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How poetry helps us understand mental illness

May 12th, 2016 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on How poetry helps us understand mental illness)

hooligan5-e1462186786498People who have mental illness challenge society’s typical narrative about what is “natural” or healthy, poet Shira Erlichman says

At the bottom of the sea, just off the coast of Maryland, New York City subway cars have become a new habitat for coral and fish. Poet Shira Erlichman was spellbound when she read about the project: to dispose of old, broken-down subway cars by sinking them to the bottom of the ocean, providing a new surface for coral reef to grow.

Photos documenting the process seem to show pollution on a large scale, the result of industrial excess. But eventually they will help the ecosystem survive. For Erlichman, the project was a way to discuss taking Lithium for mental illness.

Read the rest of this article at PBS NewsHour…

Friends Empowerment Society aims to address stigma, alternate therapies, human rights

May 9th, 2016 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Friends Empowerment Society aims to address stigma, alternate therapies, human rights)

picture 688banner pfrAfter two years of planning, a Nanaimo-based nonprofit society, managed by persons who have had or currently have mental health or addictions issues, held its public launch

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Proper housing is a crucial health issue

May 8th, 2016 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Proper housing is a crucial health issue)

homeless-toronto.jpg.size.custom.crop.1086x661Safe, secure and affordable housing is crucial to maintaining and improving health and well-being

When you’re feeling unwell, whether from a minor cold or a devastating terminal illness, the feeling of home, the desire for a safe and comfortable place to rest and recuperate, is a universal one. But what if your home itself is a source of stress and illness? Worse yet, what if you don’t have a home at all? As family doctors, we see and know just how powerful the effect of proper housing can be on the health of our patients.  Read the rest of this article at The Toronto Star…

#MHW16 #GETLOUD #WorkplaceMH

May 4th, 2016 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on #MHW16 #GETLOUD #WorkplaceMH)

Get Loud for Mental Health Week and Join our Campaign!

May 2nd, 2016 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Get Loud for Mental Health Week and Join our Campaign!)

Diverse Hands Holding The Words Mental Health

Vancouver Island Mental Health Society (VIMHS) is passionate about mental health. We provide supportive housing and psychosocial rehabilitation for adults who are actively experiencing serious mental illness right here at home. VIMHS is committed to raising awareness about mental illness and psychiatric disorders and community education is part of our mandate. We encourage YOU to #GetLoud about mental illness and join our campaign. You can click here to join.

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It’s mental health week in Canada, May 2-8, 2016

May 2nd, 2016 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on It’s mental health week in Canada, May 2-8, 2016)

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We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health. Mental health is more than the absence of mental illness. It’s a state of well-being.  Read more about Mental Health Week here…