This issue of Visions: BC's Mental Health and Addictions Journal stirs new ground like no other issue has. If you identify yourself as Aboriginal, First Nation, Inuit or Metis, you will likely find much that resonates with you. If you don't indentify yourself that way, you will still learn a lot from this issue about the role of identity, culture, empowerment and community.

The 14th annual Beyond the Blues: Depression Anxiety Education and Screening Day is happening at more than 60 events across British Columbia, Canada, on October 9th, 2008 and throughout October. At these free, drop-in, anonymous events, learn more about mood and anxiety disorders and related issues like suicide and risky drinking. At most sites, you'll have the option to fill out a self-test and speak one-on-one with a clinician to talk about next steps.

This issue of Visions: BC's Mental Health and Addictions Journal probes beyond the sunny surface of campus life to examine some of the underlying mental health and substance use issues facing post-secondary students, practitioners and administrators. Family members, students, counsellors and other campus professionals share insights into sources of student stress, substance use and the state of student mental health on various BC campuses. They also highlight outreach initiatives and innovative programs for students.

A new set of user-friendly fact sheets developed by Mood Disorders Association of BC for the BC Partners covers the types of bipolar disorder, myths and facts surrounding bipolar disorder, causes of bipolar disorder, and treatments like medications and ECT. There are also special fact sheets designed to help people with bipolar disorder manage risky behaviours, prevent future episodes, and one to help family members support loved ones with the disorder. 

Check out the latest issue of  Visions: BC's Mental Health and Addictions Journal on medications. Medications are often a double-edged sword. They can lift symptoms of mental illness or addiction so that people can feel well enough to do all the other hard work needed for recovery. But, they also present a host of complex challenges from side effects and interactions, to affordability and access.

Check out the latest issue of Visions: BC's Mental Health and Addictions Journal on housing and homelessness. You’ll come to realize just how deeply entrenched mental illness and addiction are in BC’s homelessness landscape. This issue is full of heartbreaking, frustrating and uplifting personal stories from people who have lived or are still living on the streets; and from the compassionate souls who are trying to help them.