VOLUME 4 The Family Advisory Council of Regional Mental Health Care London and Southwest Center for Forensic Mental Health Care

Family Forum Newsletter

Summer 2014

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

Inside This Issue

On Wednes-

day, March 19, 2014, a cold drizzly grey day in London, On-tario, was brightened by the inspirational arrival and visit of multi medal Olympic cham-pion, 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 Region-al Mental Health Care London and Southwest Centre for Forensic 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

London Middlesex Suicide Prevention Council

Goodlife Fitness

Let’s Talk About Clara’s Big Ride Event by Laurel Lamarre and Nancy Grady

Page 2 Family Forum Newsletter

We were inspired by the honesty and personal strug-

gles 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 shar-ing his journey of both leukemia and anorexia nervosa. Dawson aspires to be either an oncologist or a motiva-tional speaker (of which, he already demonstrates) and ignited the evening’s event.

Paige, the second presenter, holds the prestigious

award of Young Entrepreneurs in Canada also known as Top 20 under 20. Paige shared her ongoing strug-gle with Generalized Anxiety Disorder since adoles-cence. She developed a series of workshops on men-tal health titled Direct Resources and Education Alter-

natives 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 Broad-cast Journalism.

Laurie St- Pierre, although symptom free for 13 years, elaborated on her experience with psychosis that be-

gan 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 physi-cal wellness. She has a multi-faceted career as an Employment Counsellor with Prevention and Early Intervention Program for Psychoses (PEPP), as well as a private practice as a Life Coach and a Reflexologist since 2007. Laurie is cur-rently studying to become an Ordained Ministerial Counsellor.

Clara Hughes rebounded onto the stage with her dynamic personality and em-

braced all the attendees and her fellow presenters with her candid and warm words. The mandate of Clara’s road trip was to reach as many youth and fami-lies as possible to head the desperate call for mental health and wellness. Clara left this successful event knowing she had made a positive impact on the at-tendees. 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 bik-ing 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 kms throughout the ride with a final destination scheduled for July 1, in Ottawa on Parliament Hill.

The London and Distress Centre is to be applauded for the high level of organi-

zation 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.

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

L to R: Liz Taylor, Nancy Grady and Laurel Lamarre with

display of services available to families at Regional Mental

Health Care -

Clara Hughes thanking all who attended

Page 3 Family Forum Newsletter

Framing the Phoenix is a

mental health art exhibi-

tion, and an initiative of

the Mental Health Promo-

tions Committee. This

committee is a network of

community agencies, vol-

unteers and consumers,

aiming to reduce the stig-

ma 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

tenth anniversary, and

was extended for an extra week with additional activities.

To celebrate, musicians and poets, as well as an interac-

tive 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 some-

one with a mental illness.

This year, the event ran from May 6 to 17 with an even-

ing reception on May 6 which included piano music by

Nicky Kourtelessi, and in honour of the tenth anniversary,

there were refreshments and a decorative cake.

The following week, 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 men-

tal health events throughout the year; and are be-

coming renowned in supporting musicians with mental

health concerns. What great model they are, to empow-

er others who are touched by mental illness. People ex-

pressed 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 13, which has also

been featured in past Patient Voice, and Family Forum

Newsletters. The audience was very receptive and en-

joyed the poetry. Congratulations to Patricia for taking

the time to share her poetry with us. Also stepping 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 stu-

dents at Lucas Secondary School in London. All of these

extremely talented artists are to be commended for their

pieces, and their efforts to help progression in eliminating

stigma associated with mental health.

Linda Reid recites her poem

Singer Gloria Ellis and Kyle Peterkin on guitar

Patricia Henry reads her poem

“Out of the Box”.

By Laurel Lamarre and Rachel Hudson

Page 4 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 neuro

transmitters : 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 replace-

ment 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 replace-

ments. 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 break-

fast, 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

Page 5 Family Forum Newsletter

Adaptive cooking class honours 2014 graduates Adaptive cooking class honours 2014 graduates Adaptive cooking class honours 2014 graduates by Laurel Lamarreby Laurel Lamarreby Laurel Lamarre

As people who know firsthand he difficulties of liv-ing with a disability, Brenda Ryan and Anne Robin-son created the Adaptive Cooking Program in 2011, a culinary class for individuals with any form

of disability. The program has received a two-year Tril-lium Founda-tion 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. Brenda has suffered numerous strokes, cardiac arrests, and some paralysis that at times forces her to utilize her scooter to get around. Anne copes with a severe psychiatric disorder and spent a long amount of time in wheelchair. Brenda looked to Anne, a retired occupational therapist with experi-

ence in the area of disabilities, for assistance in starting this pro-gram –something she felt many others could benefit from, especially with the exper-tise of an execu-tive chef.

I had the op-

portunity to attend the graduation that was held on May 8 at the Best Western, Lamplighter and what a celebration it was. Each student was presented with a certificate of accomplishment by Chef Mi-chael Thorogood who participated in teaching the last course offered.

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 students had passed away.; Clifton Young. Brenda read to the group a letter that Clifton had written regarding the bene-fits of the Adaptive Cooking Classes. “The cooking clas-ses could change so many people’s lives for the better... I’m eating a lot better, my mental health is better. I’m not just sitting around on the couch anymore feeling sorry for myself. I’m now going out and doing things because I have the confidence to do it.”

According to Brenda Ryan, the benefits for the partici-pants extend far beyond the kitchen. The camaraderie

that exists amongst some of the stu-dents greatly en-hances their social skills. Some stu-dents now meet monthly to share a meal out at a res-taurant of their choosing and just enjoy the friendship and bond created during the course.

The next Adaptive Cooking class will be offered in September. Anyone with a disability is welcome to enroll by emailing: adaptivecookingclass@gmail.com or calling 519 691-6225.

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

Brenda Ryan and Chef Nick Gucanin

Gazibaric use a mirror as an aid for

cooking demonstration

L to R: Brenda, Ryan, Wadji Khouri, Chef

Thorogodd and Anne Robinson

L to R: Anne Robinson and Brenda Ryan

L to R: Brenda Ryan, Brittney Campbell Chef

Thorogodd and Anne Robinson

Page 6 Family Forum Newsletter

AUDITIONS FOR THE MUSIC BALM CONCERT:

June 13, 20 and 27 between 3 and 6 pm.at Old East Studios, 755

Dundas Street

Contact Joe Skufca at 519 455-5110 ext. 47440 or email:

joe.skufka@sjhc.london.on.ca to book your audition

SOME WORDS OF WISDOM 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 evenings from Sept. 18 until Oct. 30, 2014

TIME: 6:30 to 9:30 pm

WHERE: Regional Mental Health Care London (RMHCL)

To register contact: Laurel at 519 455-5110 ext. 47440 Register early, seats are lim-ited!

Page 7 Family Forum Newsletter

T 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)

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

Speakers for community groups

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 pm, at Regional Mental Health Care London.

Call the Tillmann Family Resource Centre at 519-455-5110, Ext. 47440 for further details.

Page 8 Family Forum Newsletter

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 Auditions— June 13, 20, 27,

Canada Day—July 1

Civic Holiday—August 4

Labour Day— September 1

Family Advisory Council: September 8

Family Support Group – September 2, 16, 30

Family Education Course—September 11,18, 25 , October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Legacy event at RMHCL: 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 di-rectly 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

This newsletter is intended to be used as a communication vehicle by the Family Advisory Council at Regional Mental

Health Care London and Southwest Centre for Forensic Men-tal Health with families who share common interests and concerns. The information herein is believed to be accurate; St. Joseph’s Health Care, the Family Advisory Council, and the author(s) cannot be held responsible for any errors. It is the responsibility of the reader to work with professionals when making any clinical decisions

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