About Mental Wellness and CMHA VB

www.vancouver-burnaby.cmha.bc.ca

Your Mental Health

Definitions of mental health are changing. It used to be that a person was considered to have good mental health simply if they showed no signs or symptoms of a mental illness. But in recent years, there has been a shift towards a more holistic approach to mental health.

Today, we recognize that good mental health is not just the absence of mental illness. Nor is it absolute – some people are more mentally healthy than others, whether you are mentally ill or not. These realizations are prompting a new kind of focus on mental health that identifies components of mental wellness and mental fitness and explore ways to encourage them (www.cmha.ca)

The Impact of Mental Illness

Health Canada’s 2002 Report on Canadian Mental Health revealed that 20% of all Canadians regardless of age, race, gender, culturally back ground or economic status will experience a mental illness at some point in their life. That means that there is not one member of community that is not directly affected, either personally or through family, friends or work colleagues.

Mental illness is a complex interplay of genetic, biological, personality and environmental factors. It affects someone’s emotions, behaviours, interactions with others and ability to function. Mental illness like many illnesses can be treated. Recovery is possible with an appropriate mix of medical and non-medical interventions including community support and education.

However, the stigma attached to mental illnesses presents a serious barrier not only to diagnosis and treatment but also to acceptance in the community. This lack of understanding and support may exacerbate problems associated with the illness leading to isolation, addiction, job loss, homelessness and even suicide. Along with high personal and family costs mental illness is expensive costing the Canadian economy over $16 billion per year.

The Work of CMHA VB

For over 50 years CMHA VB has been committed to health promotion in Vancouver and Burnaby through programs and services that expand knowledge, emphasize recovery, build resiliency and create opportunities and resources for those affected by mental illness.

All of our services promote the recovery model, which is based on the belief that for each person recovery is possible and is increased through self-determination. Thus, our rehabilitation services and education and training programs deliver outcomes that support people to have goals that bring enhanced meaning and purpose to their lives:

Find Work

Social Enterprise Services – We assist in the creation and operation consumer run businesses that offer employment and bring revenues back to the community.

Supported Employment Services – Helping individuals with a mental illness find and keep paid employment in mainstream jobs.

Volunteering

Supported Volunteer Program – Using our successful volunteer preparation course, “Ready Set Go and Volunteer” and individuals support creating opportunities for people to give back.

Volunteer Program – Our volunteer program offers numerous volunteer opportunities within our branch.

Social and Recreation

Recreation Programs – Offering a range of activities and special events (through out Vancouver and at our drop-in Centre in Burnaby and at various BC Housing sites) that promote self-esteem and friendships.

inCREDable Programs Series – programs for children and youth that focus on early intervention and promote resiliency and psycho-social educational development.

Meeting New Goals

Volunteers In Partnership Program – This 1-1 program matches volunteers to assist an adult with mental illness to pursue social and leisure goals.

Peer Support Program – We manage the Fraser North Peer Support Program that utilizes shared experience to promote recovery.

BC Health Care Worker Program – we provide on-site psycho-social support to clients living in Burnaby’s Hall Towers.

Education and Training

Education Services delivers a variety of courses, workshops and educational opportunities as well as engaging in public education and outreach throughout the Lower Mainland.

Information Resource Centres located at the CMHA head office and UBC Detwiller Pavilion are lending library collections related to areas of mental health.

Chinese Mental Health Promotion Program available in both Mandarin & Cantonese addresses issues ranging from the young to the young at heart.

Tele-coaching and counseling for people living with chronic illness and experiencing depression and anxiety.



sponsors

Canadian Mental Health Assocation Vancouver-Burnaby Branch
175 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1P4
www.vancouver-burnaby.cmha.bc.ca

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