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Canadian Mental Health Association launches manifesto for better mental health in BC

Canadian Mental Health Association launches manifesto for better mental health in BC

It’s time to change the way we think about mental health and addictions care in BC

 

The Canadian Mental Health Association in BC today unveiled a five point manifesto that lays out a set of concrete and practical actions to improve the lives of people living with mental health and addictions problems.

The manifesto is a call to action for all British Columbians to get behind the idea that mental health and physical health should be valued equally. It outlines a series of recommendations on how we can create better mental health and addictions care in BC.

We would never knowingly wait until Stage 4 to intervene for cancer; we educate, screen, and take action in the early stages. CMHA BC firmly believes that we need to do the same for mental illnesses and addictions. b4stage4 is about preventing mental illness and addiction, and for those who are experiencing symptoms, intervening in the early years before people reach a crisis point.

When it comes to better mental health and addictions care, there is plenty of evidence for what works. The manifesto calls for BC to adopt community-based programs that have proven successful in treating the early symptoms of low mood, anxiety, and stress. They are cost-effective supports to our overburdened system in BC. But more needs to be done to ensure people get the help they need at any stage or age.

“There is a moral and economic imperative to act b4stage4. Our goal here is to engage individuals and organizations across BC in our manifesto for change,” says Bev Gutray, CEO of CMHA BC. “This is a real opportunity for us all to move toward prevention and early intervention in mental health and addictions, and away from the overuse of emergency services and the justice system.”

“We know that the demand for our health care system is outpacing supply. In fact, demand for mental health and addiction services is expected to more than triple by 2036.[1]” continues Gutray. “Too many British Columbians diagnosed with mental illness, such as depression, are not able to access the help they need.“

CMHA is calling on the public to take part in this conversation and support the b4stage4 campaign. British Columbians are encouraged to register their support at www.b4stage4.ca. There, they can sign the manifesto.

To launch b4stage4, CMHA BC will also be hosting a b4stage Conference in Victoria on November 28-30 to further explore ways in which the system can be improved. The b4stage4 Conference will bring together speakers that are both experts in their field and have lived experience of mental health issues. The Right Honourable Norman Lamb, Member of Parliament, United Kingdom, will be the keynote speaker. As a British Liberal Democrat politician, the Right Honourable Lamb played a leading role in driving mental health care to the top of the political agenda in the UK. He steered the 2014 Care Act through Parliament and introduced maximum wait time standards for mental health.

For more information on the conference and to sign up for updates go to www.b4stage4.ca.

Who Are You Really?

We all have a private story about who we are. Shame researcher Brene Brown talks about not feeling good enough. She finds she gets caught in moments where she reacts badly because she feels bad about herself – is this familiar? Self-esteem is our story about self. Some lucky people don’t doubt themselves. But others tend to think things like “am I okay?”, or “what is wrong with me?”. We really aren’t sure we’re okay, sometimes. When our self-esteem story is low, we have self-doubt, maybe we blame ourselves, and maybe we aren’t confident in our relationships or at work. You may want to learn to handle bullies, or just to assert yourself. Or maybe you want to be okay with your body image. Counselling can be a safe place to share these feelings, find new ways to appreciate yourself, and rediscover your confidence.

Mary Munro, www.marymunro.ca

Migraines: The Search for New Treatments

A migraine headache can make even the simplest of tasks difficult to accomplish. There’s never a good time to have one. Migraines seem to be unique for almost each person who experiences them, making this a difficult condition to treat and diagnose properly. As a result, many medical doctors will merely prescribe something to help with the pain and recommend keeping a journal to identify and avoid potential triggers. One new treatment being offered involves surgically implanting a nerve stimulator in the head. This device sends out electrical impulses that are supposed to stop pain signals. While some have reported fewer migraines after the procedure, the 8,000 people who have initially received this treatment are now walking around with an implanted device and still suffer from occasional migraines. Would you rather seek out a natural and non-invasive solution?

Dr. Matthew Kittleson, uclife.ca

How is Music Therapy Helpful?

In HealthJournal@wsj.com, Melinda Beck cites research indicating that the medial prefrontal cortex may serve as a hub where music, memory, and emotions meet. In her article called, A Key for Unlocking Memories, she mentions decades of studies which have demonstrated that music can help premature infants gain weight, autistic children communicate, stroke patients regain speech and mobility, surgical patients control chronic pain. In the same article, Dr. Tomaino, executive director of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function says “…listening to music goes beyond the entertainment value by helping to stimulate seemingly lost memories and even help restore some lost function… By engaging very basic mechanisms of emotions and listening, music is stimulating dormant areas of the brain that haven’t been accessible due to degenerative disease.” In the hands of a qualified music therapist, music is the tool used to stimulate improved function in many areas and work with clients towards assessed goals.

Nejama Ferstman, www.shirimysong.ca

The Not-So-Great Outdoors

Many cat owners feel guilty about keeping their cats inside and worry they are depriving them of natural instincts. Generally speaking, a cat that spends his entire life indoors will live many years longer than a cat restricted to the outdoors. If your cat has indoor/outdoor access, he still faces increased risks to his health and safety. On top of the parasites and potentially fatal diseases it can contract (including feline leukemia and feline AIDS), your outdoor cat is always at risk of being struck by a vehicle. Even the most “street savvy” feline can become distracted while in pursuit of prey or while being chased by another cat or dog. It’s a myth that going outside is a requirement for feline happiness. Playing regularly with cats and providing them with entertaining toys can easily satisfy their stalking instinct, keep them stimulated, and provide the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy.

Rob Lamont – A Pet Lovers Warehouse, www.apetlovers.com

Drink to Your Health

Known as the “Immortal Health Elixir” by the Chinese and originating in the Far East around 2,000 years ago, kombucha is a beverage with tremendous health benefits. With more literature being published regarding its effectiveness in weight management, immune system enhancement as well as its role in improving digestion, and boosting energy, the fondness of this ancient drink is growing. It’s also beneficial for protecting hair and teeth and battling certain types of cancer.   Exactly what is kombucha? Simply put, kombucha is a living drink. It’s made by fermenting tea, sugar, and the kombucha culture otherwise known as a SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast). After being fermented, kombucha becomes carbonated and contains vinegar, b-vitamins, enzymes, probiotics, and a high concentration of acid (acetic, gluconic and lactic), which are linked with positive effects.   Some outcomes are improved digestion, weight loss, increased energy, cleansing and detoxification, immune support, reduced joint pain, and cancer prevention.

Book Club: Chakra Wisdom Oracle Toolkit

A 52-Week Journey of Self-Discovery with the Lost Fables Paperback by Tori Hartman. Let this book guide you in opening up your intuition, removing blockages from your life, improving your relationships, and realizing your highest potential. Have you ever wondered about chakras? You may wonder how to open your chakra channels or just understand what they are. Maybe you just wish to make your life more colorful and become something more. Become a successful, interesting person, a witty talker, a person who knows more and is determined to continue developing. This book is for you.

70 is the New 50

Working into retirement, postponing having kids, living longer – the lifecycle of Canadians is changing. This has implications on personal finances and retirement savings. New research suggests that old age now starts at 74, with middle age lasting at least nine years longer than current estimates. What we think of as old has changed over time and it will need to continue changing in the future as people live longer, healthier lives. Two hundred years ago, a 60-year-old was a very old person. Someone who is 60 years old today could be argued as middle aged. In terms of health, longevity, and view of life, “baby boomers” in their sixties and seventies will be more like their parents and grandparents were at 50. This means people can work longer if they so desire. For many people, 70 is the new 50 and signifies the quiet revolution that has taken place in longevity.

Brett Scott, www.disabilitytaxcreditwinnipeg.com

Clean Eating: Sweet Potato Brownies

1 cup mashed sweet potato, ½ cup smooth nut butter of choice, 2 tbsp maple syrup, ¼ cup cocoa powder, handful of carob chips (optional). Preheat oven to 350 and grease a small cake/ loaf pan. On the stove, melt nut butter with maple syrup. In a large bowl add the mashed sweet potato, melted nut butter and maple syrup, and cocoa powder and mix well. Fold in chocolate chips. Pour mixture into greased pan and bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before slicing and refrigerating. These brownies are best when cooled completely. Store in fridge or freezer and ENJOY!

What is an ETA-Scan?

Bio-resonance health scans are used for assessments and restoration of the energy field for the physical and emotional body. The ETA-Scan identifies the sources of interfering energetics such as electro-smog, parasites, virus’s, bacterial infections, allergies, pollutants or food sensitivities. Before and after images of graphs and symbols are read with the practitioner so the distinctive wave patterns of the condition are evident. You may want to have an ETA-Scan done before and after cranial sacral therapy, a cleanse, or lymphatic drainage treatment to see what improvements are made or which remedy or therapeutic modality is the most optimal for that specific condition. Are parasites vanquished, or are the kidneys functioning better after the tonic? Did the liver flush give the desired result? Was blood circulation in the brain improved after cranial sacral therapy? The ETA-Scan is a time saver and a money saver in the over- all picture of health!
Laurie Pryce, www.biodynamicbody.ca

When Susan Was Five

Susan had physical limitations due to Cerebral Palsy. Our first meeting at school, I saw a young child bent over her own lap, able to hold her head up just enough to meet my eyes for a brief moment. We sang our alphabet, chanted our numbers, and drummed and hummed. It did not take long for muscles in Susan’s back, neck, and abdomen to respond. Singing requires sound which requires breath to produce the sound. Joining in a song requires timing, synchronization with others, and more breath. Clapping, tapping and spontaneously moving to the beat calls on muscle groups in several parts of the body to respond. Soon Susan was looking up, looking outwards, and reaching outwards. Susan is now in her twenties, living independently from her parents. She sings beautifully, has an infectious laugh and enjoys the company of good friends. She continues to enjoy the many benefits of Music Therapy.
Nejama Ferstman, www.shirimysong.ca