Did you attend this year's Beyond the Blues Depression Anxiety Education and Screening Day in your community? Fill out a quick participant evaluation survey to tell us about your experience by November 30, 2011 and enter for your chance to win a $100 gift card to your choice of store or restaurant in BC!

Our latest issue of Visions Journal and explores borderline personality disorder (BPD). It was once considered a diagnosis for anyone who didn’t seem to fit into other diagnostic categories, didn’t respond well to treatment, or seemed “difficult.” But our understanding of BPD is changing and there is reason to hope. In this issue of Visions, you will find stories of compassion, courage and hope from people who have been affected by BPD.

Metnal health partners in Europe who like our work have translated the popular Anxiety Toolkit from HeretoHelp and BC Partners into the Slovenian language. We did give our permission and have reviewed the minor adaptations that were made, though we can't attest to the final quality of the translation. Check out our Anxiety Toolkit in English or Slovenian!

Immigrants and refugees face numerous challenges when they arrive in Canada, and older adults in particular may face additional hardships as they cope with the personal, family and society changes that affect mental health. In this issue of Visions, we learn about the particular challenges that older adult immigrants and refugees face, explore services and resources aimed at this population, and hear personal stories from older adults and service providers...

Beyond the Blues enters its 16th season this October. Our annual depression, anxiety and risky drinking education and screening day features more than 65 free community events across BC. Sites are free, walk-in, anonymous and confidental. Event details are just being finalized. Please check our Events page in mid-September for a complete listing of 2010 Beyond the Blues events.

Our popular online depression and anxiety screening self-tests are now available in French and Traditional Chinese (Cantonese)! The tests look at nine symptoms of depression plus seven symptoms of anxiety, with results and suggestions on next steps. Access the French screening or the Traditional Chinese screening through the Languages tab on the right. Or suggest it to a friend, family member, client or patient.

Over 5,000 people attended Beyond the Blues: Depression Anxiety Education and Screening Day in October 2009. Check out the event final report for more details and complete statistics about last year's screening results. Also learn more about the history of the event, who attended, and who was involved in making it a success. If you're interested in possibly hosting a site yourself, check out our new orientation video too.

The FORCE Society for Kids' Mental Health has published the report, "Engaging Families in Child & Youth Mental Health: A Review of Best, Emerging and Promising Practices". It takes a look at literature which covers the topic of family engagement in child and youth mental health. The report goes on to identify evidence and strategies that promote engagement, as well as relevant policies and practices.

Check out the newly updated Family Toolkit, a workbook designed to help people care for a family member with a mental illness. Education plays a key role in caring for a loved one living with a mental health problem, and this workbook includes tools and information to help educate family members about their loved one's disorder.

Visions has a brand new  issue! Join us as we explore the relationships between sexual orientation, gender identity, mental health and substance use in the LGBT issue of Visions. LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people often face prejudice, discrimination and isolation. Now imagine the doubly stigmatizing effect of being LGBT and having a mental illness or substance use problem.