During 2014 I had to battle my Gillian Barre Syndrome.  Despite this I had a wonder 2014 and I also intend to have an even better 2015.

Surviving Schizophrenia by E. Fuller Torrey, M.D.

This book is an excellent work on schizophrenia.  Up until now it's the best book I have read on this subject.  The author goes into great detail describing different topics about this illness.  Some parts don't apply to us in Canada because when he talks about the system he describes the one in the United States.  I highly recommend this book for anyone to read.  It's an awesome work.

Kings County Chapter of the SSNS Meeting Announcement

Dr. John Campbell ,  Director, Mental Health Programs,  Annapolis Valley District Health Authority will be the main speaker on Wednesday evening January 21^st, beginning at 7.00 pm. He will describe the current programs of his department and respond to questions from the gathering as to what can be expected in the short and long term.

               The issues may include the accreditation of those with mental health issues serving in a support role within our district. Other issues would be the sharing of information within families, and the training of family members to participate in therapy for their loved ones.

This public meeting is sponsored by the Schizophrenia Society, Kings County Chapter, and will be held at  the Lou Millett Community Centre in New Minas. Entrance to the meeting will be through the door at the east end of the Centre. After the presentation and question and answer session, refreshments will be served.