Family Forum Newsletter Summer 2014

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The Family Advisory Council of Regional Mental Health Care London and Southwest Center for Forensic Mental Health Care

Family Forum Newsletter Summer 2014

Let’s Talk about Clara’s Big Ride Event

by Laurel Lamarre and Nancy Grady

Inside This Issue 1.

Clara’s big ride

2.

Clara’s big ride continued

3.

Framing the Phoenix

4.

Book review

5.

Adaptive Cooking Classes

6.

Upcoming events

7.

Services for families

8.

Events calendar

On Wednesday, March 19, 2014, a cold drizzly grey day in London, Ontario, was brightened by the inspirational arrival and visit of multi medal Olympic champion, Clara Hughes. Clara is sponsored by Bell Canada to promote and help eradicate the stigma of mental illness and promote mental wellness.

As representative of the Family Advisory Council, three members, Nancy Grady, Liz Taylor and Laurel Lamarre were privileged to attend the event and promote services available to families at Regional Mental Health Care.

We had a display amongst many mental health agencies and were able to network with other service representatives. Some of these services include:         

Distress Centre CMHA London – Middlesex Branch Addiction Services of Thames Valley Alzheimer Society Family Services Thames Valley – Transitions – support through family job loss (new program) London Accessibility Advisory Committee Mind your Mind Mental Health for kids Thames Valley District School Board/London Middlesex Catholic School Board

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Family Forum Newsletter

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e were inspired by the honesty and personal struggles and trials that were shared by local champions who have lived experience of mental illnesses.

Young 15 year old, Dawson, motivated all attendees to be open about mental health and lives the talk by sharing his journey of both leukemia and anorexia nervosa. Dawson aspires to be either an oncologist or a motivational speaker (of which, he already demonstrates) and ignited the evening’s event.

Paige, the second presenter, holds the prestigious award of

Left: Liz Taylor, Nancy Grady and Laurel Lamarre with display of services available to families at Regional Mental Health Care -

Young Entrepreneurs in Canada also known as Top 20 under 20. Paige shared her ongoing struggle with Generalized Anxiety Disorder since adolescence. She developed a series of workshops on mental health titled Direct Resources and Education Alternatives and Mental Health – DREAM - for high school students because she found there were no supports available throughout her high school years.

Paige is currently studying at Mohawk College and is aspiring to have a career in Broadcast Journalism.

Laurie St- Pierre, although symptom free for 13 years, elaborated on her experience with psychosis that began in her teens. By the time she was in her thirties, she recognized the need for help and treatment and with the support of her best friend and husband of 13 years; she has found a balance of mental, spiritual and physical wellness. Fortunately she has a multi-faceted career as an Employment Counsellor with Prevention and Early Intervention Program for Psychoses (PEPP), a private practice as a Life Coach and a Reflexologist since 2007. Laurie is currently studying to become an Ordained Ministerial Counsellor.

Clara Hughes rebounded onto the stage with her dynamic personality and embraced all the attendees and her fellow presenters with her candid and warm words. The mandate of Clara’s road trip is to reach as many youth and families as possible to unsilence the desperate call for mental health and wellness. Clara left this successful event knowing she had made a positive impact on the attendees.

Her next speaking engagement would be to speak with 400 grade 9 and 10 high school students from the London area. Clara and her team are biking across Canada, to encourage long-term positive change in communities in regards to mental illness. Clara will stop in 95 communities, and travel 12,000 km throughout the 110 day ride. Her final destination is scheduled for July 1st, in Ottawa on Parliament Hill.

The London and Distress Centre is to be applauded for the high level of organization and skillful community engagement. The involvement of Goodlife Fitness facilitated open dialogue on suicide awareness using colored balloons and inspiring mindfulness about mental illness and suicide and how mental health affects us all and its far reaching affects.

Clara Hughes thanking all who attended

To summarize, the buzz in the room was contagious; let’s keep on talking openly about mental health.

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Family Forum Newsletter

By Laurel Lamarre and Rachel Hudson

Framing the Phoenix is a mental health art exhibition, and an initiative of the Mental Health Promotions Committee. This committee is a network of community agencies, volunteers and consumers, aiming to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. The event takes place each year in May, at The Arts Project, located on Dundas Street. This year marked this event’s 10th anniversary, and the event was extended for an extra week with additional activities. To celebrate the 10th year of this event, musicians and poets, as well as an interactive labyrinth, were added to commemorate the event. Artists, who contribute their pieces to the show, are those who have lived experience, and/or are supporting someone with a mental illness.

This year, the event was held from May 6, until May 17, 2014. On Tuesday May 6th, the event was marked by an evening reception which included piano music by Nicky Kourtelessi, and in honour of the 10th anniversary, there were refreshments and a decorative cake was served. th

The following week, on Tuesday May 13 , music was provided by musicians from Music Balm, and individuals read their poetry. Music Balm is an informal gathering of musicians touched by mental illness, who come together each week at Old East Studios to jam. This group also performs at various mental health events throughout the year; and are becoming renowned in supporting musicians with mental health concerns. What great model they are, to empower others who are touched by mental illness. People expressed how much they enjoyed the music provided by the Music Balm musicians.

Poet writer Patricia Henry, read her published poem “Out of the Box” on the evening of May 13th, a poem which has also been featured in the March editions of the Patient Voice, and the Family Forum Newsletters. The audience was very receptive and enjoyed the poetry.

Patricia Henry reads her poem Congratulations to Patri“Out of the Box”. cia for taking the time to share her poetry with us. Also stepping forward to read her poem, was Linda Reid, who shared her own poem about trauma, and its effects on her young children.

There was a variety of artwork displayed around the room; from all different mediums, including acrylic, self portraits, sketches and textile. There were pieces from all different ages, from the very young to older adults. There were also black and white pieces on display from the students at Lucas Secondary School in London. All these extremely talented artists are to be commended for their pieces, and their efforts to help us succeed in eliminating stigma associated with mental health.

Linda Reid recites her poem

Singer Gloria Ellis and Kyle Peterkin on guitar

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Family Forum Newsletter The Real Connection Between Mood and Food A book review by Barbara Emmons

In the book Potatoes not Prozac, author Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D., states that blood sugar highs and lows can take a serious toll on our mental health as well as our physical health. She outlines the connection between food, sugar cravings and our bodies’ ability to regulate two key neurotransmitters : serotonin and beta-endorphins.

She recommends that we limit sugar and highly processed foods. She gives a list of healthy, whole foods which naturally help to regulate blood sugar, when eaten in three regular meals. She tells us we can find these items at our regular grocery store and that they are superior to any protein powders and meal replacement bars.

There is no hidden agenda in this book. It is not an advertisement for a diet that requires you to buy specialty supplements and meal replacements. It is just good common sense advice from a person who has worked as an addiction counselor and who has seen positive results in all of her patients who tried it.

The author addresses all the reasons you can come up with for why a simple, basic diet is hard to incorporate into your lifestyle and helps you find ways to do it. She also includes daily menus and recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Here is a list of healthy food combinations to have as meals on the go, from the book Potatoes not Prozac by Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D. An apple, 2 cheese sticks and a handful of almonds Cottage cheese and an orange Chili and a baked potato Baked potato with broccoli and cheese Egg salad on a whole grain bagel Two hard boiled eggs and an orange A roast chicken breast with salad Triscuits or whole grain crackers and peanut butter Shredded wheat and milk, a banana and a hard-boiled egg Chinese takeout: beef with broccoli and rice Chicken taco with lettuce, tomatoes and cheese Breakfast burrito with eggs, beans and cheese I borrowed this book from the Tillmann Family Resource Centre and you can too.

The more that you read, the more things you know. The more that you learn, the more places you go.

Dr. Seuss

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Family Forum Newsletter

Adaptive cooking class honours 2014 graduates Brenda Ryan and Anne Robinson created the Adaptive Cooking Program in 2011, a program that is for anyone with any form of disability. The program has received a twoyear Trillium L– Anne Robinson and Brenda Ryan Foundation grant, which will allow the six-week classes to be offered four times per year at least until 2015. The program also has partnered with the executive chefs of the Best Western Lamplighter Inn, who share their culinary expertise with the students. For more information or to sign up, email adapativecookingclass@gmail.com Brenda has had numerous strokes, cardiac arrests, and some paralysis that at times forces her to utilize her scooter to get around and Anne copes with a severe psychiatric disorder and was in a wheelchair for a long time. Brenda has been awarded with the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement for volunteerism.

Brenda looked to her friend Anne a retired occupational therapist with a lot of experience in the area of disabilities, for assistance in starting this program for people with disabilities, as she had not been able to find anything that filled this mandate for a friend .

L– Brenda Ryan, Brittney Campbell Chef Thorogodd and This course cerAnne Robinson tainly filled this gap and the students truly benefit from the expertise of an executive chef.

I had the opportunity to attend the graduation that was held on May 8th, 2014 at the Best Western, Lamplighter and what a celebration it was. Each student was presented with a certificate of accomplishment by Chef Michael Thorogood who participated in teaching the last course offered.

by Laurel Lamarre

Prior to the ceremony, I had the honour of speaking with Brenda who stated that she had to make a very difficult announcement to the group, one of their fellow student had passed away. Brenda read to the group a letter that Clifton Young had written regarding the benefits of the Adaptive Cooking Classes. One of the remarks made by Clifton in another article reads: ““The cooking classes could change so many people’s lives for the better,” “Health-wise too, you know? I’m eating a lot better, which means my health is better. My mental health is better. I’m not just sitting around on the couch anymore feeling sorry for myself watching my physical health go down hill. I’m now going out and doing things because I have the confidence to do it.”

According to Brenda Ryan, the benefits for the participants extend far beyond the kitchen. The camaraderie that exists amongst some of the students greatly enhances their social L—Brenda, Ryan, Wadji Khouri, Chef Thorogodd and Anne Robinson skills. Some students now meet monthly to share a meal out at a restaurant of their choosing and just enjoy the friendship and bond created during the course.

The Adaptive Cooking class will once again be offered in September. Anyone with a disability is welcome to enroll by sending an email : adaptivecookingclass@gmail.com or if further details are required.

To view a video made by a volunteer showing the benefits of this program, please visit this website: http:// youtu.be/ R9xoJ1Nz1Mg

L– Brenda Ryan and Chef Nick Gucanin Gazibaric - mirror used for cooking demonstation

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Family Forum Newsletter

AUDITIONS BOOKING FOR THE MUSIC BALM CONCERT THESE DATES: June 13, 20, or June 27 between 3—6 p.m. at Old East Studios, 755 Dundas Street Contact Joe Skufca at 519-455-5110 ext. 47440or email joe.skufka@sjhc.london.on.ca to book or confirm your audition

FREE 7-WEEK FAMILY EDUCATION COURSE

Do you have a family member or a friend with a mental illness and want to learn more about mental health? This course may be for you!

WHEN: Thursday Sept. 18– Thursday - October 30, 2014 TIME: 6:30 – 9:30 pm WHERE: Regional Mental Health Care London (RMHCL) To register contact: Laurel Lamarre (519) 455-5110 Ext. 47440 Register early, seats are limited!

SOME WORDS OF WISDOM

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he Tillmann Family Resource Centre offers a variety of services for families their loved ones and mental health professionals, including:



A resource library which contains current books, magazines, videos, audio tapes, and pamphlets on most mental illnesses



An opportunity to meet one-on-one with another family member who has had a personal experience with mental illness and the mental health system



Participation in a support group comprised of 5-10 family members affected by mental illness and facilitated by a trained family member (every second Tuesday)

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A free seven week family education course offered twice per year (Spring/Fall)

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Speakers for community groups

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Membership on the Family Advisory Council



A computer for family members to search for internet information on mental health We are located at Regional Mental Health Care London 850 Highbury Ave. N., Room A117 (down the left hallway off the main foyer of RMHC London).

The resource centre is open: Monday to Friday: 8 am - 4 pm (unless otherwise posted) Contact us at: 519 455-5110 Ext. 47440 or visit our webpage http://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/mental-health-care/tillmann-family-resource-centre-and-family-advisory-council

Attention Family Members!

Did you know that we offer a FREE support group to family members who are supporting a loved one with a mental illness?

The Support Group meets every second Tuesday from 1:30 to 3:00, at Regional Mental Health Care London.

Interested in this group, call the Tillmann Family Resource Centre at 519-455-5110, Ext. 47440 for further details.

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Here is a list of some upcoming activities happening involving the Family Advisory Council or other groups to educate or assist patients and their families. Contact the Family Resource Centre at 519 – 455-5110 Ext. 47440

Music Balm Audition— June 13, 20, 27, Canada Day—July 1 Civic Holiday—August 4 Labour Day— September 1

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Family Advisory Council: September 8

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Family Support Group – September 2, 16, 30 Family Education Course—September 18, 25 , October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

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Legacy event: September 28

If you are interested in donating to Regional Mental Health Care:

Contact: Wendy Sanderson-Culley Senior Development Officer 519-646-6100, ext. 65454 Donations for the Family Resource Centre can be made directly to:

St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation Attn: Dr. Wm. A. Tillmann Memorial Fund Resource Centre for Families 268 Grosvenor Street London, ON N6A 4V2

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