MIND MATTERS

LANARK COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH Listening To Understand Lanark County Mental Health Turns 35! On Friday November 4th, over 100 Falls District Hospital. current and former staff, Com- The event was an opportunity for all munity Advisory Board members, of us to express and celebrate what Perth and District Hospital board it means to be a part of a very spe- members, LCMH peer supporters, cial organization....Lanark County friends, supporters and community Mental Health. partners of LCMH all gathered at the Golf and Coun- try Club to celebrate 35 years of providing mental health support to our community. Attendees spent time reuniting with old colleagues, Paula Kerr and Tracey Long greet laughing and sharing memories. guests as they arrive. LCMH Executive Director Diana about the commitment of staff McDonnell was the poised master through changing times, and the of ceremonies for the evening, quality of services provided. calling up a number of individu- Halina Shannan from the Mental als to speak to the crowd. Wayne Health Support Project the Link Johnston, Perth and Smiths Falls and David Rolling, peer supporter, Hospital Board Vice Chair, LCMH offered their congratulations from Community Advisory Board the mental health peer support and member of LCMHs Quality perspective. Sheri Baltzer, chair of Improvement Committee, spoke Halina Shannan of the Link and David the LCMH Community Advisory Rolling, peer supporter. Board thoughtfully shared her feelings and best wishes. Mike WHAT’S INSIDE Poulin, former LCMH director Lanark County Mental Health shared some memories from his Turns 35! 1 30 years as director. Diana took Executive Director’s Message 2 the opportunity to also honour long Executive Director’s Message con’t 3-4 time employee Maureen Benson, ERDCM for Mind Matters 4 who has been with the agency for Support & Education for Family an amazing 30 years. Caregivers at LCHM 5 Lanark County Mental Health has Wellness Matters 6 been the lead provider of mental Mindfulness: What is it How do I do it? 8 health services in Lanark County for Lanark County Mental Health 9 35 years, and has done so with the Dear Morgan 9 continued commitment of excellent On the Move 10 staff, solid relationships with our Stigma and Discrimination 11 Community Advisory Board and PSFDH community partners, and currently, The Peer Perspective 12 Board Vice Chair, Wayne Johnson the support of the Perth and Smiths

MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 1 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF LANARK COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE Diana McDonnell, RN, BscN, CPMHM(C) The winds of change were pronounced in 1995 with the Kingston Regional Office of the Ministry of Community Lanark County Mental Health opened our and Social Services encouraging communities to see the doors to provide community-based mental benefit of “stand alone” children’s mental health agencies. health services in July 1981. Today we are This was not the vision of Lanark County in relation to celebrating 35 years of continuous mental the integration of child and adult mental health services health services throughout Lanark County. This is a cel- that had been in place since 1981. ebration that supports the integration of many resources to support our community. In spite of a significant community voice in favor of the integrated model the Ministry transferred the mandate of Lanark County Mental Health was established in July Lanark County Mental Health to provide mental health 1981 with the leadership of Mike Poulin, Director. Mike services for children to a new agency. Open Doors for was the Director from 1981 to 2011 and this report is Lanark Children and Youth was created to provide reflective of the many changes the agency has experi- children and youth services within Lanark County. enced over the 35 years. The vision in providing rural Transitional Youth ages 17 to 24 are supported through community-based services was guided on the principles active engagement between services to ensure seamless of prevention, treatment and follow up. The Agency was transition into adult mental health services. open to individuals experiencing mental health concerns whether mild, moderate or severe. In 1996 the collaborative relationship with Psychiatric Hospital and Lanark County Mental Health The initial program proposal highlighted the importance expended to include the Geriatric Psychiatry Outreach of access to high quality mental health services as close to Team and General Psychiatry Services. These collabora- home as possible throughout the life cycle. The inaugural tive models are “best practice” for resource deployment community mental health program proposed to serve within and integrated community framework. children and adults within the context of families and communities. Access was to be one telephone number The relationships and protocols developed in 1996 con- for county-wide availability. tinue to this day. The transfer of Governance from Brock- ville Psychiatric Hospital to The Royal has maintained Both the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Commu- the Geriatric Psychiatry Services within the shared-care nity and Social Services were asked to provide funding model of Lanark County Mental Health. The Brockville for two mental health teams to service the citizens of General Hospital now provides the acute care in-patient Lanark County. Once the funding looked like a reality services and general psychiatry services. The protocol the sponsoring agency became the Leeds-Grenville and agreements include outpatient psychiatrist to provide Lanark District Health Unit. By the spring of 1981 the psychiatric assessment, consultation and brief follow Lanark proposal was funded by the Ministry of Health up for individuals referred from general practitioners. providing one social worker, one psychiatric nurse, one secretary and the manager. The Children’s program was The Leeds-Grenville and Lanark Health Unit was the provided by one counselor with funding from the Ministry sponsor for Lanark County Mental Health from 1981 of Community and Social Services. to 1997. The change in sponsorship to the Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital resulted when the Health In the spring of 1982 the staff and the Community Units proposed regionalization which administratively Advisory Board indentified the serious lack of capacity would be based in Kingston. With the endorsement of to provide the sexual assault treatment in children. The a “Sponsorship Memorandum of Understanding” in Beechgrove Children’s Treatment Centre of Kingston 1997, the Hospital Board became the new sponsor for became resources for further collaboration of services the agency. This sponsorship with the hospital supports being provided within Lanark County. back office integration including: Human Resources, Lanark County Mental Health developed service protocol Occupational Health, Finance, Purchasing and Senior agreements in partnership with Brockville Psychiatric Leadership. Hospital, Geriatric Psychiatry Services Kingston Psy- The relationships with community partners continues to chiatric Hospital to provide client-centred network of be the foundation in providing comprehensive, engag- mental health resources and services. Each protocol ing, and integrated services across Lanark County. By agreement reinforced access, service coordination and 2001 Lanark County Mental Health expanded to provide clarity of roles and responsibilities for each organization. Continued on page 3...

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE…CON’T ...continued from page 2 panuik, President and CEO Perth & Smiths Falls District crisis services including initial assessments, crisis inter- Hospital. Community partners, staff, peers, families and vention and stabilization, clinical treatments, increased clients were engaged in this process to understand “what case management/outreach support, court diversion, rent was working well” and “what areas could we improve supplements and social recreation/rehabilitation services. on or reduce gaps”. The Community Advisory Board Psychiatric services provided further shared-care model supported this process in understanding the direction of practices with the inclusion of family physicians. and priorities for the next three year planning. Five pri- orities were identified with goals and indicators to meet The engagement of peer support further built strength in each fiscal year planning. The Quality Improvement in supporting clients within the community. The Mental Committee was established with membership from each Health Support Project, a program with Lanark Com- program, Peer Support, Community Advisory Board and munity Health Centre and Lanark County Mental Health Hospital Board. developed “The Link”. This is located adjacent to the Smiths Falls office and provides social activities, art Strategic priorities included community partnerships, therapy, music therapy, recreation activities that are the peer engagement, engagement with LHIN, client services framework of the recovery model. and programs and community mental health promotion. The SEO LHIN implemented a re-design implementation By 2003 the initial Lanark County Emergency Psychiatry plan for addiction and mental health services in 2014. Protocol had engaged all three local hospitals, Elm- The process for the planning was based on the principles grove inpatient and outpatient services via Brockville of on-going engagement with clients, patients, caregiv- Psychiatric Hospital, in a coordinated crisis response ers, and residents. The purpose of the re-design is the after-hours network. “Ideal Client Experience” with both addiction and mental The “Crisis Response Network” reflected a community health organizations being amalgamated. Lanark County commitment to better serve persons experiencing a Mental Health will be integrated into the amalgamated mental health crisis. The Lanark County L.E.A.D. Team organization of Lanark Leeds & Grenville Addiction & was established in 2005 which included the partnership Mental Health in the Part B stage. The 2017/18 Ministry between police services, ambulance services, emergency obligations and indicators will develop and implement departments, mental health, addiction services and child timelines for this final phase of the integration. LCMH and youth services. The establishment of the Human is actively engaged in working with LLGAMH, SEO Services and Justice Coordinating Committee provided LHIN, and PSFDH during this process. funding from the Ministry of the Attorney General, The enhancement of Peer Support and understanding of Ministry of Health and Long Term Care and Ministry ways to involve peers in planning programs and delivery of Community Social Services to provide education, of resources was identified. Co-facilitated groups includ- training, and community justice systems approach. The ing peers included: Recovery Action Plan and Pathways Lanark County L.E.A.D. has continued both the training Groups focused on Recovery and Wellness. The Bell Let’s and protocol for 12 years. Talk endorsed a grant to support 13 peers in completing Evidence-based clinical practices and specialized clini- Peer Development Training. These Peers have cians provide a range of expertise in the areas of Dia- completed Applied Suicide Intervention Training and lectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior are in the process of internship training. Therapy, and Exposure Therapy and Trauma Therapy. Partnership engagement included renewal of protocol Psycho-educational groups are provided in locations agreements with Brockville General Hospital (General within Lanark County to ensure access for services. Psychiatry, inpatient services, ACTT), The Royal (Senior Groups include: Anxiety and Depression, and Dialecti- Resource Team, DDACT), Providence Care (DDCOTT), cal Therapy Skills. Lanark County Support Services (Crisis Safe Bed), Lanark County Mental Health saw a change in leadership Lanark Renfrew Health & Community Services (The in 2011 with Mike Poulin retiring as Director. Mike’s Link), The Hotel Dieu Hospital (HEADS UP Early leadership and wisdom had brought enhanced mental Intervention in Psychosis). health services through collaborative partnerships and Collaborative relationships with Lanark County facili- community engagement. The new Leadership Group tated rent supplement to clients with limited incomes. embarked on developing the Strategic Plan from 2012 Transportation in Lanark County has been identified as to 2015 with the guidance and facilitation of Todd Ste- Continued on page 4...

MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 3 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF LANARK COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE…CON’T ...continued from page 3 and has assisted in many individuals being connected to a barrier in accessing services for remote areas in the mental health resources and services. This relationship County. Lanark Transportation and LCMH have devel- is building community capacity to identify risk factors oped an agreement to support clients attending groups and resolutions to improve outcomes for citizens in our or requiring supports for court related proceedings with community. the court diversion program. Lanark County Mental Health continues to build on Rideau Tay Health Links was founded with the Ministry relationships with our community providers, health working to improve care for individual with complex providers, and Ministry. The ongoing strength of our health needs. Coordinated care plans are developed for mental health services is from the dedicated Support the person in concert with other health care providers Staff, Case Managers, Mental Health Nurses, Social to improve connection to the appropriate services and Workers, Psychiatrists, Peer Support, Program Managers, support the person. LCMH Case Managers and nurses Seniors Resource Team, and community partnerships are involved in providing the mental health care and across Lanark County. We celebrate 35 years in provid- treatment. ing mental health services based on the core values of respect, integrity, compassion and trust. Lanark County Situation Table Project is to bring multiple human-service sectors together to collectively identify Thank you to our sponsor the Perth & Smiths Falls systemic issues and risk factors that are prevalent and District Hospital, Bev McFarlane President & CEO, to support vulnerable populations in our community to Sherry Baltzer Chair Community Advisory Board and prevent crisis situations. LCMH is a member of the LCST the community for all your support to our organization. ERDCM for Mind Matters By Justin Kerr provide support and assistance. At the end of their time Effective August 2016, Lanark County Mental working together it is hoped that the client is connected Health secured funding from the SEO LHIN with the appropriate community supports, and is on their to provide Emergency Room Diversion Case way to improving their overall wellness. Management (ERDCM). This position has Ultimately, the goal of the ERDCM is to provide im- been designed specifically to fit the needs of clients who mediate, short-term case management support to clients are referred from the local emergency departments. in order to reduce the likelihood of them needing to re- Oftentimes, when people present to the emergency de- access emergency services for a mental health crisis. The partment in a mental health crisis, there are many factors ERDCMs work closely with our mental health nurses and which have contributed to that person being in crisis. In social workers to ensure that clients receive timely and addition to living with a mental illness, someone may effective support from our agency, and hope that within be struggling with unstable housing, poverty and lack of their role they are able to contribute to the overall well- access to community supports. For people experiencing being of the clients we serve across our communities. these kinds of stressors, it can be helpful to be connected with someone who can provide them hands-on support and guidance. This sort of hands-on approach is where the ERDCM comes into play. The Emergency Room Diversion Case Manager con- nects with clients who have been referred through the local emergency department, and provides a collabora- tive, goal-oriented and immediate case management service for up to a six week period. The ERDCM will assist the client with practical needs such as locat- ing and/or securing stable housing, OW/ODSP/CPP applications or questions, job searches and employ- ment support, transportation to and from meetings or errands, finding and applying for legal assistance, as well as attending meetings with other agencies to 4 MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF LANARK COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH Support and Education for Family Caregivers at LCMH By Cynthia Clark, Family Support, LCMH Good mental health is something that many of us take for granted. In reality, numerous people experience challenges due to a mental health issue at some point in their lives. There are a variety of causes and forms of mental illness. Fortunately, in a short period of time, and often with treatment, most people regain a state of bal- anced wellness and return to their ‘normal’ activities. Others experience greater challenges throughout their life span and require ongo- ing support from health providers, the community and most of all their families. Support Program helps families to The Editor - learn how to better support their Mind Matters - Lanark County I found myself in this position in loved one, gain valuable insight 1999 when my son was diagnosed Mental Health and gems of wisdom from other 88 Cornelia Street West, Unit A2 with schizophrenia at the age of caregivers who are travelling the Smiths Falls, ON K7A 5K9 15 years old. I soon realized that same road, all in a safe and com- in order to help him (and myself) I forting environment. We offer Mind Matters needed to become better equipped an educational series for families Editorial Committee for this journey ahead. I required: which covers a variety of topics of a fundamental understanding of this Facilitators interest, often presented by profes- Tamara Derkzen & Tracey Long illness; knowledge about services; sionals from mental health related information about treatment op- Team Members fields, followed by a facilitated Taunya Van Allen, Emily Kiar tions; and specific skills that would support sessions. help me assist in his recovery. Some and Morley Armstrong, of this information I found in books Please consult the LCMH website Layout, Design & Printing by (this was before Mr. Google) but calendar for details or call 613-283- Impression Printing by far the educational workshops 2170 for more information. Mind Matters is a newsletter published I attended were the most helpful in two times per year by Lanark County Mental Health to inform readers of men- answering my questions and filling tal health issues and services found in me with hope. Lanark County. All inquiries, letters and The LCMH Family Education and comments are welcomed.

MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 5 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF LANARK COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH

WELLNESS MATTERS LCMH Staff Picks LCMH Staff Picks are staff recommendations for websites or books related to mental health issues. Working in the field, LCMH staff have a lot of familiarity with literature on mental health and want to pass on some of their favourites to you. Website Recommendations By Bill Janes, RN, CPMNH Here are some websites I’ve come across since the last newsletter about mental health issues that somebody out there might find interesting. The first one is a site called “The Might” and this can be found at themighty.com. The byline for this website is “We face disease subscribe to receive by email; you can Life with Depression” and “When and disability together.’’ The site ac- select either the general newsletter or You’re Living With Mental Illness cepts articles written by its followers just the mental health articles . The during the Holiday Season” as well and they write about coping with a mental health newsletter has articles as the intriguing “32 things about wide range of disabilty issues -- both about many different problems from taking medication for mental illness physical illnesses (Crohn’s Disease, anxiety to eating disorders, suicide, that we don’t like to talk about.” blindness, Fibromyalgia, rare dis- and autism. These are all written by The other website that I like to delve eases and chronic illness, etc.) – and people with lived experiences. Some into a couple times a month is the Mc- mental illnesses too. It has a specific recent article titles include; “The Man Depression and Bipolar website, mental health section that you can Myth of ‘Choosing Happiness’ in www.mcmanwb.com. The website is put together by a man who has Bipolar FEATURED RECIPE Disorder and the theme is “you are your own expert.” It explores the Loaded Sweet Potato lived experience perspective with Ingredients: sections that deal with mood, treat- One sweet potato ments, recovery, the science behind 2 tablespoons non fat Greek yogurt the illness and treatments, issues and 1 teaspoon honey stories from readers and links to other 2 tablespoons drained and rinsed black beans good sites. This site also deals with Pinch of paprika some issues that are not dealt with elsewhere such as sex and personal Prick 1 sweet po- relationships. Check it out! tato with a fork 4 to 5 times. Microwave on If you have any websites that you a paper towel or a mi- would like to recommend, contact me crowave-safe plate for at [email protected]. 4 to 5 minutes. Split open lengthwise and top with Greek yogurt, honey, black beans, and paprika.

6 MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF LANARK COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH

WELLNESS MATTERS New Year’s Resolutions? How to keep them For many of us, New Year’s repre- sents a time to reflect upon and re- solve to follow through with healthy changes we want to make. In the beginning, keeping up with a new exercise or eating plan, for example, generally comes pretty easily. Moti- vation and willpower are high—quite evident by the packed gyms we see every January. But after a few weeks, motivation tends to lag and willpower runs dry, and we revert to our former less-healthy ways. For most people it’s not obvious what to do to preserve our resolutions and reach our goals, but here are a few strategies to help boost your ability to stay on track, and get back on track when you lapse. 1. Develop a reasonable goal and a reasonable plan. Break down 3. Give yourself credit whenever thinking. Thoughts like “I will large goals (I want to eat only you engage in behaviours never be able to do it.”, “I can’t healthy foods everyday) into designed to help you reach do this.” or “This is too hard.” smaller goals (I am going to your goal or avoid behaviours are only going to make it more start eating 2 salads every that would steer you away from difficult to reach your goal. week). your goal. 6. Decide on how you will reward 2. Create a list of reasons why it’s 4. Set up a plan to be accountable. yourself when you reach your important for you to reach your Let a good friend know what goal. goal, and read this list (even you are doing and ask them to 7. Focus on the experiences you when you don’t feel like it) support you in whatever way deem ‘worth it’. every morning and whenever they can. 8. Get back to the basics when you’re tempted to deviate from 5. Notice and challenge when your plan. you get off track. When you you are engaging in negative slip up, which many of us are sure to do, get back on your plan as soon as you can, without judging yourself about your slip-up.

MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 7 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF LANARK COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH Mindfulness: What is it? How do I do it? By Emily Kiar Mindfulness, it seems, is currently a trendy phenomenon in the fields of men- tal health and wellness. There are many mindfulness-based therapies available; we hear it talked about often in the media and it is even incorporated into the “Health” App on the newest update of Apple’s iPhone. How- ever, despite the prevalence of mindfulness there still remains some question as to what it is, what it is used for, and how one can be mindful. Mindfulness is best described as “observation without judge- judging it. ment.” It is a state of moment-to-moment awareness of one’s experience, without assigning further meaning to C – Curious. Ground yourself with questions it. When you are being mindful, you are aware of your about your experience. thoughts and feelings, and can experience them without K – Kindness. Respond to yourself with kindness. judging them as either positive or negative. Practicing You can incorporate these skills into many different parts mindfulness allows us to live in the moment and fully of your day. For example, you could do a mindfulness experience our present. eating exercise, where you pay attention to the look, There is a wide range of benefits associated with different textures, tastes and sensations of the process practicing mindfulness on a regular basis. It can have of eating a certain food. Another example is taking a a positive impact on a number of individual and inter- walk, and on this walk bring your attention to the many personal aspects of your life. Here are some potential smells, sounds, and sensations in and around you – and benefits of mindfulness: observe these without any judgement. • Reduced rumination If you would like to try out mindfulness, and would • Stress reduction like a little support in getting started, there are many • Improvement in working memory resources available in various formats. The Smart- • Increased focus phone app “Calm” guides you through a “7 Days of • Decreased emotional reactivity Calm” mindfulness program. There are many YouTube • Relationship satisfaction videos with various mindfulness exercises that you Despite knowing some of the benefits of practicing mind- could scroll through and find one that meets your fulness, it can be difficult to know how to incorporate needs. Innerhealthstudio.com also has a number of into your daily life. Fortunately, once you know how mindfulness scripts that you can read and then practice. to practice mindfulness, you can do it nearly anywhere. Remember, mindfulness is a skill like any other. The Here are some tips to get started: more time spend working on this skill, the more ef- S – Stop what you are doing. fective you will be at utilizing it when you are in need of managing your emotions or are in a high stress N – Notice what is happening around and situation. Try to be patient, avoid self-judgement, and within you. enjoy practicing mindfulness! A – Accept what is going on, and try to avoid 8 MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF LANARK COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH

Lanark County Mental Health

Lanark County Mental Health provides streamlined ac- and an intake appointment will be booked within a cess to a range of adult mental health services throughout few weeks. An intake appointment is about an hour Lanark County to individuals and families that may in length. A counsellor will ask you a lot of questions be in emotional crisis or experiencing persistent and and together, you will come up with a plan. This may severe mental illness. include services with our agency, or another agency Lanark County Mental Health staff include: nurses, that may be helpful. social workers, case managers and psychiatrists. For some LCMH services, you may wait a few weeks, Our main office is in Smiths Falls, but we also have for other services, the wait is a little longer. offices in , Almonte and Perth. Some of our services include: crisis support, anxiety One can make a referral by calling our Smiths Falls and depression psycho-educational groups as well as office at 613-283-2170. Sometimes it is a good idea mental health recovery oriented groups, community to speak with your doctor first, and he/she can make a mental health nursing and case management, individual referral also. If you go to the Emergency Department counselling, psychiatric consultation, court diversion of your local hospital, they may also refer you. and support, social and recreation programs. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call our main office.v After we receive your referral, you will be contacted Dear Morgan I have a friend that often posts negative statuses on social media. I try to respond positively encourag- ing her as much as I can and letting her know what a great person she is but it never seems to help. She has always had low self-esteem but it seems to be getting worse, what can I do or say that might help? – Lisa Lisa, I wonder if your friend has symptoms of depression and and talking/expressing herself to someone she trusts. anxiety which commonly accompany low self-esteem. If you can be that person she trusts, you may be able to Low self-esteem is learned negative fixed beliefs about help her challenge some of her negative fixed beliefs yourself which ends up shaping behaviour and can and perspectives. Spending time with your friend and become a cycle very hard to break. When a person’s scheduling fun things to do together will be helpful as mood is down for a long period of time it can be like an confidence comes from action. At first, feel free to do infectious disease that spreads and worsens. The goal to things for her and demonstrate interactions that might keep in mind is for your friend to have self-acceptance be awkward or uncomfortable. For example, speak to which is the flip side of low self-esteem. Remember strangers or ask for directions to show her that human we are not expecting a total change in personality or interactions are safe and people are generally accepting. temperament. At first your friend may not be able to Get to know your friend on a deeper level by asking separate herself from being inside the “cloud” of low questions and being curious about her thoughts and self-esteem. Visualizing this foggy cloud as a separate opinions. This will demonstrate that you accept exactly part of her is a good first consideration. who she is today and that maybe self-acceptance isn’t It is very important to ensure basic fundamentals of too far off. wellness are in place for your friend. These are: nutrition (Concepts learned from Overcoming Low Self-Esteem and hydration, exercise, seeing a health care provider, Workshop by Dr. Melanie Fennell)

MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 9 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF LANARK COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH

On The Move at Lanark County Mental Health

Eilish Parkinson MACP ~ In June, Lisa Cree ~ Lisa Cree, ICADC- Eilish moved into a permanent Social We are pleased to welcome Lisa Worker position at Lanark County in the new position as Emergency Mental Health. Eilish started at the Department Diversion Case Man- agency as a case manager, focussing ager. Lisa joins us from Renfrew on work in the community and with County Mental Health Services. Lisa our rent subsidy program. After receiving her Mas- brings many years of experience working in Addic- ter’s degree, she took 2 short term contract positions tions/ Mental Health Services. at LCMH providing counselling, then returned to Lisa is a member of the Canadian Addiction her case management role. She is now permanently Counselor Certification Foundation and has been providing individual and group counselling. Con- certified-International Certified Alcohol and Drug gratulations Eilish! Counselor. Lisa has worked in many areas within the addiction/mental health sectors (Residential Tracey Long ~ Tracey has been a Addiction Inpatient Services, Addiction/Mental fixture in the reception area of the Health and Housing.) Smiths Falls office for over 10 years. Lisa also volunteers her time with Lanark Leeds She has always arrived at work with and Grenville Victim Services. Lisa enjoys helping a smile on her face and her calm, others and is grateful for this new opportunity to patient disposition will be missed work with a great team at Lanark County Mental by clients and staff. The crew at Mind Matters will Health in the Carleton Place office. also miss her skill as editor for many years. In Tracey’s words: “Moving on is tough! I have Shelby Spottiswood ~ Shelby is a been managing the LCMH database and providing fourth year Bachelor of Social Work reception duties for over 10 years. student studying at Carleton Univer- A new job opportunity, closer to home, has come sity. Recently she was provided the up, and although I am looking forward to a new opportunity of completing her 4th challenge, I will truly miss all the wonderful people year practicum at Lanark County I have worked with. LCMH has been great place Mental Health until December 2016. In her words; to work.” All the best, Tracey. You will be missed! “Here at LCMH I was provided with an enriched learning experience in the field of mental health. Working alongside LCMH staff with extraordinary Dr. Jeff Jackson ~ We are happy skill sets has expanded my growth and knowledge to have Dr. Jeff Jackson with us in a variety of areas. The skilled team here at LCMH providing psychiatric assessments has played a large role in my development of knowl- and consultations. Dr. Jackson edge, skills and capabilities as a social worker in the completed his psychiatry training at mental health field. Importantly, the LCMH team Queens University and since then, displayed what exceptional mental health services has worked on the inpatient and outpatient units look like. “ Thank you Shelby, and all the best! in Brockville as well as for the ACTT team. He is currently working for Lanark Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health in as well as for Lanark County Mental Health every Tuesday in our Smiths Falls office. Welcome Dr. Jackson!

10 MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF LANARK COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH Stigma and Discrimination The lives of people with mental health conditions are of- ten plagued by stigma as well as discrimination. Stigma is a negative stereotype. Stigma is a reality for many people with a mental illness, and they report that how others judge them is one of their greatest barriers to a complete and satisfying life. Stigma differs from discrimination. Discrimination is unfair treatment due to a person’s identity, which includes race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citi- zenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability, including mental disorder. Acts of discrimina- tion can be overt or take the form of systemic (covert) discrimination. Under the Ontario Human Rights Code, every person has a right to equal treatment with respect to services, goods and facilities, without discrimination due to the identities listed above. ficulty making friends. Sometimes, the stigma attached to Stigma is the negative stereotype and discrimination mental health conditions is so pervasive that people who is the behaviour that results from this negative stereo- suspect that they might have a mental health condition type. Often, individuals with a mental illness are faced are unwilling to seek help for fear of what others may with multiple, intersecting layers of discrimination as think. Experiences of stigma and discrimination is one a result of their mental illness and their identity. For of their greatest barriers to a satisfying life. example, a woman with a mental illness may experience discrimination due to sexism as well as her illness, and What you can do to stop stigma a racialized individual may experience discrimination and discrimination due to racism in addition to their mental illness. In ad- Use the STOP criteria to recognize attitudes and actions dition, living with discrimination can have a negative that support the stigma of mental health conditions. It’s impact on mental health. easy, just ask yourself if what you hear: Media influence on public attitudes • Stereotypes people with mental health conditions (that is, assumes they are all alike rather than individuals)? Many studies have found that media and the entertainment industry play a key role in shaping public opinions about • Trivializes or belittles people with mental health mental health and illness. People with mental health conditions and/or the condition itself? conditions are often depicted as dangerous, violent and • Offends people with mental health conditions by unpredictable. News stories that sensationalize violent insulting them? acts by a person with a mental health condition are typi- • Patronizes people with mental health conditions by cally featured as headline news; while there are fewer treating them as if they were not as good as other articles that feature stories of recovery or positive news people? concerning similar individuals. Entertainment frequently features negative images and stereotypes about mental If you see something in the media which does not pass health conditions, and these portrayals have been strongly the STOP criteria, speak up! Call or write to the writer linked to the development of fears and misunderstanding. or publisher of the newspaper, magazine or book; the radio, TV or movie producer; or the advertiser who used Impact of negative public attitudes words which add to the misunderstanding of mental ill- ness. Help them realize how their words affect people There are significant consequences to the public misper- with mental health conditions. ceptions and fears. Stereotypes about mental health conditions have been used to justify bullying. Some Start with yourself. Be thoughtful about your own choice individuals have been denied adequate housing, health of words. Use accurate and sensitive words when talking insurance and jobs due to their history of mental illness. about people with mental health conditions. Due to the stigma associated with the illness, many people With thanks to The Canadian Mental Health Association have found that they lose their self-esteem and have dif- of Ontario.

MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 11 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF LANARK COUNTY MENTAL HEALTH The Peer Perspective In 2015, Lanark County Mental Health received a $20 000 grant from the Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund to train a team of peer supporters. The Peer Perspective is a corner of Mind Matters dedicated to mental health peer support, allowing our group of talented peer supporters some space to talk about their experience providing mental health peer support in Lanark County. One of our peer supporters, Jean True, writes about her experience: I would see workers helping their clients and I would want to be them. I had wanted to help people for many years but I just was not ready yet. I wanted to help from my own experience with mental health workers people who were in crisis. But first I needed to wait that trust takes a long time to build and I keep this top until I was well myself. of mind when I am working with my peer. When I meet with my peer I wonder whether they someday, Finally the Ontario Peer Development Initiative Course may want to provide some support to others. Being a (OPDI) was offered. The OPDI course is the gold peer supporter has allowed me to make meaning of the standard for mental health peer support training in difficulties I went through. I am now able to use those Ontario. I was surprised when I was chosen to take it experiences to help others. So many people believed and still lacked confidence but others believed in me. in me. Then I started believing in myself. Now it’s my I took leap of faith. This was my chance to do what I turn to believe in others. always wanted to do. After the training I was paired up with a peer in need of support. I realized this was my dream come true. MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT PROJECT My journey of truly being a peer supporter has started! Being a peer supporter has enabled me not only to provide support for another person, but also assist me in building my self confidence. I was meeting with my peer the other day and I realized that I was starting to believe in myself. To be a peer supporter you need many different qualities, such as kindness, good listen- The Link ing skills, patience and compassion. It is important to Activity & Resource Centre have no judgment and a good sense of humour. I know A Peer Support Network 88 Cornelia St. W., Unit A4 Smiths Falls, ON K7A 5K9

Join us for: friendship, weekly peer support groups, guest speakers, recreation activities Call 613-284-4608 Toll Free 1-877-383-2070 Fax 613-284-4666

We promote recovery, wellness and resilience. We offer hope, encouragement and the shared experience that everyone can build capacities to improve their Quality of Life.

12 MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016 MIND MATTERS - Fall 2016