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Dear Friend: Some important updates from FAMI-Alberta.
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Free LEAP Training this Fall
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The main reason people with serious mental illness refuse treatment is Anosognosia — a brain-based symptom that impairs the ability to see their own illness. LEAP® (Listen-Empathize-Agree-Partner) is an evidence-based program that teaches you how to create an alliance with your loved one that can lead to treatment and recovery.
The two-evening course is for family members who want to learn how to use the LEAP approach and includes:
- Identifying Anosognosia vs. "denial"
- Lowering anger, resistance & defensiveness
- Re-establishing trust & broken relationships
- Creating an alliance that leads to treatment.
These will be held free of charge and are intended for family members of someone with mental illness who doesn’t acknowledge their illness.
The course will be offered twice this fall:
- Session 1: Tuesdays, Sept. 17 & 24
- Session 2: Tuesdays, Oct. 15 & 22
The courses will run from 6:00 to 9:00 pm each evening at 6835 83 Street NW Edmonton. Please plan to attend both evenings of your session.
The instructor has been trained personally by world-renowned psychologist Dr. Xavier Amador, author of I am not Sick, I Don’t Need Help. If you want more information, email Tim. Space is limited so register soon to avoid disappointment.
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Next FAMI meeting September 10
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FAMI-Alberta meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month, 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Canadian Mental Health Association - Edmonton Region (CMHA-ER) Training Room:
10010 105 Street NW, Room 300
(Transition Place) Edmonton
If the door is locked, press the intercom button and stand immediately in front of the door.
The September 10 meeting will be a round table, where we can talk about our own experiences and exchange information, stories and support.
The October 8 meeting will feature Housing - Operators of WISH (Wellness Integrated Support Homes) will attend to discuss with family members what their homes provide, the costs and availability of their facilities. This is a two way conversation.
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Court Challenge to the Mental Health Act
Your input is needed!
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Alberta's Mental Health Act faces an uncertain future after Court of Queen's Bench Justice Kristine Eidsvik ruled in July that parts of the Act which allow for involuntary hospitalization and treatment are unconstitutional. She had initially given the Alberta government 12 months to align it with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms; however, the government launched an appeal in August.
The resulting legal wrangling presents an opportunity for us to speak out. Families are often frustrated by certain parts of the Mental Health Act, but most would agree that involuntary hospitalization and treatment are sometimes necessary when their loved one has no awareness of the illness.
FAMI-Alberta representatives have approached government and Alberta Health Services with offers to provide input and guidance from a family perspective. We'll keep you updated as events unfold.
In the meantime, you can help steer the conversation by completing this short questionnaire about your experience in getting help for your loved one with serious mental illness. It can be completed in under 4 minutes, and will make a huge difference when we speak to government. Together we're stronger!
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Help the Mental Health Commission of Canada understand Serious Mental Illness
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The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) is seeking input about their strategic direction. MHCC has been frequently criticized for ignoring difficult subjects like serious mental illnesses (Schizophrenia and related disorders). Their short survey, open until September 17, allows for comments which can help shape the future.
You can learn more about the MHCC on their website, but if you search it for Anosognosia you'll be disappointed - it doesn't even appear once. If you don't have have time for a full review, here are some suggestions for answering some of the survey questions, based on comments from another Canadian group:
2. Being politically correct by chasing "stigma" and trivializing the seriousness of mental illnesses like Schizophrenia.
3. By focusing on "wellness" and "mental health" you exclude the most seriously ill, who need the most support. You ignore the serious issues - people with Schizophrenia still lack proper care in this country, research is minimal and prospects for anyone with this illness are dismal.
6. Other - People living with serious mental illnesses and their families who support them
7. Other - Advancing public funding for psychiatric services
8. Improve mental illness literacy campaigns so that the public can better understand Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders - and include education about Anosognosia.
9. Many of those working in health care haven’t received adequate education about science-based understandings of psychotic brain disorders. Because this workforce incorrectly assumes that these disorders arise from childhood events and poor parenting, it frequently treats families as adversaries and isn't prepared to develop cooperative relationships with family caregivers.
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Love You Forever 7 is coming November 2!
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Save the Date! November 2 2019 is our next Love You Forever event - The theme is "Where to go..." The day will feature resources for supporters including speakers, information booths, and "Ask the Experts" sessions where participants can ask about resources for practical supports, psycho-social treatment and supports and legal issues. This is a reprise of our successful event last year.
Location: Santa Maria Goretti Centre 10050 90 St, Edmonton.
Time: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Program starts at 8:45).
Cost: Free.
Registration for Love You Forever 7 (LUF7) will open soon - watch for a special newsletter with registration information later this month.
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Our website FAMIAlberta.ca is always being updated with new sections and resources.
Our Facebook group continues to be a safe space for sharing articles, concerns and support.
Our Twitter account regularly posts articles of interest.
And, this newsletter reaches a growing audience every month. If you know someone who wants to subscribe, or if you've had this forwarded to you and want to receive it directly, sign up here.
If you have anything you'd like to share with us, please let us know.
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