Mental Illness Awareness Week Oct. 4 to 10, 2020

Oct. 4 to Oct. 10 is Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW): a national public education campaign to inform the general population of the reality of mental illness, to foster understanding and to reduce stigma. Established in 1992 by the Canadian Psychiatric Association, this annual event is now coordinated by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health ( CAMIMH) in cooperation with all its member organisations and other supporters across Canada.

In recognition of MIAW 2020, throughout the week The Record will feature articles submitted by community members who have shared their experience of living with a mental illness or accompanying their loved one on their journey. It is our hope that these articles will shed some light not only on the reality of mental illness, but on the recovery of hope, and the hope of recovery.

Millions of Canadians live with mental illnesses every day and when we include the impact on family and friends, the numbers continues to grow. One in five Canadians are affected by a mental illness at any given time. By the age of 40, 50 per cent of people will have or have had a mental health problem (Canadian Mental Health Commission).

When it comes to mental health many suffer alone and in silence, until the situation has escalated to a point of desperation or crisis. Research indicates that early intervention leads to better long-term outcomes. The sooner one seeks help, the more likely one is to go on and lead a satisfying life. Most people who seek professional help recover. It takes courage but asking for help is a sign of strength! So where can we turn for help?

Mental Health Estrie

Mental Health Estrie (MHE) is a non-profit community organisation committed to providing information, support, education and advocacy to English-speaking families and individuals in Estrie impacted by mental illness. Services are currently available remotely by phone (819-5653777) and email (mhe.info@bellnet.ca). We invite you to “like” our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ Mentalhealthestrie/ for updates and links to articles, guides and ideas for coping strategies or visit our website at www.mentalhealthestrie.com.

Connecting with your local CLSC

For the number of your local CLSC, call 811. Each network of CLSCS has a mental health department and services are available even if you do not have a family doctor there. Call and ask for the “Psychosocial Intake Department,” or the “Accueil psychosocial”. In general, your call will be returned within 24-48 hours to set up an initial appointment.

Consulting a psychiatrist:

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the functions of the brain and can prescribe medications when necessary. Medication is often extremely helpful and can be an important part of the recovery process. A referral from a general practitioner or the CLSC is generally required to see a psychiatrist. If you have no family doctor, visit any walk-in-clinic to receive a referral.

Walk-in clinics:

If you or a loved one does not have a family doctor, or the family doctor is unavailable, there may be a clinic near you that accepts patients who are not registered. If you are unsure of walk- in clinics in your area, call 811 for assistance or search: http://sante. gouv. qc. ca/ en/ repertoire- ressources/ consultations-medicales-sans-rendezvous/.

Finding a psychologist:

Psychologists or psychotherapists focus on providing talk therapy (psychotherapy) or counselling; they cannot prescribe medication. To find a qualified psychologist near you, consult the Order of Psychologists’ online database (https://www.ordrepsy.qc.ca/). As this website is currently available in French only, you can call 1-800-561-1223 to connect with bilingual staff that will help you find a psychologist who can communicate in English.

Hospitalizations:

In the event of a crisis ( imminent danger to oneself or others i.e. suicidal ideation or threat to someone else) it is suggested/possible to go directly to the Hotel-dieu hospital on Bowen street in Sherbrooke. Under other conditions, a referral to the psychiatric services of the CHUS (Hotel- Dieu site) from the CLSC or a doctor is recommended. Visits to the hospital require a wait in the regular emergency room to be seen by a doctor from that department. This is to ensure that the cause of the visit is not physical and to treat any physical ailments first. Once seen by an ER doctor you or your loved one may be transferred to the psychiatric emergency unit to be evaluated. It is strongly recommended that someone accompany you or your loved one, as it can help to have additional information from friends and family and to have a second set of eyes and ears to remember the information provided by the health service providers. Additionally, it can help with the long wait time at emergency, which can sometimes deter people from waiting.

To file a complaint:

Anyone can use the complaint examination procedure to express dissatisfaction if they feel their rights have not been respected or to file a complaint if they deem necessary. The Centre d’assistance et d’accompagnement aux plaints (CAAP Estrie) can give you information and help guide you through the steps of filing a complaint. Contact Angela Moore or Ashley Boynton, Complaints Advisor 819-823-2047 or toll-free 1-877767-2227.