Mental Health Awareness 28TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY GUIDE Securing Our Community... Strengthening Our Commitment
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2 www.rnca.ca Committed to our community Proudly supporting the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association.
3 www.rnca.ca Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association It gives me great pleasure to present the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association’s 28th Annual Community Guide! Thank you to the residents and businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador for your continued support which allows us to bring public safety awareness and information to the people of our province each year. In this year’s guide, we highlight the importance of Mental Health Awareness. Mental health is important for the well-being of our community. We hope that this guide will serve as a tool to reduce the stigma and increase the understanding of mental health matters. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association is proud to support mental health initiatives and organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador. We are very pleased to provide some of the proceeds of this guide to support the work of the Canadian Mental Health Association Newfoundland and Labrador (CMHA-NL). CMHA-NL provides supports and services to maintain and improve mental health and community integration, build resilience and support recovery from mental illness. I hope that you will find the information and resources contained within this community guide as a useful reference for mental health. Thank you again for your support! Sincerely, Mike Summers President RNC Association “Supporting our Community…Strengthening our Commitment” PRESIDENT’S m e s s a g e
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5 www.rnca.ca Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association 28th Annual Community Guide Mental Health Awareness Mental Health Awareness RNCA News & Photo Album What are Mental Illnesses? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Let’s Talk About Stigma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Stigma and Discrimination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 6 Reasons to Work for Mental Health Parity . . . 21 Ending the Health Care Disparity in Canada . . 23 Anxiety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Depression and Bipolar Disorder . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Eating Disorders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) . . . . . . 37 Schizophrenia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 First Responder, Trauma and PTSD . . . . . . . . . 47 Preventing Suicide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Suicide in Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Transforming Mental Health for Children and Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Concurrent Mental Illness and Substance Use Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Studying Stress in Police Work . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Facts You Might Not Know About Sleep and Mental Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 5 Tips for a Better Sleep Tonight . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Mindfulness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Mindfulness in Newfoundland and Labrador . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Measuring Positive Mental Health in Canada: Myths and Facts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Mental Health in the Workplace . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Create Your Own Workplace Wellness Box . . . 73 The Mental Health Benefits of Exercise . . . . . . 75 The Complex Links Between Social Media and Mental Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Significant Warning Signs You May Have a Mental Disorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Newfoundland and Labrador First in Canada to Launch Innovative e-Health Technology for Mental Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Take Care of Your Mental Health on the Go . . . 83 DoorWays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Mental Health and Addiction Assistance in Newfoundland . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Ten Ways to Boost Your Mental Health . . . . . . . 95 Mental Illness in Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 HELP LINES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 RNCA made a $2000 donation to Canadian Mental Health Association Newfoundland and Labrador . . . . . . . . . . 97 Donations to the Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Detective Sgt. Thomas Fraize Scholarship . . . . 99 RNC Partners with Wounded Warriors Canada to Help Offset Mental Health Issues Among First Responders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Cst. William Moss Softball Tournie . . . . . . . . . 105 Law Enforcement Torch Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Shamrock Showdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 1st RNC Police Venturer Group . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110 RNCA Messages Message from the Premier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Message from the RNCA President . . . . . . . . . . 3 RNCA Executive Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Message from the Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
6 www.rnca.ca Office Administrator: Mandy Young Learn Not to Burn Coordinator: Tom Yetman Public Relations/Website: Justin Bolt Staff & Volunteers: Board of Directors: President: Duane Antle Region 1: Kent Abbott Region 2: Evan Cox Region 3: Addison Quilty Region 4: Gary Harnum Region 5: Sheldon Hillier Region 6: Hank Diamond
7 www.rnca.ca Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association EXECUTIVE Cst. Jordan McEntegart 2nd Vice President Cst. Danny Abbass Director, Corner Brook Cst. Evan Farrell Director, Platoon B Sgt. Jason Power Director, NCOs Cst. Chris Smith Director, Platoon C Photos not Available Supporting Mental Health Awareness Cst. Geoff Hall Director, Platoon A Cst. George Horan Director, Support Services Cst. Robyn Dunn Director, CID Sgt. Scott Harris Treasurer Cst. Jared Sweetapple Secretary Sgt. Mike Summers President Cst. Nicholas Cashin 1st Vice President Cst. Zachary Pomeroy Director, Labrador Cst. Ryan Armstrong Director, Platoon B
8 www.rnca.ca Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro At Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, safety is our number one priority. Our safety culture not only exists at work, but at home and in our communities. Hydro employee Trent Carter shares a safety moment drawn by his daughter Alexa Carter.
9 www.rnca.ca Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association On behalf of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank each and every contributor to our Annual Telephone Appeal, allowing this unique publication to be distributed to schools, libraries and public facilities and also available online at www.rnca.ca, making it easily accessible to everyone. The Royal Newfoundland ConstabularyAssociationpublishes these Annual Crime Prevention Guides to educate the public on important community concerns. This 28th Annual Crime Prevention Guide targets the serious concern of Mental Health Awareness, including Suicide Prevention, PTSD, alcohol and drug addiction and many other important mental health issues. This publication is made possible as a result of financial contributions from residents and business representatives throughout the province. With their generous support for their activities, the RNCAis also able to give back to their communities through donations to various local charities and programs for youth. Your comments or suggestions regarding these publications are always welcome and we look forward to speaking with you each year during our Annual Telephone Appeal. Respectfully, Mark T. Fenety President Fenety Marketing Services (Atlantic) Ltd. PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE “Providing quality, professional marketing and fundraising services on behalf of high-profile, non-profit organizations.” WWW.FENETY.COM
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11 www.rnca.ca Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association What are mental illnesses? continued Mental illnesses are health problems that affect the way we think about ourselves, relate to others, and interact with the world around us.They affect our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Mental illnesses can disrupt a person’s life or create challenges, but with the right supports, a person can get back on a path to recovery and wellness. It’s important to understand that there are many different types of mental illness that affect people in different ways. Within each mental illness, people may have very different symptoms and challenges. However, symptoms are just one piece. Access to services, support from loved ones, and the ability to participate in communities play a big part in the way people experience mental illnesses. Culture, background, and personal beliefs also shape the way people understand mental illnesses. Some people don’t see the name of a diagnosis as an important part of their journey, while others prefer the medical terms to describe the illness. No matter how people talk about their experiences, they will likely need to use medical terms if they seek help in the health system. This is just how the system works right now - but it isn’t the only way to talk about wellness. Different mental illnesses Health professionals divide mental illnesses into several different groups based on signs or symptoms. Common groups of mental illnesses include: Anxiety disorders Anxiety disorders are all related to anxiety. They may include excessive and uncontrollable worry, strong fears around everyday things or situations, unwanted thoughts, panic attacks, or fears around a past scary situation.Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses, and they can create barriers in people’s lives. The different types of anxiety disorders include: o Phobias: A phobia is an intense fear around a specific thing like an object, animal, or situation. o Panic disorder: Panic disorder involves repeated and unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is a feeling of sudden and intense fear that lasts for a short period of time. It causes a lot of physical feelings like a racing heart, shortness of breath, or nausea. Panic attacks can be a normal reaction to a stressful situation, or a part of other anxiety disorders. With panic disorder, panic attacks seem to happen for no reason. People who experience panic disorder fear more panic attacks and may worry that something bad will happen as a result of the panic attack. Some people change their routine to avoid triggering more panic attacks o Agoraphobia: Agoraphobia is fear of being in a situation where a person can’t escape or find help if they experience a panic attack or other feelings of anxiety. A person with agoraphobia may avoid public places or even avoid leaving their homes. o Social anxiety disorder: Social anxiety disorder involves intense fear of being embarrassed or evaluated negatively by others. As a result people avoid social situations. o Generalized anxiety disorder: Generalized anxiety disorder is excessive worry around a number of everyday problems for more than six months. This anxiety is often far greater than expected - for example, intense anxiety over a minor concern. Many people experience physical symptoms too, including muscle tension and sleep problems. Mood disorders Mood disorders all affect a person’s mood - the way they feel. This can affect every part of a person’s life. When someone experiences a mood disorder, they may feel sad, hopeless, tired, or numb for long periods of time.At times, some people experience an unusually ‘high’ mood and feel powerful and energetic, but this can also create problems. Depression and bipolar disorder are examples of mood disorders. Eating disorders Eating disorders really aren’t about food. They are complicated illnesses that are often a way to cope with difficult problems or regain a sense of control. Eating disorders may include seriously restricting how much food a person eats, bingeing, or purging food.Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are examples of eating disorders. Psychotic disorders Psychosis is a health problem that affects how people understand what is real and what isn’t real. People may sense things that aren’t real or strongly believe things that can’t be real. Schizophrenia is one example of a psychotic disorder.
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Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association 13 www.rnca.ca Personality disorders Personality disorders are patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that may last for a long time and create challenges in a person’s life. People who experience personality disorders may have difficulties developing healthy and satisfying relationships with others, managing their emotions well, avoiding harmful behaviour, and working toward important life goals. Personality disorders can affect the way people understand and view themselves and others and cope with problems. Borderline personality disorder is one example of a personality disorder. Childhood disorders This is a large group of mental illnesses that start to affect people when they are young, though some people are not diagnosed until they’re older. One example of a disorder in this group is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (or ADHD), which affects a person’s ability to focus, complete tasks, plan or organize, sit still, or think through actions. Dementia ‘Dementia’ refers to a group of symptoms. It can be caused by a disease that mainly affects nerve cells in the brain or can be associated with many other medical conditions. Dementia impacts a person’s memory, language abilities, concentration, organization skills, mood, and behaviours. Alzheimer’s disease is one type of dementia. Other mental illnesses Some mental illnesses are no longer classified as anxiety disorders, though anxiety or fear is a major part of the illnesses. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Obsessive-compulsive disorder is made up of unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety (obsessions) or repeated actions meant to reduce that anxiety (compulsions). Obsessions or compulsions usually take a lot of time and cause a lot of distress. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Post-traumatic stress disorder can occur after a very scary or traumatic event, such as abuse, an accident, or a natural disaster. Symptoms of PTSD include reliving the event through nightmares or flashbacks, avoiding reminders of the traumatic event, and feeling unsafe in the world, even when a person isn’t in danger. A note on suicide Suicide, when someone ends their life on purpose, is not a mental illness in itself. Not all people who die by suicide experience a mental illness. However, suicide may be linked to many different mental illnesses. It’s important to take any talk or thoughts of suicide seriously and seek help. cmha.ca What are mental illnesses? continued Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line: Local: (709) 737-4668 (professional advice and support available 24/7) Toll Free: 1-888-737-4668 What are the risk factors for mental illness? Many factors cause mental illness. Contributing factors include: o genetics, which are influenced by your family history or early life experiences, such as: o abuse o trauma o stressful life events, such as: o financial problems o a loved one's death o divorce o environmental influences on a fetus, such as exposure to drugs or alcohol o your social, economic and educational status What are the symptoms of mental illness? Mental illness involves changes in thinking, mood or behaviour, or a combination of these issues. Symptoms include: o significant distress o inability to function as needed over an extended period of time These symptoms can be mild or severe, depending on the: o type of mental illness o individual o family o patient's environment What are the physical health effects of mental illness? Mental health is as important as physical health, and they both directly affect the other. People with physical health problems often experience anxiety or depression, which affects their recovery. Similarly, mental health factors can increase the risk of developing physical problems, such as: o diabetes o heart disease o weight gain or loss canada.ca
14 www.rnca.ca Joy Davis Operations Manager Forteau, NL A0K 2P0 (709) 931-2443 Pharmacy: (709) 931-2440 Proud to support the RNCA’s efforts on Mental Health Awareness Representing 16 member brokerages and the insurance buying public Find a Broker at www.iban.ca
15 www.rnca.ca Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association Stigma refers to negative attitudes (prejudice) and negative behaviour (discrimination) toward people with substance use and mental health problems. Stigma includes: o having fixed ideas and judgments - such as thinking that people with substance use and mental health problems are not normal or not like us; that they caused their own problems; or that they can simply get over their problems if they want to o fearing and avoiding what we don’t understand - such as excluding people with substance use and mental health problems from regular parts of life (for example, from having a job or a safe place to live). We all have attitudes and judgments that affect how we think about and behave toward others.When we talk about negative attitudes and behaviour toward others based on their gender, sexual orientation, culture, race or religion, we use the words prejudice and discrimination. So let’s call stigma what it really is. Prejudice and discrimination exclude people with mental illness and addiction from activities that are open to other people.This limits people's ability to: o get and keep a job o get and keep a safe place to live o get health care (including treatment for substance use and mental health problems) and other support o be accepted by their family, friends and community o find and make friends or have other long-term relationships o take part in social activities. Prejudice and discrimination often become internalized by people with mental health and substance use problems.This leads them to: o believe the negative things that other people and the media say about them (self-stigma) o have lower self-esteem because they feel guilt and shame. Prejudice and discrimination contribute to people with mental health and substance use problems keeping their problems a secret.As a result: o they avoid getting the help they need o their mental health or substance use problems are less likely to decrease or go away. Making a difference Here are 7 huge things you can doto reduce prejudice and discrimination against people with mental health and substance use problems: 1. Know the facts. Educate yourself about substance use and mental health problems - what can bring them on; who is more likely to develop problems; and how to prevent or reduce the severity of problems. Learn the facts instead of the myths. 2. Be aware of your attitudes and behaviour. We’ve all grown up with prejudices and judgmental thinking, which are passed on by society and reinforced by family, friends and the media. But we can change the way we think - and see people as unique human beings, not as labels or stereotypes. 3. Choose your words carefully. The way we speak can affect the way other people think and speak. Use accurate and sensitive words when talking about people with mental health and substance use problems. For example, speak about “a person with schizophrenia” rather than “a schizophrenic.” 4. Educate others. Find opportunities to pass on facts and positive attitudes about people with substance use and mental health problems. If people or the media present information that is not true, challenge their myths and stereotypes. Let them know how their negative words and incorrect descriptions affect people with substance use and mental health problems, and keep alive the false ideas. 5. Focus on the positive. People with mental health and substance use problems make valuable contributions to society. Their health problems are just one part of who they are. Let’s talk about stigma continued
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17 www.rnca.ca Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association We’ve all heard the negative stories. Let’s recognize and applaud the positive ones. For example, did you know that Ron Ellis was living with depression at the height of his National Hockey League career? 6. Support people. Treat people who have substance use and mental health problems with dignity and respect.Think about how you’d like others to act toward you if you were in the same situation. If you have family members, friends or co-workers with substance use or mental health problems, support their choices and encourage their efforts to get well. 7. Include everyone. In Canada, it is against the law for employers and people who provide services to discriminate against people with mental health and substance use problems. Denying people access to things such as jobs, housing and health care, which the rest of us take for granted, violates human rights. camh.ca mentalhealthcommission.ca People with mental health and substance use problems have a right to take an equal part in society. Let’s make sure that happens. Let’s talk about stigma continued Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line: Local: (709) 737-4668 (professional advice and support available 24/7) Toll Free: 1-888-737-4668
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19 www.rnca.ca Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association The lives of people with mental health conditions are often plagued by stigma as well as discrimination. Stigma is a negative stereotype. Stigma is a reality for many people with a mental illness, and they report that how others judge them is one of their greatest barriers to a complete and satisfying life. Stigma differs from discrimination. Discrimination is unfair treatment due to a person’s identity, which includes race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability, including mental disorder. Acts of discrimination can be overt or take the form of systemic (covert) discrimination. Stigma is the negative stereotype and discrimination is the behaviour that results from this negative stereotype. Often, individuals with a mental illness are faced with multiple, intersecting layers of discrimination as a result of their mental illness and their identity. For example, a woman with a mental illness may experience discrimination due to sexism as well as her illness, and a racialized individual may experience discrimination due to racism in addition to their mental illness. In addition, living with discrimination can have a negative impact on mental health. Media influence on public attitudes Many studies have found that media and the entertainment industry play a key role in shaping public opinions about mental health and illness. People with mental health conditions are often depicted as dangerous, violent and unpredictable. News stories that sensationalize violent acts by a person with a mental health condition are typically featured as headline news; while there are fewer articles that feature stories of recovery or positive news concerning similar individuals. Entertainment frequently features negative images and stereotypes about mental health conditions, and these portrayals have been strongly linked to the development of fears and misunderstanding. Impact of negative public attitudes There are significant consequences to the public misperceptions and fears. Stereotypes about mental health conditions have been used to justify bullying. Some individuals have been denied adequate housing, health insurance and jobs due to their history of mental illness. Due to the stigma associated with the illness, many people have found that they lose their self-esteem and have difficulty making friends. Sometimes, the stigma attached to mental health conditions is so pervasive that people who suspect that they might have a mental health condition are unwilling to seek help for fear of what others may think. Experiences of stigma and discrimination is one of their greatest barriers to a satisfying life. What you can do to stop stigma and discrimination Use the STOP criteria to recognize attitudes and actions that support the stigma of mental health conditions. It’s easy, just ask yourself if what you hear: o Stereotypes people with mental health conditions (that is, assumes they are all alike rather than individuals)? o Trivializes or belittles people with mental health conditions and/or the condition itself? o Offends people with mental health conditions by insulting them? o Patronizes people with mental health conditions by treating them as if they were not as good as other people? If you see something in the media which does not pass the STOP criteria, speak up! Call or write to the writer or publisher of the newspaper, magazine or book; the radio, TV or movie producer; or the advertiser who used words which add to the misunderstanding of mental illness. Help them realize how their words affect people with mental health conditions. Start with yourself. Be thoughtful about your own choice of words. Use accurate and sensitive words when talking about people with mental health conditions. cmha.ca Stigma and Discrimination Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line: Local: (709) 737-4668 (professional advice and support available 24/7) Toll Free: 1-888-737-4668
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21 www.rnca.ca Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association One in five people will face a mental health problem in any given year and yet mental health does not occupy the place it deserves in the public health system. Despite this alarming fact about the mental health of Canadians, mental health services are insufficient, inadequate and underfinanced. It should come, then, as no surprise that, every year, over 1.6 million Canadians report having mental health needs that go unmet. Physical health and mental health need to be on equal footing. Here are six reasons why health parity has to be a priority: 1. Mental health is an essential part of well-being. As theWorld Health Organization’s (WHO) Constitution so eloquently defines it, “health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Mental health is an intrinsic part of well-being, just like physical and social health. In fact, they are complementary: you can’t have one without the others. 2. Mental health problems are on the rise. Don’t take our word for it: listen to the World Health Organization. According to the WHO, by 2020 mental health problems will be the second leading cause of disability in the world. By that same year in Canada, they will be the leading cause. This is without counting new immigrants who will grow the Canadian population, part of which is aging and at risk of developing mental health problems, in the context of a system that doesn’t meet current demand. 3. Canada’s universal health system is a fairly universal medical system. The health system as it exists today publicly funds only treatments deemed medically necessary, which are generally available in a hospital or medical clinic.This means that all basic mental health care that is essential but not intensive, such as psychotherapy, counselling, treatment for addiction and peer support services, is not necessarily covered by the government.As a result, many people with chronic, complex mental health problems don’t receive the full range of services they need and often suffer what is called revolving door syndrome, which involves putting a band-aid on a more serious problem.This is why basic care, including non-intensive care, that can support and offer appropriate long-term care, has to be part of front-line health services and publicly funded. 4.Access to the current system is uneven and complex. To receive free care, you have to be in physical or psychological distress. Otherwise, you have to go to your family doctor…if you have one! Up to 80% of Canadians turn to their family doctor for mental health care, but the services are limited. While they can refer patients to specialized services, access to psychiatrists is wanting and the waiting times are long. Care is not offered when it is most needed, something that is even more of a problem in disadvantaged socioeconomic settings. 5. Investing properly in mental health delivers savings for Canadians. For every dollar invested in mental health, the public health system in Canada saves $2. Investing in mental health doesn’t mean adding hospital beds; it means increasing spending on social programs so that the most vulnerable among us have access to support that will improve their well-being and allow them to contribute to their community. By investing enough in research, services, and care and adopting a public health approach to promotion and prevention in mental health – as we currently do for physical health – we will improve the well-being and mental health of the public. 6. Mental health is a right! Universal health is the basis of the WHO Constitution (see point #1); it is a fundamental human right:“the right to health for all people means that everyone should have access to the health services they need, when and where they need them, without suffering financial hardship.” Good mental health is a right, period. To ensure that Canadian society is healthy and has the services and care it needs, the Canadian Mental Health Association is calling for legislation on parity in mental health, as detailed in a new policy document entitled “Mental Health in the Balance: Ending the Health Care Disparity in Canada.” cmha.ca 6 reasons to work for mental health parity Posted on November 22, 2018 Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line: Local: (709) 737-4668 (professional advice and support available 24/7) Toll Free: 1-888-737-4668
1489 Topsail Road, Unit 102, Paradise, NL A1L 1P9 (709) 747-2560 medicineshoppe.ca 22 www.rnca.ca Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital 178-200 West Street, St. Anthony, NL A0K 4S0 T: 709-454-0370 F: 709-454-3171 1 Plant Road, Grand Bank, NL T. (709) 832-1550 www.clearwater.ca Dedicated to Sustainable Seafood Excellence Grand Bank Seafoods Division of Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership WEST COAST EXCAVATING CO LTD PO Box 266, Corner Brook, NL A2H 6C9 (709) 639-9423 Watson Petroleum Services Mount Pearl (709) 745-5600 Proud Sponsor of the RNCA “Smith Snack Services Ltd is proud to support the RNCA with their efforts on Mental Health Awareness” 219 Humber Avenue Labrador City NL A2V 2Y3 pbsinc219@gmail.com 709 944-3421 Goose Bay Painters Experienced Painting Contractors High-Pressure Surface Cleaning/Epoxy Coating 2 Goose Ave., Goose Bay Ph: 896-6397 Fax: 896-7001 Head Office: P.O. Box 130, L’Anse au Loup, NL A0K 3L0 Phone:709-927-5816 Fax:709-927-5555 www.labshrimp.com Fish Processing Plants at Cartwright, L’Anse au Loup, Mary’s Harbour, Pinsent’s Arm and Charlottetown Fresh Atlantic Products from the People’s Seafood Company
23 www.rnca.ca Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association ENDING THE HEALTH CARE DISPARITY IN CANADA Mental health care must be brought into balance. We believe that the Government of Canada should introduce legislation - a Mental Health ParityAct - to ensure that mental health and the treatment of mental illness is as valuable, worthwhile and accessible as physical health and treatment. Parity is not only about better funding for services, but it is also about setting and achieving high standards in all aspects of mental health-care delivery, from health promotion to treatment to research. We thus propose that Canadian legislation for mental health should address the five following areas: 1. Publicly fund evidence-based therapies. We want to ensure that mental health-care services are accessible to Canadians and that the more expensive care offered by psychiatrists and hospitals are reserved for those with more complex and acute mental health-care needs. The services offered by psychologists, Indigenous healers, counselors, peer support workers, and other allied professionals should be folded into primary care and publicly funded. 2. Improve the quality of care through a continuum of integrated services. Parity for mental health will only be achieved if our health-care systems are well-integrated and offer a full menu of services. Integration means that family physicians are linked to other health-care professionals, and that wraparound supports such as housing and employment supports, addictions and trauma-informed interventions, and training and disability support services are available. Following the “stepped-care approach,” individuals should be matched to health-care services based on their needs so that they can access the most appropriate care when and where they need it. 3. Invest in promotion, prevention, and early intervention. Achieving good health requires that we invest in mental health promotion and mental illness prevention. This includes interventions that foster a healthy and resilient mood, create supportive environments, and allow individuals to develop their personal skills - interventions such as parenting programs, antibullying programs, and workplace mental health initiatives. Given that social conditions and inequity play pivotal roles in shaping population mental health, we recommend that social spending should increase by at least 2%. 4. Address stigma and discrimination and ensure equitable access. The subordination of mental health care in our publicly funded system contributes to the stigmatization of mental illness. Our governments must invest in mental health care to ensure that it is a vital part of our universal health-care system so that mental illness is not a barrier to treatment access. Addressing stigma includes eliminating the discrimination that happens within the institutional structure of health care and ensuring that all Canadians - regardless of gender, sexuality, (dis)ability, race, income, language, and citizenship - have access to appropriate care. 5. Research mental illness and evaluate health outcomes. More funding must be allocated to mental health research to deepen our knowledge about mental illnesses, develop an evidence base for treatment effectiveness, and improve the quality of Canadian mental health services.We want to see the same kind of importance accorded to mental health and addictions research as is currently accorded to physical illnesses. cmha.ca
24 www.rnca.ca Conne River Health & Social Services Miawpukek First Nation P.O. Box 160 Conne River, Micmac Territory, NL A0H 1J0 (709) 882-2710 Fax (709) 882-2889 A Home Away From Home Childcare Centre 268-270 Conception Bay Highway Brigus NL A0A 1K0 p. 709- 528-9529 ahomeawayfromhome2015@hotmail.com Port of Argentia 1 Augusta Ave., PO Box 95 Argentia, NL A0B 1W0 t. (709) 227-5502 ext. 201 c. (709) 227-6668 e. w.brenton@portofargentia.ca portofargentia.ca 18 Tenth Ave., Pasadena, NL, A0L 1K0 (709) 686-2075 HICKEY’S BUS SERVICE Province-wide, Economical BUS CHARTERS Healey’s Rd (Holyrood) . . . . . . . . . 229-2300 OR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229-4624 www.waypointsnl.ca The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 45, Woody Point supports the RNCA in their Mental Health Awareness.
25 www.rnca.ca Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association We all feel nervous or worried at times. This anxiety can be a helpful feeling when it motivates us or warns us of danger. An anxiety disorder, on the other hand, causes unexpected or unhelpful anxiety that seriously impacts our lives, including how we think, feel, and act. What are anxiety disorders? Anxiety disorders are mental illnesses.The different types of anxiety disorders include: Phobias A phobia is an intense fear around a specific thing like an object, animal, or situation. Most of us are scared of something, but these feelings don’t disrupt our lives.With phobias, people change the way they live in order to avoid the feared object or situation Panic disorder Panic disorder involves repeated and unexpected panic attacks. A panic attack is a feeling of sudden and intense fear that lasts for a short period of time. It causes a lot of physical feelings like a racing heart, shortness of breath, or nausea. Panic attacks can be a normal reaction to a stressful situation, or a part of other anxiety disorders.With panic disorder, panic attacks seem to happen for no reason. People who experience panic disorder fear more panic attacks and may worry that something bad will happen as a result of the panic attack. Some people change their routine to avoid triggering more panic attacks. Agoraphobia Agoraphobia is fear of being in a situation where a person can’t escape or find help if they experience a panic attack or other feelings of anxiety.A person with agoraphobia may avoid public places or even avoid leaving their homes. Social anxiety disorder Social anxiety disorder involves intense fear of being embarrassed or evaluated negatively by others.As a result, people avoid social situations.This is more than shyness. It can have a big impact on work or school performance and relationships. Generalized anxiety disorder Generalized anxiety disorder is excessive worry around a number of everyday problems for more than six months. This anxiety is often far greater than expected - for example, intense anxiety over a minor concern. Many people experience physical symptoms too, including muscle tension and sleep problems. Other mental illnesses Some mental illnesses are no longer classified as anxiety disorders, though anxiety or fear is a major part of the illnesses. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Obsessive-compulsive disorder is made up of unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety (obsessions) or repeated actions meant to reduce that anxiety (compulsions). Obsessions or compulsions usually take a lot of time and cause a lot of distress. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Post-traumatic stress disorder can occur after a very scary or traumatic event, such as abuse, an accident, or a natural disaster. Symptoms of PTSD include reliving the event through nightmares or flashbacks, avoiding reminders of the traumatic event, and feeling unsafe in the world, even when a person isn’t in danger. Who do they affect? Anxiety disorders can affect anyone at any age, and they are the most common mental health problem. Sometimes, anxiety disorders are triggered by a specific event or stressful life experience. Anxiety disorders may be more likely to occur when we have certain ways of looking at things (like believing that everything must be perfect) or learn unhelpful coping strategies from others. But sometimes there just doesn’t seem to be a reason. What can I do about them? Many people who experience an anxiety disorder think that they should just be able to ‘get over it’ on their own.Others may need time to recognize how deeply anxiety affects their life. However, anxiety disorders are real illnesses that affect a person’s well-being. It’s important to talk to a doctor about mental health concerns. Some physical health conditions cause symptoms of anxiety. A doctor will look at all possible causes of anxiety. Normal, expected anxiety is part of being human.Treatment should look at reducing unhelpful coping strategies and building healthy behaviours that help you better manage anxiety. Anxiety continued
26 www.rnca.ca Tel: (709) 279-2922 Fax: (709) 279-2902 Toll Free: 1-877-777-2723 www.BPBrighterFutures.ca Burin Peninsula Brighter Futures Inc. Family Resource Centers & Healthy Baby Clubs 129-131 Smallwood Crescent P.O. Box 659, Marystown, NL A0E 2M0 ACI Aboriginal Cleaners Inc PO Box 519 Station C Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL A0P 1C0 (709) 896-3777 www.brownesautosupplies.com H EAD O F F IC E M oun t P ea r l P hon e : 709 -364 -9397 F ax : 709 -364 -6497 G rand F a lls -W ind so r P hon e : 709 -489 -5520 F ax : 709 -489 -4199 P ip p y P la c e P hon e : 709 -722 -7278 F ax : 709 -722 -7221 B ay R ob e r ts P hon e : 709 -786 -2148 F ax : 709 -786 -1948 H eb ron W ay P hon e : 709 -726 -9397 F ax : 709 -754 -4668 D is tr ibu t ion C en te r P hon e : 709 -726 -9397 F ax : 709 -754 -4868 Jodine ReidB. Comm. Licensed Hearing Aid Practitioner Jason Gedge Licensed Hearing Aid Practitioner Joanne Gedge Licensed Hearing Aid Practitioner Jody Strickland M.Sc., RAud(C),Ed.D. Audiologist Port aux Basques 14 Grand Bay West Road Port aux Basques, NL A0M 1C0 (709) 695-7042
27 www.rnca.ca Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association Anxiety continued An anxiety disorder causes unexpected or unhelpful anxiety that seriously impacts our lives, including how we think, feel, and act. Each anxiety disorder has its own specific treatments and goals, but most include some combination of the following strategies: Counselling An effective form of counselling for anxiety is cognitive-behavioural therapy (or ‘CBT’). CBT teaches you how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours work together. A goal of CBT is to identify and change the unhelpful patterns of thinking that feed anxious thoughts. CBT can help you identify problem behaviours and replace them with helpful strategies. It’s often the first treatment to try for mild or moderate problems with anxiety. Medication Some people also find antianxiety or antidepressant medication helpful. Medication can help with the physical feelings of anxiety. It may also make anxious thoughts less frequent or intense, so it can be easier to learn helpful coping strategies. Some people take medication until their anxiety is controlled enough to try therapies like CBT. Support groups Support groups - in person or online - may be a good place to share your experiences, learn from others, and connect with people who understand. Self-help strategies Many different skills can help people manage anxiety, such as stress management, problem solving, and relaxation. Mindfulness - developing awareness of the present moment without judgement - may also help. Practices that support wellness, such as eating well, exercising, having fun, and connecting with others, are also important. How can I help a loved one? Supporting a loved one who is experiencing an anxiety disorder can be difficult.You may not understand why your loved one feels or acts a certain way. Some people who experience an anxiety disorder feel like they have to do things a certain way or avoid things or situations, and this can create frustration or conflict with others. You may feel pressured to take part in these behaviours or adjust your own behaviours to protect or avoid upsetting a loved one. Support can be a delicate balance, but you should expect recovery - in time. Here are some general tips: o Remind yourself that the illness is the problem - anger, frustration, or behaviours related to anxiety are nobody’s fault. o Be patient - learning and practicing new coping strategies takes time. o If your loved one is learning new skills, offer to help them practice. o Listen and offer support, but avoid pushing unwanted advice. o Set boundaries and seek support for yourself, if needed. o If other family members are affected by a loved one’s anxiety disorder, consider seeking family counselling. cmha.ca Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line: Local: (709) 737-4668 (professional advice and support available 24/7) Toll Free: 1-888-737-4668
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29 www.rnca.ca Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association We all experience changes in our mood. Sometimes we feel energetic, full of ideas, or irritable, and other times we feel sad or down. But these moods usually don’t last long, and we can go about our daily lives. Depression and bipolar disorder are two mental illnesses that change the way people feel and make it hard for them to go about their daily routine. What is depression? Depression is a mental illness that affects a person’s mood - the way a person feels. Mood impacts the way people think about themselves, relate to others, and interact with the world around them. This is more than a ‘bad day’ or ‘feeling blue.’ Without supports like treatment, depression can last for a long time. Signs of depression include feeling sad, worthless, hopeless, guilty, or anxious a lot of the time. Some feel irritable or angry. People lose interest in things they used to enjoy and may withdraw from others. Depression can make it hard to focus on tasks and remember information. It can be hard to concentrate, learn new things, or make decisions. Depression can change the way people eat and sleep, and many people experience physical health problems. Age and sex can also impact how people experience depression. Males often experience anger or irritability rather than sadness, which can make depression harder for others to see. Young people and older adults may experience lasting changes in mood that are mistakenly dismissed as a normal part of growing up or of aging. What is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder is another mental illness that affects mood. With bipolar disorder, people experience episodes of depression and episodes of mania.An episode of depression in bipolar disorder is the same as other types of depression. Mania is an unusually high mood for the person. People may feel like their thoughts are racing and may feel hyperactive. They may feel unrealistically confident, happy, or very powerful. Many people don’t sleep much when they experience mania. They may act without thinking and do risky things they wouldn’t normally do. People usually experience periods of wellness between episodes of depression or mania. Episodes of depression or mania generally last for a period of time, though a small number of people may experience episodes that change quickly. The frequency and type of episode can also vary greatly. For example, some people experience many episodes of depression with only a few episodes of depression or mania. Others experience long periods of wellness with only a few episodes during their lifetime. Who do they affect? Depression and bipolar disorder can affect anyone. They are likely caused by many different factors that work together, including family history, biology, the environment, life experiences, personality and physical health problems. What can I do about it? Depression and bipolar disorder can be very challenging. Many people blame themselves for their feelings or wonder why they can’t just ‘get over it.’ Some feel like they have to live with difficult feelings because they worry about what others will think if they ask for help.The symptoms of the illnesses themselves can make it hard to seek help. Depression and bipolar disorder are real illnesses, and they deserve care and support. People can and do recover. Counselling and support A type of counselling called cognitive-behavioural therapy (or ‘CBT’) is common for mood disorders. It teaches you how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours work together. It also teaches important skills like solving problems, managing stress, realistic thinking, and relaxation. CBT is often the first treatment to try if you experience mild or moderate problems with depression. Support groups are also very important. Depression and bipolar disorder can isolate people from others, and isolation can add to mood problems. Support groups are a safe place to share your experiences, learn from others, and connect with people who understand what you’re going through. Taking care of your well-being is especially important if you’re working through recovery, but this can be easy to overlook. Regular exercise can boost your mood and help you manage stress. Eating well and learning or maintaining healthy sleep habits are also very helpful. It’s always important to spend time on activities you enjoy, find relaxation strategies that work for you, and spend time with loved ones. Medication Antidepressants are the main kind of medication used to treat depression.There are many different classes and types of antidepressants, and they each work a little differently. However, antidepressants may not be the best option for bipolar disorder. Instead, bipolar disorder may be treated with mood stabilizers. While medication can help with Depression and Bipolar Disorder continued
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