Balance support
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advocacy
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awareness •
Mental Disorders The more we know about mental health, the less intimidating it can be Including
Understanding how mental disorders impact your community, the different types of disorders, and why you don't have to wait to speak to a professional
Fall 2011
November 19, 2011 Have you lost someone to suicide? Remember your loved ones and connect in a supportive environment at the 7th Annual Survivors of Suicide Day. Choose to take part in the 5th Annual Out of the Darkness Memorial Walk starting at 7 a.m. and then convene at the Calgary Zoo Safari Lodge with others who have lost someone in a day of remembrance, connection and support. You may also only attend the Safari Lodge program. This is a free event hosted by Canadian Mental Health Association - Calgary Region. Donations are gratefully accepted. Visit www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca/SOSDay2011 for details and to register by November 11, 2011. Join us on Facebook to help erase stigma and receive the latest news and events. www.facebook.com/cmhacalgaryregion
This event is made possible by an anonymous donor.
fall issue 2011
Publisher
Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region in partnership with RedPoint Media Group Inc. General Manager
Angela Anderson
Managing Editor
Abby Miller
Editorial Committee
Science Advisor – Dr. Deborah Dobson, Angela Anderson, Trudy DeBecker, Kimberley Feist, Stephen Humphreys, Jaimi Thomas Creative Director
Anders Knudsen Art Director
David Willicome
Production Manager
Mike Matovich
Corporate project manager
Kelly West
Sales Manager
Karen Hounjet
Traffic Co-ordinator
Andrea Hendry
Balance 4 p.
visit www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca
Mental Disorders Educating ourselves is the first step to better understanding people with mental disorders. Message from the Executive Director
Printing
Transcontinental LGM Contributors
Angela Anderson, Shelley Arnusch, Susan Pederson, Leisa Vescarelli Subscriptions: $10.00/year Contact: Canadian Mental Health Association — Calgary Region
Suite 400, 1202 Centre St. S.E. Calgary, Alberta, T2G 5A5 (403) 297-1700 info@redpointmedia.ca Balance magazine is published three times a year, with 11,000 copies distributed on newsstands throughout the city and 2,000 copies distributed by the Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region. The information contained in this magazine is not intended to be a substitute for professional/medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health professional before starting any new treatment. Statements, opinions and viewpoints expressed by the writers of this publication do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Copyright 2011 by RedPoint Media Group Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher.
Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region Suite 400, 1202 Centre Street S.E. Calgary, AB T2G 5A5 Telephone: (403) 297-1700 Fax: (403) 270-3066
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Feature story Checks and balances The real impact of mental disorders on our community is about more than numbers.
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KNOWING MORE Your mental health primer
Resources Myths busted
Looking at the truth behind five common mental disorder myths.
Understanding mental disorders
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Getting help Getting beyond “normal”
Why speaking to a professional is always a good idea.
Real people My life with a mental disorder One woman’s story of struggle and success.
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Message from the Executive Director
Mental Disorders I
n March of 2002, Ron LaJeunesse published Political Asylums, an account of the history of experiences of people with mental illness in Alberta. In it, he acknowledges that while good programs and services were available, "for the most part, mental illness was the 20th century’s equivalent of leprosy, a misunderstood disease so thoroughly stigmatized that it almost invariably engendered fear, rejection, isolation and poverty. It still does.” What, if anything, has changed today? While pockets of excellent programs and services exist, sadly issues of concern that have dominated the landscape since the 1970s remain prevalent today. Stigma and discrimination continue to marginalize people with mental illness — frequently they are feared and shunned. We are now in the 21st century and the CMHA — Calgary Region feels compelled to dedicate one of our Balance issues to helping people better understand the basics of mental disorders. In reality, people with mental illness need and want in life what all of us need and want in our lives — a safe, warm and clean place to live and work, with access to recreation, education and training. A sense of belonging
4 Balance / fall 2011
to a community and a network of friends and family. An opportunity. Hope. Balance magazine is one of the Canadian Mental Health Association — Calgary Region’s strategies to address stigma headon and to educate the public about mental illness and the issues associated with having a mental disorder. This issue strives to provide an understanding of the most common mental disorders, and the language that we believe needs to be commonly used in order to erase some of the still-widespread stigma associated with mental illness. There are many misconceptions about mental disorders, and the stories in this issue aim to dispel some of these. We are calling this issue Mental Disorders 101, however we delve more in-depth than that title implies. The first feature story discusses how people with mental disorders can thrive in the community. We hope this issue provides readers with a glimpse of a different future — a future where all people are included and can realistically hope for those important things we all value in life.
Photo by Alix Broadway
When dealing with mental health issues and the stigma that surrounds them, a little understanding can go a long way.
Judy Martin Executive Director Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region
Resources
Myths busted Breaking down five common misconceptions about mental disorders
One in five Canadians will experience a mental disorder in their lifetime, but nearly all of us will be affected by mental health problems — as close family, friends, or just supports of those dealing with a mental disorder. Unfortunately, there is still a negative stigma surrounding this topic. Much of that stigma stems from myths about mental disorders.
1 2 3 4 5 Misconception: People with mental disorders are violent and dangerous.
Truth: As a group, people with mental disorders are no more violent than the general population. In fact, they are more likely to be victims of violence than to be violent themselves. A 1996 Health Canada review of scientific articles found that the strongest predictor of violence and criminal behaviour is not major mental illness, but past history of violence and criminality.
Misconception: People with mental disorders are poor and/or less intelligent. Truth: If you have a brain, you can have a mental illness — mental illness does not discriminate. People with mental disorders have the same levels of intelligence as the general population.
Misconception: Mental disorders are caused by a personal weakness. Truth: A mental disorder is not caused by personal weakness. It is an illness, just as a heart condition or cancer is an illness. People with mental disorders are not lazy — they did not choose to become ill and they cannot just “snap out of it." They require treatment, whether it be counselling, therapy, prescription medication, or a combination.
Misconception: A mental disorder is a single, rare disorder. Truth: There are more than 200 diagnosable mental disorders. Psychologists, doctors and physicians in North America use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as guidelines while diagnosing mental disorders. The manual categorizes, lists and discusses in depth the different disorders. This manual is updated regularly as new disorders are classified.
Misconception: A mental disorder will not affect me and my life. Truth: While not everyone will be diagnosed with a mental disorder, statistics indicate that every Canadian will know at least one person who experiences a mental disorder first-hand. Chances are that at some time someone close to you will have a mental disorder and will need your support.
Understanding Language
What is the difference between a mental disorder and a mental health issue? A mental health issue is usually a response to something specific going on in someone’s life. A mental disorder is a diagnosable disease. For example, if someone is going through an extremely stressful time, and has increased anxiety, they could be experiencing a mental health issue. If that anxiety leads to depression that lasts for months and affects their functioning dayto-day, they could be diagnosed with depression, a mental disorder.
For more information on mental disorders and language, please visit www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca. fall 2011 / Balance 5
Feature Story By Leisa Vescarelli
r y sharin t a s i s e v f i g e t sstrolationoduc h a p i t pr ility ility p r i n b a b a s e a s e i s s o i p l -term d term d on/y s o s u s i c t i c v e influ ess t li comm shor tlong 1 Bil e n unity ce 5 l i $ u y t g f u r e e i k lefilmen s r i x l i e o n n c a dw recove stren t e s ry g th s i m
6 Balance / fall 2011
Feature Story
Checks and
balances When it comes to the impact of mental disorders on our community, we need to look at both what is lost and what is gained.
t would be easy for many of us to look around and say that because we aren’t currently dealing with a mental disorder, mental health doesn’t really affect us. It would be easy, but it wouldn’t be true. All Canadians — whether they realize it or not — are impacted by mental health issues. What is important to remember is that for all the struggle, personal cost and cost of social services, these programs and the people they help are an important, positive and often inspiring part of our communities. One in five Canadians will personally experience a serious mental or behavioural
disorder in their lifetime. These disorders affect the psychological, social and economic well-being of the individual, their family, friends and colleagues. Family members, friends and others in the individual's immediate and extended social circles may face anxiety, stress, social isolation, fear and even guilt while they themselves deal with the impact of their loved one’s disorder on their life. These personal stresses can also contribute to financial stress, as people struggle to support or care for a loved one in distress. As author and Harvard business professor Stew Friedman poignantly — if not bluntly — points out, "It's hard to focus on
your work when your child is hallucinating." He speaks from experience, as the father of an adult child who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The economics of mental health A recent study led by Dr. Carolyn Dewa of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health pegged the economic cost of mental illness in Canada at a startling $51 billion a year. Dewa took into account not only direct medical costs, but also lost productivity, long-term and short-term disability, and "reductions in health-related quality of life," in order to paint fall 2011 / Balance 7
Feature Story
One in five Canadians will personally experience a serious mental or behavioural disorder in their lifetime. a more complete picture of the true impacts of mental disorders. The economic impact is just part of the picture, but studies that attempt to quantify these economic costs can actually help us understand the overall impact by giving us tangible evidence of the prevalence of mental disorders in our society. When we hear that every day 500,000 Canadians miss work due to a mental health issue, it shines a light on just how much of our population is affected. And as Mike Pietrus of the Mental Health Commission of Canada points out, absenteeism is not the only factor contributing to lost productivity; we also have to consider something called “presenteeism.” "A person can be at work in body, but not necessarily in mind, and if somebody's not feeling well, whatever the cause, they're not performing their tasks optimally," he says, adding that "there may be real dangers in terms of safety, if we think about people not only working in an office, but out in the field operating equipment." While it may be convenient to think of these costs as a burden, the real question we must ask is: Can we afford not to address something that affects so many of us, every day? Especially when there are so many ways of coming together to support psychological well-being. While the journey through a mental disorder can be challenging, people can, and do, find their way to wellness, usually through a combination of treatments, supports and resources. As Pietrus notes, there is often an unfortunate misconception 8 Balance / fall 2011
that people with a mental illness are "broken" or "unfixable," and that is far from the truth. "In the vast majority of cases, people can get back into the workforce and lead full and productive lives. Hope and recovery are very possible, and the sooner you address the problems and get help, the sooner you get back to work and to your life." Paying it forward Nearly 30 years after being diagnosed and treated for bipolar disorder, professional engineer Bill Way knows first-hand what can be lost, and gained, in living with a mental disorder. "The struggle with bipolar cost me my first marriage, and quite literally drove my two kids and my ex- wife away — they moved 400 km away — so the social cost to me was pretty high," he says. "In the throes of all these things, I defaulted on my mortgage, lost a job and my career was in jeopardy." With what he describes as an aggressive and committed approach to managing his disorder, Way was able to "pick up the pieces." He is passionate about helping other people find their way to wellness through his volunteer work with the CMHA, having never lost sight that his story could have been very different, had he not found the resources to cope and, indeed, to thrive. "I see homeless people on the street, and I think, 'But for the grace of God....' Many of these people have mental disorders and aren't getting the help they need. Without
help, the impacts for me could have been just as devastating." Jeff Middleson* similarly found his way to wellness. He also found an unexpected amount of support and fulfilment in being able to "give back" by volunteering his time with the CMHA. With the combination of a high-stress job and a colorectal cancer diagnosis in the spring of 2005, Middleson found himself in repetitive cycles of anxiety, panic and depression, broken up by periods of elation, impulsiveness and excitability. At first, he told himself that these reactions were only natural, given that he had battled — and beaten — cancer. After some time though, it became clear that his reactions were symptomatic of bipolar disorder, and that he would have to fight for his mental health as he had for his physical health. Today, Middleson gives presentations to high school students to "give youth a real, live view of what a mental disorder is, and how it can be coped with." "I want people to know that you don't have to hide from it, you don't have to be embarrassed by it, and that you can regain your functionality," he says. Recovery and regaining functionality aren't just about coping or "getting by" — they're about success, happiness and fulfillment. Pietrus points to a number of well-known people with mental disorders who perform extremely well and enrich our cultural landscape. "Look at somebody like Serena Williams, a high-profile, high-performance athlete who dealt with major depression, got help, got back to her game and went on to win major tournaments, " he says, adding, "The list goes on and on. There are so many artists, musicians, scientists and politicians who experienced mental disorders and are focused, creative and successful." Appreciating the impact of mental disorders involves considering, and accepting, both the negative and positive influences and experiences people with mental disorders bring to our lives. As Way says, "No society can afford to write off a percentage of its population. We have to learn how to get the best out of everybody." *name has been changed
Feature Story
Good Help Is Easy To Find In just about every case, getting help in the early stages of a disorder can dramatically increase treatment success. A good place to start is by discussing your concerns with a family physician, or someone else you trust. There are also a variety of community resources, programs and services in the Calgary area, whether you are seeking help or information for yourself or a loved one — or if you'd simply like to become more informed. Your Family Physician: If you don't have one, contact Alberta Health Link in Calgary at (403) 943-LINK (5465), or visit www.calgaryhealthregion.ca/doctor. The Canadian Mental Health Association — Calgary Region: The CMHA provides caring support through services like supported living, homeless outreach, workplace mental health, recreation, advocacy, suicide bereavement support and group supports for children, families and individuals. And if they can't directly be of help, they know who can. Visit www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca or call (403) 297-1700.
Access Mental Health: Administered by Alberta Health Services, Access Mental Health is a referral system that helps individuals find the supports they need. Call (403) 943-1500. Crisis Services: If you think that you or somebody you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the Alberta Mental Health Line at 1-877-303-2642 or the Calgary Mental Health Crisis Line (Mobile Response) at (403) 266-1605. You can also contact the Distress Centre at (403) 266-HELP (4357). Educate Yourself: The Mental Health Commission of Canada works tirelessly to promote mental health in Canada, change attitudes toward mental health problems, and improve services and support. They offer a wealth of information and run a unique initiative known as Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, to teach people the skills to provide the early help that is so important when someone is experiencing a mental health problem. For more information or to get involved, visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.ca.
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Call 403-297-1700, visit www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca or return attached form to: Canadian Mental Health Association - Calgary Region Suite 400, 1202 Centre Street SE Calgary, Alberta T2G 5A5
CMHA - Calgary Region’s fundraising goal for fiscal year 2011/2012 is $5.47 million. The estimated cost of raising these funds is 7.5% of CMHA’s total expenditure budget. Proceeds will be used to provide supportive programs for people living with a mental disorder, public education, and advocacy, unless otherwise directed by the donor. If you have questions, please call Donor Relations at (403) 297-1700.
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fall 2011 / Balance 9
Knowing More By Shelley Arnusch
Your mental health
primer
Understanding the different types of mental disorders
L
ike physical medicine, which encompasses everything from broken bones to skin rashes to heart disease, mental disorders occupy a wide spectrum. Even the language used to refer to these disorders can vary (though they generally mean the same thing; see sidebar). Acute schizophrenia and post-partum depression are both classified as mental disorders, but in reality, they are inherently different conditions requiring unique treatments and approaches. In order to learn how to effectively navigate the mental-health landscape, it’s good to start with a basic understanding of the major types of disorders: Mood Disorders The most common mood disorder is depression, something at least 10 per cent of Canadians (twice as many females as males) will
10 Balance / fall 2011
experience at some time during their lifetime. While it’s human nature to have feelings of sadness, when those feelings are of a debilitating nature, and become an impediment to day-to-day functioning, a diagnosis of depression may be warranted. Depression can affect eating and sleeping patterns, and in more serious cases, can inspire thoughts of suicide. It is associated with a variety of causes including specific events, biological vulnerability or health problems, and general psychological factors that inspire a negative or pessimistic outlook. Types of depression include post-partum depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and bipolar disorder (sometimes called “manic depression”), where the sufferer experiences a loss of control over their mood, fluctuating between intense highs and debilitating lows. The most common type of depression, however, is called Major Affective Disorder.
Anxiety Disorders In the same way that sadness can cross the line to depression, when shyness, fear or introverted behaviour is serious enough to impede day-to-day functioning and relationships with family, friends and colleagues, it can be a sign of a mental disorder known as social phobia. Essentially an all-encompassing term describing a debilitating fear, specific phobias are a key part of the anxiety disorder family. Other common disorders in this category include post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition in which a physically or emotionally traumatic event continues to affect the patient at least one month following the event, often in the form of flashbacks or nightmares. Obsessive-compulsive disorder, where the individual’s worries or excessive doubts lead to repetitive thoughts or behaviours, which are taken to a debilitating de-
Knowing More
gree, is another common anxiety disorder. Panic disorder is another common type of anxiety problem, where a person has panic attacks. These attacks lead to problems in day-to-day functioning. Most people with anxiety disorders tend to avoid whatever they are afraid of, which can have very negative consequences for them and those around them. Psychotic Disorders Of the psychotic disorders, the best-known and most well-researched — schizophrenia — remains not well-understood. Believed to be a biological disorder of the brain, what causes schizophrenia remains mostly unknown. Schizophrenia will commonly begin in adolescence or early adulthood, with initial signs including an inability to relax, concentrate or sleep, socially withdrawn behaviour and sometimes a decline in personal hygiene and the quality of work or schoolwork. When fully realized, the disorder may progress to a remission-and-relapse cycle, inflicting the person with delusions (false beliefs with no grounding in reality) and/or hallucinations, a lack of motivation, social withdrawal and disturbances in thought. While these symptoms sound frightening, they often respond very well to medication and other types of treatment. Many people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia experience symptom remission. Eating Disorders Lest they be brushed off as simply dieting gone awry, it should be noted that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all
Schizophrenia and post-partum depression are both mental disorders, but in reality, they are inherently different conditions. mental disorders, with 10 to 20 per cent of all patients dying from complications. Popular belief would suggest that these disorders revolve around a relationship with food, however, they are often symptoms of deeper-rooted issues with identity, self-esteem, perfectionism and control. The point at which weight-and-diet consciousness may venture into eating disorder territory comes when preoccupation with weight and caloric intake becomes all-consuming, providing a false sense of control. The most common types of eating disorders are: anorexia nervosa, extreme dieting coupled with a refusal to keep body weight at a normal level, often resulting in a loss of menstrual periods in females; and bulimia nervosa, periods of uncontrollable binge eating and purging by vomiting or abuse of laxatives or diuretics. Binge-eating disorder applies to those who engage in a cycle of uncontrolled eating and fasting (minus the purging commonly associated with bulimia). Dissociative Disorders
within the same individual. The most common cause is severe psychological stress suffered in childhood, commonly linked to physical or sexual abuse. Somatoform Disorders Commonly referred to as “psychosomatic” problems, somatoform disorders suggest a medical condition even though a physician will be unable to find any evidence of a medical problem. Included in this family of disorders is hypochondriasis, a preoccupation with having a serious disease despite being assured by a medical professional to the contrary; chronic pain disorders that cannot otherwise be explained by a medical professional; and body dysmorphic disorder, an excessive preoccupation with a part of the body and the belief that this body part is somehow deformed or defective — not to be confused with the intense dissatisfaction expressed with the body shape and form that accompanies eating disorders like anorexia nervosa.
These disorders are classified by their shared disruption of consciousness, memory, identity or perception. Included in this category is dissociative identity disorder (formerly referred to as multiple personality disorder), wherein more than one distinct personality manifests
Is a “disorder” different from an “illness”? Part of what can make mental health such an imposing subject is the variety in the language used. Even when you do seek help, or just more information, you may come across a variety of terms which can sometimes mean the same thing.
A mental disorder is diagnosed based on a set crieria. You may hear it referred to as a "mental disorder" or a "mental illness." When speaking to a professional or seeking more information, you can ask for more explanation of what terms are being used and why.
fall 2011 / Balance 11
Getting Help By Susan Pederson
Getting beyond
“normal” Speaking to a doctor is a good way to get help and information during times of mental stress, even if you’re not dealing with a diagnosable disorder.
12 Balance / fall 2011
Getting Help
"There is no one way to experience a mental disorder."
T
he stress seemed too much for Christine* to bear. After leaving her extended family and moving to a new town, starting a new job, and dealing with the death of a close friend, she slept fitfully at night, was becoming irritable, and feeling more overwhelmed each day. Christine was having trouble coping, but she avoided going to her family doctor, because she feared she would be diagnosed with a mental disorder. The less we know about mental disorders, the scarier they can seem. But since fully 20 per cent of us will experience a mental illness in our lifetime, it’s wise to increase our mental health knowledge now, so we can make informed decisions about ourselves, or our loved ones, in the future. But how do we differentiate a period of “not feeling like ourselves” from having a diagnosable mental disorder? Dr. Willa Litvack, a Calgary psychologist says, “People will say ‘I think I’m depressed, but I’m probably just normal.’ You might well be depressed, like one in 10 Canadians, and that is normal like having the flu is normal. But the fact is you are not well.” Just because you feel symptoms that could be associated with a mental health issue, it does not necessarily mean you have a mental disorder. For example, people who have lost a loved one often feel sad and despondent for many months, or even years; people can feel
moody because of circumstances, medication or hormone fluctuations. Neither of these scenarios may constitute a mental disorder diagnosis. But there are some signs to watch for (and ask your doctor about). Having a mental disorder is more than being extremely neat or feeling anxiety before the big game. According to Health Canada, mental disorders take the form of changes in thinking, mood or behaviour, or some combination of all three. The symptoms have a negative effect upon your daily life and last for an extended period of time. “Symptoms vary from person to person,” explains Litvack, and can range from mild to severe, depending on a variety of factors including the type of mental disorder, the person and their environment. “There is no one way to experience a mental disorder. For example, while typical symptoms of depression are feelings of sadness, not everyone who is depressed will act ‘sad.’ In some adults, and in many children and teens, depression manifests itself much more like anger or irritability.” There may even be physical symptoms, such as stomach aches. “The key is if you are stuck in the symptom, are not functioning adequately, or have lost interest in your normal activities, then you may be dealing with a mental illness.” Today’s health-care professionals often use a biopsychosocial model to gauge mental health. This model describes the complex ways in which our brains and body, psychol-
ogy and social environment interact to create a state of mental health — or mental disorder. The Internet is jammed with mental health information, both helpful and otherwise. Just as you wouldn’t diagnose yourself with diabetes or cancer (or dismiss symptoms that point to these illnesses), it’s important not to self-diagnose, or self-medicate, a mental disorder. Talking to your family physician or health-care professional when you are dealing with anything that concerns you is the first place to start. “In some cases, people are just dealing with burn-out and exhaustion, but it looks like depression,” says Litvack. “They have been going like the Energizer bunny and they can’t keep going. Either way, you have to get help to get better.” In the end, Christine visited her doctor only when her asthma symptoms increased. After asking some in-depth questions about her sleep and stress level, the doctor discovered that Christine was indeed burned out. And while she wasn’t diagnosed with a mental disorder, it was necessary for Christine to make some lifestyle changes before she was able to feel well again. If you or someone you care about is looking for help or just someone to talk to, call Access Mental Health at (403) 943-1500 or the Psychologists Association of Alberta Referral Service at 1-888-424-0297. *name has been changed fall 2011 / Balance 13
Real People
My life
with a mental disorder
Candace Watson shares the story of her life with bipolar disorder.
As told to Abby Miller
I
didn’t have my first episode with my disorder until I was in nursing school. Until then, I was a successful, “normal” girl. I had wonderful parents and excelled at school and sports. I thought I could do anything. In my third year of nursing school, things started to change. I started having panic attacks. I’d get really anxious and sweaty and felt like I was being electrocuted. There were some problems at home and my boyfriend had moved away to pursue his studies. I was also really questioning my religious faith. In the middle of all of this, I stopped sleeping. I stopped sleeping for two months. At that time, I was on a vacation with some friends and we decided to go mountain biking. Everything went wrong. We got caught in waist-high snow and ended up trying to retrace our path in the middle of the night. Panicked and crying, I started to pray to God to save us. When we did finally find our way back, I was sent into this high, like God had answered my prayers. I was exhilarated; I couldn’t believe how good I felt. After I got home from the trip, I just kept getting higher and higher. I was up all night dancing and singing. It was amazing and I just got higher and higher. By the end of the week, I started to think I was God.
14 Balance / fall 2011
One night, after I had started to preach the word of God to my family, they decided it was time to go to the hospital. I thought they were trying to hold me back and I had so much energy that it took about five or six of them to get me into the car.
time accepting it. Even when everyone else was convinced, I still wasn’t sure. They really are different things: being diagnosed and being convinced you have this disorder. I just kept thinking I didn’t want it to beat me. I have good years and bad years. Even
When I was first diagnosed, I had a hard time accepting it. They really are different things: being diagnosed and being convinced you have this disorder. I just kept thinking I didn’t want it to beat me. In the hospital, they gave me Lithium. From nursing school, I knew that was a medicine for bipolar disorder. I couldn’t believe it. I kept thinking, “That’s for bipolar disorder. I know that. I’m not taking that. I don’t have that.” I was devastated. I couldn’t understand how this could happen to me. And then I started to wonder, was I ever going to make it back to school? Was I ever going to have a family? Was I going to be sick for the rest of my life? It took a few more years, and a few more painful episodes, before I was officially diagnosed with bipolar disorder. In that time, I had gone back to school, graduated at the top of my class, gotten married and moved to the States to be with my husband. When I was first diagnosed, I had a hard
now, being a nurse and having three kids, it is still a struggle. You get tired of fighting with the disorder. But I just continue to work at it. I was diagnosed in 1995 and I didn’t start speaking out about my story until 10 or 11 years later. It took that long to get to the point where I could. When people first meet me, they don’t think I can be sick, that I can be suicidal or be delusional. When I do share my story, most people are surprised. “Wow,” they say, “I had no idea.” Speaking out has been very healing for me and I really think that a lot of people just need to be educated about mental disorders. Anyone can develop a mental disorder, but it doesn’t have to stop you. It’s been tough but it hasn’t stopped me.
nual
h An The 7t
Proceeds from this event go to Canadian Mental Health Association - Calgary Region’s Youth Education program and the Mathew Gilbert Scholarship at SAIT!
Thank you! for riding in memory of Mathew Gilbert to raise awareness about youth depression.
Over $10,000 was raised for the CMHA Calgary Region Youth Education program!
For more information
call 403.265.6287 (403.265.MATS) visit www.matsride.org visit www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca
Help reduce stigma by talking about mental illness. LEARN by visiting our website.
www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca SPEAK OUT by joining us on Facebook.
facebook.com/cmhacalgaryregion GET HELP if you need it.
www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca/resources Mental Illness Awareness Week is October 2-8, 2011. For more information visit www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca fall 2011 / Balance 15
Thank you to our donors We thank everyone whose generous spirit of giving enabled us to provide our community with SUPPORT • ADVOCACY • AWARENESS
Thank you
Thank you to all our donors who furthered our mission in 2010-2011 through their philanthropic contributions including: Individuals Alger, Lois Andrew, Darren Androsoff, Stephen & Heather Anonymous Donors Baldwin, Joel Baxter, Robert Benjamin, Ronald Bogle, Edward & Nancy Booth, Robert & Kathleen Buchanan, Murray & Catherine Burzminski, Denise Clark, Stephen Cullen, Malcolm Dalby, Ron & Elsie Davidson, Gerald & Barbara Dranse, Phil Duckett, Michael & Sue Eden, Martin & Sally Engman, Alwon & Joan Findlay, Randy & Claudia Fulbrook, Nikki Hames, Danelle Hannam, Chris & Melissa Haskayne, Lois & Richard Hunt, David Hursh, Carolyn Kenyon, John & Ordella Leduc, John & Cynthia Liviniuk, Violet Maddison, David & Yvonne Mannas, Michael & Carol Markin, Allan Martin, W. Earl McArthur, Debra McIntyre, Phyllis McKenzie, Donald & Jean Morand, Michael & Laura Moutinho, Suzy Nyrose, Darren Pachkowski, Bruce & Branca Palazeti, John Pinckston, Robert & Elizabeth
Poelzer, Louise & Ron Porter, Edwin Raedler, Thomas Reid, Diana Smyth, Ann Stewart, Mary Lynn Tye, Bill & June Vandenbrink, Antonie & Kathleen Watson, Mike & Patricia Way, William & Heather Westcott, Ronald & Norma Organizations Air Canada Alberta 785764 Alberta Centre for Injury Control & Research Alberta Culture and Community Spirit Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission Alberta Health Services Alberta Lottery Fund Along River Ridge Bed & Breakfast Andrew J. Graham Professional Corporation Anonymous Donors ARC Resources Ltd. ATB Financial ATCO Energy Solutions ATCO Power Avanti Software BFL Canada Bouvry Exports Calgary Ltd. Calgary Exhibition & Stampede Calgary Heavy Truck Centre Calgary Learns Calgary Public Teachers, ATA Local 38 Calgary Stampede Downtown Attractions Breakfast Committee Cambium Woodwork (2005) Ltd. Canadian Tire, Richmond Road Canadian Traffic Network
CMHA - Calgary Region Suite 400, 1202 Centre Street SE Calgary, Alberta T2G 5A5
Candesto Enterprises Inc. Carstairs & District Community Chest CEDA International Corporation Cenovus Employee Foundation Cenovus Energy ClearView Plumbing & Heating Ltd. Collins Barrow Calgary LLP CORK, Fine Wine, Liquor and Ale Country Pleasures Fly Shop CTV Television Inc. Deerfield Ranch Winery Dr. Lefebre MD & Associates Medical Weight Control Clinic (since 1988) Element IWS EnCana Cares Foundation EnCana Corporation J.K.Esler and Annemarie Schmid Esler Family Trust at The Calgary Foundation Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Family & Community Support Services Fedmet Tubulars First Calgary Financial FirstEnergy Capital Corp Flair Foundation Fluor United Way Campaign GLJ Petroleum Consultants Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Great-West Life Assurance Company Hamilton + Partners Inc Hillhurst Rebekah Lodge #116 Hotel Le Germain Hugessen Consulting Inc. I’m For Kids, Inc Imperial Oil Foundation Indgion Holdings Ltd Intact Insurance Inter Pipeline Fund Invesco Trimark
Phone: (403) 297-1700 Fax: (403) 270-3066
Lupi Custom Development Inc. Mackenzie Financial Services Ltd. Macquarie Group Foundation Ltd. Marshman Enterprises Mat’s Ride: The Journey to End Youth Depression Movac Mobile Vacuum Services Ltd. Nexen Inc. NOtaBLE Restaurant Penn West Exploration Pipella and Company Barristers & Solicitors Pyramus Consulting Inc. RBC Foundation RBC Royal Bank Reggin Technical Services Ltd Ronald P. Yager Professional Corporation Acct See Your Game Shell Canada Limited Smithbilt Hats Inc. Spartan Controls Ltd Spolumbo’s Fine Foods and Deli Standard Community Chest Students Union University of Calgary Sun Life Financial Suncor Energy Foundation TELUS TransCanada Trotter & Morton Ltd. Tundra Engineering Associates Ltd United Way of Calgary and Area - Donor Choice Program VanderLeek Law Vantage Point Investment Management INC. West Canadian Digital Imaging Inc. Western Financial Group
www.cmha.calgary.ab.ca www.gotabrain.ca