CONNECTIONVOLUME 1 • ISSUE 2 www.AMHS-HPE.ca WINTER 2016

COMMUNITY

Organizations have an obligation to perform evaluations, usually at least on an annual basis. Addictions and Mental Health Services – Hastings Prince Edward follows that practice at many di� erent levels of the organization. � at said, one of the most critical evaluations that occurs in an on-going format is

the seeking of feedback from the user or clients of the services that we provide. It is this measurement that provides us with whether the services didn’t meet, met or exceeded the needs of the clients who use our services. All of the policies, practices, forms and procedures are critical to deliver good service, but it is up to the client to determine if their lives have changed and the service experience found them to be enjoying a better quality of life. AMHS-HPE invites continual feedback, however it is the practice of the organization to complete a client satisfaction survey upon completion of their services.

Our latest client satisfaction survey that covers April 2015 through December 2015 showed 90% satisfaction. � is is not unusual, however the vibrancy of this satisfaction is particularly meaningful, since this is when Mental Health Services and Addictions Centre HPE were experi-encing the amalgamation of the two organizations and the Addictions and Mental Health system in the South East was and continues to experience unprecedented redesign at a regional level.

As the new C.E.O. of Addictions and Mental Health Services – Hastings Prince Edward it is more than evident that the ones responsible for such a remarkable degree of satisfaction are the people who deliver the services, the sta� of this organization. My hat goes o� to each and every one of the sta� for their perseverance, commitment and absolute dedication to provide the outstanding services that they do on a regular day to day basis. But it is critically im-portant to emphasize the importance of this degree of satisfaction because it underlines the steadfastness and the unbridled determination of this newly amalgamated organization’s sta� during a period of organizational change that usually sees service su� er due to organizational stress and cultural fracturing. � is was obviously not the case here. Quite the opposite in fact.

� e clients were not just well served, they were well cared for and by their own feedback have informed us that the experience resulted in real change in their lives.

Well Done! And may those who have accessed our services; to those who are accessing our services; and to those who may soon be accessing our services; know that you will be well served and well cared for because those who have gone before you enjoy a di� erent life because of our sta� .

From the CEO

ORTRUE

FALSE

When a slot machine has not paid out in a long time – it’s due for a win.

See answer on page 4

A. I was able to get the services that I thought I needed.

B. Staff here believe that I can grow, change and recover.

C. I was given information about my rights.

D. Staff helped me obtain the information I needed, so that I could take charge of managing my mental health.

E. I deal more effectively with daily problems.

F. I am better able to deal with crisis.

G. I am getting along better with my family and friends.

H. I have a better quality of life.

Consumer Satisfaction Survey Results April 1, 2015 to Dec. 31, 2015

0 20 40 60 80 100

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Other

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

Strongly Agree Agree Neutral

Disagree Strongly Disagree Other

Percentage of replies

The full report can be seen on our website: www.amhs-hpe.ca under About Us.

Debbie’s Story

Iexperienced a lot of abuse in my childhood, which led to my having very low self-esteem, anxiety and depression. As an adult, I continued to struggle and was vulnerable to

abuse in relationships. � rough this all, I took great pride in working and managing my life. Over the years, I had times of deep depression and ended up in hospital on several occasions. � is would help me get over the depression for a time, but it always came back.

In 2014, I was no longer able to work due to my physical and mental health problems. � is caused a deep depression and I once more went to the hospital. � is time they referred me to a new program through Addictions and Mental Health Services called the “Transitional Enhancement program”. � at worker assessed my needs, referred me to community services, referred me for mental health counselling, and provided me with immediate counselling.

I have been working with my counselor now for over a year and have been given many opportunities for self-growth and to learn positive coping strategies. I have been receiving one-to-one counselling and have been assessed by a psychiatrist, leading to a more personalized treatment plan and medication. Currently I am in my second skills-building group learning to regulate my emotions, to deal with symptoms, and to live beyond my mental health diagnosis. We have even begun applying for Victim

Compensation funds so that I will be able to access private intensive services to further my self-growth.

I am very grateful for the assistance of Addictions and Mental Health Services. � ey have provided me with realistic and empowering guidance and support, and the hope that I needed to make positive changes in my life. Life truly is a journey, and I no longer feel alone.

Drug of the Month: AMPHETAMINESAmphetamines are stimulant drugs. Stimulant drugs

speed up the central nervous system and behave similarly to adrenaline, a hormone in the body.

First introduced in the 1930s as a medical treatment, amphetamines were used to treat nasal congestion, depression and obesity. By the 1970s, it was clear the high abuse potential outweighed the medical benefi ts. As a result, amphetamines were restricted for medical use. Currently, only dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, methylphenidate and mixed salts amphetamines are manufactured for the treatment of ADHD in children and adults. All other amphetamines are made in illegal laboratories.

Amphetamines can be injected, smoked, sni� ed or taken as pills. Pure amphetamines are odourless, white powders. Illegally manufactured amphetamines vary in purity, colour and textures. They range from white, gray

and pink in colour. They appear as crystals, chunks or a course powder and may have an odour of ammonia.

Amphetamines are used to stay awake, alert and focused making them especially likely for truck drivers, athletes or students to abuse them. Due to the decrease in appetite, amphetamines are also abused by individuals with eating disorders.

According to the 2004 Canadian Addiction Survey, 6.4% of Canadians aged 15 or older reported using amphetamines at least once in their lifetime. 1% of the same age group reported use within the last year. The 2011 Student Drug Use Survey found that 1% of students between grades 7-12 reported non-medical use of ADHD medication at least once within the last year.

*Adapted from Centre for Addiction & Mental Health and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse

The holidays are done, the pretty lights and seasonal songs have dimmed, now we get to face the long, dreary winter months. Hang on now, there are good things about winter. It’s a whole new season, although it just started in January! Let’s take a look at some of the things we can only do in winter and

some ways to fend o� some issues that may only come during winter.

Warm foods Soups, stews and hot beverages. � is is a great time of year to enjoy the bene� ts of

the slow cooker. You can buy cheaper cuts of meat, (which is great due to the rising cost) and slow cook them to tender perfection. Here is a website for some recipes and any cookbook will have a crockpot or slow cooker section. http://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2014/08/30-easy-crockpot-recipes.html

Teas and other hotbeverages

� ere are numerous types of tea available right now that can give bene� ts from relaxation to eye and skin care. Chicken soup has been shown to help relieve cold symptoms and it just makes you feel better. Hot cocoa is a treat that has been shown to have anti-oxidants!

Cold weather exerciseExposure to natural light is

a depression � ghter and you actually burn more calories in the winter. Try new activities outside like snowshoeing, skiing, tobogganing. � e YMCA has indoor sports such as ball hockey, basketball and martial arts. You can try Yoga, Aqua� t or Kickboxing. Don’t forget walking the dog, both of you will reap the bene� ts of the fresh air and enjoy the sounds of the snow crunching beneath your feet.

Self care - Winter edition

AMHS Mental Health Counsellor

Case management services are o� ered by Mental Health Counsellors at each of the � ve o� ce sites throughout Hastings and Prince Ed-ward Counties. Services are based on the Recov-ery Model, which supports independence, well-ness, personal growth and community living.

Services include:• community-based service o� ered in the

client’s environment of choice• individualized assessment and planning• counselling and support• service navigation and coordination• system advocacy• personal advocacy• family support and education• skills groups • public education and consultation• linkage to agency consulting psychiatrists • relapse prevention and crisis planning

“A day in the life of…..” AMHS Mental Health Counsellor

A “typical day” of an AMHS Mental Health Counsellor is hard to describe because the na-ture of the work is as diverse and unique as the individuals seeking services. It might start with a home visit with a 19-year-old individu-al struggling with a new diagnosis of a mental illness and needing education, support and ser-vice navigation. � e counsellor may then meet with an older adult dealing with end-of-life is-sues, followed by an interview with another in-dividual to complete an assessment and develop a plan to address their needs.

� ere are several tools that can assist a Men-tal Health Counsellor to take care of themselves so that they are at their best to support clients. � ese can include a supportive family, partner or friend, physical activities such as working out, bike riding, walking or hiking in the beauty of nature or something as unique and challeng-ing as knitting. Being able to rely on a supportive co-worker or supervisor when the need arises also helps.

PROGRAM FOCUS

Seasonal Affective DisorderSeasonal affective disorder is common during the winter due to the loss of so many daylight hours. There are many options to combat S.A.D. Who does it affect?

About 2 to 3% of Canadians will experience SAD in their lifetime. Another 15% will experience a milder form of SAD that leaves them only slightly depressed, but still able to live their life without major disruptions. People with seasonal a� ective disorder make up about 10% of all depression cases. � ere are some groups of people who are at higher risk of seasonal a� ective disorder.

• Adults—are at higher risk of SAD than children and teenagers. A� er the age of 50, the risk of SAD starts to decline. Researchers aren’t yet sure why.

• Women—may be more likely to experience SAD. Some research found that women may be up to nine times more likely to be diagnosed than men.

• People in more northern countries or cities—are more likely to experience SAD than those who live close to the equator. � e amount of daylight you receive changes as you move north, and that change is thought to be part of SAD. ~ Canadian Mental Health

For more information about S.A.D. contact your doctor or have a discussion with your mental health worker to determine next steps.

still able to live their life without major disruptions. People with seasonal a� ective disorder make up about 10% of all depression cases. � ere are some groups of people who are at higher risk of seasonal a� ective disorder.

• Adults—are at higher risk of SAD than children and teenagers. A� er the age of 50, the risk of SAD starts to decline. Researchers aren’t yet sure why.Women—may be more likely to experience SAD. Some research found that women may be up to nine times more likely to be diagnosed than men.

• People in more northern countries or cities—are more likely to experience SAD than those who live close to the equator. � e amount of daylight you receive changes as you move north, and that change is thought to be part of SAD. ~ Canadian Mental Health

For more information about S.A.D. contact your doctor or have a discussion with Canadian Mental Health

For more information about S.A.D. contact your doctor or have a discussion with For more information about S.A.D. contact your doctor or have a discussion with For more information about S.A.D. contact your doctor or have a discussion with For more information about S.A.D. contact your doctor or have a discussion with your mental health worker to determine next steps.

who are at higher risk of seasonal a� ective disorder.

women may be up to nine times more likely to be diagnosed than men.

Self care - Winter edition

S leep, like food and water, is essential for our bodies. Sleep restores our body and prepares us physically and mentally for the day ahead.

When we don’t sleep well, we can feel tired and irritable the next day, which can a� ect our activity level. When we get eight hours of sleep each night, we can wake up feeling energized and ready to take on the day. In addition, sleep is correlated with mental health as poor sleeping habits can negatively a� ect mental health and contribute to onset of symptoms, and getting eight hours of sleep per night can aid in improving symptoms of mental illness.

SLEEP HYGIENESleep hygiene is “a variety of di� erent

practices that are necessary to have normal, quality nighttime sleep and full daytime alertness” (National Sleep Foundation, 2004). � ere are some things you can do to promote good sleep hygiene such as being active daily, as exercise during the day can help improve sleep. In addition, get outside if possible. Sunlight throughout the day can help establish the body’s sleep and wake

cycle, and by keeping your blinds open during the day, the natural sunlight can assist the body’s internal alarm clock. In addition, make sure to keep the bedroom for sleeping and set the room at a relaxed temperature at night. One of the most essential things to help good sleep hygiene is by keeping a nightly sleep routine. An example routine may be: get fresh air, take a warm bath, read, then lights out! Keeping a consistent routine at the same time each night can notify the body that it is getting ready for sleep. Lastly, keep a journal by the bed, and if you � nd yourself tossing and turning due to stress or a task on your mind, you can write down reminders or journal what’s on your mind, leaving the worries on the page and allowing you to fall asleep.

In addition, there are some things you can avoid to get a better night’s sleep, such as avoiding nicotine, alcohol, food and ca� eine in the evening as they can leave you awake at night. Further, if you � nd yourself in bed awake at night, avoid laying there restless. Do a relaxing activity such as reading, journaling or watching TV and go to bed when you’re more tired. Now that you have the information and the tools for a restful sleep you can use them to increase your wakefulness during the day and get much needed sleep at night.

TEL 613-967-4734 | FAX 613-968-4312EMAIL mhs.info@amhs-hpe.ca

3 Applewood Drive, Belleville, ON K8P 4E3www.amhs-hpe.ca

TRIVIALTRIVIA

Q1: � e fear of happiness or an aversion to happiness. Q2: 2 Q3: 6 miles per hour

Q1What is Cherophobia?

Q2How many laps around the world does the average person walk in their lifetime?

Q3The first speeding ticket was issued in 1895. What speed was the offender going?

Answers below

At November 30, 2015, there were 652 clients served in this program. There were 160 individuals on the waiting list. During November, 41 clients were closed, 42 clients were opened and we received 65 new referrals.

Mental Health Counselling/Mental Health Case Management

Why is Sleep so important?

South East Local HealthIntegration Network

Réseau local d’intégrationdes services de santédu Sud-EstFALSE✔

“Each spin of a slot machine is independent of the last. It doesn’t matter when it last paid out. The next jackpot could be the next spin or it could be thousands of millions of spins later” Source: www.knowyourlimits.ca

Slot machine play is one of the most popular forms of gambling and perhaps one of the most problematic. Problematic features of the machines include the high speed of play and features that promote false beliefs such as near misses.

To learn more about problem gambling and resources you may wish to visit www.ProblemGambling.ca

From True or False question on page 1