The Benefits of Social Media
Using social media and apps like MindShift CBT as resources to monitor mental health
Reprinted from the Recovery: Living Your Bestish Life issue of Visions Journal, 2022, 17 (4), pp. 25-27
Shame, Blame and Stigma Towards Families
Reprinted from the Supporting Parents issue of Visions Journal, 2021, 17 (1), pp. 8-9
I Didn’t Know What Mental Health Was Supposed to be Like
Reprinted from the "Responding to Feelings" issue of Visions Journal, 2021, 16 (4), pp. 26-27
A Ship out of Harbour
Birdie learned about a residential treatment program for eating disorders and was hopeful when they were admitted after time on a wait list. A week into the program, COVID-19 hit and everyone was sent home. Zoom sessions weren’t the same, and living at home, away from care providers, only allowed their symptoms to thrive. But why were bars and nail salons allowed to open while people with eating disorders couldn’t access medical care? Find out what happened when Birdie realized that they needed to advocate for their care.
What to Expect While Parenting in a Pandemic
Wondering when toilet paper will be in stock again, trying to access mental health services that have reduced capacity or even closed, fighting to keep a normal routine despite changes like work and school from home—like many families, Lori experiences a lot more anxiety these days. But despite the challenges, her family is finding its way, adapting to the new challenges, finding resilience, and reconnecting with each other.
Life on an Island Doesn’t Have to Mean Isolation
William thought that moving to Salt Spring Island from Vancouver would help him deal with alcohol and cocaine use, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder, but it took a lot of work to get on a path to recovery. David, co-chair of the Salt Spring Health Advancement Network, says that this is a common experience. While small communities have similar mental health needs as people in urban centres, services are not always available. Identifying needs, bringing people together, and collaboration between service providers is helping the island build a healthier community.
Our Journey
Jim’s son Joe was always hyperactive and needed extra support. The stress ended Jim’s marriage and Joe went to live with his mother. When Joe was eight, Jim received a call from the Ministry of Children and Family Development: he could take Joe full-time or allow Joe to go into care. Jim had to be there for his son no matter what. A Child and Youth Mental Health team helped, but it wasn’t always consistent—Jim often had to quit work to take care of Joe because he couldn’t afford specialized support. Joe is now an adult and has aged out of some supports, but Jim is still fighting to find the right help.
