From addiction to recovery and back into academic life
“Talk to Ryan Glover to understand the true value of education,” an article posted on Vancouver Island University’s website suggests.
Ryan was once living in active addiction and spent years on the streets. “I don’t think I even had my Grade 9 before that,” he recently told the Nanaimo Daily News. Now living in recovery, Ryan is looking forward to graduating with a degree from VIU this summer. (more…)
Two artists talk about mental illness, mental health, and the creative path
The experimental link between creativity and mental illness is well-documented, and now a new study out of Hungary has discovered what could be a genetic link between the two. In dicussing his findings, Dr. Szabolcs Keri also suggested that people with mental illness can express themselves a lot better through visual and musical forms of communication. [Source: The Edmonton Journal] (more…)
Leef Evans, an author and artist, experienced a severe bout of depression six years ago that resulted in hospitalization and the loss of apartment, car, and virtually all connection with family and friends.
While living on Vancouver’s downtown eastside, Lee participated in an art program at Coast Mental Health Resource Centre and he is now a part of the Gallery Gachet collective.
He recently told Westender magazine that he has been forced, through his painting, to deal with his lifelong struggle with depression. (more…)
Sacred Bentwood Box used at national events of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Ladysmith artist Luke Marston has created a symbol of truth and healing—a sacred Bentwood Box to be used at the seven national events of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
The Commission was created to help individuals, communities, and organizations alike to move beyond the dreadful damage inflicted by the many abuses at Canada’s Indian Residential Schools between 1920 and the 1970s. The Catholic Church operated roughly three-quarters of the residential schools that operated in Canada. The rest were operated by other organized religious groups. (more…)
Looking at food, shelter, and supports in Nanaimo
Local frontline services are under increasing demand or are experiencing specific challenges. We’ve convened a frontline services roundtable to explore and update recent events ranging from the reported closing of a Salvation Army lunch program to reports that VIHA will be unable to fund support programs at the Balmoral Hotel building redevelopment. (more…)
“Most addictive drug ever” is also considered the most destructive
It has been described as a ‘hideously destructive substance’…and ‘the most addictive drug in the world’. Methamphetamine is a drug with high potential for widespread abuse—due to the portability of its manufacture. Canada’s meth problem is worst in British Columbia and a recent survey suggests that one in five B.C. students know of someone who has used it.
We speak with Mark McLaughlin, of Crystal Meth BC, about prevention and education efforts. And, Ewan K shares his personal story. (more…)
