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Drugs, lack of shelters fuel rise of tent cities

September 27th, 2016 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Drugs, lack of shelters fuel rise of tent cities)

the-province_news-articleLack of shelters and the emergence of fentanyl is “changing the game” in terms of homelessness, leading to more tent cities across the province, B.C.’s housing minister says

Rich Coleman said makeshift camps have spread beyond the big cities of Vancouver and Victoria to municipalities throughout B.C., prompted in part by migrants coming to B.C. from other parts of the country in hopes of better economic conditions but confronted by high housing costs and B.C.’s more potent street drugs.  Read the rest of this article at The Province…

Image by Mark Van Manen/The Province

Duncan McCue’s frank, funny and evocative ‘nonvella’ explores identity, Cree culture

September 24th, 2016 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Duncan McCue’s frank, funny and evocative ‘nonvella’ explores identity, Cree culture)

picture-717banner pfr“Months on a trapline in the wilds of James Bay promised deliverance from the self-doubts that nagged me, even if I did worry about not having a clue what I was going to be doing out there,” writes Duncan McCue in his new memoir

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Winning the battle with #schizophrenia

September 24th, 2016 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Winning the battle with #schizophrenia)

winnipegfreepressMalady of the mind remains mostly misunderstood: “Oftentimes people think that people with schizophrenia are violent, and that’s a gross misperception, largely due to media portrayal”

You wouldn’t know it from looking at Eric Fraser, Katrina Tinman and Josh McNeil that they face prejudice. But as three of several thousand Manitobans who suffer from schizophrenia or a related mental illness, they have experienced the emotional, psychological and economic sting of the stigma associated with one of the most widely feared of psychiatric disorders.  Read the rest of this article at Winnipeg Free Press…

Josh McNeil, left, Katrina Tinman and Eric Fraser discuss their experiences with mental illness and the importance of support and understanding in recovery. The trio are working together with the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society to help battle the stigma related with the illness. Image: Wayne Glowacki / Winnipeg Free Press

Sarah’s story: Living as a ‘psychiatric refugee’ in Ontario

September 20th, 2016 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Sarah’s story: Living as a ‘psychiatric refugee’ in Ontario)

banner pfr“I’ve learned how to manage my depression with cognitive behavioural therapy and support from my family. I want to be able to direct my own treatment and recovery”

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Charter challenge of forced psychiatric treatment filed in BC Supreme Court

September 19th, 2016 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Charter challenge of forced psychiatric treatment filed in BC Supreme Court)

banner pfrPeople who are involuntarily detained under BC’s Mental Health Act – or released from hospital on leave – currently have no right to give or refuse consent to any psychiatric treatment

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“He could have a tremendous impact”

September 15th, 2016 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on “He could have a tremendous impact”)

percy-paul

Indigenous physicist has overcome trauma, poverty, racism and mental illness in his journey to understand the universe. Perimeter officials say he has a unique intelligence and they look forward to working with him.

Percy Paul hacks away at a laptop computer [in a] downtown apartment, a masters degree in physics duct-taped to the wall. He is completely immersed in quantum mechanics and black holes. Hours, even days, can pass without Paul realizing the need to cook, wash his clothes, talk to other human beings or even get some fresh air.  Read the rest of this article at The Edmonton Journal…  Image by Gord Waldner