Tuesday, May 07, 2013
New Guidebook Helps Individuals and Families Navigate The Champlain Region’s Addictions and Mental Health System
It’s a fact. Twenty per cent of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime which, depending on the diagnosis, could be characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, behaviour, or impaired daily functioning.
Yet despite the statistics and the fact that mental illness can affect people of any age, race, religion or income, there is still a lot of associated stigma which prevents many from seeking help, accessing support and getting the treatment they need to recover.
With or without addiction issues, the onset or persistence of mental illness, can be overwhelming and at times feel like a rollercoaster which is why a new guidebook has been developed to help families and individuals in the Champlain Region navigate and find a clear path through the complex and often changing addiction and mental health system.
Funded by the Champlain Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), the new comprehensive resource was created by the Family Advisory Committee, part of the Addictions and Mental Health Network of Champlain serving Ottawa, and the counties of Renfrew, Lanark, Prescott-Russell, Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry.
The guidebook titled From Roller Coaster to Recovery, provides facts, tips, strategies, resources, advice and personal anecdotes that individuals and families may be able to relate to. It can also be of great benefit to staff working within community organizations, both as a resource to pass onto family members and as a way of gaining a broader perspective on the impact that compromised mental health, sometimes complicated by substance abuse, can have on an individual, their family and friends.
Much of the information compiled in the book was collected from individuals who have had personal or family experience with mental illness and the addictions and mental health system.
As well, artwork throughout the book has been created by clients, family members and individuals supporting the recovery process of people with mental health and/or addiction issues.
“The mental health system can be difficult to navigate,” said Bernadette Wren, Director of the Pembroke Regional Hospital’s Mental Health Services branch. “The system offers various services and programs depending on the mental health issue and knowing where to go, who to talk to and what to expect can greatly assist in the recovery process.”
Ms. Wren noted that ongoing collaboration between healthcare professionals is improving mental health services, experiences and outcomes and is also helping to improve accessibility regardless of who or where people turn for help.
For those interested in obtaining a copy of the new guidebook, an electronic edition of From Roller Coaster to Recovery can be downloaded for free at www.f-a-c.ca while those who would prefer a hard copy can order one via email at facsmhnc@gmail.ca. The hard copy is free except for a prepaid cost for shipping and handling.
DID YOU KNOW:
The Geriatric Mental Health Outreach Team is a consultative interdisciplinary team who help seniors who are experiencing memory loss, personality and mood changes, psychosis, anxiety and who may require a medication review. For more information, call (613) 735-6500 or 1-877-260-0535.
Community Mental Health Services of Renfrew County is a regional program run by the Pembroke Regional Hospital and operated out of 7 locations throughout Renfrew County including Arnprior, Renfrew (2 sites), Barry’s Bay and Pembroke (3 sites). More than 3000 clients are served each year in the areas of Acute Mental Health, Community Mental Health, Sexual Assault and Violence Against Women Counselling Services and Geriatric Mental Health. The services are for adults 16 and over. Services can be accessed through the Central Intake Line (613) 732-8770 or 1800-991-7711.
To access the 24/7 crisis line, call 1-866-996-0991 or go online to crisisline.ca. A crisis can include difficulty dealing with stress, overwhelming feelings, symptoms of depression, anxiety or psychosis, suicidal thoughts or any concerns regarding your mental health or that of a loved one. This line provides screening, assessment, referrals, support, suicide intervention and transfer to the local crisis team.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Carolyn Levesque, Public Affairs and Communications Coordinator
Pembroke Regional Hospital
(613) 732-3675, ext. 6165 /carolyn.levesque@pemreghos.org
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