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…)
Navigating the space between brilliance and madness
Will Hall is a 43-year-old man who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Doctors have prescribed medication for him. “But Hall would rather value his mentally extreme states than try to suppress them, so he doesn’t take his meds. Instead, he practices yoga and avoids coffee and sugar.” Will is also a member of The Icarus Project—an Icarista—and is involved in Mad Pride activities.* He’s also hosted Madness Radio for three years. [*Source: Newsweek, “Listening to madness”]. (more…)
Manitoba’s Liberal leader makes the case for a mental health bill of rights
Jon Gerrard, leader of the Liberal party in Manitoba, introduced a bill on December 2, 2008 in the Manitoba Legislature to provide a bill of rights for citizens with mental health disorders. He wrote on his blog, “it is imperative that people with mental illnesses receive services quickly, that their release from an institution such as a hospital be adequately planned, and that adequate support be available for them in the community on discharge.” (more…)
Wayne Cho’s incredible journey
Wayne Cho began a run across Canada last May 23, 2008 in St. John’s, Newfoundland to raise awareness for anxiety and depression, which affect a significant portion of the population but are often misunderstood and neglected.
Wayne himself has been affected by an anxiety disorder since childhood but his condition went undiagnosed until age 31. He took up long distance running which helps to significantly reduce his anxiety symptoms. Last Thursday, June 11, Wayne reached Victoria, B.C. (more…)
Programs and services from Anxiety B.C. respond to disorders
AnxietyBC is a nonprofit organization working to increase awareness about anxiety disorders; promote education of the general public, affected persons, and health care providers; and increase access to evidence-based resources and treatments. Its programs include awareness-raising and supportive educational opportunities.
We speak with AnxietyBC executive director Arto Tienaho.
Alzheimer’s disease care and support
As people age, a decline in thinking abilities and memory is expected, but when that decline is much faster than normal, the consequences can be devastating to those people and their loved ones. Such a sharp decline is known as dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease is the most frequent type of dementia in the elderly.*
The Alzheimer Society of B.C. offers a series of telephone workshops, including a session called Life After Diagnosis, that provide help and support to people diagnosed with Alzheimer disease, and to their families. (more…)
