Call for Stories for the Upcoming Visions Magazine on Cannabis [back to top]
Visions: BC’s Mental Health and Addiction Journal is looking for people who may have a story about Cannabis and are willing to write about it. The story could be about either medicinal use or recreational use. It could be about harms related to use, benefits related to use or attitude related to use. Visions is produced by CMHA BC Division on behalf of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information. Please contact vi*****@he********.ca to inquire and give a few details before submitting your stories.

Self-Disclosure Improves Self-Esteem, Helps Others Recover and Combats Stigma [back to top]
A report by the US- based Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration states that disclosure of an individuals mental illness not only improves their self-esteem, but also helps others who are in a similar situation. Researchers found that disclosure of mental illness is difficult, but the outcome of it is positive. Disclosure can help ease the recovery process by allowing people to identify and form relationships with others who share the same experience, as well as reduce the stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental illness. For more details read the report ‘Self-disclosure and its Impact on Individuals Who Receive Mental Health Services’ at www.samhsa.gov

New Charity to Take Aim at Mental Illness [back to top]
The Chair of the Mental Health Commission Canada, Michael Kirby, has announced his next project is to form a charitable organization to more awareness and funding for research for mental illnesses. One of the aims of this project is also to reduce public stigma by raising the profile of mental illnesses. In order to this, many volunteers will be needed. The organization will organize a fundraising event that will be equivalent to’ ‘Run for Cure.’ The new charity will be allied with the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation, which will help change the mental health sector in Canada. For further information read ‘New charity to take aim at mental illness’ at www.theglobeandmail.com.
Submissions or Subscriptions for New Men-tal’-i-ty Magazine [back to top]
Men-tal’-i-ty Magazine is a quarterly magazine that showcases the artistic and creative works of individuals living mental illness and is also produced by individuals living with mental illness. To submit art or creative work or to subscribe for the magazine call 902-539-6480 or visit www.mentalitymagazine.ca

Education Evening – Mental Illness in the Movies – January 15 [back to top]
Mood Disorders Association of BC (MDA) presents an Education Evening on Mental Illness in the Movies. Dr. Karlinsky of UBC Department of Psychiatry will provide an historical overview of the portrayal of mental health issues in the movies. Film and video clips will be used to illustrate the perception and treatments as seen through the eyes of the filmmaker. A post discussion will follow. This is a free event. The event will be held at the Sunrise Hall at 1950 Windermere Street, Vancouver at 7 pm. For more information contact MDA at 604-873-0103 or email in**@md***.net or visit www.mdabc.net Education Night: Women’s Mental Health and Addictions – January 26, 2009 [back to top]
Women’s Health Research and Institute Mental Health & Addictions Group and Dr. Erin Michalak, Director of Collaborative Research Team to Study Psychological Issues in Bipolar Disorder present an education night that will focus on key issues affecting mental health of women in BC and share new findings and self-help techniques for depression and bi-polar disorder. General public, educators and researchers are invited to this event. The event will be held at UBC Robson Square Theatre, C300 on 800 Robson Street, Vancouver from 6-8 pm. This is a free event. To register for the event contact Marion MacKay-Dunn at md***@cw.ca or call 604-875-2424 ext. 4978