Tony's Schizophrenia Corner

Inter-professional Education Session

2012-01-30T19:11:00.000-04:00

New Years Resolution

2011-12-25T19:59:00.000-04:00

2012 is coming up fast. Today is Christmas day. I am having a wonderful X-mas with my wife and family. Dinner should be ready soon. I helped prepare the veggies. I have been reading my Guitar Player magazine Mom bought me a couple of days ago. It has a lot of inspiring articles in it and I have picked up a few tips which brings me to my New Years Resolution.

I love music and at one time I was a professional musician playing the drums. I have listened to a lot music over the years. I have listened to everything. Classic rock, hard rock, heavy metal, soft rock, blues, jazz, pop, old fashioned country, modern country, classical music, and opera. The only kind of music I will not listen to is rap. I find the lyrics offensive.

Last X-mas I received a acoustic guitar with a pick up in it. It's a GWL guitar. It has a wonderful sound both as an acoustic and electric. I must confess I haven't played it much over the last year. A few weeks ago I started getting down to business with it and started playing a lot. I also purchased guitar lessons which teach me how to play rhythm, lead guitar with a pic, and how to finger pick. I also have tons of music books on different genres. Gospel, rock, country, rhythm and blues, and jazz.

I have decided that my New Years Resolution is to learn how to play the guitar. I want to become really good at rhythm and lead guitar. I also want to bone up on my singing abilities and become a better singer (which at the present moment isn't very good). I am going to spend 90% of my spare time practicing, reading up on music theory, reading guitar magazines, and buy more guitar lessons to work on. I am always talking about my destiny. Well, my destiny is to become a successful musician. I love music and I love making music. Eventually I want to get good enough to either join a band or start up my own band. I do have to decide what genre I want to learn to play. I like so many different kinds of music I am having trouble deciding just what genre I do want to learn to play. At the present moment I know several gospel songs, a few rock songs, and a Christmas song. I will have a problem deciding because of my OCD but I will overcome this and make a decision. Once my decision is made I will definitely get down to business.

This is my New Years Resolution and I will stick to it come hell or high water, despite my OCD. I will not let myself change my mind and get side tracked. I am going to become a successful musician. Period.

An Update

2011-12-01T19:32:00.000-04:00

I haven't written anything for my blog lately so I thought I would write something tonight. I thought I would write an update on what's going on in my life. I am still recovering from my schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, addiction, and alcoholism. On December 6th this year I will be clean and sober for 12 years. My wife and I are going to do something special to celebrate. My wife had a lot to do with me staying clean and sober that long. She was a real big help to me in this regard. She is very special to me. Without her I would be like a little lost sheep in the wilderness wandering around aimlessly.

I am still working hard. I still write for the CMHA newsletter called "A Mental Health Perspective." I still write for, format, and put together the Schizophrenia Newsletter published by the Kings County Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society, and I am still collating (putting flyers together).

Kim and I have been really busy with her business. We have attended a lot of craft shows this year. We have one to do tomorrow and then we are done for the season. We will be starting up again next fall. Plus we will be attending the Farm Market downtown a few times during the summer months.

For fun and relaxation I do a lot of research on the net and play computer games. I love intellectual activities. I love doing research and writing. I would love to go to university but that's not practical. It would take to long to get my degree and it would cost to much money. I have decided to do my own research and become a self-taught expert on the subjects I decide to research. I also want to start writing essays and research papers. Maybe even some day have them published.

When I want to take a break from it all that is when I play computer games. I am not very good at them but I have a ball playing them anyway. I love the challenge and they are fun to play. Playing computer games takes my mind off of everything and I get wrapped up in my game. It is a great change from all the work that I do. I need to have balance in my life. I also take time out for my marriage. Kim and I spend a lot of time together and we do things together. We love travelling together, and eating out together, when we have the money.

I try to have a balance between my marriage, work, and rest and relaxation. I also take time out for my friends. I feel that a social life is very important to one's mental health. I still take my medication the way it is prescribed. If I stop taking my meds I will get ill again. I make regular visits to my psychiatrist. I also have a good support system in place. I have Kim, my psychiatrist, my mom, and other mental health professionals in my life. When needed I always have someone to turn to for help. Many times I turn to more than one person. That gives me more options to consider when I seek advice and help for my problems.

Overall I am living a great life. I love life and love being alive. I am living in recovery. Recovery is truly possible. I am living a life of meaning, purpose, and am a productive member of society.

I would like to say to my readers. Good luck in your own recovery.

Problems With My Blog

2011-11-14T20:18:00.001-04:00

I have just discovered that the photos and pictures I have been posting on my blog do not show up on other people's browsers. They show up on mine but not everyone else's. I did not know about this. I greatly apologize for this problem. I thought that everyone could view my photo's, pictures, and posters. In the future I will only post text on my postings.

Once again I apologize for this and hope that my readers will forgive me for this problem.

Bye for now.

Tony

SSNS Conference Poster

2011-10-06T20:58:00.000-03:00

SSNS Conference

2011-10-03T15:00:00.003-03:00

Friday, November 4^th, 2011

8:45 am to 4:30 pm

The University Club

Dalhousie University Campus

1 Alumni Crescent

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Secure online conference registration with payment by credit card or bank debit is available by clicking here.

Telephone registration and payment by Visa or MasterCard is available by calling 465-2601 or 1-800-465-2601 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-465-2601 end_of_the_skype_highlighting (toll-free in Nova Scotia)

Alternatively, you can fill out and mail in the attached Conference Registration Form, along with your conference registration fee.

Topics to be covered:

· Cognitive remediation for schizophrenia (also known as neuroplasticity-based cognitive training for schizophrenia) – Dr. Susan R. McGurk, Department of Psychiatry, Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire

· An interactive session about antipsychotics and their side effects – Dr. David Gardner, Department of Psychiatry & College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax

· Peer support – Vince Daigle, Peer Support Worker, Healthy Minds Cooperative, Halifax

· Psychosocial rehabilitation – The Beacon Program, Kentville, Nova Scotia

· Cognitive behavioural therapy and how it can help with relationships

· Employment – Gail Kelly, Connections Halifax, and staff of The Mindful Mango, Halifax

· Promoting recovery through a Wellness Program – Dr. Zenovia Ursuliak, Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program and the Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax

Registration fees (includes lunch and two refreshment breaks):

Regular: $150

SSNS Member: $100

Student: $50

Unwaged: $25

All-day parking passes are available for $10.

Ten conference bursaries are available for individuals who live with a mental illness.

For a Conference Bursary Application Form, please contact the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia by return email or by calling 465-2601 ( 1-800-465-2601 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-800-465-2601 end_of_the_skype_highlighting toll-free in Nova Scotia).

To become a member of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, please complete and mail in the attached Membership Form along with a minimum tax-deductible donation of $15.00.

The chickadee was chosen to represent the theme of recovery because chickadees are friendly, hardy little birds that thrive in good times and bad. The bird is shown looking up to convey a feeling of hope.

Designer: Terri Vernon, SSNS member

Conference Sponsors

Please click on the sponsor's logos to visit their websites.

Suicide

2011-09-16T16:38:00.000-03:00

Suicide

No one likes to talk about suicide. It can be painful and uncomfortable to discuss. This situation can be made worse by a sometimes negative perception in the community. Suicide is often a dark secret that no one wants to share.

Unfortunately, silence has not made suicide go away. People who are at risk for suicide often do not share their feelings with others. They fear family members will think differently of them. They fear professional repercussions. Most of all, they fear that no one will care. It is a misconception that people suffering with thoughts of suicide want to keep it a secret.

To view the rest of this web site click on the link below.

http://oneinfive.ca/topic/suicide/

Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia Information Session

2011-09-15T17:42:00.000-03:00

The Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia

Information Session

Thursday, Sept 22nd, 2011

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

Room 252 (originally, 206)

NSCC Annapolis Valley Campus, Middleton

295 Commercial Street

Purpose

With your help, the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia (SSNS) is

working to develop a community-based, volunteer-led family support

group in Annapolis County. The Society invites you to a town-hall

meeting to learn about the SSNS and its chapters, and to discuss

opportunities for a support group in your area.

The meeting is intended for family members and supporters of

individuals affected by schizophrenia or another mental disorder, as well

as people living with or who have experienced mental illness, service

providers, and other interested parties.

Refreshments will be provided.

If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Hilary

Thorne at 1-800-465-2601, or by emailing hilary.thorne@bellaliant.com.

Website: www.ssns.ca | Web Blog: www.blog.ssns.ca

2011-09-14T19:25:00.000-03:00

The Department of Sociology at Acadia University &

the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia (Kings County Chapter)

invite you to

The At Home/Chez Soi Project:

a research demonstration project investigating

mental health and homelessness

in five Canadian cities:

Moncton, Montreal, Toronto,

Winnipeg and Vancouver

Claudette Bradshaw

Moncton Site Coordinator

Chez Soi/At Home Project

Mental Health Commission of Canada

Friday September 23, 11am

Beveridge Arts Centre Room 325

(Faculty of Arts Lounge)

Claudette Bradshaw was elected as the Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-

Dieppe (1997 to 2006); and served as Minister of Labour, Multiculturalism, Status of

Women, Literacy, and Minister responsible for Homelessness Initiatives in Canada. In this

talk, Ms.Bradshaw will discuss the innovative multi-sited research project, At Home/Chez

Soi, which involves over 2000 people who are homeless and living with a mental illness .

ALL WELCOME

For further information or inquiries please contact Prof. Mervyn Horgan, Department of Sociology

(mervyn.horgan@acadiau.ca)

2011-09-10T21:06:00.000-03:00

An Interactive Presentation on Concurrent Disorders

Thursday, September 15^th, 2011

6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

The Hub

2nd Floor, 1673 Barrington Street

Halifax, Nova Scotia

The From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group is open to anyone affected by mental illness, either directly or indirectly.

FREE!

Image credit

Thursday, September 15^th, 2011

An interactive presentation on concurrent disorders with Susan Kilbride-Roper and Graham Hooper

Susan Kilbride-Roper has been working and volunteering in the mental health community for sixteen years. She and her husband own and operate a mental health promotion organization, The Empowerment Connection. Susan believes passionately in the resilience of the human spirit and, through the mutual experiential sharing of peers who have survived and thrived while living with concurrent disorders of mental illness and addiction, has had the privilege to meet some of the most resilient and gifted individuals who continue to inspire her every day. She looks forward to being “inspired anew” by the members of the From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group.

Graham Hooper lives with a mental illness and has a history of substance abuse. These days, however, Graham works as a musician, a financial project manager, a videographer /editor, and a mental health advocate and peer support worker. As a husband, father, and volunteer, he is a busy guy. Though peer support groups, lifestyle choices, and self-knowledge, the conundrum of a concurrent disorder no longer eludes him. He states that "life has taught me that there isn't one perfect remedy to my troubles - there were, fortunately, lots of little ones."

Inter-Professional Education Series

2011-09-08T17:33:00.000-03:00

Walk the World for Schizophrenia

2011-09-06T15:58:00.000-03:00

Walk the World for Schizophrenia

Sunday, October 2, 2011

1:00 p.m. at Robie Tufts Park, Front Street, Wolfville

Our Walk will begin from the Park on Front Street, down Main Street, and back to the Lions Hall for food, music and prizes.

Help us to alleviate the stigma and suffering of those afflicted by or living with schizophrenia

Mental Illness Awareness Week

2011-09-06T15:33:00.000-03:00

MIAW is October 2-8 2011.

Our goal is to end the stigma associated with mental illness, and ensure better understanding and access to diagnosis and treatment. The MIAW campaign includes:

MIAW is coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health.

To view the official website on Mental Illness Awareness Week click on the link below

http://miaw.ca/en/default.aspx

Mental Health Promotion - From Recovery to Discovery - September 8th

2011-09-06T15:26:00.000-03:00

An Interactive Presentation on Mental Health Promotion

This Thursday, September 8^th, 2011

6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

The Hub

2nd Floor, 1673 Barrington Street

Halifax, Nova Scotia

The From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group is open to anyone affected by mental illness, either directly or indirectly.

FREE!

This Thursday, September 8^th, 2011

An interactive presentation on mental health promotion with Tara N. Lee, Health Promotion Consultant, Community Mental Health Program, Capital District Health Authority

Tara works in a health promotion role with the Community Mental Health Program at Capital Health. Prior to that she worked in Halifax's non-profit, community health and human services sector addressing the health needs of diverse and often marginalized populations through the lens of health promotion. Tara completed undergraduate studies in health promotion at Dalhousie University and for the last few years has been working towards her M.Ed. in Counselling from Acadia University.

This discussion will begin by exploring an understanding of mental health promotion in a broad social context. The discussion will then focus on an understanding of mental health and well-being (rather than illness) for individuals from a health promotion perspective. An underlying value of this discussion is that regardless of who we are, ill or not, we can all benefit from working towards the attainment of good mental health both individually and collectively. It is hoped that the information shared in this discussion generates rich, diverse and varied perspectives carrying equal weight as we grow our mutual understandings!

Image credit

Thursday, September 15^th, 2011

An interactive presentation on concurrent disorders with Susan Kilbride-Roper and Graham Hooper

Details on this interactive presentation to follow at a later date.

Thursday, September 22^nd, 2011

An interactive presentation on nutrition with Maureen Tilley, Clinical Dietitian, Nova Scotia Hospital

Maureen Tilley is a registered dietitian who graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University in 2007. She subsequently moved to Ontario and worked in long term care for almost two years. Returning home to Dartmouth in 2009, she worked at Pete’s Frootique as a community dietitian. She still does some contract work with Pete’s but works mostly as a clinical dietitian at the Nova Scotia Hospital, the North Preston Wellness Centre, and with Heart in Motion. She is very passionate about health and nutrition and is a firm believer in ‘what you eat not only affects your physical health, but also your mental health.’ The author of two cookbooks, Hold the Salt! and Hold that Hidden Salt!, Maureen loves to cook and the challenge of proving that healthy dishes can still taste delicious!

The From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group is organized as a partnership between the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia and the Healthy Minds Cooperative.

In support of Mental Illness Awareness Week SSNS Presents the Soloist

2011-09-06T15:20:00.000-03:00

In support of

Mental Illness Awareness Week

presents

The Soloist is a 2009 drama film directed by Joe Wright, and starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr.

The screenplay by Susannah Grant is based on the book, The Soloist by Steve Lopez.

The film is based on a true story of Nathaniel Ayers, a musician who develops schizophrenia and becomes homeless.

Sunday, October 2^nd, 2011

12:00 noon

Oxford Theatre

6408 Quinpool Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia

General Admission: $12.00

Seniors and Unwaged: $6.00

We encourage to purchase advance tickets by calling 465-2601 or 1-800-465-2601 (toll-free in Nova Scotia)

telephone payment by Visa or MasterCard is accepted

The option to purchase tickets online will be announced shortly

Tickets will also be available at the door

For further information on Mental Illness Awareness Week, please click here.

To make a secure tax-deductible donation to the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, please click here.

A receipt will be sent to you immediately by email.

The Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia Information Session

2011-08-30T18:48:00.001-03:00

The Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia

Information Session

Wednesday, Sept 7th, 2011

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

11728, Route 16

Boylston Community Centre

Guysborough County

Purpose

With your help, the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia (SSNS) is

working to establish a community-based, volunteer-led family support

group in Guysborough County. The Society invites you to a town-hall

meeting to learn about the SSNS and its chapters, and to discuss

opportunities for a support group or program in your area.

The meeting is intended for family members and supporters of

individuals affected by schizophrenia or another mental disorder, as well

as people living with or who have experienced mental illness, service

providers, and other interested parties.

Refreshments will be provided.

If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Hilary

Thorne at 1-800-465-2601, or by emailing hilary.thorne@bellaliant.com.

Website: www.ssns.ca | Web Blog: www.blog.ssns.ca

SSNS Information Session

2011-08-30T18:40:00.000-03:00

Dear Member of the SSNS:

You might be interested to know that the SSNS will hold an Information Session in Guysborough County.

Wednesday, September 7th, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Boylston Community Centre, 11728 Route 16

The meeting is intended for family members and supporters of individuals affected by schizophrenia or another mental disorder, as well as people living with or who have experienced mental illness, service providers, and other interested parties.

Thank you,

Hilary

The From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group

2011-08-24T17:23:00.000-03:00

The From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group

presents

The Importance of Peer Support

TOMORROW, Thursday, August 25^th, 2011

6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

The Hub

2nd Floor, 1673 Barrington Street

Halifax, Nova Scotia

The From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group is open to anyone affected by mental illness, either directly or indirectly.

FREE!

We have chosen to use a peer-support model, not only because peer support is an example of the kind of self-determination that occurs in recovery, but also because peer support can transform lives. The overall goal of theFrom Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group is to increase your ability to meet your personal recovery goals by enhancing your self-determination and quality of life.

This week will be devoted to a peer support group meeting during which we will discuss the goals of peer support, as well as answering six questions designed to establish the value of the From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group to your recovery journey.

Is the From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group …

1. Providing you with the opportunity to explore the many aspects of recovery?

2. Allowing you to explore the role of personal goals in your recovery journey?

3. Giving you the knowledge and tools that you need to be active in managing your illness and recovery?

4. Modelling hope and recovery by using a peer-support approach?

5. Providing an opportunity for you to reflect on and plan for your recovery journey?

6. Offering you meaningful time to socialize and have fun?

Adapted from Your Recovery Journey: Guide for Facilitators, page 11.

The From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group is organized as a partnership between the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia and the Healthy Minds Cooperative.

The Kings County Chapter of the SSNS Presents

2011-08-24T17:16:00.001-03:00

The Kings County Chapter of the SSNS

presents

The Honourable Claudette Bradshaw

Project Site Coordinator

At Home/Chez Soi

Moncton Research Demonstration Project

Moncton, New Brunswick

Thursday, September 22nd, 2011, 7:00 pm

New Minas Civic Centre

9209 Commercial Street

New Minas, Nova Scotia

Fluent in both of Canada's official languages, Ms. Bradshaw was born and educated in Moncton, New Brunswick. She worked in the community-based, non-profit sector for twenty-seven years where she developed and operated youth services, community social services, and programs for high risk children and their families.

Ms. Bradshaw has developed strong community networks and alliances across Canada. She was elected as the Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe (1997 to 2006); and she served as Minister of Labour, Multiculturalism, Status of Women, Literacy, and Minister responsible for Homelessness Initiatives in Canada. In 2006, Claudette was named to head the New Brunswick Premier’s Task Force On the state of Community Non-Profit Agencies. In 2009, she was appointed a member of the Order of New Brunswick.

Photo credit

Claudette Bradshaw Sept 22 on homelessness

2011-08-22T19:55:00.000-03:00

The September information session will be held on Thursday 22^nd (not Wednesday) at 7.00 pm and the speaker will be Claudette Bradshaw who is the Project Site Coordinator in Moncton of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Her project is homelessness with an emphasis on rural consumers. The information session will be held in the New Minas Civic Centre, Commercial Street, opposite the Canadian Tire Store.

Ms Bradshaw was MP for Moncton and Minister of Labour prior to 2006, with responsibility for Homelessness Initiatives in Canada. In 2006 she was appointed to head the NB Premier’s Task Force on the state of Community Non-Profit Agencies.

An Update In Medications for Psychosis

2011-08-14T21:32:00.000-03:00

Written by Dr. David Mulhall

A neuroleptic – specifically beneficial for treatment of psychosis was discovered in the late 1950’s – i.e. Chlorpromazine which was given the trade name Largactil as it had a “large action”. The introduction of this medication and others following it was associated with a marked reduction in lengths of stay in hospital and a gradual reduction in the number of beds required for psychiatric care throughout the western world. These medications were called the first generation or typical neuroleptics and continued until 1990 and the most powerful one in this group was Haloperidol.

At that it time is was recognized that a significant number of patients still had a limited response to conventional treatments including medications and researchers looked at a medication Clozapine which had been used briefly early in the 1970’s but discontinued as had significant side effects. It was however an extremely effective medication and when reintroduced with strict guidelines and blood count monitoring proved effective for treatment resistant schizophrenia. It remains the “gold standard” in terms of effectiveness although limited to those who do not benefit from standard medications.

Following the reintroduction of Clozapine a number of “second generation” neuroleptics were developed which had a significant impact on treatment prescribing practices. These medications had minimal effects on movement disorders such as tremors or Parkinsonism and were better tolerated by patients. However had significant metabolic side effects with marked increase in weight, elevated cholesterol and lipids as well as elevated glucose and vulnerability to diabetes. Overall these medications show a modest benefit compared to the previous first generation antipsychotics such as Haloperidol.

In recent years the trend amongst new medications coming to market has been a reduction in the metabolic side effects, i.e. weight gain, elevated cholesterol and glucose. Two agents long available in the U.S. have become available in Canada in the past two years, one Zeldox/ Ziprasidone and two Abilify/Aripiprazole both with minimal effects on weight and glucose and lipid levels. At present Ziprasidone is funded via Pharmacare but Abilify requires special authorization.

There is a series of additional medications being launched in the U.S. in the past two years including Latuda/Lurasidone again with the emphasis on reduced metabolic side effects.

There does not appear to be an increase in potency in the newer medications in the past ten years and the largest trial comparing medications head to head, i.e. the CATIE trial confirmed that Clozapine remained the most potent medication followed by Olanzepine followed by Risperidone.

One factor limiting the development of new drugs is the significant cost involved in the process and overall there are significantly less new medications coming to market in all fields of medicine making it likely that we will be utilizing the current range of medications for some years.

It is important to note that the use of medications is only one avenue of treatment along with significant impact in the development of psychosocial rehabilitation models to maintain individuals at their highest level of functioning and health with the reintroduction of hospitalized patients into the community.

Mental Health Crusader Michael Schratter Launches the Canadian Home Stretch of his “Ride Don’t Hide” Worldwide Journey inHalifax

2011-08-13T20:27:00.000-03:00

Mental Health Crusader Michael Schratter Launches the Canadian
Home Stretch of his “Ride Don’t Hide” Worldwide Journey inHalifax

Halifax, NS – After one year of bicycling around the world, crossing six continents and 30 countries clocking more than 30,000 km, mental health crusader Michael Schratter returns home next week to embark on the Canadian home stretch of his epic “Ride Don’t Hide”journey.

He is riding to battle the stigma and discrimination associated with a mental illness for the one in five Canadians who experience mental illnesses like depression, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia.

Michael’s final challenge: the 10,000 km Canadian home stretch begins in Halifax on August 16, riding coast to coast through the Canadian landscape as the colder weather descends. The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) BC Division is calling on all Canadians to celebrate Michael’s remarkable achievement to date and support him on his journey home by riding along with him, promoting his campaign or by donating to the cause.

To celebrate his homecoming and kick-start his Canadian launch, an event and press conference is planned for Tuesday, August 16in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

“Ride Don’t Hide” Canadian home stretch launch press conference:

What: Mental health crusader Michael Schratter kicks off the Canadian home stretch of his

“Ride Don’t Hide” world-wide journey www.ridedonthide.com

When: Tuesday, August 16 at 11 a.m. AT

Where: The Bike Pedaler Shop, 25 Portland Street,Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Who: Bike Pedaler owner Marc Rickard tunes Michael’s bike up for the journey to come;

Representatives from the Canadian Mental Health Association; Supporters from the mental health and cycling communities.

A Vancouver school teacher and newspaper columnist, Michael began his “Ride Don’t Hide”campaign on August 1, 2010 with the goal of cycling 40,000 km, the distance around the globe, and raising funds for mental illness. All he had was a bike, a knapsack and determination to live out a dream where he could create awareness and help empower people dealing with mental health challenges. He started out in Vancouver, rode down through the west coast of the United States, Mexico and South America, flew over to the east coast of Australia and cycled up through Asia and then hopped over to Europe. He did all of this by taking a year away from his job as a grade five teacher and funded his own expenses as he travelled the globe.

All funds raised locally through events will stay in the community to support the local CMHA Branch. Funds raised through online donations will be designated for the CMHA BC Division child and youth initiatives. Read Michael’s blog and learn more about the amazing “Ride Don’t Hide” expedition at www.ridedonthide.com .

The CMHA BC Division is a charity which promotes the mental health of all British Columbians through community-based programs and services, public education, advocacy, and research. It is part of a network of more than 10,000 CMHA volunteers and staff in over 135 communities across Canada. CMHA BC Division is the sponsoring organization and facilitator for “Ride Don't Hide” events to raise funds and awareness for local CMHA projects. www.cmha.bc.ca

Media Contact:

Yvonne Chiang, BreakThrough Communications Inc., 604-880-5090,

y.chiang@breakthroughpr.com

Canadian Mental Health Association

Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia Membership

2011-08-09T23:13:00.000-03:00

The vision of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia is:

· to reach all Nova Scotians who are directly or indirectly affected by schizophrenia;

· to focus on the individual, not the illness;

· to promote wellness and recovery; and

· to reduce the stigma and discrimination so often associated with mental illness.

Mental health is always front and center of all that we do. This is evident in our education programs and support services, in the information we provide to the public, as well as in our participation as members of advisory boards and committees. We work in collaboration with all our mental health partners, including the Mental Health Coalition of Nova Scotia and the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Our core belief is that people with mental illnesses like schizophrenia can live a life of meaning and purpose. The focus of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia is to promote the goal that each individual will be able to return to a quality of life which meets each person's own perception of needs and expectations.

Membership

Annual individual membership is provided with a tax-deductible donation of at least $15.00 to the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia.

By becoming a member of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia (SSNS), you will help support the crucial programs and activities of the Society, and, collectively, we will have a stronger, more effective voice when advocating for changes to legislation and improvements in services. Your membership will allow you to become part of a community-based network of knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers dedicated to assisting individuals directly affected by schizophrenia, as well as their family members, friends, colleagues, and communities.

The annual membership is valid from September 1st to the following August 31st, and includes email messages exclusive to members, membership with the Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC), a subscription to A Future With Hope, invitations to all meetings of SSNS and/or SSC members, reduced fees to SSNS conferences and events, etc.

Chapters of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia convene monthly education & support meetings. Membership with the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia includes the option to become a member one of the four Chapters of the SSNS (i.e., the Cumberland County Chapter, the HRM Chapter, the Kings County Chapter, or the Lunenburg County Chapter).

Digby County Information Session

2011-08-03T23:08:00.000-03:00

Monday August 15th, 2011

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Digby Curling Centre

Agenda

1. Welcome

2. Overview of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia - Stephen

Ayer

3. The Experience of Family Members - Phil and Wendy Rogers

4. The Kings County Chapter - Roger Cann

5. Project Summary - Hilary Thorne

6. Break

7. Facilitated Group Discussion

What are some of the daily issues experienced by family members of people who live with mental illness
How might a family support group help you to address these issues?
What are some of the daily issues experienced by people who live with mental illness?
How might a family support group also help individuals living with mental illness?

8. Question Period

9. Wrap Up / Evaluation Survey

Housing for the Mentally Ill

2011-07-06T22:47:00.000-03:00

This year the Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) will be observed October 2 to 8. The theme for this year is “Housing for the mentally Ill”.

We will start it off with the Walk the World for Schizophrenia in Wolfville on Sunday October 2nd. Walkers will assemble in the Robie Tufts Park. They will register and hand in their donors collection sheets. At 2.00 pm they will be led from the park out to the Main Street and as far as the Willow Creek Park, turn around and come back to the Wolfville Lions Club Hall for refreshments. The leaders of the Walk will be Gary Long, the Town Crier of Canning. Donor collection sheets are available with Pat MacLean phone 678-8458.

Then during MIAW, there will be other events arranged by the CMHA, Beacon Program and the Evangeline Club on the Housing and Homelessness theme.

The week previous, on Thursday the 29^th of September 7.00 pm there will be a special information session at the Kentville Lions Club Hall. Claudette Bradshaw a noted activist regarding homelessness will be the speaker. Ms Bradshaw is the Director of the Moncton Research Project on Homelessness for the Mental Health Commission of Canada. In just a few months they have recruited 180 people to become project participants, with 96 finding homes. Ms. Bradshaw will share with us what they are doing in Moncton, with hints how we can do the same.

Roger Cann, Past President

Don't Pressure Myself

2011-07-04T14:19:00.000-03:00

My Editor had a discussion with me about my last blog entry. She feels I am putting to much pressure on myself. I have a lot of work responsibilities and I do a good job at fulfilling them. I have a marriage relationship to maintain. Kim and I do a lot of things together. She said that when I put to much pressure on myself that causes too much stress and too much stress can cause my schizophrenia symptoms to flare up. I came to the conclusion that she is correct. I just need to fulfill all my responsibilities and just take things easy the rest of the time. If I feel like writing an article for one of my blogs go ahead and if I don't just don't worry about it. Outside all of my responsibilities just relax, take it easy and just have fun. I have made the decision. That's what I am going to do.

Getting Back On Track

2011-07-02T22:04:00.000-03:00

I must confess that I haven't been doing very well lately. Despite that I have still been fulfilling my work responsibilities. I still go to work at flyer services every week. I am still writing my articles for the CMHA Newsletter. Outside of that I haven't been accomplishing much. I haven't written anything for my blogs and web sites for quite some time. Outside of work I haven't done much.

I have made the decision to get out of whatever I am going through and get back on track. After I am finished writing this article I am going to sit down with pen and paper and start writing down all the things I would like to accomplish over the next year. Draw up a plan with all the goals and objectives I want to work on and accomplish. When I pass on from this life I want to leave behind a legacy of all the things I have done and accomplished in my life. I want to get back on track and start doing a lot more writing for my blogs and web sites. In fact I am seriously thinking about starting another web site on Weebly. I haven't decided what subject to make it on yet. I want to try something new and different. I want to take on a new writing challenge. Some day I want to become a successful paid published free lance writer but I need to decide what genre to write about. I cannot write about mental illness, addiction, and alcoholism because there are not enough opportunities to get these subjects published. To my knowledge there is only one magazine in North America that publishes anything on mental illness.

I want to choose a subject that will give me lots of opportunity for publication. As a result of my OCD I am having trouble deciding on a genre to write about. Once I choose my subject then I need to research it and develop a real good working knowledge on it. Editors know if you know your subject or not. If they think you don't know your subject they will not publish your work. I have a lot of hard work ahead of me. Lots of research and study and then lots of writing to do.

I believe that I am quite capable of achieving these goals and objectives. I just need to be determined, motivated, and disciplined. I just need to get back on track. Wish me luck.

Importance of Recreation

2011-06-03T22:43:00.000-03:00

Recreation is very important for one's mental health. For those of us far enough in our recovery work is very important as well. I spend a fair amount of time doing my work. I do a 15 hour shift every Tuesday. Work for 3 or 4 hours on Wednesday morning. I spend 2 hours in the CMHA office every Monday and Friday. Plus I spend a few hours working in my office at home. I also spend a lot of time working on my blogs and web sties. I keep pretty busy with my work. Work is not everything though. I need to take time out for recreation, rest, and relaxation. That is important for my own mental health.

For those of us who are not able to work recreation is even more important. We all need something to do to occupy our time so we just don't sit around and dwell on our illness and problems in our lives. Keeping active gives us a routine in our lives. We can engage in activities that we do alone by ourselves such as reading, playing computer games, watching a good movie, etc, etc. It is also very important to engage in activities that involve other people. We need contact with other people. We are meant to be social creatures. Being alone is not good for our mental health. There are lots of options for being active with other people. We can engage in team sports, go to the gym to work out, go to a movie with a friend, etc, etc.

For me personally I have a lot of things I do for recreation, rest, and relaxation. Some of my activities I do alone and some I do with my wife. My solitary activities include playing computer games, doing research, doing fun things on the computer, listening to my favorite music, and playing the guitar. My wife and I do things together as well. When we can afford the gas Kim and I travel together, we go fishing together, we go out for supper quite often, we go on picnics together, we go to the social activities of the SSNS, and when other things come up we do that together as well. I have a well balanced life which is very important for my mental health. If I just worked all of the time that would not be very good for me and if I just did recreation that wouldn't be good either. We need to find balance between work and recreation.

If you work try to set aside time for recreation, rest, and relaxation. Work isn't everything. If you don't work try to find things to do to keep you occupied, and find social activities to engage in. If a person doesn't work this is very important to their mental health. So, if you work try to find that recreation time and if you don't work try to find recreational activities to engage in to help improve your mental health.

The Kings County Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia June Picnic

2011-05-06T17:57:00.000-03:00

The Kings County Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia welcomes all its friends to a picnic to be held at the Lockhart-Ryan Park in New Minas on Wednesday the 15^thof June. Come after 4.00 pm for games and conversation, with hot dogs and pop to follow after 5.00 pm. The picnic site will be near the entrance to the park with tables under a shelter. Games will include bean bag toss, washer toss, and other appropriate contests.

Kings County Chapter Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia Meeting Announcement for May

2011-05-06T17:53:00.001-03:00

Kings County Chapter

Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia

Annual General Meeting

Consumers and care providers sharing experience

and insight towards better mental health

With guest speaker Sarah Hergett, M. Ed.

(Mental Health Promotion Co-ordinator with AVH Mental Health and Addictions Services)

“Mental Health &

Mental Wellness...

What IS the Connection?”

EXPLORING

POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH

FOR ALL!

Open to the Public...Everyone Welcome!

Date: Wednesday, May 18th

Time: 7 PM

Place: Kentville Lions Hall

78 River St (next to the

police station)

Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia

A reason to hope. The means to cope.

Computers: My Destiny

2011-05-01T18:43:00.003-03:00

I love computers. I love using them both for work and pleasure. I've decided that my destiny will involve using computers. I will be advancing my writing career and using computers for that. I hope to become a successful paid, published, free lance writer some day. I will be continuing with my two writing jobs. I will also still be working at Flyer Services for employment.

I now have two operating systems on my computer. I have both Windows XP and Ubuntu Linux. Personally I like Linux better. I have two books on Ubuntu and I have started reading them to learn how to use this operating system. I am also going to be studying HTML and learn how to design web sites and upload them to the net using HTML. I am hoping to earn some income someday by doing things on the computer.

I am hoping for more opportunities to do some more public speaking. I will be writing my speeches with my computer. I will also be using my computer to help Kim with our business. I am currently working on our business plan. We have decided not to have an actual store front. We sell her product at various craft stores, Farm Markets, and Craft Shows.

What I do for fun and relaxation also involves the computer. I do fun research on the net and I also play computer games. My favorite games are war games. Flying warplanes, using tanks, half-tracks, being a foot soldier, using aircraft guns, and many other fun things I like to do.

Computers are my life. They are my sanity. Without my computer I would be like a little lost sheep in the wilderness.

3rd Annual Road to Recovery Walkathon

2011-05-01T15:04:00.000-03:00

Count Down: 1 WEEK

3^rd Annual 5km Road to Recovery Walkathon

Saturday, May 7^th, 2011

On-Line Pledging Or Pledge Sheet

To register on-line go to: http://www.ssnswalk.dojiggy.com

Or contact Donna Methot: 462-8658, hrmchapterssns@accesswave.ca

Walk Together to Raise Awareness

Your presence will have a strong impact on Reducing Stigma. Your presence will motivate our community to learn more about mental illness. Your presence will inspire others to take action.

Your presence is NEEDED!

Ask for Pledges or Make a Pledge

Your support is vital to continue the extensive work of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia. Your support is essential to the delivery of the Educational/Support Programs: Road to Recovery, From Recovery to Discovery and Strengthening Families Together.

Your support is NEEDED!

Treat yourself to a GREAT afternoon of group spirit, refreshments, prizes and live entertainment.

You deserve it.

Date: Saturday May 7^th, 2011

Time: 12:00PM – 4:30PM

Location: Halifax Curling Club

948 South Bland Street

Donna Methot
Chair, 3^rd Annual Road to Recovery Walk

From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group Meetings

2011-04-21T16:54:00.000-03:00

From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group Meetings

Every Thursday Evening

6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

The Hub

2nd Floor, 1673 Barrington Street

Halifax, Nova Scotia

The From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group is open to anyone affected by mental illness, either directly or indirectly.

FREE!

Tomorrow, Thursday, April 21^st, 2011, 6:30 pm!

An interactive presentation on smoking cessation with Dion Thomas-Hodges and Angela Sarty

Dion Thomas-Hodges, BA, CADA, a Community Outreach Worker the Capital Health Tobacco Intervention Program in Halifax, delivers the Butt Out for Better Health program at both New Beginnings Dartmouth and Connections Halifax. Dion has worked to support individuals living with a mental illness to become tobacco free and this session will be an opportunity to engage in a broader discussion about smoking and mental health.

Angela Sarty, BA, has over ten years of combined experience working in the field of addictions, most recently as a Community Outreach Worker with Capital Health Stop Smoking Services in Halifax. For the past six years, Angela has been involved in a number of initiatives that address the harmful effects of tobacco and tobacco products for women, those living with chemical dependency and individuals living with mental illness.

Thursday, April 28^th, 2011

An interactive presentation on mental health and the law with Professor Archie Kaiser

Details on this interactive presentation to follow at a later date.

Thursday, May 5^th, 2011

A peer support group meeting focusing on the phases of recovery

“Mental health recovery is a journey of healing and transformation enabling a person with a mental health problem to live a meaningful life in a community of his or her choice while striving to achieve his or her full potential.”

National (U.S.) Consensus Statement on Mental Health Recovery

Points to be discussed during this meeting include:

· Overcoming stuckness

§ Acknowledging and accepting the illness

§ Having a desire and motivation to change

§ Finding/having a source of hope and inspiration

· Regaining what was lost and moving forward

§ Actively taking control and responsibility for one’s own life

§ Gaining insight about oneself and about relationships with others

§ Being able to take care of oneself

§ Being active and connecting with other people

· Improving quality of life

§ Striving to attain an overall sense of well-being

§ Striving to reach new potential

§ Feeling fewer symptoms

§ Finding meaning and purpose in life

Source: Your Recovery Journey: Guide for Facilitators, page 31.

The From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group is organized as a partnership between the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia and the Healthy Minds Cooperative.

Beacon House

2011-04-20T14:26:00.000-03:00

About Beacon Program

The Beacon Program is a community based Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) program for persons with severe and persistent mental illness. It is a voluntary program which empowers individuals to make choices, gain skills, and find a more satisfying life in the community with the greatest amount of independence possible.Our goal is to help individuals who live with severe and persistent mental illness work towards improving functional abilities, increasing community integration and increasing success and satisfaction.Our program is ideally suited to young adults who have the potential to live independently, return to work or school, and expand their social network. Through PSR (psychosocial rehabilitation), individuals will be working closely with staff to develop individualized growth and recovery plans and identify personal goals in these areas.The Beacon Program has a multidisciplinary team that includes psychiatry, an occupational therapist, social worker, psychologist, psychosocial rehabilitation workers, nurses, and consultation with nutritional and environmental services.While attending the Beacon program, the Beacon House is like a home away from home. This is a beautiful new residence built in 2009. You will have your own bedroom which you can decorate and make your own. It is important to Beacon House staff that residents of the house feel safe, secure and respected. In turn, residents are asked to respect the house as their own during their stay. There are personal spaces like your room and common spaces like the computer room, lounge/ tv room, kitchen/deck, and formal meeting area. There is a full bathroom, washer and dryer and even a clothesline! There is room outside to shoot hoops, throw a Frisbee, skateboard, sit in the sun, BBQ, garden etc.

To view the rest of the Beacon House web site click on the link below

http://www.beaconprogram.ca/index.php

Interview With Kings-Hants NDP Candidate Mark Rogers

2011-04-09T00:04:00.000-03:00

To view a video in which Kirk Starratt from the Kings County Advertiser and Kings County Register interviews our local NDP Candidate Mark Rogers click on the link below.

http://www.kingscountynews.ca/Video/13375/Mark-Rogers

Mental Health and Addictions Strategy Public Consultation

2011-04-08T22:51:00.000-03:00

Mental Health and Addictions Strategy Public Consultation

Nova Scotians are invited to participate in public consultations to develop a Mental Health and Addictions Strategy for our province. The goal of the Strategy is to revamp mental health and addictions service to ensure better health care for you and your family. The consultations will take place in the following communities:

Greenwood

Monday, April 18, 8 a.m. – noon

14 Wing Greenwood, Birchall Training Center, The Chamber Room

Amherst

Tuesday, April 26, 8 a.m. – noon

98, Victoria Street East, Tantramar Theatre

Sydney

Wednesday, April 27, 8 a.m. – noon

Cape Breton University

1250 Grand Lake Road, Multi Purpose Room A & B

Halifax

Tuesday, May 3, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Saint Mary’s University

Burke Building, Burke Theatre B (Entrance off of Inglis Street)

Bridgewater

Thursday, May 5, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

South Shore Regional Hospital – Lecture rooms 1-3 (Third Floor)

French Consultation

Monday, May 16, 8 a.m. to noon

Université Sainte-Anne – Campus de Halifax

Will be broadcast to Petit-de-Grat, Pointe-de-l’Église,

Saint-Joseph-du-Moine and Tusket

If you are unable to attend the public consultations, you can provide input through an Online Consultation. To access the Online Consultation, or for more information regarding the development of the Mental Health and Addictions Strategy, please visit:

www.nshrf.ca/mentalhealthandaddictionsstrategy

A copy of the Consultation Questionnaire can also be mailed to you if you are unable to attend a public consultation or access the Online Consultation. Please contact 902-424-4043 to request your copy

Election 2011

2011-04-04T20:16:00.000-03:00

It's election time again. Soon Canadian citizens will be going to the polls. Some Canadians don't have any faith in any political party at all. They spend all their time raking all politicians over the coals and refuse to vote. Not me. I try not to put down any political party. I try to be a spiritual person and feel putting anybody down is just not right. I do believe in one political party that will do the best job running this free and wonderful country of ours. I put all my faith and trust in the New Democratic Party. I believe that they will do what's best for all Canadian citizens and not what's best for their own personal gain. The NDP is our provincial government in Nova Scotia and I am very pleased with what they have done so far. They are only human, not perfect, and make mistakes but do their best at doing what's best for all Canadian citizens.

I cannot convince anyone to vote for a particular party but I do highly recommend that all Canadian citizens make the NDP our next Federal Government because I firmly believe that they will do what's best for Canada and all it's citizens. Vote NDP.

Hillary Thorne - the SSNS's new Project Coordinator

2011-03-26T11:47:00.000-03:00

The Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia (SSNS) is pleased to welcome Hilary Thorne as Project Coordinator for the Expansion of Community-Based Volunteer Support Network and Strengthening of Mental Health System Advice/Connection Services project, funded by theCanada Post Foundation for Mental Health. Hilary started work on Monday, March 21^st, 2011, and she will be employed for a period of nine months.

Hilary holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Dalhousie University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland. She brings diverse skills and experience to the position, and she has a family member who lives with schizophrenia.

The purpose of Hilary’s work is to expand the SSNS’s community-based volunteer network of support in eight Nova Scotia communities which do not currently have an SSNS-affiliated support group or chapter, and to work together with existing volunteer networks to help strengthen and build upon an already established SSNS presence. Ultimately, the aim of the project is to increase awareness of the SSNS across the province, and to improve access to mental health services and supports for individuals affected by schizophrenia and psychosis.

In the first phase of this project, Hilary will be contacting SSNS members and volunteers from different areas of the province to determine how the SSNS can best serve and support you. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Hilary directly by calling 465-2601, 1-800-465-2601 (toll-free), or (902) 237-3085 (cellular). She can also be reached by sending an email to ssns2@ns.sympatico.ca.

Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act - Fact Sheet

2011-03-26T10:53:00.000-03:00

Here is an article about the Involuntary Psychiatric Act which was made law on July 3, 2007.

To view this article click on the link below.

http://www.gov.ns.ca/health/mhs/pubs/ipta/IPTA_Facts_for_Patients.pdf

Studies link psychosis, teenage marijuana use - The Boston Globe

2011-03-20T20:04:00.000-03:00

Researchers are offering new ammunition to worried parents trying to dissuade their teens from smoking marijuana: Evidence is mounting that for some adolescents whose genes put them at added risk, heavy marijuana use could increase the chances of developing severe mental illness -- psychosis or schizophrenia.

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

Studies link psychosis, teenage marijuana use - The Boston Globe

MHCC and Nova ScotIa

2011-03-20T20:03:00.000-03:00

Opening Minds

Opening Minds is presently evaluating three anti‑stigma projects in Nova Scotia aimed at

Health Care Providers: IWK Health Centre (Halifax), Mental Health Services (Cape Breton

Regional Health Authority) and, Youth Speak Program (Laing House, Halifax).

Opening Minds is presently evaluating two anti‑stigma projects in Nova Scotia aimed at Youth:

Mental Health Matters (digby Clare Mental Health Volunteers Association, digby), and Youth

Speak (Laing House, Halifax).

To view this web site click on the link below

http://www.mentalhealthcommission.ca/SiteCollectionDocuments/brochures/Print_nova_scotia_v3.pdf

My Destiny?

2011-03-19T00:43:00.000-03:00

I firmly believe that we create our own destiny. We need to decide on our destiny, draw up a plan, write down all the goals and objectives we need to accomplish to make our destiny a reality. The short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals.

I am at the point in my life where I don't know what I want my destiny to be, what I want to accomplish in the future, and what goals and objectives to write down in my plan that I need to work on. I have so many interests in life and there are so many things that I want to accomplish. I can't do everything. We only have so much time in a day to accomplish the things that we want too. At the present moment I am standing on wits end corner. I have already accomplished a lot since I started to recover from my schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, addiction, and alcoholism. I do not know where to go from here.

I need to decide on my destiny, pick a few things to focus on and accomplish. I cannot put too much on my plate or I will just bogged down and accomplish nothing. Like I said earlier, we only have so much time to do the things that we want to do.

I need to do some real soul searching and figure out what I want my destiny to be, and just focus on a few things to do to make that destiny a reality. I firmly believe that, "when it is all over all that matters is what we have done." When I pass on from this life I want to leave behind a legacy. Maybe even be put in the history books. There is a saying, "aim low boring, aim high soaring." I must confess that I am a big dreamer, and have big ideas, and want to accomplish great things. A mediocre life will not do for me. I firmly believe that I am capable of deciding on a great destiny, draw up my plan, write down all the goals and objectives I need to accomplish, and just do it and succeed. My problem is I cannot decide what I want to accomplish in life. That is where I am at in the present moment. I don't know where to go from here into the future.

When we want to travel we need to decide on our destiny, get out a map book, mark out the route, get in the car and just follow the map until we arrive at our destination. I believe that's how we should live our lives. Once I decide on my destiny, draw up my plan, write down all the goals and objectives, and work on them. This plan is my map book in life. Just follow the map and I will arrive at my destination.

I think that one of the reasons for my indecision is because of my OCD. One of the symptoms of this condition is that I have trouble making decisions, and carrying out those decisions. I have the tendency to change my mind all of the time, hop from one thing to another, and just go around in circles. I need to overcome this symptom, make my decision, focus on it, and just do it, and not change my mind all of the time, and go around in circles. I firmly believe that I can successfully overcome this symptom and get down to the business of accomplishing my goals and objectives and fulfill my destiny in life. It will not be an easy thing to do but it needs to be done.

I just wanted to share these things with my readers. My whole purpose in life since I have started my recovery is to share my experience, strength, and hope with others in order to inspire them and give them hope that recovery is truly possible. If I can recover anybody can. I was once a hopeless, helpless case with no hope of ever recovering or accomplishing anything in life. Basically the mental health profession had written me off with no hope of ever recovering. My Doctors in Amherst had me written down as "long term chronically mentally ill." There was no hope for me whatsoever. They were wrong. I am recovering at the present moment and I hope that I will continue to recover.

I would like to end this posting with the words, "KEEP YOUR DREAMS ALIVE."

Change of day for Self-Help group in Kentville

2011-03-10T19:53:00.000-04:00

We have a new day for our meetings, the second Monday of the month, that is April 11^th, May 9^th, June 13^th. The new location is confirmed for those sessions, Beacon House on the Valley Regional Hospital plateau in Kentville. The time will be the same, 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm.

Information Session for March Kings County Chapter of the SSNS

2011-02-27T17:17:00.001-04:00

Please note that there will be the information session on Wednesday evening the 16^th of March at the Lions Club Hall on River Street in Kentville. There will be a presentation by Wayne Schram of the Healthy Minds Comedy Troupe.

Self Help Group Meeting Announcement

2011-02-26T15:08:00.000-04:00

This is a meeting announcement for the Self Help Group for family and friends of those with psychosis and/or
depression.

The Self-Help Group will meet at Beacon House on Monday March 7^th at 7.00 pm. Beacon House is at 150 Exhibition Street in Kentville, which is behind or at the rear of the Professional Bldg which fronts on Exhibition Street. You get there on the first left after Cornwallis St. OR coming up the hill toward the Valley Regional Hospital you turn right, or east at Fidelis Residence, and then another right 20 meters on a right to their parking lot. We will be meeting in the board room which is on the right as you enter Beacon House.

Recovery and the Spiritual Life

2011-02-19T01:02:00.000-04:00

What I am about to share with you is my own personal experience. It need not be yours. I just want to share it with my readers with the hope that it just might help someone. My spiritual life is one of the main ingredients of my recovery from my schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, addiction, and alcoholism. It is not the only thing responsible for my recovery. There are many different aspects to my recovery. For the purpose of this article I just want to share the spiritual part of my recovery.

I personally believe that one of the reasons for my recovery is God's Divine Providence and Intervention. He is the only reason I have survived mental illness and addiction. According to the laws of science I should be dead a hundred times over. All the accidental overdoses and the thoughts of committing suicide. I remember one experience when I was in the hospital I tried to jump out the fourth floor window four or five times. There were three security guards watching me. When I was halfway out the window they had to grab me and pull me back in the window.

There were many times when I overdosed on drugs, not on purpose, I was just trying to get high. During one period of my active addiction there was an ambulance or the police at my house three or four times a week because of drug overdoses. Many of those times I was very close to death. I remember one time I woke up in the V.G. Hospital in Halifax. Just as I was waking up the Doctor came in shaking his head saying "I don't understand it, I don't understand it"

I said, "Doc what don't you understand?"

The Doctor replied, "young man you should be dead right now. You had enough drugs in your system to kill five people. I don't understand how come you are still alive."

If that isn't God's Divine Providence and Intervention I don't know what is. All because of God I am still here and by His miracle I am living in and enjoying recovery to the fullest. I am fully human and fully alive. I make mistakes and sometimes say and do things that I shouldn't but by God's love, compassion, grace, and mercy I am living a spiritual life to the best of my ability.

I truly believe in God and totally depend on Him for my recovery. After over 20 years of pain, suffering, torture, and torment God saw to it that the Doctors finally found the right medication. My psychosis in is total remission. I am overcoming the negative symptoms of my schizophrenia. I am slowly overcoming and getting control of my obsessive compulsive disorder. I have now been clean and sober for 11 years as of December 6, 2010.

It isn't just the medication that is responsible for my recovery. While I was living on the Beacon Unit (a rehabilitation program) I was receiving psycho-social treatments for my schizophrenia as well. I was also greatly helped with my addiction problems by one of the nurses that worked on the Beacon Unit, who happened to work in addictions for over 20 years. We talked for many hours about my thoughts, feelings, and cravings for drugs and alcohol. She helped me to work some of the 12 steps that originated with Alcoholics Anonymous. I also attended Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous as well. I do not attend those groups at the present moment though, but I still try to work the 12 steps to the best of my ability.

While living on the Beacon Unit the best thing that could ever happen to me happened. I met my wife. I believe that Kim was God sent. I personally believe that God is the one that arranged for us to meet, fall in love, and get married. As of September 1, 2010 we have been married for nine years. She also played a big role in my recovery from my concurrent disorders. I believe that if it wasn't for Kim I would not be where I am right now in my recovery.

I have been truly blessed by God and His Divine Providence and Intervention. In order to keep and maintain my recovery I try to carry on a personal relationship with God to the best of my ability. I talk to God through prayer and I let God talk to me through meditation. I do my best to keep in touch with the God of my own understanding. I truly believe that "with God all things are possible." and "without God nothing is possible."

I am living in recovery, living a life of meaning and purpose, I am a productive member of society, and most of all I am happily married. All because of one person. God.

SSNS Kings County Chapter Fund Raiser

2011-02-16T21:53:00.002-04:00

Laughter Is The Best Medicine

Dessert party with music, comedy, and a silent auction.

Friday April 1st, 2011, April Fools Day

Kentville Fire Hall, Main Street, Kentville

Silent Auction to start at 6:30 pm

Followed by music with Rachel MacLean

And laughter with the Healthy Minds Comedy Troupe

Tickets $10.00

If someone would like to purchase a ticket and attend this wonderful night of entertainment

send me an e-mail and we will work something out. You can obtain my e-mail address by clicking on my profile on the side bar of this blog. You will have to scroll down a ways.

From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group Meetings

2011-02-16T01:01:00.000-04:00

From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group Meetings

Every Thursday Evening

6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

The Hub

2nd Floor, 1673 Barrington Street

Halifax, Nova Scotia

The From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group is open to anyone affected by mental illness, either directly or indirectly.

FREE!

This Thursday, February 17^th, 2011

An Interactive Presentation on The Beacon Program: Promoting Recovery through Psychosocial Rehabilitation

The Beacon Program is a community-based psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR) program for individuals who are struggling with mental illness. Located in the Annapolis Valley, it is a voluntary program which empowers individuals to make choices, gain skills, and find a more satisfying life in the community with the greatest amount of independence possible.

The program is ideally suited to young adults who have the potential to live independently, return to work or school, and expand their social network. Through PSR, individuals will be working closely with staff to develop individualized growth and recovery plans, and to identify personal goals in these areas.

The Beacon Program has a multidisciplinary team that includes psychiatry, an occupational therapist, social worker, psychologist, psychosocial rehabilitation workers, nurses, and consultation with nutritional and environmental services.

While attending the Beacon Program, individuals may choose to live at Beacon House, a beautiful new Kentville residence built in 2009 that is a home away from home. Residents of Beacon House have their own bedroom which they can decorate and make their own. There are also common spaces like a computer room, a lounge/ TV room, a kitchen/deck, and a formal meeting area. There is a full bathroom, washer & dryer, and even a clothesline! There is also ample space outdoors to shoot hoops, throw a Frisbee, skateboard, sit in the sun, barbeque, garden, etc.

Presenters:

Ms. Valerie Davis, BSW, MSW

Ms. Valerie Davis is a manager with Mental Health and Addiction Services, Annapolis Valley Health. Her current responsibilities include Community Supports and Rehabilitation, Health Promotion, and Crisis Response Services.

Ms. Davis’ studies in social work began at Memorial University, St. John’s, Newfoundland, where she completed a BSW. She earned a MSW form Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario. She began her career 30 years ago working in mental health in rural Newfoundland. Since then, she has worked in both clinical and management roles in community-based primary care and mental health services in the Ottawa-Carleton municipality. Valerie and her family relocated to the Annapolis Valley in the summer of 2004.

Ms. Betty Swanburg, RN

Ms. Betty Swanburg is a registered nurse who has worked for Annapolis Valley Health for the past 27 years. Prior to moving to the Annapolis Valley, Betty worked in Sydney, Nova Scotia, and St. John’s, Newfoundland. Over the years she has worked in different nursing fields, most recently in mental health. Ms. Swanburg has completed a postgraduate psychiatric nursing course, a suicide risk assessment course, and the psychosocial rehabilitation course offered by the Registered Nurses Professional Development Centre. She is a member of the Canadian Nurses Association.

Ms. Swanburg started working as an in-patient psychiatric mental health nurse in 2003, then, in 2007, she held a one-year term position as a community mental health nurse at the Middleton Mental Health Clinic. In February 2010, Ms. Swanburg transferred to the Beacon Program where she holds the position of Care Coordinator, and she is involved with the both the Early Psychosis Team and the Illness Team.

The From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group is organized as a partnership between the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia and the Healthy Minds Cooperative.

Strengthening Families Together

2011-01-31T18:19:00.000-04:00

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 Togetheris a Canadian-based educational program for families and friends which provides information, skill-building, and support.

You will learn about:

· Facts about psychosis

· 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 Cole Harbour / Eastern HRM Community Mental Health, the HRM Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia will deliver an eight-week session of Strengthening Families Together beginning at 6:30 pm on Thursday, February 3^rd, 2011. The location isCole Harbour / Eastern HRM Community Mental Health ,Cole Harbour Place, 51 Forest Hills Parkway, Dartmouth. Each weekly meeting lasts for two hours.

For an outline of the Strengthening Families Together program, please click here (note that the ten sessions have been condensed to eight sessions).

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 8-week session of Strengthening Families Together, please contact Donna Methot at (902) 462-8658 or send an email to hrmchapterssns@accesswave.ca.

Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia Kings County Chapter Meeting Announcement

2011-01-31T15:28:00.000-04:00

This Month's Topic

Curing Social Isolation

A Panel Discussion

Consumers and Care Providers

Sharing Experience and Insight

Towards Better Mental Health

Date: Wednesday, February 16th.

Time: 7pm.

Place: Kentville Lions Hall

(78 River Street)

Open to the Public. Everyone is welcome.

Genes to Cognition Online

2011-01-21T21:31:00.000-04:00

Genes to Cognition (G2C) Online is about modern neuroscience. It focuses on cognitive disorders, cognitive processes, and research approaches. Use the dynamic network maps to explore our library of 750+ unique items. Or, use the linear Selected Items menu on top of each map to tour selected content.

Explore, interact, and have fun!

To view this site click on the link below.

Genes to Cognition Online

From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group Meetings

2011-01-12T16:37:00.000-04:00

From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group Meetings

Every Thursday Evening

6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

The Hub

2nd Floor, 1673 Barrington Street

Halifax, Nova Scotia

The From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group is open to anyone affected by mental illness, either directly or indirectly.

FREE!

This Thursday, January 13^th, 2011

An Interactive Presentation on Mindfulness by Dr. David Whitehorn

Dr. David Whitehorn has a Ph.D. in neurophysiology from the University of Washington and a Master of Science in Nursing from Yale University. He has worked as a clinical nurse specialist at the Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program, and presently acts as a consultant on early psychosis at Dalhousie University’s Department of Psychiatry. He also chairs the Shambhala Working Group on Aging. A long time Shambhala practitioner and teacher, Dr. Whitehorn sees the importance of meditation, mindfulness and awareness in healing and staying well, and in living a life that is helpful to others. His positive outlook on healing from mental illness promises to be informative and uplifting.

The From Recovery to Discovery Peer Support Group is organized as a partnership between the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia and the Healthy Minds Cooperative.

Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia Kings County Chapter Meeting Announcement

2011-01-12T16:33:00.000-04:00

KINGS COUNTY SCHIZOPHENIA SOCIETY PRESENTS

CBC “Nature of Things” documentary

“Changing Your Mind”

Viewing and discussion of recent treatments

for MENTAL ILLNESS AND DISORDERS

Wednesday Jan 19th 2011, 7.00 pm

At the Kentville Lions Club Hall,

76 River Street between Community

Services and the Police Station

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC --- Refreshments

Kings County Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia Meetings

2011-01-07T22:56:00.000-04:00

Info Sessions 2011

The Schizophrenia Society in Kings County has arranged a set of “INFO SESSIONS” for the first four months of the year. Those sessions will be held on the evenings of the third Wednesday in the month, in the hall of the Kentville Lions Club on River Street in Kentville. Start time is 7.00 pm.

For January 19^th it will be viewing and discussing the video produced by CBC which was cablecast last September. The title is: “Changing your Mind” in the David Suzuki series, The Nature of Things. Margaret and Don Burton will lead the session. The video shows new treatments for diseases and disorders which had been thought to be incurable. This is the growing awareness of the neuroplasticity of the brain of an adult which had thought to be incapable of fundamental change.

In February the emphasis will be on cognitive training and the cognitive side to therapy for those who are mentally ill. We will have one or more providers attending and will cover some of procedures of pyscho-social therapy. That will be on the evening of Wednesday February 16^th.

On the 16^th of March representatives of the Healthy Minds comedy group will make a presentation on the benefits of laughter and humour for mental health. That will be preparation for the April First Dessert Party “Laughter is the Best Medicine”.

In April there will be a follow up on the November session on the collaboration of police services and the court system with mental health services. The panel that evening will include representatives of the police and Mental Health Services.

Mental Illness and Human Rights

2011-01-03T20:30:00.000-04:00

I have designed a new web site called "Mental Illness and Human Rights." I already have three pages on the site. I think that this new site is a very worth while project. All over the world mental health consumer's rights are being violated even in Canada. In some countries the violations are very severe and in some countries not so severe. Never the less our rights are being violated.

If my readers are interested in this subject check out my new site.

To view the site click on the link below.

http://mentalillnessandhumanrights.tripod.com/

The Eye of my Understanding has Opened

2010-12-29T17:52:00.000-04:00

I have been clean and sober for 11 years, recovering from my schizophrenia for 10 years and am presently recovering from obsessive compulsive disorder. I personally believe that the reason for all my pain, suffering, torture, and torment was so that I can empathize with others and try to be of help. In the past I firmly believed that the only way others can recover is to follow the same path that I have followed. That is not true. Recovery is a personal thing. Everyone has to find their own methods to follow in their own personal recovery. The eye of my understanding has been opened. I can truly empathize with others but when I try to help people I need to help them find their own way in recovery. My personal methods I use might not work for someone else. I need to keep an open mind and help guide others into their own methods they use to find recovery.

My eyes have truly been opened. Now I can be more effective in trying to help my fellow consumers, addicts, and alcoholics. I need to research different treatment options and use those options to help others. My way isn't the only way. I have been living in the darkness but now the true light now shineth. My purpose in life is to be a beacon to help light up the path for others. I perceive myself as a lighthouse shining the light to help guide the ships into the harbor safely.

Good luck in your own recovery

Canadian Psychiatric Association - Position Papers

2010-12-29T15:55:00.001-04:00

Here is the link to an article on the ethics of involuntary treatment. Although this paper is intended for medical professionals it is still a beneficial read for others such as consumers, family, friends, people in the legal profession, and any other interested person. I am totally for forcing someone into treatment against their will because they have the right to be well, live lives of meaning and purpose, and become productive members of society. Not forcing someone into treatment if they are to ill to know that they are ill, and will not consent to treatment is depriving them of their human rights. Some people believe that forcing someone into treatment is violating their human rights because they have the right to refuse treatment. I totally disagree to this belief. Consumers have the right to be well and if that means forcing them into treatment to be well then that is not violating their human rights. In fact that is promoting their human rights because they do have the right to be well.

Canadian Psychiatric Association - Position Papers

A Hard Day

2010-12-10T21:34:00.000-04:00

I smoke and am a very heavy smoker. I smoke over two packs a day. I have decided to quit smoking again. I have tried many times but failed. Today is my first day this time. I have been up since 8:00 am this morning and it is now 9:12 pm. I have not had a smoke all day. I am using the patch as a quit smoking aid. It is next to impossible for me to quit cold turkey. I have tried that before many times and only lasted about three or four hours.

I have been on the net looking for sites with information on smoking cessation techniques. I found the Nicotine Anonymous web site. This organization follows the 12 steps that originated with Alcoholics Anonymous. I follow the 12 steps to help me with my drug and alcohol addiction. In fact on Monday December the 6th I celebrated being clean and sober for 11 years. Kim, my wife took me out to dinner on Saturday November 27 to celebrate.

What I am about to tell you might seem outrageous, but it was easier to give up drugs and alcohol than it is to give up smoking. I personally believe that nicotine is the most addictive substance discovered by man. It takes much determination, motivation, and discipline to give up nicotine. Basically it takes a miracle. A miracle that I am not capable of performing on my own will power. As the 12 steps state only a "Power Greater than Ourselves" can deliver us from this awful addiction. One way He is doing it for me is with the help of the patch but that alone is not sufficient. I am very highly addicted to nicotine both physically and psychologically. I need everyone's help. God's, my wife's, my friends, those in the mental health profession, information I can find on the net, and any other source that I can find to use to help me.

Today is definitely a miracle. I have gone the whole day without a smoke. I am only going to stay smoke free just for today. I am not going to stay smoke free for a week, a month, or a year. I am taking it only one day at a time.

Wish me luck.

A New Year

2010-12-05T13:18:00.001-04:00

A new year is creeping up on us. This is the time of year when we reflect on the last year and make new years resolutions for the next. We set goals and objectives on we want to accomplish in this new year.

For mental health consumers we set our goals and objectives on things we want to accomplish concerning our recovery for the next year. I firmly believe that "if we fail to plan we plan to fail." We need a road map to guide us though 2011.

I would to share with our readers what my plans are for 2011.

I will continue publishing the Schizophrenia newsletter published by the Kings County Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia and continue writing for "A Mental Health Perspective" newsletter published by the Kings County Branch of the Canadian Mental Heath Association. I will continue my collating job with Flyer Services.

I need to decide what I want to accomplish outside my work. One thing I would like to accomplish is to be given more opportunity to do some public speaking and share my experience, strength, and hope with others.

I also want to further advance my writing career. I want to become a successful, paid, published, free lance writer. Writing for magazines and newspapers. I also would like to do more work on my blogs on the net.

I will continue working on the business plan for our business that Kim and I have started. We are hoping to have an actual store some day.

For rest and relaxation I want to do more fly fishing this spring and summer. I never had the opportunity do much fly fishing in the past year.

These are just some of the things I want to accomplish in 2011.

Why am I able to do all of these things? Because I have been working on my recovery from my mental illness's, addiction, and alcoholism. The medications I am on are working which help keep the symptoms under control and I am working hard on the psychological aspect of my recovery.

Recovery is truly possible. If I can recover after suffering from the symptoms of my conditions for many years anyone can recover. I have been ill for over 25 years. I started my recovery in the year 2000 when I went to the Beacon Program which was located at the Rehab in Waterville at the time. At the Beacon Unit they got my medication adjusted and I received psycho-social treatments while I was there. I am grateful and thankful for what the Beacon Program has done for me. If it wasn't for them I would not be living in recovery at the present moment.

Have faith, hope, and courage and seek recovery with all your heart you just might find it. I did.

Just For Today

2010-11-28T15:27:00.000-04:00

When I wake up in the morning a say to myself "I will live just for today." I will not live for tomorrow, a week, or a month. It gets to difficult and overwhelming to live in the future. If I live just for today then that is a manageable way to live. I can handle what happens today but I cannot handle living way in the future.

When I wake up in the morning I plan out my whole day. I carefully plan out everything I am going to do that day and just do it one thing at a time until everything is accomplished for that day.

It is also easier to work on my recovery one day at a time. I need just to do those things pertaining to my recovery today which makes things a lot easier at accomplishing my goals and objectives for my recovery. It is too hard to work on my recovery for the next week, month, or year. I can be successful in my recovery just for today.

If I live just for today I will be successful at achieving all my goals and objectives and live a life of meaning, purpose, and be a productive member of society. I will succeed just for today.

Kings County Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society November Meeting Announcement

2010-11-06T12:00:00.000-03:00

Presented by the Kings County Chapter Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia

Valerie Davis

Manager, Community Support and Rehabilitation

Mental Health Program

Will speak on “liaison with police, courts and correctional services”.

Wednesday, November 17^th, 2010, 7.00 pm

At the Kentville Lions Club Hall, between Community

Services and the Police Station on River Street

Open to the public --- Refreshments

What is Walk the World for Schizophrenia?

2010-11-03T19:55:00.000-03:00

Someone by the name of Jen Daisybee left a comment on my posting with the photos of Walk the World For Schizophrenia. She asked me what Walk the World For Schizophrenia was.

Walk the World For Schizophrenia is an annual fund raising event we hold once a year in October. People go around with pledge sheets and collect money for our local chapter of the Schizophrenia Society. We hold the walk in Wolfville. We walked from Robie Tufts Park down to Main Street, we walked down Main Street to the turn off to the Information Centre, turned around and walked back on Main Street then down past the Park again to the Lions Hall. At the Lions Hall we gathered for good food, music from a live band, and we had draws for prizes.

We did not do as well this year as we did last year but every little bit helps.

The Mysteries of Life

2010-10-31T22:39:00.000-03:00

When I was very ill most of my symptoms were religious in nature. All my hallucinations, delusions, and other symptoms all had some kind of religious or spiritual content to them. I was totally obsessed with religious thoughts and other related types of thought. There were times when I was suicidal because I thought that I was possessed with evil spirits and that I was evil and had to be punished by death.

I could probably write on forever describing all the thoughts and experiences I had concerning religion. When I was ill 99% of my waking hours were spent being preoccupied and obsessed with some type of religious thinking be it good or evil, God or Satan. There were times when I thought that both God and Satan were living inside of me battling for control of my mind and life. There were times when all I was occupied with was the content of the Bible, Buddhist Scriptures, and other religious writings that I have been reading over the years. I was also obsessed with different philosophies I have been studying. Atheism, Theism, Deism, materialism, dualism, and many other types of philosophy. I had no peace of mind, was always in a state of turmoil, unrest, and total confusion.

Now that my symptoms are under control by my medication I think just as rationally, logically, and clearly as anyone else who is not ill. In fact people would not know that I had schizophrenia or OCD unless I told them so. They would never suspect that. Now that I am reasonably well and can think clearly I am still left with the question. What are the answers to all the mysteries out there? There are so many different religions out there. So many different philosophies out there. You have all the beliefs of the occult. People believe in the paranormal. Some people are atheists and believe in nothing but science. If science cannot prove it then it doesn't exist.

The point to all these things I have been talking about is just: what should I believe? what are the answers to all the mysteries of life concerning origins, religion, and philosophy? Is it possible to know the truth, believe the truth, and live by the truth? What is truth? I have read so many different religions, philosophies, and occult writings I am totally confused and have no idea as to what the truth actually is. How does one determine truth? How does one decide on what to believe? These questions are not the ravings of someone who is in a psychotic state which at one time I was. These questions are in the mind of someone who thinks rationally, logically, and clearly at the present moment. Just how does one determine the truth?

For me personally I don't know the answers to all the mysteries of the origin, religions, and philosophies of man. Is it possible for me to ever find out the answers concerning religion and philosophy? This is where I am at in the present moment. I just wanted to share these things with my readers.

Walk the World for Schizophrenia 2010 Photo's

2010-10-24T12:10:00.000-03:00

The Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia's 22nd Annual Conference

2010-10-20T19:15:00.000-03:00

The Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia’s

22nd Annual Conference

Mental Illness: Why Me?

Friday, November 26^th, 2010

8:45 am to 4:15 pm

Pier 21

1055 Marginal Road

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Featuring presentations by:

Ms. Ashley Smith

Founder

Embracing My Mind, Inc.

Atlanta, Georgia

Dr. Stan Kutcher

Sun Life Financial Chair in Adolescent Mental Health

Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University

Ms. Aileen McGinty, Dip. Psych. (Open), M.T.A., Post-Graduate Diploma in Music Therapy, Certificate of Teaching, Dip.L.P., LL.B., M.A.

Dr. Sherry Stewart

Killam Research Professor

Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Community Health & Epidemiology, Dalhousie University

Ms. Laura Burke

Master’s Student in Drama Therapy

Concordia University

Mr. Andy Cox

Mental Health Advocate

IWK Health Centre

and

Member, Board of Directors

Mental Health Commission of Canada

SSNS Conference Registration Form.pdf
273K View Download

2010 Tools for Life Conference and Exhibit

2010-10-15T19:37:00.001-03:00

Making living, learning, and working easier

Children - Youth - Adults - Seniors

Be there, it's for you!

Families and Community

Friday October 22nd * Free Admission *

Horton High School, Greenwich, Nova Scotia

To view the rest of the official web site for this conference click on the link below.

2010 Tools for Life Conference and Exhibit

Kings County Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia October Meeting Announcement

2010-09-29T23:35:00.000-03:00

Dr. David Mulhall, Chief of Psychiatry

Annapolis Valley District Health Authority

Topic: “Medication and Side Effects, & Reasons People Stop Taking Their Medication”

Wednesday, October 20, 2010, 7.00 pm

At the Lions Club of Kentville, between Community Services and the Police Station on River Street

Open to the Public --- Refreshments

Kings County Chapter Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia

The September Meeting

2010-09-27T20:44:00.000-03:00

At our September meeting on the 15th we had a panel of three people. The topic for the night was concurrent disorders. I was on the panel and I gave a talk at the meeting. Here is my talk:

My Story

I am recovering from schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, addiction, and alcoholism. The last time I used was on December 6, 1999. On that day I woke up around 8:00 am. As soon as I woke up I started popping pills. I did this all day and half the night. Around 11:00 pm I decided that I had enough. I called up detox but they never had a bed. Despite that the nurse proceeded to talk to me to find out what and how much I used that day. When the conversation was over she told me to go lay down. Five minutes later the phone rang. It was a police officer and he asked me if I would go downstairs and let the police officers in. They wanted to take me to the hospital. I went down and they took me up to emergency.

I stayed there all night. It was a miracle that I survived the night. I came very close to death. In the morning a police officer came up to the hospital and took me home. I arrived home at 6:00 am. As soon as I got in I called detox again. They had a bed and I was there by noon. When it was time for discharge they tried to convince me to go back to my mom's because they knew if I went back to my own apartment I would start using again as soon as I got home. I conceded and went to mom's.

I went through the motions of x-mas. Then in February I decided that I had enough. I couldn't take any more pain, suffering, torture, and torment. I decided to kill myself. For some reason I called up my nurse and told her my intentions. She said, "well, you could give up and kill yourself or you could do something about it." I stayed awake for three days and three nights thinking about what my nurse had said. I am not a quiter so I decided that I wasn't going to give up and kill myself but I was going to do something about my situation. I didn't know what or how. I just was.

Two days after I had made my decision my nurse called me back up and told me about the Beacon Program at the Rehab in Waterville. I was there in a week. Upon arrival Dr. Mulhal told me about clozapine, the advantages and disadvantages of taking it. I thought about it for a couple of weeks and decided to try it. It worked and it is still working today.

Meanwhile I was given some questions to answer. The question was, who is your favorite TV or movie star. I wrote down Rocky. Here is a man who was determined, motivated, and disciplined to push himself beyond the limits and beat the odds. He did just that. In the first movie he beat the odds. Although he never won the fight he still beat the odds. He went the distance with the champ thus being the first man to go the distance.

At the time I answered this question I was applying what Rocky did with my own life. I was determined, motivated, and disciplined to push myself beyond my limits, beat the odds and get well. I did just that.

A few weeks after arriving at the unit I decided that I wanted to attend the Annapolis Valley Work Centre. I applied and was accepted. I went to the Work Centre for a couple of weeks and then stopped attending. I went into a depression. A couple of weeks later they called me from the Work Centre to find out what the problem was. We talked for a while and we came to the conclusion that a full day was to much for me. So I started back again but only did a half day in the woodworking shop. I did really well at that. Then a few months later we decided that I would start attending a full day. So I did and was successful. I continued taking woodworking and also took upgrading, job development, and personal development.

While I was doing all this I was receiving psycho-social treatments for my mental illness and counseling for my addiction problem. When someone has both a mental illness and the disease of addiction both need to be treated simultaneously. If you just try to treat one at a time a person will never find recovery. Presently there are no programs in Nova Scotia to treat those with concurrent disorders. Many are falling through the cracks. The only reason I was receiving integrated treatment was because one of the nurses that worked at the Beacon Program had worked in addictions for 25 years. She was able to help me with my recovery from my addictions and I was receiving help with my recovery from my mental illness.

While there I received help with learning how to make decisions, do laundry, cook, and how to cope with stress and the problems that cropped up while I was living on the unit. They taught me problem solving skills as well. They taught me basically just how to live and enjoy life.

While as this was happening I was receiving counseling for my addictions. This nurse was helping me with the 12 steps that originated with Alcoholics Anonymous. She was helping me get through my cravings and the mental obsession I had with using. We talked for hours as I poured my heart out about what I was going through trying to stay clean and sober. Recovery from addiction isn't an easy task to accomplish. It's very hard and difficult.

A few months after I went to the Beacon Program I met my wife, Kim. When it was time to be discharged from the unit Kim helped me find a place. I just had a room in a rooming house. A few months later Kim helped me find a half decent apartment. When it was time to graduate from the Work Centre Kim and my family attended the graduation. It was a very special event for me considering I haven't accomplished anything for over 20 years.

Shortly after my graduation Kim and I got an apartment together. I decided that I wanted to work. I did some harvesting work such as picking rhubarb and strawberries. Then I landed my first real job for many many years. I got a job at a candle factory. I worked there full time for five years and then got laid off. Not to long after I landed this job Kim and I got married. We just celebrated nine years on the first of September.

It took a while to find work but eventually I did. I presently work at Flyer Services putting flyers together. I am also working as a writer for the CMHA Newsletter which is called "A Mental Health Perspective." I also work on the Schizophrenia Newsletter published by this Chapter of the SSNS. Harold and I work on it together. One day I told Harold that I wanted to start a newsletter and he looked at me and said, " lets do it." So we started the Newsletter.

I also accomplish other things besides working at my jobs. I do a lot of work on my blogs I have on the net. I have several of them on various subjects.

Kim and I also do a lot of things together. I help her with her business. We do a lot of traveling together. We go to festivities happening around the area. When we have the funds we go out to dinner a lot. We spend the majority of our time together. We are friends and companions and we are having a wonderful relationship together. Kim also had a lot to do with my recovery. She was a big help and my support to get me where I am right now.

I also make sure I take time out just for me. Sometimes we need to get alone and just be with ourselves. I do research on the computer, I play computer games, and read things that can help me with my recovery from all my conditions. I spend time playing the guitar and the piano. When Kim isn't at home I fire up the classical music, crank it up, and rock back and forth in Kim's lazy boy chair while I listen to the music. Doing this just mellows me right out and helps me to relax.

In conclusion I am living a wonderful and full life. I love life and love being alive. I have meaning and purpose in life. I am a productive member of society. I would like to end this talk by thanking the Beacon Program for all that they have done for me. Without them I would not be in recovery at the present moment. Have faith, hope, and courage. Recovery is truly possible.

NIMH � Mental Health Medications

2010-09-26T01:40:00.000-03:00

Mental Health Medications

This guide describes the types of medications used to treat mental disorders, side effects of medications, directions for taking medications, and includes any FDA warnings.

To view this web site click on the link below.

NIMH � Mental Health Medications

Strengthening Families Together Sessions: Halifax-Dartmouth Area

2010-09-22T19:59:00.002-03:00

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?

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 Dartmouth Community Mental Health, the HRM Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia will deliver a ten-week session of Strengthening Families Together beginning at 7:00 pm on Thursday, September 23^rd, 2010. The location isBelmont House, 5th Floor, 33 Alderney Drive, Dartmouth. Each weekly meeting lasts for two hours.

Additionally, a separate and distinct 10-week session of Strengthening Families Together will be delivered in partnership with Bayers Road Community Mental Health. This session starts at 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 7^th, 2010, in Suite 109, Bayers Road Centre, 7071 Bayers Road, Halifax.

For an outline of the Strengthening Families Together program, please click here.

Registration

To register for either 10-week session of Strengthening Families Together, contact Donna Methot at (902) 462-8658 or send an email to hrmchapterssns@accesswave.ca.

SFT -- Combined Flyer - Halifax-Dartmouth - 2010.pdf
643K View Download

Schizophrenia: Beyond the Natural Sciences - Considering spirituality

2010-09-06T14:03:00.000-03:00

Science has not been able to cure or unveil all the mysteries of schizophrenia purely by studying the brain. There have been ambiguous results from all sides. The majority of scientists claim that schizophrenia is a brain disease, and it is not known whether schizophrenia is one disease or many diseases or if is purely genetic or not. Based on the premise that in darkness any hope of light is welcome, it is then perfectly reasonable for me to raise the following question: is schizophrenia a purely natural/biological disease?

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

http://knol.google.com/k/schizophrenia-beyond-the-natural-sciences-considering-spirituality#

Psychosocial Treatments for Schizophrenia By NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH

2010-09-05T20:06:00.001-03:00

Antipsychotic drugs have proven to be crucial in relieving the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia — hallucinations, delusions, and incoherence — but are not consistent in relieving the behavioral symptoms of the disorder.

Even when patients with schizophrenia are relatively free of psychotic symptoms, many still have extraordinary difficulty with communication, motivation, self-care, and establishing and maintaining relationships with others. Moreover, because patients with schizophrenia frequently become ill during the critical career-forming years of life (ages 18 to 35), they are less likely to complete the training required for skilled work. As a result, many with schizophrenia not only suffer thinking and emotional difficulties, but lack social and work skills and experience as well.

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

http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/psychosocial-treatments-for-schizophrenia/

Tobacco Cessation For People With Mental Health Problems

2010-08-29T15:56:00.001-03:00

Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. But the fact is that people with mental health problems are among those with the highest smoking prevalence. According to the most recent estimates, 75 percent of people with mental health problems or addictions smoke cigarettes, compared to 23 percent of the general population.

Americans with mental health problems represent an estimated 44.3 percent of the U.S. tobacco market. And half of all deaths from smoking occur among patients with mental illnesses or substance use disorders.

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

http://addictiontreatmentmagazine.com/addiction/nicotine-addiction/tobacco-cessation-for-people-with-mental-health-problems/

Smoking Cessation

2010-08-26T17:44:00.002-03:00

I want to do something about my smoking. I truly want to quit. People say I cannot quit and that I should just cut back until I get to the point where it would be easier to quit. There is a problem with this concept. I just wouldn't work.

I am addicted to nicotine. My nicotine addiction is exactly the same as my alcohol and drug addiction. I don't believe in harm reduction. I am not capable of being a social drinker or drug user. I cannot control my use of drugs or alcohol. I either drink or I do not. I either smoke weed or I do not. There is only one way to recover from addiction and alcoholism. Complete abstinence.

The same applies to nicotine addiction. I cannot control my use of cigarettes. I either smoke or I do not. I have tried many many times to slowly cut back. It just didn't work. The concept of harm reduction does not work for recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Harm reduction does not work for a nicotine addiction either.

There is only one way to quit smoking. Quit and never take another puff. It sounds simple but it is very difficult. I am highly physically addicted. I am highly psychologically addicted. The physical withdrawal would be very severe and the psychological craving would be very severe. In order to quit I have to endure much physical and psychological torture and torment.

I truly want to quit but when I think about what I have to go through to quit I have doubts that I would succeed. If I did succeed it would be the worst battle I ever fought in life. I have been procrastinating quitting because I truly know what I have to go through in order to succeed. I am certainly not looking forward to quitting but at the same time I know that I need to quit. Two main reasons which are health and money. I am slowly committing suicide and I spend 99% of my income on cigarettes. No one needs to lecture me on the hazards of smoking. I probably know more about the hazards of smoking than the people that lecture me on it. I know my body and what smoking is doing to it. I know that almost all of my income is spent on tobacco. Knowing these things doesn't make it any easier to quit.

So, I am in a dilemma. Even though I know all the reasons why I should not smoke and put all my willpower into it doesn't guarantee success. I am powerless over drugs and alcohol. I am also powerless over nicotine. To be honest with myself and my readers it is more difficult to quit smoking than it was for me to give up drugs and alcohol. Smoking is a hundred times harder to give up than drugs and alcohol.

I am hoping that someday by a miracle I will be able to pull it off and quit smoking. I will not give up but keep trying until I do quit or they bury me. Whichever comes first. Another thing I would like to mention is the so called smoking cessation programs to help people quit smoking work for society in general but do not work for those who have a mental illness. The issues are totally different. The issues go a lot deeper than for those without a mental illness. These techniques just don't work for consumers.

I had the opportunity to talk to a scientist, psychiatrist, and professor who had a long line of degrees attached to his name about the smoking thing. I asked him if he had done any research on smoking. He gave me a hearty laugh and said "oh yea". He said in order for me to quit I would need to be on the strongest patch available and receive heavy duty psychotherapy for months and months. He also said "even then there is a slim chance that I could quit."

There is not much hope that I would ever quit but that doesn't mean that I don't want to quit and I can keep attempting it as long as I am still alive on this planet of ours. I will either quit or it will kill me. One or the other.

My Purpose In Life

2010-08-22T22:00:00.002-03:00

My blog is one of the top ten schizophrenia blogs for 2010. I am proud of myself for being chosen as one of the top ten. This privilege I have been given got me thinking. What is my purpose in life? What is the purpose of my blog?

I am recovering from schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, addiction, and alcoholism. I am happily married, hold down two part time jobs, have a wonderful social life, have hobbies I do for rest and relaxation, and live life to the fullest. All these things give me purpose in life.

Another purpose in life is to share my experience, strength, and hope with others. I have a burning desire to help my fellow consumers, family and friends of consumers, and help remove some of the stigma attached to mental illness by educating society about mental illness.

I have always thought that in order to do this I should go to university and get some degrees, work in the mental health and addiction field in order to help others. That is not necessary. I am already fulfilling my purpose in life. I am helping others through my blogs, being a full time writer for the CMHA newsletter, writing for and putting together the schizophrenia newsletter published by the Kings County Chapter of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, sharing with others through direct conversation, and giving talks when given the opportunity. I have also been given the privilege of being the webmaster for the Kings County Chapter of the SSNS official web site.

In the future I will probably find other ways to fulfill my purpose in life.

I just hope that what I do do will be of benefit to my fellow man. I just hope that what I share with others will help them climb out of the depths of the hell of mental illness and help them find recovery.

Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia's Annual General Meeting

2010-08-19T14:53:00.002-03:00

Our annual general meeting for Nova Scotia will be held on Saturday, September 11, 2010

from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

It will be located at Room 141, Beveridge Arts Centre, Acadia University, Wolfville, N.S.

Lunch included.

Parking is available for no charge at parking meters, and in the Festival Theater parking lot

across the street from the Beveridge Arts Centre.

September Program

2010-08-16T14:57:00.005-03:00

The Kings County Chapter of SSNS will hold three sessions in a series on"Mental Illness and Therapy". These sessions will be on Wednesday eveningsat the Lions Club Hall on River Street in Kentville. The sessions will startat 7.00 pm and conclude with refreshments. Come for the information, enjoythe interaction, and benefit from the insight.

Wednesday September 15, 2010: "Mental Illness and Concurrent Disorders andAddictions". Those providing input will include Eric Patton, certifiedaddictions specialist with 20 years of clinical experience, Derek Vernest ofAnnapolis Valley Mental Health and Addictions Services staff, and TonyLegere, a recovering consumer. More than 50% of those seeking help foraddictions have a mental illness. And more than 20% of those seeking helpfrom a mental illness have concurrent disorders or addictions.

Walk the World for Schizophrenia

2010-08-16T14:23:00.002-03:00

Please join our walk in support of those with schizophrenia.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2010 - 1:00 PM

ROBIE TUFTS PARK, FRONT ST. WOLFVILLE

Our walk will begin from the park on Front St. - down Main St. - & back to the Lions Hall for food, music, & prizes.

Your participation will help us to alleviate the stigma & suffering endured by those who are affected by, or living with schizophrenia.

For a pledge sheet - call Pam Langille at 365-1701 ext 2890

or Pat at 678-8458

(you may also register your donation at the walk)