Violence + Criminal justice

Violence, Mental Illness and Substance Use

Many people fear violence, particularly violence that seems random or unpredictable. We often deal with this fear by avoiding people or situations that we believe might lead to violence. We see mental illness, substance use and violence connected often—in the news, on TV shows, and in movies.

Understanding Substance Use

Health is a state of total well-being—physical, mental and social—helping us both survive and thrive in our everyday lives.

A Person of Colour in Recovery

Personal perspectives on finding acceptance and support

Ray

Reprinted from the "Systemic Racism" issue of Visions Journal, 2021, 16 (3), pp. 22-25

photo of JWB

I was born in 1957. A lot of times I say I’m Mulatto. My dad is Black and my Mom is white. I had loving parents. I live in Campbell River. But I grew up in Vancouver, on the East Side.

Racism, Police Violence and Mental Health

Ruby Dhand, MA, LLB, LLM, PhD, and Kendra Milne, LLB

Reprinted from the "Systemic Racism" issue of Visions Journal, 2021, 16 (3), pp. 14-16

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Confronting Anti-Black Racism in Mental Health Care in Canada

Betty Mulat

Reprinted from the "Systemic Racism" issue of Visions Journal, 2021, 16 (3), pp. 8-10

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Violence + Criminal justice

Many of us have questions around the risk of violence because we want to be safe. But the risk of violence stemming from mental illnesses or co-existing mental illnesses and substance use problems is low and involves factors that stem from our communities rather than a single individual.

The Language We Use to Talk About Mental Health and Substance Use

Words matter. They impact the assumptions we make about others, the way we understand someone else’s experiences, and the value we place on others.

Filling the Loneliness Void

When you live in a small town, everyone knows your reputation. In school, James often found that he was the outcast and viewed as a trouble-maker. Eventually crime and drug use became a way to fit in with a group and find any sort of connection with others. In and out of juvie and then the adult system, he took an opportunity to enter a treatment and recovery program. With his sentence complete this year, James looks forward to bringing the insights he’s discovered with him and continuing his work to build healthy and supportive relationships.

Recovery

When we talk about mental illnesses and substance use problems, it’s easy to talk in clinical terms: that person has this symptom, or that person uses a certain drug. But recovery is so much bigger than a checklist.

Violence + criminal justice

Learn more about violence and criminal justice. Violence is any act that hurts you or harms you. Criminal justice refers to the justice system and may include police, courts or jail.

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