Schizophrenia Society of Canada - 2013 Annual Report

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To download the entire Schizophrenia Society of Canada 2013 Annual Report (PDF), please click here.

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada - VALUES

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To download a PDF version of the above document, please click here.

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Schizophrenia Society of Canada

Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia

Cannabis & Psychosis: Exploring the Link

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Cannabis & Psychosis: Exploring the Link

The Canadian Medical Association Awards Medal of Honour to Dr. Austin Mardon

An August 16th media release from the Canadian Medical Association:

OTTAWA, Aug. 16, 2011 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) will present the 2011 CMA Medal of Honour to Dr. Austin Mardon, PhD, who has demonstrated outstanding public commitment to raising awareness of mental health issues and diminishing the stigma and discrimination faced by Canadians living with mental illness.

"The CMA Medal of Honour recognizes personal contributions to the advance of medical research and education," said CMA President Dr. Jeff Turnbull. "Dr. Mardon has worked tirelessly to help Canadians better understand the issues around mental illness. In courageously talking openly about his own experiences, he is truly making a difference in coaxing mental illness out of the shadows in this country."

Diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of thirty, Dr. Mardon uses his own experience and his road to recovery in advocating in the areas of stigma, service delivery, awareness and education. He tries to improve the lives of those with schizophrenia through public education. His efforts have led him meet with politicians, clergy, academics and others in positions to effect change. He has influenced public policy in Alberta through his service as vice-chair of the Alberta Disabilities Forum steering committee and as chair of its low-income working group; as a member of the Premier's Council on the Status of Persons with Disabilities; as an addiction and mental health committee member of Alberta Health's service integration working group; and as chair of the Edmonton Champions' Centre advisory committee. He also was instrumental in winning changes to Alberta's income assistance program for the severely handicapped.

"I have put my experiences out there for all to see, but it hasn't been easy and for some people it's impossible," said Dr. Mardon. "My goal continues to be to see the unfair and debilitating stigma our society holds against the mentally ill wiped out for all time."

Austin Mardon, PhD, has been a public educator and tireless advocate for the mentally ill, particularly those with schizophrenia, since he was diagnosed with that illness in 1992. At the time he was a promising graduate student and Antarctic explorer, and the diagnosis of schizophrenia could have ended his academic career and severely limited his prospects in life. Instead, he survived many setbacks through his sheer determination to continue his studies, to make a difference, to contribute to society, and to help others.

Dr. Mardon graduated with a major in geography from the University of Lethbridge in 1985. The following year, at age 24, he was investigating meteorite impacts 170 km from the South Pole as a junior field member on an Antarctic meteorite recovery expedition sponsored by NASA and the National Science Federation. He received the U.S. Antarctic Service Medal for his work. However, the extreme hardships of the expedition affected him mentally and physically. While he went on to earn masters degrees in science (South Dakota State University) and education (Texas A&M University) and published a number of articles and books, his health issues persisted. At the age of 30 he was diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Although some of his abilities are compromised by the disease, he earned a PhD in geography from Greenwich University, Australia; continued his remarkable publication record, including articles in both Science and Nature; was elected an International Fellow and Corresponding Fellow of the Explorers Club of New York; and was inducted into the International Academy of Astronautics.

Equally impressive has been his work on behalf of the mentally ill. In addition to giving countless interviews to the media on the topic of mental illness, he has published articles about faith and schizophrenia, homelessness, medication, and income support. He has provided leadership as a member of the board of directors of both the Edmonton and Alberta chapters of the Schizophrenia Society, and for a number of years he was coordinator of the Alberta Mental Health Self-Help Network.

"I hope to soon see the day when schizophrenia is treated like any other disease and is finally detached from the stigma that makes a difficult burden to bear even worse," added Dr. Mardon.

Dr. Mardon has received a number of awards, including the Order of Canada (2007). Others include: the Flag of Hope Award (2001) and the Bill Jefferies Family Award (2007) of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada; the Distinguished Alumni Award of the University of Lethbridge (2002); the Presidents Award of the Alberta chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association (2002); the C.M. Hincks Award from the national division of the Canadian Mental Health Association (2007); and the Medal of Honour of the Alberta Medical Association (2010).

A popular member of the Speakers' Bureau of Alberta, Dr. Mardon has publicly assisted the medical profession by supporting development of policy positions that have helped medical providers treat those with mental illness.

Dr. Mardon is the 28th recipient of the CMA Medal of Honour, the highest award bestowed upon someone who is not a member of the medical profession. He will receive the award at a ceremony at the D.F. Cook Recital Hall, Memorial University, in St. John's, N.L., on Aug. 24 as part of the CMA's 144th annual meeting.

For further information:

Lucie Boileau, Manager, Media Relations
Tel: 613-731-8610 or 1-800-663-7336 ext. 1266
Mobile: 613-447-0866
lucie.boileau@cma.ca

Photo credit

Also see:

Austin Mardon to receive honorary Doctor of Laws degree from University of Alberta

Austin Mardon on Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia Society of Canada - Annual Awards 2011

From the Schizophrenia Society of Canada website:

Our schizophrenia societies depend upon the perseverance, skill and devotion of dedicated volunteers, practitioners and staff members who help us to achieve our mission of promoting a quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis. Without their dedicated efforts, we would be missing the leadership and direction essential for our organizations.

Each year, the Schizophrenia Society of Canada recognizes individuals and initiatives/programs within the schizophrenia community that are helping to fulfill our mission through the presentation of our Annual Awards.

Do you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to our mission? Here is your chance to celebrate his or her achievements with a nomination for a 2011 Annual Award. A nomination form, along with the description and criteria for each award, is listed below.

If you require further information email info@schizophrenia.ca.

Nominations Deadline: July 31, 2011


Awards and Criteria:

Please note: Each endorser should also submit as a separate attachment, details on the activities of the individual or initiative/program and how the activities relate to the award criteria.

• Bill Jefferies Family Award

• Recovery of Hope Award

• Initiatives/Programs of Excellence Award

• Media Award

• Michael Smith Award [photograph of Michael Smith, above]

• Outstanding Achievement Award

• Outstanding Staff Award

• Nomination Form

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An Update from Nova Scotia

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To view the PowerPoint slides (PDF) of the presentation that Stephen Ayer, executive director of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, made during the Schizophrenia Society of Canada's 2010 National Conference, please click here.

Photographs from the SSC National Conference in St. John's, NL

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada's (SSC) National Conference took place from July 26th to 28th, 2010, in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador.

To download PowerPoint slides from some of the presentations made during the conference, please click here.




Stephen Ayer, executive director of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia (left), Greg Zed, past president of the Schizophrenia Society of New Brunswick (centre), and Cecilia McRae, president of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia (right).




Anita Hopfauf, executive director of the Schizophrenia Society of Saskatchewan. At the far right is Phil Rogers, treasurer of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia.




Laura Burke, peer support facilitator with the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, performs spoken word poetry during the conference banquet. Laura also received the SSC's 2010 Flag of Hope Award during the banquet.




Laura Burke at The Rooms, an art gallery and museum in St. John's.




View of the entrance to St. John's harbour from The Rooms.




At a conference with a theme of Social Inclusion: Well Beyond Recovery, we didn't have too look very far for signs of social prejudice.




The Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.


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Putting the sibling back into the family

A December 8th news story from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine:

By Laurie Wang

The role of brothers and sisters is often overlooked when it comes to family support for those with mental illness.

“When people think of family, they often think of the parents, not the siblings,” said Liz Taylor, professor of occupational therapy at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. “There’s a lifelong impact on the healthy sibling living with the ill sibling—something we often forget.”

The researcher conducted a narrative study on women who had a sibling with schizophrenia. She also spoke on the topic at the University of Alberta Calgary Centre Rehabilitation Seminar Series in mid November.

“The siblings wanted to be involved, but never got to be. Perhaps the parents were trying to protect them, but they told me they felt left out of the medical education the parents received,” Taylor said. “And then when they’re older, their parents are aging so they are the ones being asked to be caregivers, but they don’t have all the information.”

It is also common for the parents to focus on the child with mental illness over the others. Taylor explained that from the people she interviewed, a majority reported that they would feel left out so they’d cope by having achievements outside the home.

“Leisurely activities became a form of escape. The women in the study were highly successful and well-educated. They perceived themselves as helpers—some were health-care professionals themselves,” Taylor said. “But they always felt they had to be even more successful and needed to achieve more.”

An underlying theme was the inability to enjoy time with family.

“They felt they were unable to celebrate and that they had to put on an act that they were happy. One woman said to me, ‘I feel like a fraud with my own children,’” she explained.

All of the women in the study were willing to accept that they would need to be caregivers to their siblings. “It wasn’t a matter of ‘I don’t want to’; it was a matter of ‘I don’t know how to.’ They just felt like they were doing it without any information,” said Taylor.
She stressed the importance of letting the healthy sibling be involved early on, even at a young age.

“Health-care professionals need to know that family is more than just mom and dad. Everyone in the family needs to learn how to give support,” she said. “As an occupational therapist working with families, I need to remind myself to include the siblings when I talk to families too.”

Taylor is teaching her occupational therapy students how to be more inclusive in their future practice and get the whole family involved.

“I’d also like to see the future generation of parents demanding that all their children are involved. Teachers should also encourage healthy siblings to take part in being part of the support and solution,” she continued.

Taylor says that the Schizophrenia Society of Canada and other organizations have played a positive role in educating people and providing information, but that teachers, parents, health-care workers and friends need to provide support for the sibling too.

“There needs to be more support groups for the siblings. We need to encourage them to get the information and education they need,” Taylor said. “The more you understand, the more you can give support and be a part of the team.”

Links:

• Download PDF of story published in Edmonton Journal

About the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine

As the only free standing faculty of rehabilitation in Canada, the University of Alberta Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine balances its activities among learning, discovery and citizenship (including clinical practice). A research leader in musculoskeletal health, spinal cord injuries and common spinal disorders (back pain), the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine aims to improve the quality of life of citizens in our community. The three departments, Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT) and Speech Pathology and Audiology (SPA) offer professional entry programs. The Faculty offers thesis-based MSc and PhD programs in Rehabilitation Science, attracting students from a variety of disciplines including OT, PT, SLP, psychology, physical education, medicine and engineering.

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Latest treatment for schizophrenia offers needed additional option to fight difficult-to-treat disease

An October 6th press release from Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada:

ABILIFY(TM) now available in Canada with several benefits: efficacy, good safety, tolerability and neutral impact on weight, cholesterol and blood sugar levels

MONTREAL, Oct. 6 /CNW Telbec/ - A new treatment option for Canadians with schizophrenia, ABILIFY(TM) (aripiprazole), is now available in Canada. For those living with this lifelong disease who may be struggling with a treatment that doesn't work for them or with side effects that are difficult to tolerate, ABILIFY offers efficacy and good safety and tolerability with limited impact on weight, blood sugar and lipids - significant clinical benefits that may help patients stay on treatment longer.

"Schizophrenia is a complex disease that is often challenging to treat. As a physician, the main challenge I face is that patients stop taking their medications and relapse," said Dr. Ruth Baruch, psychiatrist and director of the community program at Toronto East General Hospital. "Weight gain is particularly important. Two thirds of patients will stop taking their medication because of weight gain. Numerous studies have indicated that ABILIFY has the advantage of causing fewer long-term side effects such as lower weight gain and less increase in cholesterol. Where I think this will translate in the real world is improving adherence and patients will be more likely to stay on medication in the long-term."

Schizophrenia is a lifelong disease and treatment plays an important role in its management. ABILIFY is the latest medication in Canada to treat schizophrenia. It has not only been shown to improve day-to-day functioning and lessen social withdrawal, clinical studies show it does so with less impact on patient weight or other metabolic factors such as cholesterol, lipids and blood sugar levels. ABILIFY is effective in improving a range of so-called "positive" symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions, as well as the "negative" symptoms of the disease, such as lack of motivation and emotional withdrawal, that prevent many people with schizophrenia from leading full and fulfilling lives.

One person who knows the immense burden schizophrenia puts on those directly affected by it is Brian Good of Oakville, Ontario. His brother, Eric, was struck with the devastating disease when he was in his early 20s and at university, primed to advance in education and his adult life. Brian remembers what it was like growing up. "My brother's behaviour at home was very disruptive. He would cycle between not being on medication and do strange things like hitchhike across the country," said Brian. "I lost a brother and my children lost an uncle. If there had been better treatment options back then, our family might be very different." Now in his 50s, Eric lives in a group home in Gravenhurst, Ontario.

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada believes that patient access to new treatment advances is critical to making it possible for people with schizophrenia to control their illness and improve their quality of life. "Schizophrenia is treatable and recovery of a quality of life is possible. There can never be too many treatments options for schizophrenia," says Chris Summerville, CEO of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada. "Given the complexity of schizophrenia and psychosis, the challenges people face in recovering and finding the right medication that supports the recovery process, it's vital for patients to have as many options available as possible. For this reason we believe all therapies approved by Health Canada should be made available to patients by all drug plans in Canada, public and private."

About Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a form of psychosis, meaning it interferes with a person's ability to interpret what is real or not. It causes patients to have "positive" symptoms, including hearing voices and having hallucinations, and "negative" symptoms, such as emotional withdrawal and apathy. Symptoms vary widely among patients. An estimated 335,000 Canadians have schizophrenia, most diagnosed in their late teens or early adulthood. There is no cure and it is a lifelong disease. The primary goal of treatment is to provide relief of both positive and negative symptoms. With such control, people can live full and productive lives. Unfortunately, treatment discontinuation among patients with schizophrenia remains high at 40 to 50%. Because symptoms, individuals, and medications differ so greatly, there is always a need for new and effective treatment options.

About ABILIFY(TM)

ABILIFY(TM) (aripiprazole) is a new treatment in the class of atypical antipsychotic medications, available by prescription only. It has been approved by Health Canada for the treatment of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders in adults. It is also indicated for the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes in bipolar I disorder in adults, alone or in combination with lithium or divalproex sodium.

ABILIFY is the first and only dopamine and serotonin partial agonist. It acts in specific areas of the brain where levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin are too high or too low and appears to balance the levels of these chemicals.

ABILIFY has undergone a rigorous clinical development program and has been evaluated for safety in 13,543 adult patients.

About The Schizophrenia Society of Canada

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC), founded in 1979, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through education, support programs, public policy and research. The Society works with 10 provincial societies in a federation model to: raise awareness and educate the public in order to reduce stigma and discrimination; support families and individuals; advocate for legislative change; and support research through the SSC Foundation and other independent efforts.

About Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada

Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, a global pharmaceutical and related health care products company whose mission is to extend and enhance human life. Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada is a leading provider of medicines to fight cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS), nervous system diseases and serious mental illness. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the BMY symbol (NYSE:BMY). Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada's operations are headquartered in Montréal, Québec.

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(TM)ABILIFY is a trademark of Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. used under license by Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada.

For further information, or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Marc Osborne, Director, Government Relations and Public Affairs, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada, (514) 333-2463, marc.osborne@bms.com, or

Ethan Pigott, Hill & Knowlton, (416) 413-4744, ethan.pigott@hillandknowlton.ca

Note: ABILIFY(TM) (aripiprazole) is not yet listed in the Nova Scotia Drug Formulary. If you would like to have ABILIFY(TM) (aripiprazole) added to the Nova Scotia Drug Formulary, please contact your MLA.

Your Recovery Journey: Train-the-Trainer Workshop

On September 15th, the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia held a full-day train-the-trainer workshop for the Schizophrenia Society of Canada’s new and innovative program, Your Recovery Journey. The training introduced participants to a five-session peer-support program focusing on recovery from mental illness. The Your Recovery Journey program builds on the premise that there is hope, that people with mental illness can get well, stay well for long periods of time, and do the things they want to do with their lives.

The program is designed to be co-facilitated by people who themselves have experience with mental illness and have also experienced recovery in their own lives. Collaboration with a recovery-oriented service provider or a family member is also an option to consider for delivery of the Your Recovery Journey program.

The train-the-trainer workshop was led by Chris Summerville, CEO of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada, and covered the content of the program, as well as providing helpful information and tips about bringing the program to life into the participant's communities.


Chris Summerville leading the Your Recovery Journey Train-the-Trainer Workshop in Halifax on October 15th.


A total of 39 participants attended the Your Recovery Journey Train-the-Trainer Workshop (a full house). In addition to those from HRM, participants from Kentville, Truro, Windsor, and Yarmouth were also in attendance.


Participants watch one of the videos provided as content in the Your Recovery Journey program.

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The Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia will be delivering Your Recovery Journey in Halifax beginning in mid-October 2009. Please contact Laura Burke at 465-2601, 1-800-465-2601 (toll-free in Nova Scotia) or ssns@ns.sympatico.ca for further information.

Photographs by Stephen Ayer.

What clients want from treatment: Quality of life issues top list of desired outcomes

An article published in the Summer 2009 issue of CrossCurrents:

By Hema Zbogar

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada has recently released the results of North America’s largest-ever poll of people living with schizophrenia. The Quality of Life Survey asked 1,086 mental health consumers and family members what quality of life means to them and what they perceive as barriers to its attainment. The survey found that people with schizophrenia have similar hopes and frustrations as the general population.

The survey findings challenge other quality of life research on people with mental illness that has focused heavily on clinical issues and managing negative life events rather than on the concept of recovery. The respondents’ views indicate that service providers, policy planners and funders need to move beyond a narrow focus on treating symptoms of mental illness to also supporting clients’ hopes and goals in the areas of employment, housing, economic security and freedom from discrimination and violence. Respondents also wanted more community-based services, family education and social and recreational opportunities.

CrossCurrents conducted its own informal survey of people with schizophrenia and their families to find out what they want from treatment and treatment providers, and what they want from life. We posed three questions:

1. Is there an aspect of your life related to having schizophrenia that treatment doesn’t address but that you wish it would?


2. What does a good outcome for schizophrenia treatment look like to you? In other words, what is the most important outcome for you?


3. Do you feel that the mental health professionals you have dealt with have different expectations and goals than you?
   

This is what some of our respondents, from across North America, had to say.

Byron, Toronto, Ontario

For me a good outcome means a return to relationships. The symptoms of schizophrenia often make it difficult or impossible to maintain and enjoy these necessary relationships. We, like everyone else, need the laughter, sharing, trust, companionship, and the perspective and objectivity that come from friendships and family. Sometimes as a sufferer of this disease it can be difficult to assess the veracity of our own perspective, to figure out whether or not what we feel and perceive is grounded in reality or is in part or wholly changed, shifted, modified by our disease. Surrounding ourselves with positive people gives us a sounding board. Without them it can be incredibly lonely. Thirty years ago it might have made sense to have lower expectations of people with schizophrenia because medication had such strong side-effects and many people were left undiagnosed and untreated. I’ve had several doctors who had clearly given up on me achieving the things I am now doing. One of them actually told my mother that she should “lower her expectations” of me. This was early in my recovery. If my mother or I had listened to the doctor I may not have believed in myself enough to make the efforts I have.

Mental health practitioners also need to realize that these outcomes occur in their own time and that progress may be slow and difficult to perceive, but that it is nevertheless happening. I’ve recently finished a redirection through education program with straight A’s. I socialize on a regular basis and organize social events; I’m learning how to live on my own; I have a girlfriend; I have creative and career ambitions; I make and keep all of my appointments. I’m getting closer to full recovery.

We shouldn’t be punished by unnecessarily low expectations because of assumptions that are based on old truths and old knowledge. Realistically and practically, hope for your patients to reach the stars, because they may need your belief and conviction to get there.


Tamara, Winnipeg, Manitoba

I am 26 years old and have been living with schizo-affective disorder for 11 years. The ideal outcome for treatment allows for good quality of life and achievement of goals and dreams. Being diagnosed with schizophrenia doesn’t mean we can’t achieve our goals and dreams. It just means that they require necessary adaptations and available opportunities.

Often people living with schizophrenia receive treatment in just one area of their lives and not others. The ideal treatment for schizophrenia includes necessary outlets such as having a psychiatrist for discussing medications and a counsellor to address issues inside and outside the realm of mental illness because mental illness affects all areas of life.

There should be more opportunities for obtaining education and career goals through adaptations and mentoring. I am a university student and have endured many obstacles over the past five years, but my family and workers believe in me and encourage me to pursue my goals, so that I may one day achieve my goal of becoming an occupational or recreational therapist.


Angela, Orlando, Florida

I was diagnosed with schizophrenia about four years ago when I was 25. A good treatment outcome is to be motivated to pursue life to the best of your ability. I wish more treatment would address how to cope with the real world. More education about the illness is helpful. We need awareness and ways to cope and challenge ourselves while living with this illness. Without constant motivation and sometimes even guidance there is little to look forward to. My advice to clinicians: Never expect too little or too much from your clients.


Natasha, Belleville, New York

I’ve had paranoid schizophrenia since 1991. A good outcome involves reduced hallucinations, delusions and paranoia to the point where we can function on the job or at home on a day-to-day basis. My ideal treatment for schizophrenia is a psychiatrist who will listen to us, educate us and our families and recommend supports and community resources. It is important that psychiatrists remind us that we can lead a happy, productive life. There is always hope of recovery, even if our symptoms don’t go away.


Jake, Boston, Massachusetts

No hallucinations and the ability to function without having paranoid thoughts is the ideal outcome. I would like better medication that can treat anxiety along with psychotic symptoms. I want fewer side-effects, especially weight gain and muscle stiffness. I’d also like to see more non-drug related treatments.


Anna, Seattle, Washington

I wish that more doctors would listen to the “patient” rather than telling them.


Raymond, Toronto, Ontario

Most psychiatrists focus on symptom reduction, without an image of wellness to drive a recovery-based model of care.


George, Annapolis, Maryland

Most of us with mental illness wish for a better life than just collecting disability. I want to work for a living and not be a disability recipient, even though I could live on the payments I get. Some of us gave up on work because of drug side-effects. I want more from life. I want more power. I want the power to be alive!


John, Regina, Saskatchewan

We need more coaching towards developing coping skills for school and work. On several occasions I attempted returning to school, only to drop out after I became depressed. I did try evening courses and when taking only one subject I often earned an A. Most of my learning since the psychiatrist advised that I should have “no more school” has involved self-teaching. Now, with supports in my life, I am successfully self-employed.


David, Winnipeg, Manitoba

I am 33 years old and have had schizophrenia for nine years. The best outcome is full participation in society, whatever the role. My goal was to find employment with an income that reflected my academic credentials and skills. I underwent psychological-social rehabilitation and now have a high-income job that matches my education and skills. My counsellor had the same view of empowering me to learn life skills (independent living, leisure, etc.) and to obtain and keep a job.


Dan, Midland, Ontario

One ideal treatment that doesn’t exist is medication that controls negative symptoms. I’ve had paranoid schizophrenia for 22 years (I’m 38), and my positive symptoms are under control with medication, but I’ve yet to find a drug that treats negative symptoms like blunted affect. I still struggle in my relationships and often would rather spend time alone. I also can’t concentrate the way I used to and was unable to progress in my education as well as I might have hoped. Negative symptoms should be as much of a priority as the positive ones.


Maureen, Toronto, Ontario

This morning I worked on an extensive survey for family members of residents of the supported home where my daughter, who has schizophrenia, lives. This itself speaks volumes. Staff welcome me and communicate with me about my daughter and the goals of the house for her. On the other side of the street, figuratively and literally, where my daughter receives treatment, I know nothing about her treatment and goals. I have never spoken with her doctor, though I have asked time and again, but I finally gave up.


Mike, White Rock, British Columbia

My daughter is 22 and has had schizophrenia for six years. The ideal treatment would provide constant support to both the person with the illness and the people who support them. Currently, support is sporadic at best for both. This illness is devastating, and without good support and education a successful outcome is difficult.


To download the Schizophrenia Society of Canada report, “Quality of Life: As Defined by People Living with Schizophrenia and Their Families,” visit
www.schizophrenia.ca/QualityLife.htm

Cannibis smokers have a seven-fold schizophrenia risk

Harper government devotes funds to studying the link between marijuana use and mental illness

An article published in yesterday's edition of The Toronto Star:

WINNIPEG – The Harper government is putting up $550,000 to gather research on marijuana use and mental illness.

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada will use the money to further research the links between cannabis and early psychosis as well as develop promotional materials warning youth about the dangers of smoking pot.

The money is part of Ottawa's $30 million national anti-drug strategy announced in 2007.

Chris Summerville, CEO of the Schizophrenia Society, said the public doesn't realize that cannabis users have a seven-fold increase in risk of developing schizophrenia.

He pointed to recent research out of Victoria, B.C., linking pot smoking and mental illness.

As part of the society's research, some 30 youths who have experienced psychosis will be trained to gather information about the reasons their peers use cannabis.

The results will be used to develop educational materials aimed at decreasing the use of illicit drugs among young people.

Winnipeg Conservative MP Joy Smith said Tuesday that while the public regards marijuana as a soft drug, there may be very serious consequences for young pot smokers who have a predisposition to mental illness.

"Science has shown that cannabis may actually trigger the onset of psychosis and may also intensify the symptoms for those who already have a psychotic illness," Smith said in announcing the grant.

"It has been suggested that up to 80 per cent of youth who have had a psychotic episode were using cannabis. And that's pretty shocking," said Smith, who was filling in for Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq at news conference.

Photograph by Rotbuche.

Canada-Wide Survey Addresses Ways to Improve Quality of Life for Canadians Living with Mental Illness…

A press release from the Schizophrenia Society of Canada:

(Winnipeg, May 4, 2009) – Mental illness can be a devastating illness for anyone; however, it is especially difficult for young adults as it often disrupts their education, career plans and the raising of a young family. The symptoms of psychosis can confuse the mind, disorient perceptions, and unsettle important relationships with family and friends. But there is hope, schizophrenia and psychosis are treatable and recovery of quality of life is possible when people are able to find the right path to open up options for treatment, support and hope.

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SCC) recently commissioned a Canada-wide survey to learn how it can support people living with schizophrenia and their families to recover the best quality of life possible. Through a qualitative and quantitative survey and cross Canada focus groups, 1,086 people who have experienced mental illness shared what quality of life means to them. The results revealed that people living with schizophrenia and their families share similar hopes and frustrations regarding their quality of life.

This extensive survey, the largest of its kind in North America, highlighted certain key areas in which quality of life can be improved for people living with a mental illness:

Hope, optimism and a belief in recovery are critical to improving the quality of life for people affected by schizophrenia and related mental health disorders. While 96% of people living with mental illness believe recovery is possible, families sometimes lose optimism in the face of illness and don’t always believe that professionals think recovery is possible.

Friendships and family support are foundational. Symptoms of psychosis can unsettle important relationships with family and friends and contribute to isolation and loneliness. The support of friends and family is essential to recovery, employment and greatly improves quality of life.

Stigma and discrimination are real barriers to quality of life. Approximately 90% of adults with serious mental illness are unemployed. Studies show that many of them want to work and many can work. However, the lack of rehabilitation programs and the prevalence of discrimination prevent them from finding meaningful employment. Poverty is the unfortunate outcome. Canadians living with mental illness also felt that treatment and support services are severely under funded.

Medications and services can foster recovery. While medications are important, most people feel their family and professionals place far too much focus on medication adherence and not enough on what supports recovery and builds their quality of life.

Family/caregivers need to find balance too. Families often carry a heavy burden, as a result the mental, emotions and physical health of the entire family can suffer. Having professional support, learning more about schizophrenia and understanding what supports recovery would help families cope.

Overall, the Schizophrenia Society of Canada’s national survey recommends encouraging professionals to move beyond a narrow focus on managing symptoms to supporting and nurturing recovery from a body, mind and spirit perspective. Stigma and discrimination also need to be addressed through education, public policies and promotion of rights. As well, funding of safe, affordable, secure housing needs to become a priority as does meaningful employment.

Full study report and summary data are available on the SSC website at www.schizophrenia.ca.

Please contact:

Chris Summerville - Chief Executive Officer, Schizophrenia Society of Canada
Office: (204) 786-1616, Mobile: (204) 223-9158

SSNS - AGM 2008

The 2008 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia (SSNS) was held on Saturday, September 6th.

Two new SSNS Directors were elected during the AGM, Cynthia Crowell and Sharon Murphy. For a complete list of members of SSNS Board of Directors, click here.

Cyril Allan, president of the SSNS (right) with Stephen Ayer, executive director.

Lorraine MacDonald, president of the Cumberland County Chapter of the SSNS

Donna Methot, president of the HRM Chapter of the SSNS

Pat MacLean, Board member of the Kings County Chapter of the SSNS

Stephen Ayer chairs the Round-Table discussion after the AGM

During the SSNS Board meeting after the AGM, Dola AuCoin was elected as the SSNS's representative on the Schizophrenia Society of Canada's Board of Directors

Stephen Ayer, executive director of the SSNS

All photographs by Dachia Joudrey.

A Future With Hope

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC) publishes its A Future With Hope newsletter three times per year. It provides information on SSC and other Schizophrenia Society activities, current and emerging issues, and other relevant topics. To view the Summer 2008 issue, click here (PDF).

2008 Building Bridges to the Future Bursary Program

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC) and Janssen-Ortho Inc. are pleased to partner again in offering the Building Bridges to the Future Bursary Program. Though administered by Janssen-Ortho Inc., the program is now coordinated through the SSC. The Building Bridges to the Future Bursary Program seeks to encourage and support individuals living with schizophrenia as they pursue educational opportunities. The money from the bursary program (the maximum amount awarded is $800) can be used for tuition/registration fees, books and other costs related to completing education and/or training program. Please fill out the forms found by clicking here and fax or mail to the SSC.

Applications must be submitted by May 31st, 2008.

Photograph by Jacob1207.

"A future with hope … in a year of transition”

A Message from the Schizophrenia Society of Canada's president, Dr. Pam Forsythe

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SCC) Board of Directors realizes that the closure of the SSC office in Markham, Ontario and the ongoing changes in leadership and staff represent a significant transition for the Society. While we believe this transition period will better position the organization for optimal growth and success, we wish to recognize and address the questions that these changes may have generated among some of our stakeholders, including the members of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada.

It is understandable that our members, donors, sponsors and supporters would have questions about what these changes mean for the organization, for their donations, for the programs and projects they support, etc.

To that end, we have developed some key messages that we hope provide clear and consistent information that:

• Informs our members and stakeholders about the changes underway within the organization.
• Maintains the confidence and support of our stakeholders throughout this transitional period.
• Ensures representatives of the organization are speaking with the same voice.
• Reinforces our commitment to our mission statement and to individuals and families affected by schizophrenia and psychosis.
  

The questions to be addressed below are:

1. When will the SSC be hiring a permanent CEO?
2. Where and when will the SSC open a new office?
3. How can I reach the SSC?
4. There have been a lot of leadership and staff changes over the past few months. Why? What does it mean for the organization? Are there more changes to come?
5. Will you continue to fundraise and offer the same materials, programs and events?
6. What happens to the programs that are currently being run / funded?
7. With the virtual office in Winnipeg and the eventual move to Ottawa, does that mean you won’t be doing work in areas of research and education?
8. The SSC seems to focusing on individuals and not on families. Why?
9. There’s been more and more emphasis on recovery. What is recovery and does it take the place of treatment? What is the SSC’s stand?
   

Should you have any questions about the information below, please contact me at info@schizophrenia.ca.

Sincerely,

Dr. Pam Forsythe, President
Schizophrenia Society of Canada

For the entire text of this letter, click here.

Advocacy Toolkit

In September 2007, the Schizophrenia Society of Canada published an Advocacy Toolkit.

To download the Advocacy Toolkit document (PDF), click here.