Inside this IssueNew Executive Director 2

Office Update 3

Teddy Bear’s Picnic 4

Rotary Cheque Presentation 5

Mental Illness Awareness Week 7

Things to Look Forward To 8

Bell Backpacks Bulge 8

Paddling with PTSD 9

Disability Tax Credit 9

Mental Health & GSD Youth 10

Volunteer Opportunities 11

Fall Training & Workshops 12

Men tend to ignore stress entirely or deal with it by engaging in self-destructive ac-

tions (alcohol, drugs, risk-taking behaviours ). They also suppress feelings until they erupt as anger, hostility and irritability. Or, they isolate themselves from social contacts (Centre for Sui-cide Prevention, 2011). Men who repress their emotions are unable to articulate their distress and cannot identify depression in themselves; these men are found to be more prone to a range of medical illnesses, including heart dis-ease, sudden cardiac death and hypertension, as well as alcohol and substance abuse.

The stigma of depression in men is a significant public

health concern and is a major barrier to care-seeking. Par-ticularly relevant for men is the “self-stigma” – the negative perception of oneself as inad-equate or weak. A society that celebrates masculine qualities has little patience for any show of weakness (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2010).

The project “Men & Depres-sion: A Darker Shade of

Blue” is a mental health pro-motion project that provides educational/awareness presen-tations to promote stigma-free discussions about male de-pression and suicide. The best

results from mental health promotions come from focusing on specific groups and settings. Information can dispel myths, stigma can be reduced, and support systems can be provided when the warning signs of male depression and suicide are known and noticed. A male-sensi-tive brochure on depression and suicide out-lines the characteristics and symptoms of male depression and uses language that encourages solution-focused, cost-effective and client-di-rected interventions.

The Canadian Mental Health Association – Kingston Branch will provide awareness

presentations and brochures to local industry employers/employees, university/college fac-ulty and students, interested groups, military personnel/families and those working in the criminal justice system within the local com-munity. Increasing community awareness of male depression and suicide through stigma-free discussion will lead to more people rec-

Continued on Page 5

“Suck it up.”“Take it like a man.”“Boys don’t cry.”

A DARKER SHADE OF BLUE: MEN AND DEPRESSION

Two thirds of men with mental health issues refuse to seek help

CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

GOIN

GPLACES

KINGSTON FALL 2015

Board of DirectorsPresident Mark MacDonaldVice President Bill McKeoughTreasurer Hart FreedmanSecretary Jackie PowellMembers Dick Von Brieson Nina Williams Stephanie Place Michael Cassidy

Mission Statement The Canadian Mental Health Association - Kingston Branch is a com-munity-based voluntary organization dedicated to restoring, enhancing and promoting the mental and emotional well-being of all individu-als. We strive to do this through public education, advocacy, social action, community development and direct service.

Our Goals1. To promote mental health and contribute to the prevention of mental

illness.2. To maintain and enhance our volunteer program.3. To promote acceptance and empowerment of individuals with

mental health issues.4. To advocate for improvements in the mental health system and li-

aise with other mental health service providers, consumers and the community throughout Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington.

5. To enhance branch governance and administration.

400 Elliott Avenue, Unit 3KIngston, Ontario K7K 6M9

Phone: 613.549.7027Fax: 613.549.7098

E-mail: cmhstaff@kingston.netcmhakingston.blogspot.ca/

Executive Director Judi BurrillNewsletter Editor Karin More KEM Document Design karin@kemdocdesign.com

UNITED WAY ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

The United Way annual campaign is the largest community fundraising effort, help-ing thousands of people through collec-tive action, raising funds that will then be invested in local programs. 79% of funds raised are through workplace campaigns. CMHA-Kingston has pledged to raise $1000 by selling candy in the office and at events throughout the campaign. So, stop by, pick up a sweet treat and support United Way!

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOROn June 1st, CMHA Kingston welcomed Judi Burrill to the Execu-tive Director’s position. Judi has volunteered with CMHA for over 18 years and has conducted many workshops and public presentations on issues related to mental health. Judi brings energy, creativity and a passion for mental health awareness and education.

Page 2 | CHMA Kingston

Fall 2015 | Page 3

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING This series of workshops teaches first aid skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or is experiencing a mental health crisis.

In 12 hours you will learn:

• Signs/symptoms of common mental health problems and crisis situations

• Basic actions for mental health first aid

• Information about effective interventions and treatments

• How to access help and resources

Cost: $125For more information and upcoming

dates, please contact us at:

cmhstaff@kingston.net or 613-549-7027

FROM THE E.D.: OFFICE UPDATEIt is almost three months since I came to take on a position previously held by ‘one creative, kind, competent woman. Many thanks to Brenda who continues to mentor and has vol-unteered to help with fundraising. The team spirit and dedi-cation is amazing.

RESTART has provided CMHA with three employees who are a team of creators, thinkers and organizers:

Lisa Marie brings an energy that is contagious and her cre-ative skills have received a boost with a new laptop donated by the Rotary Club (the new screen is great too!). Lisa will be training to facilitate programs in the fall/winter.

Jennifer keeps the office looking profes-sional and welcoming while all the while providing kindness and caring for oth-ers. Her love of music is shared with everyone! Thanks Jen.

Kristy’s current transition to the workforce is CMHA’s gain. She has taken on a number of projects and has ‘stepped out-side the box.’ Bravo!

CMHA is fortunate to have vol-unteers that are passionate and dedicated to issues of mental health. Brad has volunteered with CMHA previously and re-turned for the summer, putting everyone at ease and challenging us all to be as organized and focused as he is.

Chris has been a CMHA volunteer and administrative re-lief person for quite some time. He brings a quiet, reassuring

manner and a dedication to the many issues associated with mental health. He will be co-facilitating the anger manage-ment program for men, and will also be participating in the Men & Depression project. Chris is also a puppeteer extraor-dinaire.

We had two summer student placements, Candice & Ellen. Their energy and ‘ready to try anything’ attitude contributed to the spirit of the team.

Rebecca Rafuse a Behavioural Psychology student from St. Lawrence has started a placement. Her energy has everyone motivated – even to venture into a ball pit – all for the cause!

Melissa McDonnel and Hannah Jan-sen, Queen’s Nursing Students will

be in the active with the Men & Depression project.

Welcome to Simone Ot-tley a new volunteer who will be facilitating a Paint Escape project in the future.

The newest member of the team is Sean Waldbillig who has been hired through a Career Focus Internship Pro-gram through Keys Job Cen-tre. Sean will be facilitating the Promoting Mental Health with Gender and Sexually Di-

verse Youth Program

A special thank you to Karin More of KEM Document De-sign for her design and layout of the newsletter.

Page 4 | CHMA Kingston

Every Teddy Bear who’s been good Is sure of a treat today. There’s lots of marvelous things to eat And wonderful games to play.

Beneath the trees where nobody sees They’ll hide and seek as long as they please ‘Cause that’s the way The Teddy Bears have their picnic.

If you go down to the woods today, You’d better not go alone! It’s lovely down in the woods today, But safer to stay at home!

F or ev’ry bear that ever there was Will gather there for certain, because Today’s the day The Teddy Bears have their picnic.

Songwriters Bratton, John W / Kennedy, Jimmy Published by

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

CHRIS

TEDDY BEAR PICNIC FUN

ZURI

ROHAN

MALIK

More than 5,000 children & parents

attended...

More than $5,000 was raised to

support The Boys & Girls Club of

Kingston & Area

TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC

If you go down to the woods today You’re sure of a big surprise. If you go down to the woods today You’d better go in disguise!

For every bear that ever there was Will gather there for certain, because Today’s the day The Teddy Bears have their picnic.

...including staff,

volunteers and puppets

of CMHA

Kingston

ROTARY CHEQUE PRESENTATION

The Rotary Club of Cataraqui – Kingston presented CMHA with a cheque for $1337 that enabled the purchase of a portable screen, lap-top and software to assist with community educational programs and presentations.

Pictured at left: Lucille Davies, Rotary Club President and Paul Elsley, Co-Chair, Rotary Community Outreach Grants Committee, with Judi Burrill, ED, CMHA Kingston Branch

TAKE A BREAK ~ GET CONNECTED FIND YOUR COMMON

COMING SOON ~ OCTOBER 2015

CHANGE STARTS HERE

Fall 2015 | Page 5

Continued from Page 1

ognizing the signs in brothers, sons, fathers, husbands, part-ners, loved ones, co-workers and friends.

In the second part of the proj-ect, CMHA will recruit men

who have lived experience of depression, and who are will-ing to facilitate stigma-free discussions with others, those living with depression, those who may be at in risk of sui-cide, and/or other interested groups.

The project supports the tar-get of the Healthy Commu-

nity Fund by improving access to (mental) health promotion, connects people to coordinat-ed services, supports and in-forms people to make healthy decisions and make behavior changes that provide value for money through measurable outcomes.

FURTHER READING; I Don’t Want To Talk About It by Ter-ence Real; Lonely At The Top by Thomas Joiner and Promot-ing Men’s Mental Health by David Conrad & Alan White.

Four out of five deaths by suicide, are men.

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.

~Ben Williams

WOMEN & WELLNESS: Keeping Your Balance

through Creativity This 3-part series encourages creativity, and through discussion and sharing experiences, participants will discover activities that encourage positive wellness. All supplies are provided.• Vision Boards• Laughter & Movement• Paint Expression• Self-Care Kits Saturdays, Oct. 24, Nov. 7 & 21 10:00 am - 1:00 pm $60

STRATEGIES FOR

WORKING WITH CLIENTS WHO ARE AT RISK

(for Suicide,Self-Harm, etc.)

This is a 1-day intensive par-ticipatory workshop designed to help professionals, parapro-fessionals and laypersons rec-ognize the signs & symptoms of suicide, assess immediate risk and learn a model for ef-fective intervention and man-agement. It includes small and large group activities, videos and role plays. Saturday, Oct. 179:30 am - 2:30 pm$60

Requests for workshops are ac-cepted. A minimum of 10 par-ticipants is required. Larger group rates available.

Tickets are by suggested donation of $10 and are available in advance (andrewvanhorn@hotmail.com) and at the door.

Proceeds to the CMHAKingston .

The VanHorn Fund provides education, support and resources to local families experiencing mental health issues.

This year, CMHA Kingston launches a new awareness campaign “Men & Depression: A Darker Shade of Blue”

at this event

Join CMHA Kingston

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7TH 6:30 PM to CLOSING

Tir Nan Og 200 Ontario Street, Kingston

for the

Annual Social/Fundraising Eventand

Lifelong MemoriaL

TO Celebrate The LifeAnd MemorY OF

WILLIAM ALEXANDER VANHORN

Dance, drink and be merry, and treat your ears to a mix of

Local Pop, Country and Celtic East Coast Music

Celtic

Kitchen

Party

Swiftkick

Goldwing

Page 6 | CHMA Kingston

Thank you to the following organizations for their support of Mental Illness Awareness Week:

An initiative of Presented by

MENTAL HEALTH: TAKE ACTION NOWMIAW 2015 is October 4th-10th

Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is an annual national public education campaign designed to help open the eyes of Canadians to the reality of mental ill-ness. A strong societal stigmatization of mental illness persists, forcing individuals into the shadows to suffer alone in silence. Unfortunately, many Canadians with mental illness will not seek the help they need and society continues to remain unaware of the significant burden mental illness places on us all.

The MIAW campaign has fought to increase aware-ness and decrease stigmatization through the sharing of hundreds of personal stories from individuals living with mental illness. Our purpose is to place mental illness on the national stage by educating Canadi-ans and healthcare practitioners on the importance of early recognition, proper diagnosis, and effective medical treatment, and to show that by doing so, individuals living with mental illness are capable of leading rewarding and productive lives.

For the stories behind the faces pictured here (and many others), go to: bit.ly/1uAnjwp

Helping you to help yourself

LIVING LIFE TO THE FULL

Skills, strategies, and new ways of thinking about yourself! This Cognitive Behaviour Therapy-based 8 week program benefits all adults in a wide range of situations and stages of life. Designed for anyone dealing with stress, anxiety or just needing help in dealing with life’s challenges.

The Living Life to the Full program can also help anyone in periods of transition, whether getting ready to leave high school, preparing for retirement or moving to a new community.

• Learn new skills for coping with stress

• Improve problem-solving skills

• Meet new people

• See improvements in your mood

Please contact lisamarie.cmha@kingston.net for additional informationLisa Marie Hogeboom

Certified Living Life to the Full Program Facilitator

Fall 2015 | Page 7

BELLBACKPACKS

BULGEThe Backpacks were donated again this year by Dale and Lyn Tuepah. Dale is a Bell retiree and Lyn currently works at Bell. The 12 school backpacks filled with school supplies are given to children as-sociated with CMHA.

Photo: Dale Tuepah; Brad Godfrey, CMHA Kingston summer volunteer; Judi Burrill, CMHA Kingston ED; Lyne Tuepah

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!

Page 8 | CHMA Kingston

DISABILITY TAX CREDITThe disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps persons with dis-abilities or their supporting persons reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay. For more information, go to cra.gc.ca/dtc.

LE CRÉDIT D’IMPÔT POURPERSONNES HANDICAPÉES

Le crédit d’impôt pour personnes handicapées (CIPH) est un crédit d’impôt non rembours-able qui aide les personnes handicapées et leurs aidants à réduire l’impôt sur le revenu qu’ils pourraient avoir à payer. Pour en savoir plus, allez à arc.gc.ca/ciph.

THANK YOU to SENICA’S

GREENHOUSE!We love the flowers!

1691 Highway 2 East , Kingston

PADDLING WITH PTSDRAISING AWARENESS & RAISING FUNDS

Trevor Peterson is a Canadian Armed Forces veteran who served in both Bosnia and Afghanistan. “Stuff happens over there,” he said in a 2014 interview with CTV news.

In 2007, Trevor was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In 2011, he discovered paddle-boarding. For the past two years he has used his love for the sport to raise awareness of PTSD.

In 2014, Trevor paddled from Edmonton to Winnipeg on the North Saskatchewan River raising funds for Wound-ed Warriors Canada. This year he travelled from Toronto to Ottawa following the lake, rivers and canals to raise funds for the Canadian Mental Health Association.

In June, Trevor and his mother, Marie, were welcomed to Kingston by CMHA - Kingston Branch before he con-tinued on to Collins Bay and onward, reaching Ottawa in July.

To learn more about Trevor’s travels and his story, go to:paddlingwithptsd.com

Candice Bartlett (CMHA), Trevor Peterson, Marie Peterson

Fall 2015 | Page 9

This group is designed for those who have lost someone to suicide, including the spouses, parents, brothers or sisters, adult children and friends left be-

hind. Suicide and the resulting feelings and emotions are very difficult to deal with, let alone discuss. This group is intended to help individuals find the support they need. It will also help them develop strategies to use while working through this very dif-ficult time. The Peer format ensures a level of comfort from the fact that each member of the group has been through a similar experience.Groups will take place on the 4th Wednesday of each month

from 7 pm to 9pm at CMHA Kingston, 400 Elliott Avenue, Unit #3. For more information please contact us at 613-549-7027 or

cmhastaff@kingston.net.

SUICIDESURVIVORSRECOVERY

GROUP

A survey of Canadian youth with-in schools found that one in seven self-identify as gender and sexu-ally diverse (GSD). These young people are an increasingly vul-nerable population. They face ap-proximately 14 times the risk of substance abuse and suicide than their heterosexual peers. The risk to trans youth within this group is further compounded by addiction, self-harm, bullying and sexual/physical assault.

Currently there is no organization in Kingston directly ad-dressing the mental health challenges of GSD youth. CMHA Kingston has applied for funding from the United Way Com-munity Investment Fund to develop a program addressing this need.

The program, Promoting Mental Health with Gender and Sexually Diverse Youth, will provide opportunities for GSD youth to be stakeholders in the development of this initia-tive, and with CMHA Kingston staff and volunteers, they will lead the direction of conversations, activities and edu-cation/awareness.

The program itself will consist of facilitated conversations on:

• Mental Health Challenges and Coping Strategies• Addiction and Mental Health• Gender Dysphoria and Trans Mental Health• Discrimination: Transphobia and Homophobia

• Sexual Assault: Violence in Intimate Re-lationships• Building GSD Community Capac-ity around Mental Health Support

It will also provide youth with engagement and em-powerment through:

• Suicide Intervention Training, • Participation in the Friends For Youth Training Program, • Creative Coping with Art, Writing and Digital Art, • Information and Navigation of Kingston Mental Health

Supports.

This program will develop pamphlets about GSD which will be distributed to communities, schools, mental health pro-viders and youth groups. Also a list will be compiled of men-tal health providers who deal with GSD issues in a sensitive manner. There will be an opportunity for the youth involved to review and evaluate the program, and for those accessing the resources to provide feedback.

If you or your organization/busi-ness would like more information or you are interested in participat-ing or supporting this initiative, please contact Sean Waldbillig, Project Coordinator at cmhastaff@kingston.net or 613.549.7027.

Promoting Mental Health withGender and Sexually Diverse Youth

Page 10 | CHMA Kingston

Give the gift of yourself, your time and your effort, and discover the benefits of volunteering!Whether you can help out for 2 hours or 20 hours a week, the CMHA Kingston needs warm and caring people to assist with social/recre-ational programs, festive gift programs and more.

WHY BE A VOLUNTEER?Our volunteers have opportunities to:• Meet new people• Put your current skills to good use• Learn new skills• Make a difference• Add valuable experience to a resume

WHAT TYPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK IS THERE?• Fundraising & Special Events• Office Support• Research and Library work• Branch Services• Public Education & Special Projects• Children and Youth Programs• Health promotion• Publications • Booth Displays• Conferences & Seminars• Community support services

• Support Mental Health Week: This is an annual event held the first week of May and is one of the highlights of the year.

• Board and committee membership: If you have expertise, knowledge and / or interest in specific areas, why not serve on the Board or a Committee?

To find out how you can get involved, give us a call!

One of the greatest volunteering experi-ences I’ve had! I got to meet lots of people, gained experience and had fun!- Chester

WHO CAN BECOME A VOLUNTEER?Adults, teens, students, working professionals, homemakers, retirees, the unemployed preparing to return to the workplace.

HOW MUCH TIME IS REQUIREDIt’s up to you. Some volunteers donate a few hours of their time each week or each month. Some volunteer for specific projects at select times during the year. The amount of time needed has a lot to do with the kind of volunteer work you choose.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES!

Fall 2015 | Page 11

Positive Parenting & Building Resilience Learn how to promote positive relationships with your chil-dren, increase self-esteem and recognize signs of anxiety/ depression. Through discussion, ‘story videos’ and activities, participants will learn practical strategies to assist in teaching children to cope with adversity and change. Call for upcoming dates. $40

Respectfully Responding to People In Crisis Learn the essential skills of crisis intervention and a com-prehensive model of Psychological First Aid, assessment, in-tervention and management. Participants will also learn to recognize helper emotions, & develop professional self-care techniques. Call for upcoming dates. $60

The Stigma Within: Depression in the Workplace This workshop focuses on how to recognize, manage or sup-port Mental Health issues in the workplace.• Signs and Symptoms of Depression/Stress• Solution-Focused Support• How to Promote Work/Life Balance• Professional & Personal Self-Care This workshop will include discussion, video “stories,” and practical strategies. Participants will increase their under-standing and skills towards managing and supporting mental health challenges or barriers in the workplace. Recommend-ed for supervisors, team leaders & co-workers. Call for upcoming dates. $60

Strategies for Working With Clients Who Are at Risk (for Suicide, Self-Harm, etc.) This is a 1-day intensive participatory workshop designed to help professionals, paraprofessionals and laypersons recognize the signs & symptoms of suicide, assess immediate risk and learn a model for effective intervention and management. It includes small and large group activities, videos and role plays. Saturday, Oct. 17 9:30 am - 2:30 pm $60

Requests for workshops are accepted. A minimum of 10 participants is required. Larger group rates are available.

Women & Wellness: Keeping Your Balance through Creativity This 3-part series encourages creativity, and through dis-cussion and sharing experiences, participants will discover activities that encourage positive wellness. All supplies are provided.• Vision Boards• Laughter & Movement• Paint Expression• Self-Care Kits Saturdays, Oct. 24, Nov. 7 & 21 10:00 am - 1:00 pm $60

Anger Management Sessions For Men Chronic anger can be costly, both physically and emotionally. Many people can use their anger in appropriate ways in some situations, yet be ineffectual in others. In this group men will ex-plore how anger arises. They will learn new skills to more effec-tively manage anger without harming themselves or others, and how to reduce angry responses. They will also learn effective coping behaviours to stop escalation and to resolve conflicts. Offered in 4 session 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm Wednesdays, Nov. 4, 11, 18 & 25 $25

Understanding & Facilitating Grief & Loss Participants will: examine personal attitudes toward grief; de-velop a heightened awareness of the process of grief; exam-ine complicated grief; develop a greater understanding of un-speakable losses (suicide and homicide); explore the losses and emotional responses associated with illness; and develop strategies to better support those who are grieving. Saturday, Nov. 14 9:30 am - 2:30 pm $60

“all losses need to be grieved”

Emotional Management for Women During this 4 week program participants will investigates the causes and consequences of anger, while developing posi-tive communication skills and improving strategies for cop-ing with stress. They will learn anger management techniques and how to make effective changes. Wednesday, Nov. 18 9:30 am - 2:30 pm $25

Dealing with Different, Diverse (and Difficult) People Embrace the challenges and utilize the benefits of working with different/diverse/difficult people. Learn techniques to deal with personal anger/frustration, the impact of workplace stress and the importance of work/life balance. Saturday, Nov. 28 9:30 am - 2:30 pm $60

To register, or for more information, please contact CMHA Kingston at (613) 549-7027 or cmhstaff@kingston.net

We require 4 business days notice for cancellation.

All participants receive a Workshop Manual and a Certificate of Completion.

Refreshments are provided.

Limited spaces available.

FALL 2015 TRAINING AND WORKSHOPS

Page 12 | CHMA Kingston