Stigma Magazine Fall 2015

S

A Voice For The Voiceless.

tigma

STOP STIGMA SOBRIETY & RECOVERY:

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September/October 2015 Stigma Magazine is one of Canada’s premier magazines addressing the needs of the 1 in 5 people who experience a mental illness or substance use problem in their lifetime. Stigma presents informative, and inspiring articles that show readers not just how to deal with their mental health and addiction, but how to enjoy a healthy life style.

Publisher: Luke de Leseleuc Creative Director: Julia Breese Contact: info@stigmamagazine.com www.stigmamagazine.com 250.508.8562

Published by:

CONTENTS

S

9 11 14 17 22 25 28 30 32 34 37 39 41 44 47

A Smile Like the Sun...................................

Calming the Mind.....................................

Sobriety and Recovery ..........................

Stop Stigma...........................................

Kindness: Are you up for the challenge?..

Staring at the Crossroads......................

Hope: How Do You Find It?...................

Project Semicolon...............................

Intervention.........................................

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders......................

Secondary PTSD...................................

Reaching into the Darkness..................

A Socially Minded Hockey Team.............

Recovering Lives ................................

My Innermost Self................................

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 1

Join Healthy Minds Canada at our 10th Anniversary Silver Dinner November 19th, 2015 | The Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto Healthy Minds Canada (118835420RR0001) is a national charity that raises funds to support research and education in mental illness and addictions.

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2 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

Best Life Rewarded

The Birks Family Foundation

FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the first edition of Stigma Magazine. While

in shedding light on stigma related to mental health and

this is very much Luke’s baby, I’m happy to be on board to

addiction.

help create a resource for people whose lives are affect-

Stigma is a powerful force that affects us all, whether we

ed by substance use and mental health issues. After all,

are aware of it or not. As a society, we need to move

who among us hasn’t had someone we love face a crisis

towards meeting people where they are at and giving

related to these things—or had to overcome obstacles of

them the support they need. I hope that these writings

our own?

by Luke, Chris, Pete, Cassie and others help us take a step

In this first issue, you will read personal accounts of recov-

in the right direction.

ery journeys, interviews with people with lived experience, and inspirational musings and advice on how to be our best selves. Each of these pieces plays an important role

Amanda Farrell-Low STIGMA MAGAZINE | 3

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FROM THE PUBLISHER Dear Friends,

and bloggers. We’ll be constantly updating content and

Stigma Magazine is a dream of mine that began in a

providing new links and services so that our viewers can

treatment centre not too long ago. It started while I was

have access to important news, events, and relevant ar-

writing a daily blog about my struggles, successes, hopes

ticles.

and dreams for the future. It was during this low point of

The stories and people that I have met in Stigma mag-

my life that I discovered how many obstacles are faced

azine and on stigmamagazine.com have inspired me. I

by those of us who are trying to change our lives, and the

hope the same holds true for you our readers.

stigma that is often attached to people like us.

We are striving to be a trusted resource—a source to be

About half way into my journey, I discovered this is the

a voice for the voiceless and to help people have another

path I am destined to take. My hope is that our readers

outlet. Stigma only grows in the dark, and I want people

and the people visiting us online will be encouraged to

to be feeling great after they’ve read the magazine.

find their own paths and to embrace their new journey.

We are striving to bring you a pool and up to date roster of informed, provocative and entertaining writers

Peace and wellness,

Luke de Leseleuc STIGMA MAGAZINE | 5

6 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

The goal of the Be You Promise is to educate and generate awareness among Canadians through inspiring hope and health, to live a successful, fulfilled and fun life without abusing drugs or alcohol.

By taking the Be You Promise, I am making the choice to lead a healthy life and set the example for my family and friends.

I promise to be the best me possible by not using illict drugs and by practicing moderation or abstinence in the use of alcohol.

Name

Email

Signature

Date

Comments

Share my promise on the CTF website Suite 703 -1803 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC, V8T 5C3 E BeYou@CTFnet.org | P 778.746.7799 | TF 866.238.3077

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 7

In a world where winning meant everything, she was her biggest competitor.

A raw but life-affirming story of one woman’s struggle with depression, Open Heart, Open Mind is Clara Hughes’s personal journey through physical and mental pain to a life where love and understanding can thrive.

Open Heart , Open Mind

CLARA HUGHES Available wherever books are sold

September 8 8 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

Simon & Schuster Canada | simonandschustercanada.ca | clara-hughes.com

Andrew’s Corner

A SMILE LIKE THE SUN

By Cassie Hooker

L

ET ME TELL YOU ABOUT JILL. Jill is a 5-year-old au-

Despite her struggles, Jill has a smile bright as the sun

tistic child who loves horses with all her heart. She

and warm enough to melt an iceberg. She is both deli-

recently started equine-assisted therapy at a local

cate and strong. Inside her lives the spirit of a lioness.

farm. In a typical session, she picks a horse to groom, ride,

Really, there’s not much that can put out the fire in her

and play games with. You see, horses are natural thera-

little heart. Not much, that is, but those five things. Off

pists. The rhythm of their muscles has a calming effect

the farm, Jill still has problems with those triggers; on the

that enables a person with autism to focus. The horse’s

farm, it was different. She could brush a horse’s mane and

physical characteristics also safely stimulate one’s tactile

tail, pick loose hairs off, handle their hay, and ride them

senses, drawing them out of their shell and helping them

through long grasses. While on top of a horse, she is on

develop communication skills.

top of the world.

Like many autistic children, Jill has sensory difficulties.

From her very first ride, she was in love. She could

For her, these manifest as a fear of seedy dandelions,

hardly wait for her Friday sessions. At the farm, there are

feathers, long grasses, loose hairs and threads. Every time

several horses who provide different types of equine-as-

she sees one of these things, Jill backs away fearfully and

sisted therapy, ranging from miniature horses who stand

cries. If one brushes against her, she has a a meltdown —

no higher than three feet to huge Percherons who stand

screaming, crying, and flailing. She will do anything just

taller than 5’8” at their shoulders. One of the ponies, Crys-

to get away from whatever sets her off — even walk into

tal, is a delicate white mare with a loving nature as warm

traffic.

as Jill’s heart. She loves children and is just Jill’s size. One

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 9

day, her therapist at her side, Jill rode Crystal around the field, over to a little cottage and a decrepit shed overgrown with ivy.

As mentioned, there aren’t many things that will set Jill off. A fern will do it, though. And it was a fern, which somehow somehow found itself wrapped around her arm during that ride, that led to one of Jill’s most epic meltdowns — a screaming, crying, flailing event that made her jump off Crystal’s back and onto her unsuspecting therapist, breaking her arm in the process.

It wasn’t until the following morning, when Jill couldn’t lift her arm, that her parents knew it was even broken.

Like many other autistic children, Jill has difficulty expressing herself. So, in the middle of her meltdown, she was unable to say she was in pain, much less try to relay what happened.

Breaking an arm while riding a horse might dampen any child’s desire to ride again. After that session, neither her therapist nor her parents thought Jill would want to come back to the farm, much less go back to riding. They talked to her about the incident, explained what was wrong, and encouraged her by saying that, at her next session, she could pick any horse she wanted.

When it was time for her next weekly session, it would have seemed like nothing was wrong with Jill if it weren’t for the sling. She carried on as she always did: with a big smile and enough vim and vigour to make the Energizer Bunny jealous.

Crystal isn’t very big, even as far as ponies go. Her head might come up to the shoulder of an average person.

She’s not the smallest member of the farm, but she is far from the biggest; that particular honour belongs to a huge grey Percheron named Viktor. Standing roughly 5’8” at the shoulder, he is almost twice as tall as Crystal, and easily three times as big all around.

And Jill wanted to ride him.

That Friday, as Jill sat upon the back of the huge horse, she looked like a tiny Lego figure compared to the animal under her. With her bright pink riding helmet and arm sling, Jill sported a proud smile that put the sun to shame.

Not even a broken arm could dim her spirit or take away her love of horses. To this day, she continues her therapy sessions and builds herself a bright future.

10 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

CALMING the

MIND

By Julia Breese

I

T’S ALL IN THE MIND. WE ARE WHAT WE THINK.

this rewiring our brains towards recovery doesn’t happen

These are powerful statements we have likely all heard

just by thinking we want to change. If anything it happens

but how does they relate to someone in recovery? Can

by letting go of thinking, accepting things are they are

an individual really just think their way out of substance

and allowing ourselves be in the present moment, even if

abuse? When I was struggling with addiction several well

that moment is uncomfortable or challenging. In my case

meaning friends suggested this approach. Their advice

I needed to be shown how to do this. It was certainly not

left me feeling even more helpless. I wanted to get better

something I had been taught in school despite it being

but I was out of control. It was if my mind had been hi-

a skill that all of us could benefit from whether we have

jacked, replaced by someone else’s thoughts, much dark-

struggled with mental health/addiction issues or not.

er ones than I had experienced before. I couldn’t just think

Below are a few of the practical tools I learned during

my way out of my predicament. I needed help. Thankfully

my own recovery. These scientifically backed techniques

I was aided by a marvellous yoga teacher, Carly Forest,

helped reduce my cravings and brought a greater sense

whose patience and guidance greatly assisted me during

of ease and hope into my life.

my recovery.

A prevailing view of substance abuse is that it’s a disease

Tips to calm the nervous system

of the brain. In many ways this statement rings true but

•

Relax your eyes, cheeks, forehead. Unclench your jaw

what it often neglects to address is how much power the

allowing a slight gap to come between the teeth. Let

individual has to rewire their own brain chemistry. How-

your face become smooth and soft.

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 11

•

•

Scan your body, noticing any areas of tension or

the present calms the nervous system and increas-

holding. With each exhale invite those areas to re-

es our ability to self regulate. Techniques to practice

lease.

mindfulness include:

Feel the tension draining out of your body and

•

Noticing the breath: Feel the texture and pace of

sinking down into the earth.

your breathing, the rise and falling sensation with

•

Sigh, more than once if needed.

each inhale and exhale.

•

Run warm water over your hands.

•

Starting with 10 count backwards quietly inside

feeling the movement of your feet and legs, the

your head, on each exhale moving onto the next

sensation of touch on the bottoms of your feet as

number until you reach 0.

they come in contact with the earth.

•

• Belly breathing Find a comfortable position, either seated or lying down. Notice your breath. Let your breath

Walking meditation: Notice the feet as you walk,

Quieting the mind: Sit or lay quietly, letting the body become still. Become aware of your thoughts without following any story line or getting caught up in what the thoughts mean.

become smooth and even. Place

As each thought comes gently

your hand on your belly. Notice

exhale the thought, releas-

how much the hand moves

ing it. Notice if there is

with each inhale and exhale

any pause or periods of

when you breathe normal-

quiet in the mind be-

ly. Take a few deep in-

tween

thoughts.

It

hales through your nose

is important when

pulling the breath low

doing this practice

into your body, letting

to be patient and

the belly expand. Your

non-judgmental.

hand should move a

The average per-

little further back and

son thinks 90,000

forth with this altera-

thoughts

tion in the breath. Do

so our minds are

at least four of these full

accustomed to be-

belly breaths. The hand

ing very busy! Just

can be removed from

as

the belly as you continue

practice

not forceful. The goal is to create

need become

becoming

qui-

et. Compassion and a gentle

full diaphragm breaths without adding point brings feeling of tightness or anxiety release

to

day

stronger our brains need

should be deep and long but

tension to the body. If this exercise at any

muscles

practice

breathing. The belly breath

a

playful approach are helpful when it comes to practicing present moment awareness.

the belly breath, returning to a calm natural breath.

Julia Breese is a Yoga Therapist living in the Greater Mindfulness

Victoria area. She specializes in teaching yoga to those

Present moment awareness can reduce feelings of

recovering from trauma, mental health issues and ad-

anxiety, stress, and panic. Bringing your attention to

diction. Learn more at www.garudayoga.ca

12 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE WITH YOGA We offer private therapeutic yoga sessions to soothe your nervous system, reduce cravings and bring a greater sense of ease and comfort into your life.

Call 778-265-3916 for more information

G A RUDA

YOG A www.garudayoga.ca • 778.265.3916 • julia@garudayoga.ca

Sooke Therapeutic

Yoga Society Sooke Therapeutic Yoga Society offers free Health & Wellness programs to assist those dealing with cancer, trauma issues, addictions, etc., as well as offering yoga for kids and teens. The Society also offers prenatal yoga and noon-time yoga by donation. To attend these sessions or learn more please call 250.642.9642

250.642.9642 www.sookeyoga.com

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 13

&

Sobriety Recovery

what’s the difference?

14 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

“

RECOVERY OFFERS YOU A LIFELONG, WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE OF GIVING YOUR LIFE YOUR BEST SHOT EVERY DAY. LIFE ISN’T ABOUT JUST NOT USING ON A DAILY BASIS, IT IS ABOUT HAVING THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE THAT WE CALL LIFE!

“

Sobriety and Recovery, so what’s the difference?

We hear these two words a lot at meetings, but do we actually know the differences between these two con-

walk the walk, and talk the talk. We have to start attending meetings on a regular basis. We have to start and follow a plan of sobriety.

cepts? Now there’s a big difference between sobriety

A sober person knows that the road to recovery is more

and recovery. You can’t be in recovery without being so-

than just saying to ourselves that today we are abstain-

ber, but you can be sober without being in recovery.

ing… We realize that sobriety is not a finite destination, but it is the journey of the rest of our lives. Though time

So What Are the Differences?

consuming and labor intensive, we know it is the best

Entering and growing in recovery or working on sobriety

path to take and be on.

is much different than abstinence, simply stopping the use of drugs and alcohol. Becoming sober is a process,

Now Let’s Talk About Recovery…

not an event. Some people enter treatment, complete it,

Recovery is working through the issues that caused you

and believe they are done; and that is not what it is. So

to drink and use drugs. It is also realizing that drugs and

let’s take a look at the two…

alcohol were the solution to the problem and not the problem themselves. So if you look at the picture that we

Let’s Talk About Sobriety…

call recovery… It’s all about changing our behavior.

Sobriety really just means that you are sober. You have

Recovery really means… Healing. Recovery is all about

made a decision to not use… You have decided to put

learning to love our selves, and others. It’s about finding

your drug of choice down. Sobriety is just about changing

peace. While we are in recovery we are continually striv-

your drinking and using habits. Sober or clean really just

ing to become a better person.

means what the two words say… clean and sober. In so-

Recovery is also about owning up to our actions… our

briety we recognize that we have more character defects

rights and wrongs… it’s also about giving up the victim

than we could list and that our addiction has masked our

role. While we are in recovery we have to do some serious

inability to cope with and confront life as it is. So now that

soul searching and we have to start making amends to

we have given up our addiction, we also have to do a lot

people that we have hurt along the way… I can only speak

of work on ourselves. There is a lot of catching up to do.

for myself, but saying I am sorry just doesn’t cut it. How

This is just the beginning.

many times have we said we were sorry just so that we

We also have to recognize that we can’t do this alone. We

could manipulate the situation to try and get something

have to start taking part in a fellowship of people who

out of it? We have to own it… and… mean it.

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 15

Recovery is so much more than just putting your drug of choice down. Anyone can put the drugs and drink away for a day and call themselves clean and sober, but not everyone can say they are in recovery.

Not everyone can say they have begun the journey to better themselves.

So whatever it is that you are doing to make yourself better each day, and whatever you are doing to put behind you the person you were while using… then you are in recovery.

You are healing. You are getting better.

Recovery is… all about action.

Recovery offers you a lifelong, wonderful experience of

Recovery is… something we work on daily

giving your life your best shot… every day. Life isn’t about

Recovery is… all about becoming a better person emo-

just not using on a daily basis, it is about having the hu-

tionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually while being

man experience that we call LIFE!

sober.

Of course recovery wouldn’t be possible if you weren’t

Recovery isn’t… a one-time thing.

sober first, so staying sober is one of the most important

Recovery is… a lifelong journey

factors for recovery, but it isn’t the only one. Recovery is an individual experience of getting better… So keep get-

So can you see where we are going with all of this?

ting better and feel free to write us your stories of healing.

Not all pain is physical.

Don’t deal with depression alone.

Let us help you.

Vancouver Island Crisis Line:

1-888-494-3888

16 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

stop stigma

By Luke de Leseleuc

To many, it’s an ugly, dirty word. To others, it has become a label, one that is negatively portrayed by the media and Hollywood. It’s like a cancer that is growing out of control.

Speaking of cancer, did you know that decades ago, people didn’t talk about it? Cancer might as well have been a four-letter word. But as people began to discuss it, good things started to happen: More research was funded, new diagnostic tests and treatments were developed, more people were screened (often earlier), and more patients got the emotional support they needed. More lives were saved.

The same thing needs to be done with mental health.

Let’s face it and call it out for what it is. I’ve seen good things happen when shame is erased and people feel free to seek treatment. But the reality is more research is needed. Finding and developing new assessments and treatments are vital, because early help is a key to minimizing the disruptive nature of mental illness. Everyone on this planet deserves to live a productive, fulfilling life. The lives of our brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, children and grandchildren, friends and neighbours — they are all at stake. So it’s time to stop the stigma that has attached itself like a leech to people who are experiencing mental health issues.

But stigma is not only attached to people with mental health; many people experience stigma for multiple reasons They may experience discrimination based on many different prejudices, such as living with HIV/AIDS, being affected by an eating disorder, their sexual orientation, a physical disabilities, an addiction — the list goes on. People who already face discrimination for any reason may find it even harder to get help for mental health or substance use problems or find services that meet their needs.

So how do we change it? How do we stop the negative momentum surrounding stigma?

The first step is to have a willingness to listen; come with an open mind and start the conversation. We need to stop labeling people; labels may be good for bottles, but the human brand doesn’t need any labeling.

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 17

HOW CAN WE STOP THE STIGMA? • Know the facts and educate yourself about mental health problems.

Learn what the issues are instead of what the myth says.

• Start being aware of your attitudes and behaviors; we’ve all grown up with prejudices and judgmental thinking. But we can change the way we think. See people as unique human beings, not as labels or stereotypes. See the person beyond their mental illness; they have many other personal attributes that do not disappear just because they also have a mental health issue.

• Choose your words carefully; it is important to know that the way we speak can affect the way other people think and speak. Don’t use hurtful or derogatory language.

• Find opportunities to pass on facts and positive attitudes about people with mental health problems. If your friends, family, co-workers or even the media present information that is not true, challenge their myths and stereotypes. Let them know how their negative words and incorrect descriptions affect people with mental health problems by keeping false ideas alive.

• Focus on the positive, not the negative. People with mental health and substance use problems make valuable contributions to society.

Their health problems are just one part of who they are. We’ve all heard the negative stories. Let’s recognize and applaud the positive ones.

• Be supportive and treat people who have mental health problems with dignity and respect. Think about how you’d like others to act toward you if you were in the same situation. If you have family members, friends or co-workers with substance use or mental health problems, support their positive choices and encourage their efforts to get well.

Everyone needs to be included in the conversation; In Canada, it is against the law for employers and people who provide services to discriminate against people with mental health and substance use problems. Denying people access to things such as jobs, housing and health care, which the rest of us take for granted, is a violation of human rights. People with mental health and substance use problems have a right to take an equal part in society. Let’s make sure that happens. We need your help to change attitudes. We need your help to stop the stigma that stops people from seeking help. It’s time to stop stigma; it only grows in the dark!

18 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

MICHAEL LANDSBERG A MAN ON A MISSION

By Luke de Leseleuc

M

ICHAEL LANDSBERG MAKES NO SECRET OF his histo-

to go for help.

ry with depression. The popular sports journalist

LDL: So when you did have that eureka moment, did any-

and host of TSN’s Off the Record was diagnosed

one around you say that they noticed that something was

with depression more than 17 years ago and Landsberg

wrong with you?

considers his ability to help reduce the stigma of mental

ML: Yeah, I think there were periods of times over the six

illness his most important professional calling. His

months where my wife had said, “I think you’re just not

message for those who are struggling with mental

yourself, you’ve changed into something that clearly isn’t

health issues is a positive and bold statement, “We

something where you want to be.” So it was perfectly ob-

are sick, not weak!”

I recently had the privilege of talking with Micheal.

vious when it hit me! Now I look back and go, “How stupid was I, especially with my wife telling me, ‘You know you don’t seem like yourself.’”

But there’s also the opposite of that, where other people

Luke de Leseluec: When did you know it

don’t see what we see, because we don’t let them. You see,

was time to seek help and how did you

at the beginning, over a period of time when I had been

dispel the stigma with your friends,

diagnosed and began treatment, I didn’t have to wear the

family, and coworkers?

mask, because I didn’t know that I needed to cover up.

Michael Landsberg: Well, I’ve been sick for about 17 years now, and it

LDL: I’ve read that after you did the show with [former

took me about six months to come

NHLer] Stephane Richer [where you both spoke about

to the realization that I was sick, as

your struggles with depression], you realized that after re-

opposed to really not understanding

ceiving a dozen emails that you had the power within you

it. I think that almost everybody goes

to touch lives, possibly change lives, and maybe even save

through this phase. Depression for most

lives. How has this changed your life?

people doesn’t hit you instantly; it kind of seeps into

ML: There’s no question that it’s changed the direction of

your system, tiny bit by tiny bit, and you think the bath

my life. It’s a branch in the road. So, pre Stephane Richer, I

water is really warm and nice and then 10 minutes later

was doing a job and largely living my life in neutral. When

you go, “Wow, it’s cold in here,” but you didn’t notice

it comes to mankind, most of us in our jobs are neutral; we

it changing. I had an “It’s cold in here” moment. How didn’t I realize that this was happening? I had turned into a totally different person, a totally different view o f the world — and a totally different level of happiness.

That was 17 years ago. That’s when I realized that I had

don’t do anything good, we don’t do anything bad, we are just helping to allow the planet to function, whether you are driving a bus or you’re hosting a sports talk show.

After receiving those emails, I realized that I had the ability to impact people...a branch in the road. So now I’m going

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 19

off into two separate directions; my life really is divided

you always wage war against a different opponent if you

into two. What am I doing for my day-to-day job? What

believe the stigma.

am I doing to help others with this horrible thing that is the worst thing that I’ve ever experienced in my life, which

LDL: We have a statement that we use here at Stigma

now has become one of the best things? Would I trade it

Magazine that says, “Stigma only grows in the dark.” There

all in? Would I wipe out the depression that I’ve suffered,

have been a lot of tragedies in the celebrity world. What

and give up all the good things I’ve done? Absolutely 100

impact do you think those tragedies are having in helping

percent! But now I get to impact peoples lives. So how

to raise the awareness of mental health?

has it changed my life? It’s given me greater self worth, it’s

ML: I would say that a resounding yes, there are still people

given me a greater versatility in my life and a chance to do

that are hiding. I would say that when someone like Robin

all kinds of different things.

Williams dies of his mental illness, there is, first of all, without question, massive publicity. There’s massive aware-

LDL: What frustrates you the most about the stigma?

What can we do to change people’s perception of it?

ML: One of the things is that we have to acknowledge it.

That may seem like a silly thing to say, but the fact is that everybody is talking about stigma. I’ve stood in front of — now this is a random number — 10,000 people, giving live speeches in the last two years, and I’ve asked the question, tal illness different than a physical illness? How many people here see mental illness at least slightly self imposed, and at least a slight reflection of a persons weakness, as opposed to something like cancer?” I don’t think anyone has

someone like — could there be a better example than him?

Where you go, “Wow, really? Robin Williams?”

I’m not putting myself into a category of anyone but myself, but, in the same vein, I’ve done about 400 TV shows [while] feeling desperately sick — and I could list you the symptoms of that desperate sickness — yet not one person has ever said to me after doing one of those shows,

“

I’VE DONE ABOUT 400 TV SHOWS FEELING DESPERATELY SICK YET NOT ONE PERSON HAS EVER SAID TO ME AFTER DOING ONE OF THOSE SHOWS, “ARE YOU OKAY?”

“

“How many people here see men-

ness that depression can be masked. That it’s possible for

ever said, “Well, you are weak because you have cancer.”

Do you know I’ve never seen one person raise their hand?

We all acknowledge the fact that there’s this terrible stigma, and yet everybody sees everybody else as the people to blame. First and foremost, there has to be an acknowledgment by people, and there has to be an acknowledg-

“Are you okay?” So I think the positive affect is that they raise the profile of the illness. They show us to a large extent that people who are really strong, when they are taken down by the illness the feeling of many is that, “Well if it could take them down and they are strong, maybe it’s not about

weakness.” So there’s some positives that come from that big negative.

LDL: I am going to switch gears a little bit on you, I see that on you are promoting the message to “Get ready to fight for your happiness” on the Sick not Weak website. Tell us

ment by corporate Canada.

a little about that and when can we expect to see the site

The other most damaging aspect of the stigma is not what

up and running?

you think of me, it’s what I think of me. The most damaging act of the stigma is when I hear from people who I would never hear from or would never share because they are so deeply in the closet! But those that do share and say, “I am just so ashamed and embarrassed. I can’t tell people at work, I can’t tell my family.” The only person that perhaps knows would be a doctor — which is a good thing; that means they are getting help. But you will still always battle;

20 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

ML: I am focused to have sicknotweak.com launched in the fall (2015). This initiative, its sole purpose is to raise awareness and lower the stigma — I guess that’s two purposes.

But it’s not about fundraising, it’s not about giving money for research; it’s about people sharing, about creating a community—because once you become part of that community, you gain the strength of the community. While you

think you are withdrawing strength

sion. I don’t like the term mental illness.

from the community, you presence in

I’ve said this before. There’s a very good

the community gives the community

friend of mine who’s on the show a lot,

strength, and grows the community.

Steve Ludzik. Steve Ludzik has an illness

For me, it’s all about creating this

of his brain called Parkinson’s. Why does

community of people who have never

he have an illness of his brain called Par-

shared their mental illness, but are willing to be part of an anonymous community. It’s for those who have done

I ’M

FI NE

kinson’s, and I have a mental illness called depression? I have a physical illness of my brain, but as soon as you throw the

some sharing but still feel like they are

word mental in there, the stigma kicks

weak, still feel like they are somehow

in. My message for anybody is that, if

to blame for their illness — and third,

you’ve never shared before, I know what

the largest group, are the people that love someone who

you’re feeling. You’re feeling hopelessness and loneliness

is struggling with the illness and have no idea what to do

because you’ve done the same thing for a long time and

about it. No idea where to turn to, and no one to talk to.

you’ve suffered with this illness. When you suffer from

At the last five speaking engagements I’ve asked this

something day after day, you become hopeless. There’s

question: How many people in this room — let’s say there

one way to gain hope and that’s to change something.

is 500 people — how many people in the room suffer from

I tell people who are really in a bad place, who’ve been

the same illness? Largely depression, but anxiety as well.

there for a long time, that when we hang up the phone,

I’m talking about major shit here, not “Some days I am kind

you need to do something proactive! What can you do to

of down.” I’m talking about debilitating; I’m talking about

take the first step towards getting help? When you do that

life threatening. I would say that out of the 500, there are

and you change something, you really get a bit of hope,

15 people that put up their hands. We all know there’s

change is hope. So I think that’s the number one thing.

more people out there, but I also say this: “I am going to

The number two thing is the sense of loneliness; no one

give you my email address right now.” I can guarantee you

understands me, no one feels this, this is just me. You don’t

that if we gathered here tomorrow, I would say to you that

find out how many people feel the same way, who under-

I got five emails last night from people who would say, “I

stand you the same way, until you share. Sharing is a skill;

wanted to raise my hand but couldn’t do it with the people around me.”

The second question is, of the 500 in the room, how many of you can say that you don’t care about a loved one, or feel responsible for someone, with the kind of mental illness that I am talking about? I would say that the majority of times, not one person puts up their hand. Every single

for me, it was easy. The amount of bravery to share my illness on the biggest stage? Zero. The amount of bravery needed for me to go into an old elevator into an old building? Massive! So if it scares you, and you are keeping it inside because you have this fear of people finding out, you will always be lonely. Find one person to start with, and and you will find that there is a whole community of people out there who get you.

person is touched by it. If so many people are touched by

Michael Landsberg has been an ambassador for Bell Let’s

it, why are there so few people who appear to have it? My

Talk, an initiative focused on raising awareness and encour-

goal is to change the life of one person in Canada. One

aging dialogue about mental health. In 2013, Landsberg’s

person. That’s all I’m shooting for.

documentary, Darkness and Hope: Depression, Sports and

Me, was nominated for a 2013 Canadian Screen Award for LDL: If you were to send out a message of hope to the

Best Biography Documentary Program or Series.

people who are suffering and who are still hiding behind their illness, what would you tell them?

ML: There are two aspects and two symptoms of depres-

MICHAEL LANDSBERG’S WEBSITE SICK NOT WEAK, IS ONLINE AT WWW,SICKNOTWEAK.COM

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 21

KINDNESS

ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?

By Luke de Leseleuc

I’ve been reflecting on this journey called life and thinking about

We set up the game and away we went.

a valuable lesson my grandmother taught me when I was around

I was buying all of the properties I could get my hands on. My

11 or 12 years old… I think? (Hey, I am getting older and so is

Monopoly empire was growing bigger and bigger and then — tah

my memory).

dah — the magical moment arrived. I won. My grandmother had

I used to visit my grandmother on Sundays. And on most of

finally conceded! I finally did it! It was my moment to rub it in.

these Sundays, we would play Monopoly. Every time we would

Here I am, jumping up and down, enjoying every minute of it. I

play, I would try to beat her — but it never happened. My grand-

am making fun of her, teasing her, and just gloating in this sweet

mother was the champ; she always won. One day, I discovered

moment of victory.

the key to winning wasn’t about how much money you have,

But there’s my grandmother, looking at me as if it was no big

but how many properties you owned. Once I figured that out,

deal. Then it happened: she quietly looked at me and said some-

I decided to practice against my friends and when I consistently

thing that I would never forget.

beat them, I would be ready to de-throne Grandma the Champ.

One cold Sunday afternoon in winter, my grandmother asked

“Luke, at the end of the game, the game goes back into the box.”

me to play a game of Monopoly. A huge grin came across my face

I thought to myself, “What is she talking about?” I stood there

as I said to her, “Sure, Grandma.” In the back of my mind I was

for a minute thinking about what she said. It got real quiet, then

thinking to myself, “It’s over Grandma. You are so going down.”

she took it a step further.

22 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

She looked me right in the eyes and said, “Luke, it’s not about how much money you have, how many houses you own, how

the

many cars that you drive, or how much stuff that you have that

time

matters in life. It’s all about how you treat your family, your

to put

friends, and the people you don’t even know. It’s about caring for

myself

people who are struggling and being there for a friend, or some-

the minds and hearts of

one that is struggling with something.”

others; doing or saying some-

Now I was really confused. Then she took a step and got a bit

into

thing nice without expecting anything

closer — that’s when I knew that she was about to say something

back. But guess what? I’ve always gotten

really important — and she said it.

something in return for being kind.

“Because at the end of our life, we go into a box.” She smiled and walked away as if nothing had ever happened.

The key to understanding begins with the seed of compassion.

Sounds simple, right? So why don’t we do it?

I was stunned. All I remember of that moment is that I got

We can sometimes be in too much of a rush to be kind, par-

really quiet; I guess I was shocked. I was in the middle of doing

ticularly when we’re dealing with deadlines and pressures. Can

my winning dance celebration when suddenly it didn’t feel like

you think of a time when you brushed passed a certain situation

that anymore. But it gave me something to think about. It gave

and later regretted it? Where you felt afterward that you should

me a new perspective on what is important in life.

have lent a helping hand, no matter how big or small?

In light of my grandmother’s life lesson of 40-some-odd years ago, today I would like talk about kindness.

Kindness may sometimes be put to the bottom of our to-do list when we feel a desperate need to survive, which seems to be more

Did you know there is a World Kindness Day? This year it is

the norm in this modern world. Many of us have lost our jobs,

celebrated on November 13th. It was actually introduced by the

are renting our homes from the banks, and are just scraping by

Kindness Movement in 1998. (Learn more about its origins on

the next paycheque to have the daily necessities. The real paradox

its Wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Kind-

here is that now is the time we need to be kind to one another

ness_Day.)

because we need each other more than ever. Just take a good look

You can compare kindness to Kindergarten: we learn it early

around you.

on in life, we grow up and forget about it, and then we get older

So here is my challenge to all of you who are willing to take it

and wiser, and suddenly remember it. We remember that simple,

on: do a random act of kindness once a day for the next 30 days.

everyday kindness is essential in what we call this human life. We

Some of you might be thinking, “That’s impossible. How am I

can exist without it, but not very effectively.

going to fit that into my work day, family life, and social life?”

While we celebrate the role models who inspire us, it’s often

Well I say you can!

the small, everyday things that can make or break a day for us:

Since I am handing out this challenge, I am going to be taking

a stranger jostling us in the shops, a car cutting us off at a light,

it as well. I will be talking about the results and some of the ran-

someone pushing in front of us in line at the bank or post office.

dom acts that I’ve done in the next issue. So have fun with it and

The flip side to that is that we can also be pleased by the small

expect the unexpected… you might be surprised.

actions of a stranger.

So here is my challenge to everyone: Be that stranger. Why wait for someone’s birthday, anniversary, or the holiday season to turn on the Kindness Button? As Oscar Wilde once said, “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”

One of the key ways to bring about greater peace in our lives is

So remember this… A SMALL act of kindness can make a BIG difference.

Please share your experiences with us. We need them. They help make us better people.

What acts of kindness have you performed?

What kindnesses from others have you experienced recently?

through simple acts of kindness. Some of the most satisfying mo-

Please share your thoughts.

ments in my life have been when I’ve looked at a situation and taken

Thanks for stopping by… Luke

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 23

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

—C. S. Lewis

24 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

STARING AT THE CROSSROADS

WHAT DO YOU DO?

By Luke de Leseleuc

M

ANY YEARS AGO, SOMEBODY CAME UP to

isn’t heard or listened to. So what do you do? Do

me and asked what I did for a living. I

you give up and throw in the towel, or do you put

answered truthfully: “I’m in a rock band.”

your head down and go for it?

She thought it was cool, but I went on to rant about why it wasn’t.

So here you are at the crossroad. What do you do? Where do you go? How can you change?

“Creative work is definitely more perspiration

Life’s crossroads create opportunity for us to

than inspiration. The constant travelling and play-

choose between different options, and when we

ing late night gigs is exhausting. The ‘business’

see someone embracing that moment of deci-

side of ‘music business’ is a joke,” I fumed.

sion, it can be awe-inspiring. A crossroad is about

On and on I went. As you’d expect, she was

change. Choices must be made -- not just when

pretty shocked. But it was her words to me that

things are not working out as planned, but also

made me stop in my tracks: “Wow, what hap-

during positive moments when we must choose

pened to that dream?”

to stay the course or veer into something new.

We all face obstacles in pursuing our goals, whether they’re professional or personal.

When we experience the end of a marriage, a career change, a political upheaval, our child leaving

We think we’re on the right track, but realize

home, or health challenges, the crossroad we find

we’ve chosen the wrong approach. We’re en-

ourselves facing can either inspire us to try some-

thusiastic and hard-working, but our support

thing different — or paralyze us with fear.

systems disintegrate when we need them most.

We can learn to make a crossroad a moment

We’re just about to make significant progress

of profound and lasting change and thrive when

when we run out of time or funding.

life’s changes descend upon us.

Tenacious as we may be, we all have our breaking points — that moment when the potential re-

Here are some keys to weathering life’s crossroads:

wards stop justifying the effort. Usually, that’s the hump that separates our best shot from our best reality.

It’s a tough road ahead when you get sidetracked. Things start to fade and your goals seem

1.

Don’t just settle for normal. When our habitual response leads us to what is expected and customary—when we choose ordinary— we can expect the unremarkable.

to go by the wayside because your vision is not

2. Don’t resist. Attempting to control, manip-

what is important to everyone you are trying to

ulate or force things to happen is a typical

help—or get help for. Sometimes your voice just

response to the fear that comes with change.

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 25

m a e Dr er g g i B

Some of us refuse to make a change without understanding that even choosing choose not to take action is a choice. Our learned way of coping with stress and uncertainty should be reevaluated constantly as we evolve in this world. Move with the changes instead of

against them.

3. Do yourself a favour and trust your deepest feelings.

We all know, deep within ourselves, what we need to do — what we know, how to think, when to trust — during times of crisis. We can learn to access and trust our innate wisdom; it is personal and always available.

Through this, we will know how to adjust our course.

When we don’t follow our inner guidance, we feel a loss of power and energy.

4. Take a chance and dream bigger. Change what you expect from life, then create a plan and work to cultivate the right conditions for your growth and success.

5. Try to limit distractions and create balance in the midst of chaos. When we let go of our own or others’ agendas and push away the demanding concerns of the moment, we are able to hear our own thoughts. Do less at the crossroad moments and give yourself the gift of time — time to be in the present moment. Ask yourself, “What is the one area of my life that needs more balance?”

6. Failure is not an option…just another way to start again. When we face a crossroad with fearlessness and the choice turns out to be prosperous, we are hailed as a genius or visionary. When our choice creates failure, we are judged harshly, ridiculed and diminished, and it has the potential to make being fearless more difficult when we face the next decision. We must remember that failing not only creates additional opportunities for success, but fosters courage and determination in those of us who are brave enough to attempt it.

When I’m faced with fear at life’s inevitable crossroads, I have learned to let it rip and charge no holds barred into the abyss—if for no other reason than to see what is there.

I have emerged out the other side bloody and battered at times, but I’m stronger for having risked, taken a stand, trusted and believed.

Thanks for stopping by…

26 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

Luke D

S

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STIGMA MAGAZINE | 27

HOPE HOW DO YOU FIND IT?

By Luke de Leseleuc

S

O YOU’RE DONE TREATMENT. LIKE MOST of us, you

bit of work there, is just that… a bit of work. Looking for a

are now living in second stage housing, or you are

fulltime job is fulltime work. I have to go out there and use

back at home with your family. You are feeling

my network of friends, my friends in recovery and put the

good about yourself, and you’ve decided that it’s time to

message out there that Luke is looking for a fulltime job. I

go back to work or maybe even school. Eventually you

have to be proactive… I can’t sit at home and wait for peo-

have to have that conversation with yourself and your

ple to call me back after I’ve dropped off a resume or had

support group. You’re eager either go back to work or

an interview. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in treatment,

school, to something familiar or unfamiliar that you can

is that you have to be proactive! You have to do the work!

count on. But some people aren’t so fortunate. They ei-

I’ve taken that approach!

ther don’t have a job to go back to or maybe they haven’t

It doesn’t matter where you are in your recovery there

had a job in a long time. Having a regular fulltime job is a

is HOPE! I see and hear about it all the time at meetings.

big deal.

So today I am going to talk about Hope and how impor-

Today that’s where I am at. I just turned 55 and let me

tant it’s helped me.

tell you, it’s not so easy finding fulltime work when you are my age. Even though it’s been a bit of a struggle, I

So what is hope? Well

do have some work that I am getting from a friend of a

tion that things in the future will be better. Hope has be-

friend. I am okay with that. But a bit of work here and a

come the foundation and the energy that drives me to

28 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

hope for me is the expecta-

find a way to get better and heal. encountered challenges. Hope has given me a sense of joy and peace, knowing that a better tomorrow exists for me out there.

So how do you find hope? Finding hope is different for every

“

Listening to stories of hope, success and triumphs of others can help us find hope.

These stories not only inspire us, but also shed some light on strategies of finding & sustaining hopE.

one of us. Sometimes it comes

“

It has kept me strong when I’ve

as ‘There is help for my problem and I believe I can address it’.

Accept Your Current Situation: For someone it may be hard to accept that they are currently in a bad place. But the courage of acceptance is the first step in desiring a better future. Acceptance helps us realize that our

easy, and sometimes we need to work to find it. So I’ve

current situation is not where we want to be, and helps

put together a list of some of the ways that I’ve found

us develop a vision of where we want to be. Without ac-

hope. Here are a few that have worked for me:

ceptance, we cannot take control of our destiny to reach a better tomorrow.

Listen to Stories of Hope: Listening to stories of hope, success and triumphs of oth-

Have Realistic and Meaningful Plan:

ers can help us find hope. These stories not only inspire

It is action that makes hopes come true. By the mere

us, but also shed some light on strategies of finding and

fact of developing a plan for a better future you will build

sustaining hope even during the darkest times.

hope. The more your plan, with firm action steps and dates, you will come to realize that your vision really is

Think positive of the Future:

attainable.

Look into the future and identify who and what’s im-

The journey and recovery from addiction is never an easy

portant to you. It could be a loved one such as a child,

one. No one can last long and keep fighting for recovery

spouse or parents. It can also be an event or something

without hope. Hope is a very important ingredient in re-

you always wanted to do. Looking positively into the fu-

covery. Finding hope and meaning, together with a solid

ture helps cultivate a purpose and direction in life.

plan, helps you move forward on your journey of recovery.

“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of

Positive Affirmations:

the darkness.” —Desmund Tutu

Even Though it might seem like a simple process, positive

So please share your experiences with us. We need them.

affirmations do work. The repetition of positive affirma-

They help make us better people.

tions leads to belief, and belief is at the heart of hope.

Affirmations such as ‘I am strong, I can overcome my challenges, I am a new person, I feel new hope and I can recover’ rebuild a sense of self-worth and your belief that you are capable of achieving your goals. Not only do affirmations build belief, but also a confidence and a drive for change and action.

Leaning on a Higher Power: Many find hope by reaching for a higher power. This could be through spirituality, religion or philosophy.

Reaching to a higher power is actually Step 2 in the 12Step Process, “Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity”. Simplified this reads

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 29

Project Semicolon; your story isn’t over yet

By Cassie Hooker

In April 2013, Amy Bleuel wanted to

Although it is not a helpline, or a

It represents a growing movement that is

create something as a tribute to her father,

network of trained mental health pro-

dedicated to instilling love for those who

whom she lost him to suicide. Even more

fessionals, Project Semicolon provides

are struggling with depression, suicide, ad-

than that, she wanted to bring out into the

help—through personal storytelling and

diction, and self-harm, and inspiring others

open a conversation that is all too often swept under the rug—a conversation about mental wellness.

With this in mind, and with the aim

“

What does it mean when we see these little symbols tattooed—bold

to help. Part of the vision of Project Semicolon is to enable people suffering from these things to feel—perhaps for the first time—what genuine love is, and to see the

of inspiring and encouraging other peo- and defiant, and yet still discrete—on true value in their personal story. ple to continue their story, Project Semi- the skin of the people we see through- “I was heavily medicated with medicaout our day? It means hope. colon was created. In spite of its humble tion that is used for mental illnesses I was come about far more than one person’s love for their parent. Through the use of social media and the support of individuals wanting to spread a message of hope and love, the project has begun to span many countries.

30 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

“

beginnings, Project Semicolon has be-

a message of hope—in the sense that it creates a point at which change can begin.

As its name suggests, the symbol of the semicolon was adopted to represent the ultimate message of the campaign, to raise the social awareness about mental health.

never even diagnosed with. I fell victim to my own hands, and many times I attempted to take my life as well as engage in self-injury.”—Amy Burg Traditionally used as a grammatical device, to join together two pieces of a sentence, the semicolon has become— as a re-

sult of Amy Bleuel’s intention to start a conversation about mental wellness—a symbol of love, renewal, and unity.

“A semicolon is used when an author could’ve chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your life.”—Project Semicolon But what does it mean when we see these little symbols tattooed— bold and defiant, and yet still discrete—on the skin of the people we see throughout our day?

It means hope.

It means the person sporting the tattoo, struggling with their own mental wellness, faced a choice in their life in which they could have chosen to end their sentence, but didn’t. It’s a symbol of the wearer taking ownership of their difficulties, and soldiering on in spite of them. It’s a symbol of strength, and will-power.

The ultimate hope of Project Semicolon is to reduce the suicide rate in America, and throughout the world, by inspiring and encouraging people to take the first step on their personal healing journey. After all, in a society that no longer marginalizes people suffering from mental illness, or sweeps addiction and self-harm under the rug, a conversation about mental wellness can truly begin.

As Brandi Schneider, one of Project Semicolon’s storytellers, puts it: “There is such transparency in owning our broken moments. Such healing.”

The semicolon has become so much more than a grammatical device—it’s become a point of hope… a sort of recognition of the choices we make, and the will to continue in spite of them.

“Through this journey, I embraced my calling and set out to help those who felt they were less than their true worth. I wanted to impact the world. To make a difference. That is how Project Semicolon (The Semicolon Project) was started.”

—Amy Burg To find out how you can help encourage and inspire others by becoming a Street Team Member of Project Semicolon, visit: www.projectsemicolon.com

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 31

INTERVENTION

By Carol Anne Turbitt

Background

from their addiction. Another benefit of an intervention

An intervention is a deliberate process for change in a

is that the interventionist can expedite the waiting time

person’s self-destructive behaviour relating to alcohol

for treatment from weeks to immediately.

and/or drugs. It is usually the last resort for families and friends to try to help an addicted person after reasoning

Process

and one-on-one discussions have failed to convince the

The process involves the family meeting with the inter-

addicted person that they need recovery. In deciding

ventionist to discuss the situation concerning their loved

to do an intervention, there are two goals: to get the ad-

one. The interventionist will work to try to get the family

dicted p

on the same page and set up consequences should the

An intervention can bring about positive and long lasting

addicted person refuse treatment.

changes for the addicted person and their family. It is a

There are often one or two enablers in the family, how-

proven method to encourage an ad-

ever, this enabling behaviour must stop. As long as a

dicted person to obtain the help

family member enables the addict, there is little chance

necessary to achieve recovery

for success in recovery. Addicted persons need conse-

32 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

quences for their self-destructed behaviour.

Family members write a letter to their loved one expressing how their addiction has affected them. The letter comes from a place of love and should always be supportive and respectful of the addicted person. The interventionist sets in motion a plan for treatment that will take place immediately after the intervention.

A plan is made for the family and interventionist to meet with the addicted family member (without telling them the reason for the get together). Everyone reads their letter and hopefully the addicted person agrees to treatment. The success rate is fairly high but in the event the person refuses, its plants the seed and reminds the addicted person how loved he or she is.

Often the addicted person enters recovery shortly after.

Post-intervention The third phase involves follow up with the addicted person and their family. Family members also need to make changes including taking care of themselves, setting boundaries and detaching from the addicted person. This can also include counseling and support groups such as Alanon and Narcanon.

Carol Anne Turbitt has more than 20 years experience in group facilitation and individual counselling related to substance use issues. Carol Anne is also part of a drug and alcohol intervention team. She has also worked extensively with individuals, couples, and families related to multiple issues including but not limited to: anger management, stress management, time management, co-dependency, relationships, communication and assertiveness training.

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 33

Detecting and addressing mental health and substance use disorders

— the earlier the better

By Opal McInnis

M

ORE THAN HALF OF THE PEOPLE who seek help

health and substance use are complex, and causality can

for an addiction also have a mental illness. These

vary or be unclear. For example, a young person might

concurrent disorders present some of the most

use alcohol to cope with anxiety; on the other hand, the

complicated and difficult-to-treat cases for our

use of alcohol and drugs may promote or worsen the

healthcare system. The links be-

presence of psychological symptoms. Regardless of the

tween

mental

direction, one way to approach the problem is to try to understand the common factors that can underlie both.

Research suggests there are many developmental pathways through which substance-use disorders and mental illnesses arise, but let’s look at one example: a child who tends to be socially withdrawn, displays emotions such as anxiety and depression, and is fearful of new experiences. Children with these characteristics seem to be at a greater risk of developing concurrent

disorders.

One

study

has

shown

that children with this temperament

at

age

three

were

more

likely

lat-

er in life to attempt suicide,

meet

the

criteria for depression, and experience

alcohol-relat-

ed problems. Another study of those showing these be-

34 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

haviours in early childhood revealed heightened activity in brain areas sensitive to reward during adolescence, which was later tied to higher levels of substance use in young adulthood.

At first blush, the developmental path to concurrent disorders might seem unavoidable, but with increasing knowledge of risk factors comes the capacity to address the issue from a preventive approach. Often overlooked, children who are socially withdrawn and anxious can be seen as less problematic by parents and teachers than their peers with overt behavioural problems. Because of such tendencies, the essential first step towards intervention is to inform parents, childcare professionals and teachers about how to detect concerning behaviours in children.

While drug-based education aimed at preventing or delaying substance use is often implemented in schools, earlier interventions that enhance social skills are lacking.

Emerging evidence suggests that such interventions can

be effective in addressing problems that can lead to concurrent disorders later in life. Interventions to enhance parenting skills can be beneficial in reducing behavioural and substance use problems. School-based programs where teachers are trained to implement curricula aimed at improving cognitive, emotional and social competencies in young students are showing promising results, but need to be further examined to ensure their effectiveness. Each child is unique and the best intervention strategy will be one tailored to meet his or her specific needs.

To improve policies, programs and practices in addiction prevention, detection and treatment, the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (CCSA) has partnered with organizations such as the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the Canadian Executive Council on Addictions, and the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health to provide evidence-based information through a number of CCSA publications:

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 35

Get answers to your questions no questions asked…

•

Childhood and Adolescent Pathways to Substance Use Disorders outlines personality and environmental crease

the

factors risk

of

that

increase

developing

a

or

de-

substance

use disorder (see also Concurrent Disorders).

•

Collaboration for Addiction and Mental Health Care: Best Advice offers principles and examples from practice to enhance much-needed collabora-

Free • confidential

1-800-665-2437

tion between mental health and addictions services.

•

Systems Approach Workbook contains a module on Integrating Substance Use and Mental Health Systems that includes practical tips.

Concurrent disorders are both preventable and treatable, with earlier detection and intervention producing better long-term results. More information is available at www.ccsa.ca.

Republished with permission. Original version appeared in the University of Victoria’s Matters of Substance blog at oac.uvic.ca/carbc Author: Opal McInnis, M.Sc., Research and Policy Analyst, Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse; PhD Candidate, Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University

hep c • aids • hiv • prevention • testing • treatment

36 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

Secondary PTSD: The Forgotten Warriors:

By Cassie Hooker

Jean Russel* never touched her ex-husband, even when thunder and lightning skipped across the sky. For him, every crash and bang was a bomb or mortar in Bosnia — a war from which he would never escape.

Jean’s ex-husband, Tom, was a Master Corporal with 25 years of service under his belt. For many veterans like him, the fighting didn’t end when they left the battlefield; it continued in the form of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. It seeped into their day to day, ruining relationships, families, job prospects and lives.

PTSD is a collection of symptoms that can stem from a traumatic event or series of events. These symptoms are far-ranging and diverse, including hyper vigilance, night terrors, flashbacks, violence, depression and many, many others.

According to a 2008 study by the Rand Corporation, one in five military members returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq showed symptoms of PTSD. Although only half seek help, those who do often find the help they get is less than adequate, and many who try to get help either do not get the help they need or are misdiagnosed. Aspects of PTSD can look like bipolarism, depression, psychosis or anger management issues.

For all too many, the feeling of being ignored or let down leads to drastic choices.

“Tom was diagnosed six years ago,” Jean remembers. “He first sought help back in 1994, when he returned from Bosnia, but he was told to either shut up or quit.”

A Family Affair The effects of PTSD on the sufferer can permeate every aspect of their character. It is becoming a more widely recognized probSTIGMA MAGAZINE | 37

lem, but there is a side to it that is barely discussed: secondary

The Long Battle

PTSD. This is a term applied to the symptoms experienced by

Secondary PTSD is gaining a foothold in Canada’s psychological

the vet’s partner and family.

dialogue; it has been a long battle for those whose voices are going

Josée Gatien knows how secondary PTSD feels.

unheard.

“Often, he will not even look up at me when I speak. He

For Jean, the fight has been bitter. “The first civilian psychiatrist I

continues to stare at his iPad; he can stay an entire day in front

went to told me to go home and kill myself. That is a downright hor-

of his computer, T.V or iPad,” she says of her long-term partner,

rible, nasty thing to say to anyone, let alone a veteran. Many veterans

who served in the military for 25 years and did six missions.

refuse to seek help, and it’s only when they are at their very wits end,

“He has told me that he feels nothing, and even his relationship

that they are reaching out. With that kind of ‘help’, why bother?”

brings nothing to his life. He feels empty inside. His words are often hurtful.”

“The second psychiatrist I had was much more helpful, and apologized profusely,” she continues. “He asked if we could have a fresh

Spouses of a veteran with PTSD may begin to mirror their

start. I agreed. This was the boss, who had travelled two hours to

partner’s behavior. They can lose all sense of themselves in the act

come and see me because my letter of complaint shook him to the

of caring for their disabled partner, because PTSD is just that: a

core. This was around the time that the rising suicide rate in Can-

disability the sufferer has little personal control over. Being their

ada’s veterans was becoming a very public issue. He realized that

caretaker can mean they are constantly on the lookout for people

psychiatrists like the first one I saw, could be highly detrimental to

and circumstances that might “trigger” their partner. They can be

the healing process of our military members.”

so invested in preventing these negative situations that they feel they are not allowed to show strong emotions, for

The Healing Journey

fear of “triggering” their partner. Most of the

Veterans with PTSD can seek help in several ways, including med-

chores- including financial management and

ication, individual or group counselling, and traditional therapies.

childcare- fall on their shoulders. It may

There are also some less typical methods, like yoga, meditation, acu-

seem like they constantly fail at their job,

puncture, and animal-based therapies. Outside of government facil-

and they have to tiptoe around. Even-

ities, organizations like Wounded Warriors Canada (www.wound-

tually, the inevitable feelings of anger,

edwarriors.ca) are dedicated to helping vets deal with their trauma.

depression, exhaustion and being gen-

Organizations that address the impact of PTSD on the spouse and family are harder to find, but Can Praxis (www.canpraxis.com) , a Canadian charitable organization, uses proven equine-assisted therapy, helping individuals to come to terms with their PTSD, and enabling couples to open and maintain channels of communication so that mutual healing can begin.

Spouses share some small actions that can be done, too: • Set aside a few moments of “me time” in your day, just for you alone • Find a hobby, to take your mind off things for a little while • Find a kindred spirit to talk to These measures, provided by the spouses themselves, may seem a little cliché; however, sometimes it really is the little things that can keep you putting one foot in front of the other. The important thing for veterans and their families to remember is that they aren’t fighting the battle alone. Reach out, and you’ll find others. *All names have been changed, by request.

erally overwhelmed settle in.

“I’ve become very sensitive to the behaviour of people around me, to the point that I have respiratory distress whenever there was a crisis,” Josée says. “I’ve become hypersensitive to any emotional display, to the point where I am in survival mode constantly.”

“Loving someone like that is not easy,” she continues. “I have to remind myself constantly why I continue. I can’t say that to him, though, because that would definitely trigger him. I walk on eggshells constantly.”

38 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

REACHING INTO THE DARKNESS

By Pete Anslow

M

Y NAME IS PETE AND I AM AN ALCOHOLIC. This on

like myself. I still struggle with that on a daily basis, but I

its own is a huge admission; having said that,

have found many helpful hints and tips, as well as a few

I am also five months away from my 20 years

lies and allegations along the way. I look forward to the

mark of being clean and sober. Drinking wasn’t really a

opportunity to share these with you along our journey

problem for me; I could go days weeks or even months,

together in this magazine.

but if I did start I had a big problem with stopping. I have

Mental health and addiction issues are not easy things

maintained my sobriety without any of the regular help.

to talk about, mostly as a result of the stigma associated

One day, I promised one of my daughters (and all of my

with them. There are feelings of failure, self-loathing and

children) that I would never ever do anything to cause

fear of social implications. Fortunately, there are a lot of

that look of pain and disappointment in their eyes. That

famous and intelligent people speaking out about these

story is a long one for another time.

issues and showing society that you are not a failure, you

Suffice it to say, I struggled with an identity crisis and it

are in fact going through something that takes courage

has been 20 long years finding out who I am and how to

and conviction to resolve — and with the right supports,

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 39

you can rejoin society in a meaningful way. Education is

associated with a person’s struggle with mental health or

the key to opening some of those doors and allowing

addiction issues.

opportunities to thrive.

It is not a personal failure to struggle with a situation, nor

Stigma is a barrier we may not all face, but it is one that

is it a personal failure to find yourself in a place where you

is applied to us all. It is a judgement that is made or per-

are not able to cope with the circumstances alone. It is a

ceived by those who struggle with their own day-to-day

failure to not reach out to those that can help because

reality. What brought them to this point is not as impor-

of a social barrier created by those who do not have the

tant as how they deal with the challenges they face —

time to come to that place of understanding or accept-

and, more importantly, how we as a society react to these

ance. It is only through education and advocacy that we

struggles. We can apply our judgements after a quick

may help our society to find that place of compassion

glance of this persons struggle, or we can apply com-

and understanding, to find the empathy necessary to

passion, understanding or empathy. We have a choice in

end stigma of addiction and mental health issues.

how we react to another person’s challenges.

I hope to do that with this platform, and in future articles

Choice is a deliberate thing. We often make choices in

I will do my best to educate those who choose the path

life; some are made with little or no thought, while oth-

that perpetuates the stigma. Here are a few things that

ers are made with a great deal of deliberation. When we

have helped me during my journey.

choose to judge another person’s actions, it often hap-

•

pens without a great deal of consideration. It can take

Reach out when you are feeling down or isolated find someone to talk to.

considerable afterthought to come to an understanding

•

Communicate, talk it out.

that another person’s struggle may actually be more than

•

Find something you are passionate about and follow

they can cope with and that they just need a hand up,

that path.

not so much as a hand out. The kind of charity I speak of

Change starts within; accept where you are figure out

is charity of heart. Empathy, understanding and compas-

where you want to be and make a plan.

sion are all emotional responses, yet more often than not we take the easy route, one of judgement and condemnation, that not only fosters but perpetuates the stigma

Quick links http://www.liferingcanada.org/ http://www.viha.ca/mhas/locations/victoria_gulf/vwms.htm

40 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

By Cassie Hooker

A

N UNFORTUNATE STIGMA HAS BECOME ASSOCIATED

dertaking of a ground-breaking initiative. This initiative

with mental health and wellness, presenting a

came to be known as Hockey Talks, and it became a fo-

serious barrier to getting an appropriate diagno-

rum in which each team lent their voice to spark a nation-

sis and treatment and fostering community acceptance.

al conversation about mental health.

Identifying the problem as early as possible, and getting

The goal of the Hockey Talks, which takes place

treatment is an important step in preventing the problem

every February during one of each

from becoming worse.

team’s home games, is to bring this

In the arena of raising social awareness, through a num-

often delicate subject to the fore-

ber of avenues, the Vancouver Canucks lend their voices

ground, so that the stigma and mis-

toward helping to tear down the stigma and misconcep-

conceptions about mental illness

tions surrounding mental illness.

can be torn down. The hope of this initiative is to inform fans about

Hockey Talks

the realities of living with

In January 2013, the Vancouver Canucks, along with sev-

mental

eral other member teams of the NHL, announced the un-

and to offer an op-

health

issues,

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 41

portunity for those needing help to connect with rele-

number of program coaches, support workers and vol-

vant organizations.

unteers, to allow each participant to get the most out of

As part of the Hockey Talks, each team contributes to

the experience.

raising awareness about the importance of mental health through the use of social media, in-arena messaging, and the sharing of experiences and informa-

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice Since 1995, the Canuck Place Children’s Hospice has

tion at their designated home game.

been a home away from home for children and

Fans have the opportunity to join in on

families. Through the Fund, the Vancou-

the conversation, share their own experiences, or simply offer mes-

ver Canucks have raised over $20 million in support of the hospice. Ca-

sages of support through the

nuck Place offers family-centered

use of the hashtag #hock-

care for B.C. children living with

eytalks.

life-threatening conditions, including around-the-clock nurses and physi-

Canucks for Kids Fund

cians, end-of-life care, pain and symp-

The Canucks for Kids Fund pro-

tom management, counselling, and a

vides resources to assist charities

number of therapies and recreational

that support children’s health and well-

activities to improve the quality of life of

ness, and encourage wellness education in British Colum-

the children staying there.

bia. Using the Canucks for Kids Fund 50/50, the Canucks

Members of the Vancouver Canucks also regularly take

for Kids Fund Dice and Ice Benefit, and the Canucks for

time out of their busy schedules to spend time with the

Kids Fund Telethon, in the last 29 years, the fund has

kids, making their day that much brighter.

raised over $46 million to benefit charities across the province.

B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation

In addition to these avenues, the Fund uses its partner-

The B.C Children’s Hospital Foundation, with the help of

ships with the Special Olympics, B.C’s Sports Celebrities

the Canucks for Kids Fund, works with children and their

Festival, and the Vancouver Sun’s Raise a Reader Day to

families to raise funds in support of the B.C Children’s

generate additional funding.

Hospital, the Sunny Hill Health Center for Children, and

The main beneficiaries of the Fund are the Canucks Au-

the Child and Family Research Institute.

tism Network, Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, and the

Between 2013 and 2014, the B.C Children’s Hospital Foun-

B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation, all of which pro-

dation has received donations from more than 118,833 in-

vide important resources and life-saving care to families

dividuals, with revenues greater than $92.2 million.

across the province.

A Shining Example Canucks Autism Network

When it comes to raising awareness about the subject

The Canucks Autism Network provides children and fam-

of mental health in Western Canada, the Vancouver Ca-

ilies living with Autism access to a variety of year-round

nucks hockey team leads the way. With 1 in 5 Canadians

activities, including sports, the arts, overnight camps, rec-

experiencing mental health-related issues or illnesses in

reational activities and social programming. At the same

their lifetime, a positive conversation about the impact of

time, it endeavours to build social awareness about Au-

mental health is needed now, more than ever. The Van-

tism, and provide support through a series of community

couver Canucks have begun that conversation, by rais-

networks throughout the province.

ing awareness and funding through their Hockey Talks,

Each activity involves parent interaction, and includes a

and the Canucks for Kids Fund.

42 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 43

RECOVERING LIVES

CHANGING ATTITUDES AND REDUCED STIGMA BRING NEW HOPE FOR ADDICTS:

By Lisa Simone & Wayne Steer of Fresh Start Recovery Centre | www.freshstartrecovery.ca

Change, Adversity & Resiliency Change; ready or not, here it comes.

G

OOD, BAD OR INDIFFERENT WE ALL experience

Many of us have struggled with addiction. We may

change. Our ability to manage change - wheth-

not recall the exact moment that defined our transition

er we roll with the punches when faced with ad-

from recreational use of a substance to a dependency for

versity or become overby

seemingly

small events - depends on our resiliency.

Resiliency is the ability to recover from misfortune; returning to original form after being bent, compressed, or stretched out of shape. It’s a human

“

THE MORE RESILIENT WE ARE - THE BETTER OUR STATE OF MENTAL HEALTH - THE LESS LIKELY WE ARE TO TURN TO EXTERNAL SUBSTANCES, PEOPLE OR ACTIVITIES TO TEMPORARILY RELIEVE OUR DISCOMFORT.

ability to recover quickly from disruptive change or

“

whelmed

misfortune without being overwhelmed or acting in dysfunctional or harmful ways.

survival, but somewhere along the line a significant and profound change occurred; one that dramatically altered the way we acted and interacted with ourselves and others.

In almost all cases this change was unplanned, unwelcome and created all sorts of discomfort far more horrifying than that

which we were originally trying to manage or escape.

It would be one thing if the resulting addiction relat-

The more resilient we are - the better our state of men-

ed distress occurred at a constant level but alas these

tal health - the less likely we are to turn to external sub-

change too and the degree of this trauma intensifies

stances, people or activities (distractions) to temporarily

becoming wider, deeper and more severe. We gradually

relieve our discomfort.

start doing things that were once off limits in order to

In the physical sense, metal fatigue occurs when an

continue to feed the downward spiral of our addiction.

object bends to the breaking point; similarly, excessive

With any luck at all, a defining moment helps us realize

stress and fatigue cause people to change and break.

that we have changed to the point where we will do

For many, stress and fatigue cause us to look for “distractions” to temporarily help us though in either a recreational capacity or just as a short term reprieve from our discomfort.

44 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

something that would have been impossible, unthinkable even in our wildest dreams; we’ve had enough.

It wasn’t so long ago that finding the path from rock bottom to a place of resiliency was steeped in secrecy,

tradition and had an outward appearance of something

formation are wonderful, but it requires a giant leap of

to be ashamed of; alcoholics and addicts faced extreme

faith into the unknown. Would recovery hurt more? Could

stigma and stayed below the radar to avoid scorn and

I face the demons that had I’d suppressed for so long?

detection by family, friends and coworkers – we were

Could I be happy without alcohol or pills?

anonymous.

Before lasting sobriety, life was defined by my drugs.

Alcohol defined my teenage years; 21-26 were the crack

One woman’s perspective The saying “Change is Universal” sounds great, but for me change was never easy.

I grew up in a lovely but dysfunctional home in Calgary, Alberta and grew up at a very early age. I needed certainty in everything to feel safe and my “safety net” became my prison as I learned to avoid any unknown. Alcohol and Drugs helped me escape myself. Eventually I realized that if I didn’t change I’d be completely destroyed.

Admitting I was powerlessness over my addiction and surrendering to my “higher power” was a cry for help and change. The benefits of such a dramatic personal trans-

years; from 27 to 28 I briefly experienced sobriety and call this “personal development” and “Finding God”; then a lengthy period of relapse and denial fueled by Percocet completely blindsided me. I lied, withdrew, became self-destructive and was a very sad wife and mother of four and a master of disguise. While everything looked “together” on the outside, emotionally I was completely broken and starved: I saw myself as a failure in every way.

This became the most important cross-road of my life, continue and lose everything or change everything and sober up were my choices. Sober felt so far away - im-

Your People Matter Most to You … and to us too.

They’ve been there to help you with your changes. Now they need your help to change. They face depression, shame, isolation, loss of family, friends and income. They carry the stigma of a disease that will take a lifetime to treat.

You can increase their chances with help from Fresh Start* Affordable with Exemplary Service .

Successfully providing solutions that recover lives and reunite families and employees one step at a time since 1992. *Selected as the best treatment centre in Canada by the Donner Canadian Foundation in 2014, 2013 & 2010; ranked among the top 3 each year since 2006.

www.freshstartrecovery.ca (403) 387-6266

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 45

possible - but I knew that change represented the only

A groundswell of change is taking place through a

hope I had to of living for myself and everyone I loved. So

recovery movement. The stigma and shame once asso-

I faced and embraced that which I feared most - change.

ciated with the disease of addiction are being replaced

The first step was admitting I had a problem, reaching

with new attitudes where people openly share their sto-

out for help and putting a voice to what was happening

ries of transformation to inspire others to seek recovery.

inside me. Once spoken, I became accountable to the

Currently, more than 4 million Canadians experience the

new life I was embarking on, starting small and taking

positive impact of recovery. Recovery is real, attainable

baby steps to become well.

and sustainable.

“Through Recovery I’ve picked up the shattered pieces

In the fall of 2013, I became a Founding Member of Fac-

of my life and found contentment. I am now comfortable

es and Voices of Recovery Canada (FAVOR), a non-prof-

in my own skin and free from drugs or alcohol; for me

it organization promoting and celebrating recovery. FA-

this is everything. Accepting myself for me has been the

VOR encourages national conversations for Canadians

hardest part of the journey and also the most rewarding”

practicing, seeking and needing recovery along with

Helping others find Recovery has become my life’s

their friends, families and supporters including Recovery

work; my own recovery has fueled my passion and pur-

Day and Recovery Month in September. These help to

pose in giving back.

unite us, build awareness, challenge “societal stigma” and

A New Wave of Change For five years the blessings of my experience have influenced my work at Fresh Start Recovery Centre – a men’s alcohol and drug addiction treatment centre in Calgary.

By helping people change and reducing the stigma of addiction, we have helped support the recovery of hundreds of alcoholics, addicts and their families as part of a “movement” that has been consistently recognized as one of the top three treatment centres in Canada. Fresh Start has been recognized as the #1 treatment centre in Canada in 2014, 2013 and 2010 by the Donner Canadian Foundation and the #1 Social Serving Agency in 2014.

46 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

celebrate how recovery improves the lives of millions of Canadians.

With all this momentum even the Government of Canada is embracing change to reduce the stigma of addiction by holding a national symposium to redefine addiction and recovery in Canada.

Change doesn’t scare me much anymore and the unknown is transforming frightening to enlightening where the greatest risks hold the greatest rewards. In the spirit of the movement, if my story can help anyone then it is my responsibility to share it.

“Hey Universe, I think I am starting to get the hang of it, thanks for the lessons.”

MY INNERMOST SELF – MR. HYDE OR DR. JECKYL?

By Chris Freeman

“

MY DEVIL HAD BEEN LONG CAGED, he came out roar-

the space inside of me that constantly felt the doubt, the

ing” (Stevenson 79).

despair and loneliness, the emptiness and fear. I failed to

“We learned that we had to fully concede to our in-

recognize this as the greatest element of my existence.

nermost selves that we were alcoholic.”

In the book, Alcoholics Anonymous, it states that this act of conceding is the first step in recovery. I learned

I was in denial that it truly was the inside of me causing me to reach out and grasp anything that would quell my needs and desires—which were never fulfilled.

this through a long and tedious process of attempting

Some literature refers to us having a soul sickness.

to regain control and direction in my daily life while en-

Lost, alone, abandoned, cold, afraid, scared, guilty, wrong,

during continued failures and repeated disappointments

broken, ashamed: these words are well known and deep-

to myself and those around me.I could not understand

ly felt by most drug addicts and chronic alcoholics.

STIGMA MAGAZINE | 47

The effect of my intoxicant of choice would take over and lead me to oblivion and peace... or so I thought. I turned my life and my will over to the care and control of the substance, the magic potion. It gave me such great visions and dreams of life, whole and happy! It became the most glorious wonder of my own creation. The magnificent sensation would only last a moment, but it was enough to stop the madness in my soul. Then the monster would appear and demand more, now, pay any price, do anything, commit any offence.

My problems were not so much as what happened to me when I would drink or use, but more so when I wasn’t. Life would overwhelm me and situations would pile up, slowly bringing my frustration, fear and anxiety to an uncontrollable boil. The unreal pressure seemed to grow stronger, always erupting into a slow obsessive Finding authentic love and compassion, having some

thought. I needed peace, ease and comfort and

form of direction in life, believing that I have a purpose,

the only relief I could find, or trust, was the instant release

being contented with meaning and fulfillment, success,

of the first hit, the first drink, the first whatever. I always

courage, and a sense of belonging: these were the attrib-

thought it would be okay for me to drink or use;the time

utes I would continually and persistently reach for, but

or place didn’t matter, the circumstance or outcome that

would never seem to find.

my addiction would always produce without fail.

Every time—and I mean each and every time—I drank

It was my innermost being that had suffered for so

alcohol and did drugs, it was my attempt to fill the elu-

long, and it is there where the solution was found.I be-

sive space within me that was barren, void and incom-

lieve that deep down within all of us is that empty, lonely

plete. Even at age 11 something inside of me felt broken

space, the spot at which recovery begins. Conceding to

and torn. The turmoil had always been there, deep down,

this was my first step. I no longer doubt that a life without

even as a young child, years before I had taken a drink or

drugs and alcohol was possible. Some of us believe it to

drug. I never could explain how I felt or what was wrong;

be the piece of us that the Creator designed us to have.

I just knew that something did not feel right. It felt like a

The Eternal Conscience – The God Spot or our True In-

need, a hunger that would never be satisfied, endlessly

nermost Self.

wanting whatever and desiring more. I was willing to pay

Today I have the peace ease and comfort that I so

any price and suffer any consequence for more, more of

longed for through drinking and drugging. There is a

anything that would quiet the storm in my soul.

great sense of purpose, meaning and a direction that I

As soon as I had just one sip, toke, puff or hit, as soon

can pursue, of which I never believed to be possible. I

as I knew I was going to change, I would feel comforted

have a new freedom and happiness. It has been refer-

and safe. During the first flush of intoxication, I felt fulfilled

enced by some to be a miracle of healing. I would tend to

and complete. The part of me that seemed to be missing

think of it as my transformation from a living death to a

would all of a sudden appear and take hold. The real Dr.

grateful and humbled life.

Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

48 | STIGMA MAGAZINE

wecanhelp@umbrellasociety.ca umbrellasociety.ca

We’ve been th e

re. We can help

.

The Workforce

Mental Health Collaborative

Training • Resources • Support

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) has been a leader and champion for mental health since 1918. In keeping with its Mission, CMHA is dedicated to supporting workplace psychological health and safety. It provides employers and unions with training, information resources, and consultation services to support employee mental health and overall health and well-being.

TRAINING

Mental Health Works: From talking to your employees who may be struggling with mental health issues, to understanding legal rights and responsibilities, employers will find resources to help make their workplace more mentally healthy and psychologically safe through various Mental Health Works products and services. Mental Health Works provides person centred, evidence based, solutions focused workshops to both employers and employees on awareness, responding skills, and collaborative change. Visit the Mental Health Works website at www.mentalhealthworks.ca.

CMHA Certified Psychological Health and Safety (PH&S) Advisor Training: Develop your ability to deal with employers challenges, obstacles, or needs related to PH&S. This groundbreaking certification provides training for individuals and consultants who want to create psychologically healthier and safer workplaces.

RESOURCES

Bottom Line Conference: Since 2001, CMHA’s annual National Bottom Line Conference has brought together business leaders, policy-makers, researchers, and workers to improve mental health in Canadian workplaces. Through interactive workshops and dynamic speakers, participants receive detailed, tangible and actionable information to improve organization and individual employee psychological health and safety. Visit the Bottom Line Conference website at www.bottomlineconference.ca.

SUPPORT

Consultative Support: Internal CMHA PH&S Advisors provide consultative support to organizations to improve psychological health and safety or implement the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.

Public Speakers: CMHA PH&S Advisors and Mental Health Works Trainers have diverse expertise in workplace mental health that can help build awareness and increase knowledge about workplace mental health through engaging presentations.

Our team can help your organization make psychological health and safety a priority!

Contact Sarika Gundu, National Director, Workplace Mental Health, CMHA at sgundu@cmha.ca for further details CMHA National | 180 Dundas Street West, Suite 2301 | Toronto | Ontario | M5G 1ZB

The Workforce

Mental Health b | STIGMA MAGAZINE Collaborative

Training • Resources • Support