Liberal Caucus Supports Decriminalization
The federal Liberal caucus has recently released 39 resolutions for consideration at the upcoming Liberal Convention in Halifax in April. Among the resolutions are two that relate specifically to mental health and addiction. First, the Liberal MPs are calling for the decriminalization of possession and consumption of all illicit substances in Canada. Second, that mental health services are included in the Canada Health Act and Medicare. Decriminalization of illicit substances The call for decriminalization points to Portugal’s success with expanding treatment and harm reduction services in conjunction with eliminating criminal penalties for low level possession and consumption of illicit drugs. Portugal implemented these changes in 2001 which has given a large enough timeline to show success or failure. Since 2001 deaths from drug overdose, as well as underage use have decreased which the number of people in treatment has increased. They have also seen a drop of 60% in people arrested and seen in court. It is easy to see how the savings in the criminal system could be transferred over to the health sector. The rising overdose deaths and categorical “epidemic” that Canada is experiencing is evidence enough to warrant a change. The data from Portugal also shows that this shift has longevity. Currently we are having those with substance use issues incarcerated with no rehabilitation so the cycle repeats itself. Portugal’s emphasis on health means those using substances are offered treatment as soon as they are found in possession, as opposed to Canada’s hard to navigate and access treatment system. Mental health care to join Medicare The inclusion of mental health services in both Medicare and the Canada Health Act is something that makes so much sense it’s surprising its not already a reality. Many Canadians have a hard time finding affordable mental health care. Separating mental from physical health is an outdated ideology that is being shown to be detrimental to a person’s overall health and wellbeing. The Liberal caucus is proposing to “amend the Canada Health Act and develop a national framework to ensure the inclusion of mental health services within Medicare”. By comparison, BC’s NDP government has created a whole new ministry for mental health instead of expanding the existing ministry of health. If this resolution is accepted at the April convention, it will be interesting to see which of this ideology’s proves successful; integration or segregation of services. April’s convention in Halifax is the first since the Liberal party’s new membership policy. Anyone can register for free to be a party Liberal and take part in policy development, conventions, and vote. Registration is currently open for anyone looking to attend the convention. References: Liberal MPs urge dropping criminal penalties for all illicit drug use Liberal Policy Resolutions Liberal caucus proposes decriminalization of illegal drug use, simple possession Current BC Government Strategies to Tackle Mental Health and Addiction The post Liberal Caucus Supports Decriminalization appeared first on Canada Drug...
Liberal Caucus Supports Decriminalization
The federal Liberal caucus has recently released 39 resolutions for consideration at the upcoming Liberal Convention in Halifax in April. Among the resolutions are two that relate specifically to mental health and addiction. First, the Liberal MPs are calling for the decriminalization of possession and consumption of all illicit substances in Canada. Second, that mental health services are included in the Canada Health Act and Medicare. Decriminalization of illicit substances The call for decriminalization points to Portugal’s success with expanding treatment and harm reduction services in conjunction with eliminating criminal penalties for low level possession and consumption of illicit drugs. Portugal implemented these changes in 2001 which has given a large enough timeline to show success or failure. Since 2001 deaths from drug overdose, as well as underage use have decreased which the number of people in treatment has increased. They have also seen a drop of 60% in people arrested and seen in court. It is easy to see how the savings in the criminal system could be transferred over to the health sector. The rising overdose deaths and categorical “epidemic” that Canada is experiencing is evidence enough to warrant a change. The data from Portugal also shows that this shift has longevity. Currently we are having those with substance use issues incarcerated with no rehabilitation so the cycle repeats itself. Portugal’s emphasis on health means those using substances are offered treatment as soon as they are found in possession, as opposed to Canada’s hard to navigate and access treatment system. Mental health care to join Medicare The inclusion of mental health services in both Medicare and the Canada Health Act is something that makes so much sense it’s surprising its not already a reality. Many Canadians have a hard time finding affordable mental health care. Separating mental from physical health is an outdated ideology that is being shown to be detrimental to a person’s overall health and wellbeing. The Liberal caucus is proposing to “amend the Canada Health Act and develop a national framework to ensure the inclusion of mental health services within Medicare”. By comparison, BC’s NDP government has created a whole new ministry for mental health instead of expanding the existing ministry of health. If this resolution is accepted at the April convention, it will be interesting to see which of this ideology’s proves successful; integration or segregation of services. April’s convention in Halifax is the first since the Liberal party’s new membership policy. Anyone can register for free to be a party Liberal and take part in policy development, conventions, and vote. Registration is currently open for anyone looking to attend the convention. References: Liberal MPs urge dropping criminal penalties for all illicit drug use Liberal Policy Resolutions Liberal caucus proposes decriminalization of illegal drug use, simple possession Current BC Government Strategies to Tackle Mental Health and Addiction The post Liberal Caucus Supports Decriminalization appeared first on Canada Drug...
Black History Month: Dr Solomon Fuller and Advancements in Psychiatry
February is Black History Month, so it’s a great time to look at the contributions to the mental health and addiction field by black Canadians and Americans. Dr Solomon Fuller was the first black psychiatrist recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. He graduated from medical school in 1897, and his main study interests were Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and manic depression. Dr Fuller studied under Dr Alzheimer in Munich for a year, and continued his work in neuropathology once back in the USA. He worked as a psychiatrist and consultant at Westborough Hospital, and an associate professor at Boston University’s School of Medicine. There is now The Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health Center in Boston. The beginnings of schizophrenia The term schizophrenia only came about in 1910. Swiss psychiatrist Paul Eugen Bleuler chose the Greek words schizo (split) and phren (mind). He chose those to refer to the symptoms of dissociation or ‘loosening’ of thoughts and feelings. This new term was to counteract the existing concept that these patients were experiencing premature dementia. Schizophrenia sufferers were previously considered to be having mental deterioration and it was presumed they would eventually act as someone with dementia. At the same time a clearer idea of schizophrenia was developing, so was our understanding of Alzheimer’s, a form of dementia. Dr Alois Alzheimer, who Dr Solomon Fuller studied under in 1904, first saw physical changes to the brain in someone with Alzheimer’s in 1906. Schizophrenia today Over one hundred years later, the medical community still has much to learn about the brain and its functions. Although, the development of anti-psychotic medication has greatly improved the lives of modern schizophrenia sufferers. Still, schizophrenia and manic depression are often present in those with concurrent disorders. Concurrent disorders occur when someone is struggling with both substance use and a mental health disorder. Over half of people with schizophrenia have had a substance use problem at one point, and up to 90% have a nicotine addiction. It is now believed a more holistic approach is required to help those suffering with both addiction and mental health successfully. References: 21 medical pioneers to celebrate this black history month Schizophrenia Society of Canada Brief history of schizophrenia Alzheimer’s disease fact sheet Solomon Carter Fuller: First black psychiatrist What are concurrent disorders The post Black History Month: Dr Solomon Fuller and Advancements in Psychiatry appeared first on Canada Drug...
Black History Month: Dr Solomon Fuller and Advancements in Psychiatry
February is Black History Month, so it’s a great time to look at the contributions to the mental health and addiction field by black Canadians and Americans. Dr Solomon Fuller was the first black psychiatrist recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. He graduated from medical school in 1897, and his main study interests were Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and manic depression. Dr Fuller studied under Dr Alzheimer in Munich for a year, and continued his work in neuropathology once back in the USA. He worked as a psychiatrist and consultant at Westborough Hospital, and an associate professor at Boston University’s School of Medicine. There is now The Solomon Carter Fuller Mental Health Center in Boston. The beginnings of schizophrenia The term schizophrenia only came about in 1910. Swiss psychiatrist Paul Eugen Bleuler chose the Greek words schizo (split) and phren (mind). He chose those to refer to the symptoms of dissociation or ‘loosening’ of thoughts and feelings. This new term was to counteract the existing concept that these patients were experiencing premature dementia. Schizophrenia sufferers were previously considered to be having mental deterioration and it was presumed they would eventually act as someone with dementia. At the same time a clearer idea of schizophrenia was developing, so was our understanding of Alzheimer’s, a form of dementia. Dr Alois Alzheimer, who Dr Solomon Fuller studied under in 1904, first saw physical changes to the brain in someone with Alzheimer’s in 1906. Schizophrenia today Over one hundred years later, the medical community still has much to learn about the brain and its functions. Although, the development of anti-psychotic medication has greatly improved the lives of modern schizophrenia sufferers. Still, schizophrenia and manic depression are often present in those with concurrent disorders. Concurrent disorders occur when someone is struggling with both substance use and a mental health disorder. Over half of people with schizophrenia have had a substance use problem at one point, and up to 90% have a nicotine addiction. It is now believed a more holistic approach is required to help those suffering with both addiction and mental health successfully. References: 21 medical pioneers to celebrate this black history month Schizophrenia Society of Canada Brief history of schizophrenia Alzheimer’s disease fact sheet Solomon Carter Fuller: First black psychiatrist What are concurrent disorders The post Black History Month: Dr Solomon Fuller and Advancements in Psychiatry appeared first on Canada Drug...
Bell Let’s Talk: How to be a Better Mental Health Ally
In 2010, Bell Media became a corporate leader in further the conversation around mental health when they launched the Bell Let’s Talk Day initiative. Every year on Bell Let’s Talk Day, Bell donates 5 cents for every applicable text, call, tweet, social media video view, and use of a Facebook frame or Snapchat geofilter. This year it is today, January 31st. As part of this campaign, the Bell Let’s Talk website has many resources for those struggling with their mental health, and for others hoping to help those struggling. This blog post will focus more on the allies hoping to help. Often people don’t know how to approach their friends or family members who are showing signs of distress. Bell suggests 5 ways to help that hopefully help people avoid common missteps. Language Matters Just as we no longer use racial or homophobic slurs, there are words that are tossed around in today’s society that can cause a lot of harm for those struggling with mental health. For example, “Oh you’re acting so crazy again!”. Actively working to remove harmful words like psycho, crazy, and mental will go a long way to fostering a positive and productive conversation. A different way to approach someone like in the previous example is “I can see you are feeling out of control right now, is there anything I can do for you?” Educate Yourself Most people have a preconceived notion of what mental illness looks like. However, much of that “knowledge” is from what we have seen in the media, which is often not a correct portrayal of the reality of mental illness. If a friend or family member has recently been diagnosed with depression, do some research. Look at medical websites that accurately describe what depression can look like from the outside. Hopefully the resources you find will also try to put into words how your loved one might be feeling, to help you gain a better understanding of what they are going through. Be Kind This one seems pretty obvious. However, compassion and empathy aren’t always our go-to reactions when a loved one is “acting out”. Try to remember no matter how difficult they seem to be, they are having to live this reality. It is important to realize they might have limited or no control over their actions. Acknowledging their struggle is a good first step to making sure they feel heard, accepted, and safe. Listen and Ask Truly listening to what someone is saying is sometimes more difficult than it sounds. When you are already trying to “fix them” and have your ideas about what is going to work, you might not be hearing what they are actually asking for. Often those with a mental illness are so afraid of how their network will react, that they don’t reach out. Be the one to ask “is everything ok?” or “I’ve noticed you haven’t made it out to the last few family gatherings, I know they can be stressful. Is there anything I can do to make it easier for you?”. Talk About It Being open with your feelings can help break down stigma and let others know its okay to do the same. So many mental health issues are helped by talking about it. Whether that looks like opening up to a friend who confides in you or helping another friend to find a counselor, it is the first step to recovery and a happier life. References 5 Ways You Can Help The post Bell Let’s Talk: How to be a Better Mental Health Ally appeared first on Canada...
Bell Let’s Talk: How to be a Better Mental Health Ally
In 2010, Bell Media became a corporate leader in further the conversation around mental health when they launched the Bell Let’s Talk Day initiative. Every year on Bell Let’s Talk Day, Bell donates 5 cents for every applicable text, call, tweet, social media video view, and use of a Facebook frame or Snapchat geofilter. This year it is today, January 31st. As part of this campaign, the Bell Let’s Talk website has many resources for those struggling with their mental health, and for others hoping to help those struggling. This blog post will focus more on the allies hoping to help. Often people don’t know how to approach their friends or family members who are showing signs of distress. Bell suggests 5 ways to help that hopefully help people avoid common missteps. Language Matters Just as we no longer use racial or homophobic slurs, there are words that are tossed around in today’s society that can cause a lot of harm for those struggling with mental health. For example, “Oh you’re acting so crazy again!”. Actively working to remove harmful words like psycho, crazy, and mental will go a long way to fostering a positive and productive conversation. A different way to approach someone like in the previous example is “I can see you are feeling out of control right now, is there anything I can do for you?” Educate Yourself Most people have a preconceived notion of what mental illness looks like. However, much of that “knowledge” is from what we have seen in the media, which is often not a correct portrayal of the reality of mental illness. If a friend or family member has recently been diagnosed with depression, do some research. Look at medical websites that accurately describe what depression can look like from the outside. Hopefully the resources you find will also try to put into words how your loved one might be feeling, to help you gain a better understanding of what they are going through. Be Kind This one seems pretty obvious. However, compassion and empathy aren’t always our go-to reactions when a loved one is “acting out”. Try to remember no matter how difficult they seem to be, they are having to live this reality. It is important to realize they might have limited or no control over their actions. Acknowledging their struggle is a good first step to making sure they feel heard, accepted, and safe. Listen and Ask Truly listening to what someone is saying is sometimes more difficult than it sounds. When you are already trying to “fix them” and have your ideas about what is going to work, you might not be hearing what they are actually asking for. Often those with a mental illness are so afraid of how their network will react, that they don’t reach out. Be the one to ask “is everything ok?” or “I’ve noticed you haven’t made it out to the last few family gatherings, I know they can be stressful. Is there anything I can do to make it easier for you?”. Talk About It Being open with your feelings can help break down stigma and let others know its okay to do the same. So many mental health issues are helped by talking about it. Whether that looks like opening up to a friend who confides in you or helping another friend to find a counselor, it is the first step to recovery and a happier life. References 5 Ways You Can Help The post Bell Let’s Talk: How to be a Better Mental Health Ally appeared first on Canada...
