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This sticky contains information about Psychosis, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Depression, Post-Partum Depression, and several pamphlets relating to mental illness.

** Please note: the pamphlets in Posts 5 - 14 are applicable to BC, Canada ONLY.


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Table of Contents:

- Post 1: Introduction <--- You are here.
- Post 2: Psychosis Sucks [pamphlet]
- Post 3: Seasonal Affective Disorder [pamphlet]
- Post 4: Emotional Health: Taking Control of Depression [pamphlet]
- Post 5: Major Mental Illnesses: Signs and Symptoms [pamphlet]
- Post 6: Your Rights as a Person With Mental Illness [pamphlet]
- Post 7: Understanding and Coping With Mental Illness For Family and Friends [pamphlet]
- Post 8: What is Happening to Me?: Answers to My Questions About My Journey With a Mental Illness [pamphlet]
- Post 9: What Is Happening to My Loved One?: Answers to Questions About the Journey of Mental Illness [pamphlet]
- Post 10: Roles of Mental Health Professionals [pamphlet]
- Post 11: Planning Your Recovery [pamphlet]
- Post 12: Asking Questions, Questions to Ask: Preparing and Meeting With Your Mental Health Care Professionals [pamphlet]
- Post 13: Hospital Discharge Information for Persons With Mental Illness [pamphlet]
- Post 14: After Hospital Discharge: On to Recovery For People With Mental Illness [pamphlet]
- Post 15: Psychologists and You: Talk to Someone Who Can Help [pamphlet]
- Post 16: Getting Help: When and How [pamphlet]
- Post 17: Post-Partum Support Program [pamphlet]
- Post 18: Reserved.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) [pamphlet] (Canadian)


Weather often affects people's moods. Sunlight breaking through clouds can lift our spirits, while a dull, rainy day may make us feel a little gloomy. While noticable, these shifts in mood generally do not affect our ability to cope with daily life. Some people, however, are vulnerable to a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. For them, the shortening days of late autumn are the beginning of a type of clinical depression that can last until spring. This condition is called "Seasonal Affective Disorder," or SAD.

A mild form of SAD, often referred to as "the winter blues," causes discomfort, but is not incapacitating. However, the term "winter blues" can be misleading; some people have a rarer form of SAD which is summer depression. This condition usually begins in late spring or early summer.

Awareness of the mental condition has existed for more than 150 years, but it was only recognized as a disorder in the early 1980s. Many people with SAD may not be aware that it exists or that help is available.

SAD can be a debilitating condition, preventing sufferers from functioning normally. It may affect their personal and professional lives, and seriously limit their potential. It is important to learn about the symptoms, and to know that there is treatment to help people with SAD live a productive life year-round.


What Causes SAD?

Research into the causes of SAD is ongoing. As there, there is no confirmed cause. However, SAD is thought to be related to seasonal variations in light. A "biological internal clock" in the brain regulates our circadian (daily) rhythms. This biological clock responds to changes in season, partly because of differences in the length of the day. For many thousands of years, the cycle of human life revolved around the daily cycle of light and dark. We were alert when the sun shone; we slept when our world was in darkness. The relatively recent introduction of electricity has relieved us of the need to be active mostly in the daytime hours. But our biological clocks may still be telling our bodies to sleep as the days shorten. This puts us out of step with our daily schedules, which no longer change according to the seasons. Other research shows that neurotransmitters, chemical messengers in the brain that help regulate sleep, mood and appetite, may be disturbed in SAD.


What are the Symptoms?

SAD can be difficult to diagnose, since many of the symptoms are similar to those of other types of depressino of bipolar disorder. Even physical conditions, such as thyroid problems, can look like depression. Generally, symptoms that recur for at least 2 consecutive winters, without any other explanation for the changes in mood and behaviour, indicate the presence of SAD. They may include:

- Change in appetite, in particular a craving for sweet or starchy foods.
- Weight gain.
- Decreased energy.
- Fatigue.
- Tendency to oversleep.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Irritability.
- Avoidance of social situations.
- Feelings of anxiety and despair.

The symptoms of SAD generally disappear when spring arrivbes. For some people, this happens suddenly with a short time of heightened activity. For others, the effects of SAD gradually dissipate.

Symptoms of summer depression may include:

- Poor appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Trouble sleeping.


Who is at Risk?

Research in Ontario suggests that between 2% and 3% of the general population may have SAD. Another 15% have a less severe experience described as "the winter blues."

SAD may affect some children and teenagers, but it tends to begin in people over the age of 20. The risk of SAD decreases with age. The condition is more common in women than in men.

Recent studies suggest that SAD is more common in northern countries, where the winter day is shorter. Deprivation from natural sources of light is also of particular concern for shift workers and urban dwellers who may experience reduced levels of exposure to daylight in their work environments. People with SAD find that spending time in a southerly location brings them relief from their symptoms.


How is SAD Treated?

If you feel depressed for long periods during autumn and winter, if your sleep and appetite patterns change dramatically and you find yourself thinking about suicide, you should seek professional help - for example, from your family doctor. There is effective treatment for SAD. Even people with severe symptoms can get rapid relief once they begin treatment.

People with mild symptoms can benefit from spending more time outdoors during the day and by arranging their environments so that they receive maximum sunlight. Trim tree branches that block light, for example, and keep curtains open during the day. Move furniture so that you sit by a window. Installing skylights and adding lamps can also help.

Exercise relieves stress, builds energy and increases your mental and physical and well-being. Build physical activity into your lifestyle before SAD symptoms take hold. If you exercise indoors, position yourself near a window. Make a habit of taking a daily noon-hour walk. The activity and increased exposure to natural light can raise your spirits.

A winter vacation in a sunny destination can also temporarily relieve SAD symptoms, although symptoms usually recur after return home. At home, work at resisting the carbohydrate and sleep cravings that come with SAD.

Many people with SAD respond well to exposure to bright, artificial light. "Light therapy" involves sitting beside a special fluroescent light box for several minutes a day. a health care professional should be consulted before beginning light therapy.

For people who are more severely affected by SAD, anti-depressant medications are safe and effective in relieving symptoms. Counselling and therapy, especially short-term treatments such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, may also be helpful for winter depression.

Increasing your exposure to light, monitoring your diet, sleep patterns and exercise levels are important first steps. For those who are severely affected, devising a treatment plan with a health care professional consisting of light therapy, medication and cognitive-behavioural therapy may also be needed.


Where to Go For More Information

For further information about seasonal affective disorder, contact a community organization like the Canadian Mental Health Association to find out about support and resources in your community.

The Canadian Mental Health Association is a nation-wide, voluntary organization that promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness. CMHA accomplishes this mission through advocacy, education, research and service.

Visit the CMHA website at www.cmha.ca


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The information in this post belongs to the Canadian Mental Health Association. I do not claim to own or profit from any of the material in this post.

Major Mental Illnesses: Signs and Symptoms [pamphlet]


The following is an overview of the major mental illnesses. There are many brochures regarding specific illnesses available from your mental health professional or community mental health organization. You may not experience all of the symptoms listed for each illness.


Who Becomes Mentally Ill?

- It can effect anyone, regardless of age, ethnic background, income or gender.
- 1 in 5 Canadians has or will develop a mental illness.
- Sometimes mental illness is complicated by drug and alcohol use.


Additions and Mental Disorders

Studies estimate that up to 50% of people who use mental health services also report having alcohol and drug problems. People who experience a mental illness and use alcohol, cannabis or other substances excessively are said to have a "dual diagnosis" or "concurrent disorder." People may use drugs or alcohol to reduce the symptoms of mental illness, or to lessen the side effects of prescribed medications. However, substance use often reduces the effectiveness of prescription drugs, can worsen symptoms, and complicates the diagnosis, treatment and care process. It is important to address alcohol and drug issues as part of your recovery plan.


Mood Disorders

Depression (as a disorder on its own, or a part of bipolar disorder)
Refers to severe and prolonged feelings of discouragement, frustration, and even a sense of despair. Multiple causes such as specific, distressing life events, a biochemical imbalance in the brain, or persistent psychological factors such as a negative or pessimistic view of life.

Common symptoms of depression:

- Irritability.
- Anxious mood.
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
- Loss of energy and excessive fatigue.
- Physical aches and pains.
- Diminished ability to think and concentrate.
- Feeling bored and not interested in many aspects of your life.
- Imagining you have an illness such as cancer when there are no physical indications.
- Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness.
- Possibility of suicidal thoughts.
- Changes in personal grooming.
- Isolation and withdrawal.
- Inability to experience joy or pleasure.


Bi-Polar Disorder
Refers to the "two poles" of the continuum of mood with alternating periods or cycles of mania (high) and depression (lows) as described previously.

Common symptoms of mania:

- Persistently high or irritable.
- Decreased need for sleep.
- Appetite disturbance.
- Excessive spending.
- Reckless and impulsive behaviour.
- Inflated ideas about what you are capable of doing - grandiose thoughts.
- Delusional and psychotic thinking.
- Hyper sexuality.
- Heightened senses to colour, noise, smell.
- Accelerated thoughts and speech.


Schizo-Affective Disorder
This term is used when a person has both a mood disorder and a psychotic disorder within the same period of illness. This does not mean you have two disorders, but a combination of symptoms.

The depressive type of schizo-affective disorder is accompanied by symptoms such as loss of energy, concentration impairment, guilt, feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. At the same time, the person experiences psychotic symptoms such as delusions, extreme paranoia, or hearing voices.

The manic type of schizo-affective disorder often takes the form of elation, with increased self-confidence and gradiosity. The person may feel energized, but may act inappropriately in social situations, and have trouble concentrating. Symptoms of psychosis are also present, and the person's behaviour is markedly different from usual.


Psychosis
The word "psychosis" is used to describe conditions that affect the mind, in which there has been some loss of contact with reality. When someone experiences the symptoms of psychosis, their condition is often referred to as a psychotic episode. It affects an individual's thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Some people experience psychosis as a part of their mental illness or as a result of using or withdrawing from drugs and alcohol. It is most likely to occur in young adults. About 3 out of every 100 people experience a psychotic episode in their lifetime. It occurs equally in males and females and across all cultures and levels of socio-economic status.

Most people make a full recovery from the experience.

Common signs and symptoms of psychosis:

- Disorganized and confused thinking.
- Reduced concentration, attention.
- Reduced drive and motivation, lack of energy.
- Sleep disturbance.
- Anxiety.
- Social withdrawal.
- Behavioural changes, irritability.
- Hallucinations or delusions.
- Disorganized speech.


Anxiety Disorders
A group of disorders which affect behaviour, thoughts, emotions and physical health. Caused by biological and situational circumstances. Heightened and continuing response to a perceived threat.

Types of anxiety disorders:

- General Anxiety Disorder: Repeated and excessive worries lasting at least 6 months pertaining to routine life events and activities like work, relationships, finances and family.

- Panic Disorder: Fear of situations which may cause a panic attack
-- Panic Attacks: Fear of imminent death leading to heart palpitations, choking, nausea, fainting, dizziness, chest pain and sweating.

- Phobias: Overwhelming feelings of terror in response to a specific object, situation or activity.

- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Repetitive actions used to cope with recurring or unwanted thoughts.

- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A sense of re-experiencing a traumatic event for months and sometimes years after the incident.


Schizophrenia
Refers to an illness in which the changes in behaviour or symptoms have been prsent for a period of at least 6 months. Caused by a chemical imbalance of the brain's functioning. Affects 1 out of every 100 people.

Common symptoms:

- Hearing voices, hallucinations, may affect any/all senses.
- Confused thinking, feelign ambivalent because you can't make a decision.
- Paranoia and other delusional thinking.
- Disjointed thoughts.
- Overwhelming thoughts - thoughts snowball, build until your senses are overstimulated.
- Thought withdrawal - your mind goes blank.
- Thinking you can control someone else's thoughts or that someone is controlling your thoughts.
- Righteousness.
- Lack of motivation.
- Social withdrawal.
- Feeling that objects or events are meant as personal signs or omens.
- Religious preoccupation.


Eating Disorders
Involve distorted body images that make it difficult for people to nourish themselves in a health way. Most common in women and men under age 30.

Types:

- Anorexia Nervosa: Dramatic weight loss due to fasting and excessive exercise.

- Bulimia Nervosa: Binge eating followed by self-inducing vomiting or other forms of purging.


Personality Disorders
Involve patterns of thinking, mood, social interactino and impulsiveness that cause distress to those experiencing them and others.

Types of personality disorders:

- Borderline Personality Disorder: Difficulty maintaining positive relationships.

- Paranoid Personality Disorder: Overwhelming distrust and suspiciousness of others.

- Antisocial Personality Disorder: Impulsive behaviour, aggression, and violations of the rights of others.


Treatment and Recovery

Treatment for any mental illness, whether or not it is complicated by drug and alcohol misuse, should occur as soon as symptoms appear.

Recommended treatment involves a combination of approaches:

- Education: To help you and your family/support system understand the illness, its causes, and effects, and ways of dealing with symptoms.

- Medication: New ones are now available with fewer unpleasant side effects than older medications.

- Psychological Therapy or Counselling: To help you understand what is happening, change your lifestyle to optimize the chances for recovery, and learn new skills such as problem solving and relaxation techniques.

- Social Employment and Education Support: You may need support to stay at your job, or in school. This is important so you maintain skill development an continuation of income and do not become cut off from friends and workmates.


Research has shown that people who experience mental illness have fewer relapses when their family or other support sustem is involved in their care and treatment. The same is true when substance misuse is involved. If friends and family are knowledgeable and informed, they are in a better position to support you.


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The information from this pamphlet is from the Interior Health department in BC, Canada, and the Canadian Mental Health Assocation. I do not claim to own any of this information, nor am I trying to profit from it.

Understanding and Copying With Mental Illness For Family and Friends [pamphlet]


The following are some important things for family members and friends to remember when coping with mental illness.


Understanding and Coping With Mental Illness

- It is helpful to know that mental illness is not rare. You are not alone. In fact, 1 in 5 Canadians has or will develop a mental illness at some point in their lives.

- NO ONE IS TO BLAME. Never blame yourself. It can destroy your chances of coping. Mental illness is a disorder of the brain/mind.

- Accept that mental illness is complex and it affects each person and family differently. As a family member, you cannot cure your loved one's mental illness, but you can help in their recovery.

- It is natural to experience a range of emotions such as grief, guilt, fear, anger, sadness, confusion, etc. You are responsible for your feelings and journey through your loved one's recovery.

- Information is power. Learn as much as possible, as soon as possible. There are organizations, groups, websites and agencies with information and resources at your disposal.

- Do not shoulder the entire responsibility for one ill relative yourself. Seek professional helpers that are effective. Identify them by their compassionate nature, informative style, and eagerness to have you as their ally. Consider their ability to ensure you receive comprehensive education in understanding and coping with mental illness.

- Look for support from people who have been through this. Contact a self-help group to share your thoughts and feelings. There are groups for specific diagnoses, family groups, consumer support groups.

- Pay attention to the needs of other family members. Sometimes we spend so much time dealing with the illness that we forget our other relationships.

- If you cannot care for yourself, you cannot care for another.

- Be aware that spending massive amounts of time with the person who has a mental illness can make matters worse. It is important to have boundaries and set clear limits.

- Your ill relative is entitled to his/her own life journey, as you are.

- Change is difficult to handle, and going out of the house to gatherings or events may be overwhelming at first. Respect this. It's a process.

- Keep optimistic, and hopeful.

- Keep an open mind about your loved one's recovery.

- Maintain and establish friendships, activities and hobbies, particularly those that take you outside the home.

- Set your sights on appropriate independence for your loved one and yourself.

- Be realistic in your expectations of your ill relative. Help them to set and fulfill realistic life goals. They may not be able to nor wish to return to full-time employment or school. Yaking on more than one can handle can really impact a person's ability to recover.

- Don't be surprised to discover that in the end, it is the ability to change, to look at things differently which distinguishes people who will cope, from those who will not.

- Take very good care of yourself.





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The information in this post is from Interior Health in BC, and from the Canadian Mental Health Association. I do not claim to own any of this information, nor am I trying to profit from it.

What is Happening to My Loved One?: Answers to Questions About the Journey of Mental Illness [pamphlet]


The following attempts to anwer some of the fundamental questions a person with mental illness and their loved ones may ask during the journey.


What is Mental Illness?
Mental illness is a broad term for large categories of mental disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, personality disorders, substance use disorders and addictions, and Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. The symptoms of mental illness can be mild, moderate or severe, and may appear at different times in a person's life.

Mental illness is not the same as being mentally handicapped or challenged, or what is now known as a develomental disability. People who are developmentally challenged as a result of a genetic disorder such as Down's Syndrome are born with developmental delays that can affect a person's intellectual development and functioning.

In contrast, mental illness affects a person's thinking, feelings and behaviour. It cuts across age, gender, economic, ethnic and political boundaries. Mental illness is treatable where most people recover to lead meaningful and productive lives. We know 1 in 5 British Columbians have or will develop a mental illness at some point in their lives.


Why Did This Happen to Them?
Mental illness can happen to anyone. Mental illness is nobody's fault. It is not the result of bad parenting, emotional weakness or personal failure. Most people with mental illness are productive members of society. They have jobs, relationships, family, and hobbies, and are active members of their communities. Some of the most exceptional and influential people in the world have publicly disclosed that they have a mental illness. It may seem that sometimes due to setbacks, your loved one may find it hard to achieve these things. It is important to have hope.


Why Does My Loved One Feel So Out of Control?
Recovery from illness is only one part of the process. Many individuals with mental illness must also rebuild a sense of self-worth and recover from the side effects of unemployment, long periods in treatment settings, and the stigma and discrimination attached to mental disorders. Reclaiming these aspects of life are sometimes more difficult than recovering from illness itself. Crushed dreams may take a long time to mend, especially if they are young and have had few opportunities to direct their life.


Why Is My Loved One Sleeping So Much/Little?
Sleep patterns often get disrupted when a person is experiencing mental illness. Some of the side effects of medications to treat their illness may also disrupt their sleep pattern.


Why is My Loved One Losing/Gaining Weight?
Mental illness impacts each person differently. There are some medications that have an impact on a person's weight. Medications can increase one's appetite and metabolism. This is an unpleasant side effect, but encourage your loved one to stay on their medication because even if they are gaining or losing weight. Encourage them to talk to their doctor about their weight gain/loss. There may be ways to address this as a team. It is also important to maintain a healthy diet and get as much exercise as possible so that they can keep any weight gain/loss under control.


Why Does My Loved One Seem So Anxious/Restless?
Feeling anxious or restless may be a symptom of their mental illness, a side effect of medication, or a part of their life circumstances. Encourage your loved one to identify and try to reduce those things in their life that make them anxious. Help them to find someone professional to talk to about what is making them feel this way. Encourage the use of relaxation techniques and exercise.


Why is My Loved One Afraid of Leaving the House?
Stimulating circumstances may be really hard to handle when a person with mental illness is in the early stages of their recovery. It takes time to get back to doing things they used to enjoy. Family gatherings, crowds and situations where there is lots of noise, lights and colours and sounds may be hard for your loved one to handle for some time. Be patient and try not to expect too much too soon.


Why Does My Loved One Have Difficult Concentrating?
The symptoms of your loved one's illness and/or the side effects of the medications may impact their ability to concentrate, but it has not impacted their intelligence. You don't have to speak to your loved one like they are a "six year old," but do try to be as concrete and clear as possible when you are speaking with someone who has difficult concentrating.


Why Has My Loved One's Sexual Desire Changed So Much?
Your loved one's sexual desire may increase or decrease as a result of their illness or as a side effect of the medication to treat their illness. If this is an issue for you, try to talk to your loved one about this and how it affects you. Together, you and your loved one may want to talk about this change with their mental health worker and/or doctor to ensure that they are supported in practicing safe sex.


Why Don't My Loved One's Friends/Family/Neighbours/Co-Workers Understand?
Some people why away from people with mental disorders, but in some cases it is not the peson with mental illness we fear, but our lack of knowledge about the illness. Unfortunately, the media and movies have perpetuated misconceptions about mental illness. Additionally, some people are uncomfortable and don't know what to say. Encourage your loved one to surround themselves with supportive people. They are still interesting and intelligent. Through their journey, they will meet new friends who are understanding of their experience and able to see beyond their illness.


Why Have Some of My Loved One's Friends/Family Left Them?
There are situations some people just cannot handle because they lack compassion and understanding, or they need to take a step back for their own mental health, learning and/or acceptance. For others, the symptoms associated with your illness make them uncomfortable and they find it hard to be around you. It is unfortunate but it is a part of life. Help your loved one to move on and find new friends and supporters.

In order to offer caring and support for people with mental illness, it is important to recognize that symptoms of these illnesses are often beyond their control. People with mental illness are unable to just "snap out of it/" They cannot stop their symptoms simply by trying harder than someone with impaired hearing can hear better by trying harder to listen.


What Can I Do? Some Things to Remember

- Willpower has nothing to do with eliminating illness.

- Counting your blessings or looking on the bright side is an impossible task for someone who is ill, unless they know someone really cares.

- Keeping busy or getting a hobby are valuable tools, but only when the person is well enough to take the first step. Encourage them not to take on too much at once.

- A change of scenery may be hard to find. In the early stages of recovery, the dark cloud of mental illness goes with people wherever they are.

- Trying harder may only compound the illness. Encourage your loved one to relax and not fight the feelings. They will pass.

- Spirituality, religion and faith may have a part in their recovery/healing, but only if they are rooted in feelings of mental and emotional health, not illness.

- It may be helpful for your loved one to examine the stressful aspects of their life that contribute to the severity of their illness.

- It really helps to have someone who will listen unconditionally. Someone who will be patient and not frightened by what is said. Meaningful relationships are very important for your loved one's sense of self-worth and happiness.

- Stay open minded and curious.

- Setting some boundaries may be very important for both you and your loved one.


Things to Think About Your Loved One's Recovery

- Professional help is one factor in recovery - help is also found through se- lf-help groups, family support, social support, adult education, meaningful employment, adequate housing, and self-care.

- Recovery can be everyone's business - a key aspect of recovery is the presence of people who believe in and stand by the person in need of recovery.

- Recovery is possible even though symptoms may reoccur -the episodic nature of mental illness does not rule out recovery.

- Recovery is not a linear process - unexpected growth or insights may follow periods of little change. A relapse does not mean that progress is suddenly undone.

- Recovery from the consequences of mental illness is sometimes more difficult than recovering from the illness itself. - ex: dealing with stigma, lowered self-esteem, discrimination in housing and employment.

- Successful recovery does not mean that the person was never really mentally ill - because of the inaccurate assumption that people with serious mental illness (especially schizophrenia) can never recover, people who do better are sometimes wrongly believed to have been misdiagnosed.

- Recovery can mean many things to many people. Think about what your loved one's recovery means to you. Be realistic in your expectations.


Sources

- William Anthony, Centre for Psychiatric Rehabilitation.
- Fact Sheets on Mental Health and Addiction Issues - BC Partners for Mental Health and Addiction Information.


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The information in this post is from Interior Health in BC, and the Canadian Mental Health Association. I do not claim to own any of this information, nor am I trying to profit from it.

Planning Your Recovery [pamphlet]


The following may be used by both you and your family or other close supporters, as a reference to understanding the 6 main areas important to people with mental illness when they leave hospital.


Recovery: Your Next Steps

A number of people are involved to assist with your discharge from hospital and your recovery. Overall coordination of the plan, however, is usually the responsibility of one person. It may be your mental health worker, a designated nurse, social worker or other team member depending on the hospital and mental health's patient care system. It is important for you and your family/supporters to find out who this person is. Once in the community, you and your mental health worker and supporters can address your longer term needs.

Your plan should consider the following:

Medication
Medication is generally given by your doctor or a nurse, and can be listed as soon as it is known.

It will be useful to record information on the expected outcomes and side effects from the medication, along with dosage, times and any other special directions - such as the need to take the drugs with food or milk. Following the directions will reduce the possibility of a relapse and re-hospitalization. Tell your doctor if you:

- Have had in the past, any allergic reactions to food or drugs.
- Are taking any medications on a regular basis, or if you often use any non-prescription drugs.
- Are being treated for a different condition by another doctor.
- Have diabetes, kidney or liver disease.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Are taking vitamins or mineral supplements, or are on a special diet.
- Use alcohol or tobacco.


Where to Live
Not all people hav a home to return to once they are discharged from the hospital. Appropriate residential planning can help give people with mental illness the basic support they need to remain in the community and to avoid a relapse and the possibility of re-admission to the hospital. It is important that arrangements for your housing are made before you leave. Your mental health worker or Employment Assistance Worker may be able to assist you to find the most appropriate and available housing option depending on your income and type of income support.

Some boarding homes provide medication supervision, while others do not. Group homes may expect clients to be responsible for their own medication. There may be semi-independent and subsidized housing options available where support is provided in your own home.


Follow-Up/Community Care
Despite the fact that you see doctors more oftne, physical illness is more frequent among persons with mental illness than in the general population. Psychiatric symptoms can cause you to neglect physical health problems, so follow-up care in the community is important to promote health maintenance and prevention of physical illness. Include dental and eye care in your recovery plan.


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The information in this post is from Interior Health in BC, and the Canadian Mental Health Association. I do not claim to own any of this information, nor am I trying to profit from it.

Hospital Discharge Information For Persons With Mental Illness


[Nikolita Note: This pamphlet is basically a chart. I wanted to scan it and post it, but I'm still having the same picture-sizing issue with Photobucket, so I've transcribed it manually. If you want to see it anyways, PM me and I can e-mail it to you directly.]



Discharge Medications
Date:

Medication:
Dosage:
Times:
Comments:


Important Information

Name:
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Services

Service: Mental Health Worker
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Service: Family Doctor
Name:
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Service: Psychiatrist
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Service: Closest Contact
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Service: Employment Assistance Worker
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Service: Hospital Contact
Name:
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Service: Peer Support Office
Name:
Phone Number:
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Service: Other
Name:
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Service: Other
Name:
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Office Address:


Appointments
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Psychologists and You: Talk to Someone Who Can Help [pamphlet]


[Nikolita Note: This was originally posted in the "Psychologists and You: Talk to Someone Who Can Help Sticky," and has been combined here.]


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Today's increasingly demanding world presents us with many challanges.

Sometimes we are able to handle these difficult challenges on our own, or with the help of family or friends.

On occasion, life's stresses and strains become too much to handle.

Talking to a health psychologist, a person who is a skilled health/mental health professional, can help.


What is a Health Service Psycholgist?
Psychologists who specialize in health services possess a unique combination of scientific and professional training. Through their expertise in assessment and diagnosis, prevention and treatment techniques, as well as in related research, they offer a wide range of services designed to promote emotional and physical health in individuals, families, groups and organizations..

The Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology (CRHSPP), is a national credentialiing body that has approximately 3200 psychologists across Canada who have supplementary training and experience in psychological health care, beyond the criteria required for provincial or territorial licensure.


Consider a Psychologist If...
- You are struggling with depression, anxiety, fearts, or difficulty managing daily stress at home, school or work.

- You are having difficulty getting along with your spouse, partner, children, or others.

- You're attempting to resolve problems associated with physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.

- You notice a decrease in your ability to concentrate, remember, make decisions, eat, sleep, or carry out your usual activities.

- You are having problems with drinking, smoking, gambling, or eating.

- You have questions or concerns about parenting, or about your child's behavior or learning abilities.

- You are struggling to make lifestyle changes to help reduce the risk of physical illness.

- You have stress-related illness, such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain, or tension headaches.

- You'd like assistance facing difficult transitions such as divorce, loss of a loved one, career change, or work-related problems.

- You need help understanding or adapting to problems caused by an accident or physical condition, such as head injury or a stroke.


How Can a Health Service Psychologist Help?
Health psychologists are professionals trained to assess, diagnose, and treat a full range of emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and relationship problems.

A health psychologist works with you to better understand your problems and find ways to help you resolve them. A psychologist helps people help themselves.

When you meet with a health service psychologist, it provides an oppurtunity to talk openly and confidentially about your concerns and feelings.


How Do I Find a Health Service Psychologist Who is Registered with CRHSPP?
Your family physician may already know of one or more CRHSPP psychologists. If so, ask your doctor to assist you in contacting one of them. If your physician does not know a CRHSPP psychologist, they may have some information about they can get the CRHSPP Head Office and get some names for you.

A second option is for you to contact a few psychologists listed in your local phone book (look in the Yellow Pages under "Psychologist"). Ask them if they are registered with CRHSPP. By choosing a psychologist who is licensed with your province/territory's psychological regulatory body, and who is also a CRHSPP psychologist, you can be assured that you will be receiving services from a regulated professional who is required to practice in accordance with strict professional guidelines and ethical principles, and who has met additional training and experience requirements to help you with your problems.


Contacts:
Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology
368 Dalhousie St., Suite 300
Ottawa, Ontario
K1N 7G3

Phone: (613) 562 - 0900
Fax: (613) 562 - 0902
E-mail: info@crhspp.ca
Website: www.crhspp.ca


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The information in this post is from the Canadian Register of Health Care Providers in Psychology. I do not claim to own any of this information, nor am I trying to profit from it.