Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Janine Williams Memorial Bursary – 2015

Application Deadline

Friday, October 16th, 2015, 5:00 pm

In partnership with Cole Harbour / Eastern HRM Community Mental Health, the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia awards the Janine Williams Memorial Bursary, valued at $500.00, to an individual living with a mental illness who is embarking on or pursuing some form of learning through formal education or life skills development. The eighth annual Janine Williams Memorial Bursary will be awarded in November 2015.

An advertising poster (PDF) to print and display in your work area and/or social settings can be downloaded by clicking here.

The late Janine Williams

Eligibility

Applicants for the Janine Williams Memorial Bursary must:

live in the communities of the Nova Scotia Health Authority, Central Zone (Zone 4);

live with a mental illness; and

be embarking on or pursuing some form of learning through formal education or life skills development.

Application Form

The Janine Williams Memorial Bursary application form (PDF) can downloaded by clicking here.

Application Deadline

The deadline for receipt of applications is 5:00 pm, Friday, October 16th, 2015.

The Janine Williams Memorial Bursary is supported through many private donations and a grant from the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.

Support for Family and Friends of Persons Living with Mental Illness

Monday, December 7th, 7:00 pm

New Minas

A Self-Help Group in Kings County, Nova Scotia

Caring for a loved one who is dealing with a mental illness can require emotional and practical support. You are not alone. This self-help group was started in the fall of 2008 to share personal experiences in response to the need of support for the families and friends of persons living with serious mental illness.

While it originated through families involved in the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia (SSNS), the group feels it can offer support to families dealing with a wide range of brain illnesses, including psychosis (a break with reality), major depression, and bipolar disorder. This is not a resource group to provide technical, medical or legal aid, or for advocacy - although our experiences may have touched on these issues. Everything shared within the group is confidential.

We meet on the first Monday of each month from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, except then this day is a statutory holiday. Meetings are not held during the summer months of July and August.

Location

1032 Club Crescent
New Minas, Nova Scotia

For further information, please contact Roger Cann at 902-681-2448, or send an email to kcschizsoc@outlook.com.

The Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia exists to improve the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through education, support programs, public policy and research ... including their families.

Helping hands graphic courtesy of Lincalinca.

Families Matter in Mental Health Education and Support Program -- Halifax

Begins this Tuesday, October 6th, 6:00 pm

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Bayers Road Community Mental Health

Bayers Road Centre

7071 Bayers Road, Suite 109

Halifax, Nova Scotia

To register, please call the Healthy Minds Cooperative at 902-404-3504, or send an email to hmnavigator@eastlink.ca.

Please click on the image to magnify it.

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

For further information on the Families Matter in Mental Health Education and Support Program, please click here.

Sydney Mental Health & Addictions Support Group

Monday, October 19th, 6:30 pm

Sydney Mental Health & Addictions Support Group

The Sydney Mental Health & Addictions Support Group meets on the third Monday of every month (except December) at the Grand Lake Road Fire Hall, 850 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Date
Monday, October 19th, 2015

Time
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Place

Grand Lake Road Fire Hall

Classroom 15 (side entrance, plenty of free parking)

850 Grand Lake Road

Sydney, Nova Scotia

Everyone Welcome!

For further information about the Sydney Mental Health & Addictions Support Group, please contact Jubanti Dhan Toppo, Project Coordinator, Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, by calling (902) 631-1336, or by sending an email to jubanti.dhan.toppo@bellaliant.com.

Photo credit

Families Matter in Mental Health Education and Support Program -- Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia

Begins Tuesday, October 20th, 6:00 pm

Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia

Please click on the image to magnify it.

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

For a map of the location of 636 Sackville Drive in Lower Sackville, please click here.

For further information on the Families Matter in Mental Health Education and Support Program, please click here.

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Getting Mental Health Crisis Support in Nova Scotia

Call (902) 429-8167 or 1-888-429-8167 (toll free)

The Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (MHMCT) provides intervention and short term crisis management for children, youth and adults experiencing a mental health crisis. They offer 24/7 telephone intervention throughout Nova Scotia - (902) 429-8167 or 1-888-429-8167 (toll free) - and mobile response (1:00 pm to 1:00 am) in most communities in Halifax Regional Municipality.

Note that this video is four years old and it does not mention the 24/7 telephone crisis intervention service that is now available throughout Nova Scotia.

From this document:

Mental Health Crisis vs. Psychiatric Emergency

A mental health crisis is:

an acute disturbance of thinking, mood, behaviour or social relationship that requires an immediate intervention;

which involves an element of unpredictability, usually accompanied by a lack of response to social controls; and

which may be defined as a crisis by the client, the family or other members of the community.*

Thoughts of suicide, distorted or psychotic thinking, intense anxiety, depression, unable to cope.

A mental health crisis does not necessarily require hospital-based assessment/triage services and can be effectively supported in the community by a team of service providers.

A psychiatric emergency is when a person is an immediate danger to him/herself due to compromised thinking and/or judgement. A psychiatric emergency requires hospital-based treatment services – Call 911 or attend a local emergency department.

* Consistent with B.C.’s Mental Health Reform Crisis Response / Emergency Services

Also see:

Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team

Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team - Overview Document (2007)

Video focuses on mental health (2013)

N.S. mental health supports reach rural areas (2013)

Meet Halifax's mental health mobile crisis team (2012)

Assistance with navigating mental health services in the Central Zone - Nova Scotia Health Authority

404-3504 ext. 201

From the Healthy Minds Cooperative's February 2013 newsletter:

Navigation

Going through the mental health system can be like trying to find your way through a maze. Navigation is a service that the Healthy Minds Cooperative provides that helps guide people living with a mental illness, and their families, to connect with support services in the community.

The Navigator can answer your questions and concerns about:

Services in the community

Support groups

Programs and workshops

Referral Services

Advocacy

Web-based resources

For more information about navigation, please call (902) 404-3504 ext. 201 or email hmnavigator@eastlink.ca.

Image credit

Also see:

Capital Health Addictions and Mental Health Program

OurHealthyMinds.com

Healthy Minds Cooperative

The Self-Help Connection

Community Helping Trees

Bedford / Sackville

Clayton Park / Fairview

Cumberland County

Dartmouth

Halifax Peninsula

Mental Health Services & Supports in Communities Across Nova Scotia

Newcomers

Prospect / Tantallon / Timberlea / St. Margarets Bay

Dartmouth Seniors

Spryfield

Spryfield Youth

Windsor / West Hants Community

Mental Health Services on Cape Breton Island

Please click on the image to magnify it.

To download the entire July 2012 booklet (PDF), please click here.

Also visit:

Cape Breton District Health Authority - Mental Health

Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority - Mental Health Services

Addiction Services Cape Breton

Also available:

Mental Health Outpatient Services
Strait Richmond Hospital
138 Hospital Road
Evanston, Nova Scotia
B0E 1J0
902-533-3300

Learning about Schizophrenia: Rays of Hope

A Reference Manual for Families & Caregivers

Revised Fourth Edition (2012)

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To download the 2012 fourth revised edition of Rays of Hope (PDF), please click here.

Printed copies of Rays of Hope are available from the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia at a cost of $10.00 (including shipping). To order a copy with payment by Visa, MasterCard, or American Express, please call (902) 465-2601 or 1-800-465-2601 (toll-free in Nova Scotia), or send a cheque or money order to:

Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia
Room B-23, Purdy Building
P.O. Box 1004
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
B2Y 3Z9

Key Findings in Early Psychosis: A Knowledge Sharing Initiative

Please click on the image to magnify it.

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

To join the initiative, or for further information, please send an email to keyfindingsinearlypsychosis@outlook.com.

Also see:

Key Findings in Early Psychosis - Facebook Page & Twitter

Video Introduction to Key Findings in Early Psychosis Knowledge Sharing Initiative

Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program

"Like" the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia on Facebook ...

... by clicking here (then click the "Like" box).

I am not sick, I don't need help!

Dr. Xavier Amador is an internationally sought-after speaker, clinical psychologist, professor at Columbia University Teachers College in New York City, the Founder and Director of the LEAP™ Institute and author of eight books including the national best seller I’m Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help!™

In this video he talks about dealing with anosognosia, the lack of insight regarding a mental illness. The video was recorded during the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia's Annual Conference in 2005.

For a PowerPoint presentation on Dr. Amador's Listen-Empathize-Agree-Partner (LEAP) approach, click here.

Part 1 of 2 (57 minutes)

Part 2 of 2 (53 minutes)

This video was reviewed by Schizophrenia.com on December 27, 2006. To read the review, please click here.

Other videos featuring Dr. Amador:

Cambridge Talk on Helping People with Mental Illness - October 2, 2012 (NAMI Cambridge Chapter)

Keynote speech to the annual convention of the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (May 2011)

2011 Nordic Psychiatry Academy Interview with Dr. Amador

"I am not Sick, I don't need help!" presentation at the 2011 Nordic Psychiatry Academy

Anosognosia Workshop — July 3, 2010 (NAMI Conference)

Also see:

I am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help! How to help someone with mental illness accept treatment. 10th Anniversary Edition

Nova Scotia Certified Peer Support Specialist Program - Brochure

Please click on an image to enlarge it.

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

Also see:

Healthy Minds Cooperative

Healthy Minds Cooperative - Brochure (PDF)

Early Psychosis Family Education - Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program

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

Also see:

Early Psychosis Family Information Sessions

Early Psychosis Family Support Group - Brochure (PDF)

Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program - Information for Family Members (PDF)

How to refer someone to the Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program

Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program

Families Overcoming Risks and Building Opportunities for Well-Being (FORBOW)

Call for Participants

Please click on the image to magnify it.

Download the FORBOW Leaflet for Families (PDF) by clicking here.

Also see:

FORBOW Website

On Aprl 16th, 2014, Dr. Rudolf Uher interviewed on CBC Radio 1, as part of the Mainstreet Nova Scotia with Stephanie Domet - to listen to the interview, please click here.

Supporting Families in Recovery - Mental Health and Addictions Program - Nova Scotia Health Authority, Central Zone

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A PDF version of the above poster can be downloaded by clicking here.

Also see:

Mental Health and Addictions Program - Nova Scotia Health Authority, Central Zone

Families Matter in Mental Health

Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia

Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia

Healthy Minds Cooperative

Monday, September 21, 2015

Families Matter in Mental Health Education and Support Program -- Amherst, Nova Scotia

Ongoing

Amherst, Nova Scotia

Please click on the image to magnify it.

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

For a map of the location of 6 Maltby Court in Amherst, please click here.

For further information on the Families Matter in Mental Health Education and Support Program, please click here.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Families Matter in Mental Health Education and Support Program -- Berwick, Nova Scotia

Ongoing

Berwick, Nova Scotia

Please click on the image to magnify it.

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

For a map of the location of 185 Commercial Street in Berwick, please click here.

For further information on the Families Matter in Mental Health Education and Support Program, please click here.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Families Matter in Mental Health & Addiction - Education and Support Program -- Sydney, Nova Scotia

Ongoing

Sydney, Nova Scotia

Please click on the image to magnify it.

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

For a map of the location of 850 Grand Lake Road in Sydney, please click here.

For further information on the Families Matter in Mental Health Education and Support Program, please click here.

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia - 2015 Road to Recovery Walk

Held on Saturday, May 2nd, 2015

A big THANK YOU to everyone who participated!

NO MORE

Mental Illness = Shame, Misconceptions, Stereotyping, Prejudicial Attitudes, and Discrimination

TAKE ACTION!

There is still time to make a donation, to do so, please click here.

The Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia’s 7th Annual Road to Recovery Walk is about coming together as a community to raise awareness and reduce the misconceptions, stereotyping, prejudicial attitudes, discrimination, and shame so often associated, unfortunately, with mental illnesses. On Saturday, May 2nd, 2015, Road to Recovery walks are being held in four different communities throughout Nova Scotia. These communities are: Bridgewater, Halifax, Pictou County, and Wolfville.

One out of every twenty-five Canadians is directly affected by schizophrenia or some other psychotic disorder during their lifetime. Today, with early detection and the new medical, psychological, and psychosocial treatments and supports, recovery is not only possible, it is expected in most cases. There is a reason to hope!

This annual fundraiser also allows the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia to continue its important and extensive work to improve the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis – including families and friends – through education, support programs, influencing public policy, and encouraging research. For further information on the work of the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, please visit our Website, Facebook Page, and Twitter Feed. To join our mailing list, please click here.

DONATE NOW!

Please give what you can; we greatly appreciate your support.

For Road to Recovery Walk information in your area; including the location, start time and a route map, please click on one of the following links: Bridgewater, Halifax, Pictou County, and Wolfville.

To download the 7th Annual Road to Recovery Walk poster (PDF), please click here.

Monday, March 2, 2015

Healthy Minds Cooperative Newsletter - March/April 2015

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To download the entire newsletter (PDF), please click here.

Also see:

Healthy Minds Cooperative

Friday, January 9, 2015

Healthy Minds Cooperative Newsletter - January 2015

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To download the entire newsletter (PDF), please click here.

Also see:

Healthy Minds Cooperative

Friday, November 7, 2014

The Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia's 26th Annual Conference - The Brain: Mental Health & Psychiatric Disorders

Held on November 7th, 2014

Keynote Speaker

"Brain Stimulation in Resistant Depression"

Dr. Z. Jeff Daskalakis

Professor of Psychiatry

Department of Psychiatry

University of Toronto

and

Director
Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Toronto, Ontario

To download Dr. Daskalakis' biosketch (PDF), please click here.

Invited Speakers

"Early Intervention for Psychotic Disorders - Recent Findings"

Dr. Sabina Abidi

Interim Associate Chief

Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Dalhousie University

and
Head
Youth Psychosis Program

IWK Health Centre

"What We've Learned about the Brain by Studying the Sense of Smell in Psychotic Disorders"

Dr. Kim Good

Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology

Dalhousie University
and
Co-Director
Nova Scotia Psychosis Research Unit

To download Dr. Good's biosketch (PDF), please click here.

"Mindfulness and Contemplation in Support of Recovery"

Dr. David Whitehorn

Department of Psychiatry

Dalhousie University
and
A Founding Director
Atlantic Contemplative Centre

"Early Experience, Stress and Long-Term Neurobehavioural Development: Unraveling the Thread of Nature via Nurture"

Dr. Ian Weaver

Department of Psychology and Neuroscience

Dalhousie University

Morning Emcee

Ms. Starr Dobson

President & Chief Executive Officer

Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia

Conference Sponsors

_____________________________________________

The conference logo is an original graphic design donated by Terri Vernon, faculty member, Nova Scotia Community College, Annapolis Valley Campus, Middleton.

"The theme of this year's conference logo is clouds. When desiging the logo, I was reflecting on the way that different people see different images in clouds and how this is a matter of individual perspective. I made the brain appear "cloud-like" to convey the idea that there are many perspectives on brain science and mental health, and that these are constantly changing." ~ Terri Vernon

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Healthy Minds Cooperative Newsletter - November 2014

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To download the entire newsletter (PDF), please click here.

Also see:

Healthy Minds Cooperative

Monday, October 6, 2014

Healthy Minds Cooperative Newsletter - October 2014

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To download the entire newsletter (PDF), please click here.

Also see:

Healthy Minds Cooperative

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Healthy Minds Cooperative Newsletter - September 2014

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To download the entire newsletter (PDF), please click here.

Also see:

Healthy Minds Cooperative

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

LakeCity Employment Services Association -- Invitation to Comment

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The above letter can be downloaded in Microsoft Word format by clicking here. A PDF version of the above letter can be downloaded by clicking here.

Also see:

LakeCity Employment Services Association

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Families Matter in Mental Health: An Education and Support Program -- Nova Scotia

Research has shown that family members experience less stress and feel more encouraged about caring for their relative and themselves when they understand about mental illness and how to cope with difficult situations.

The aim of this program is to provide family members of people living with mental illness the information, knowledge, common skills and confidence to deal more effectively with their role and to improve the quality of life for both the family member and person with the mental illness.

Families Matter in Mental Health is adapted from a program developed by The Meriden Family Programme. Based out of the UK, The Meriden Family Programme is a training and organizational development program which has been promoting the development of family-sensitive, evidence-based mental health services since 1998, with a particular emphasis on the implementation of family work. It is a National Health Services (NHS) program with extensive experience of working with organizations to ensure families remain at the heart of quality mental health service delivery.

To download the Families Matter in Mental Health provincial brochure (PDF), please click here.

To register to participate in an 11-week session of Families Matter in Mental Health in Nova Scotia, or to learn more about this family education and support program, please connect with your local Mental Health and Addictions Services, contact information for which is available by clicking here (for people living within the boundaries of the Capital Health district [including the IWK Health Centre], please contact the Healthy Minds Cooperative by calling (902) 404-3504, or by sending an email to hmnavigator@eastlink.ca).