Personal Stories

Karen Liberman

Photo Credit:

Photo by Barry Shainbaum.

You see, for me, hope, healing and recovery are not individual attainments or life states. Like the best meal or song or spectacular view, these are most profoundly felt when shared with others. I will forever thank MOOD DISORDERS ASSOCIATION for allowing me to share this finest of all gifts.

On Tuesday morning August 27 1997, I awoke at 10:37 am on the psychiatric ward in Sunnybrook Hospital and I was well. After fifteen years of indescribable emotional, cognitive, and physical pain, I was well. After six psychiatrists, seventeen hospital stays, twenty-seven different medications, twenty-four electro-convulsive therapy treatments, countless amounts of psycho-therapy, I was well. Having experienced spontaneous remission after one dose of a new medication (that I would continue with for the next twelve years), I was well.

Family Matters Peer Support and Recovery Program Launches

Submitted by Anonymous on January 21, 2014 - 11:08am

The Mood Disorder Association of Ontario has developed a comprehensive support program for family members who are experiencing the complex challenges associated with providing and receiving care to those living with mood disorders and/or addiction.

The Family Matters Peer Support and Recovery Program was developed out of an extensive needs assessment which revealed strong support for additional services directed towards family members and caregivers with complex mental health needs and challenges. It was identified that while family members and caregivers are essential to the support team when addressing the needs of a loved one with mental health and addiction challenges, very often family members become in need of services and supports themselves. Therefore, this program will benefit family members by providing the skills, knowledge and assistance necessary to navigate the system, make informed decisions and build strong support networks while also ensuring an increased number of family members and caregivers receive clinical, educational, peer, and recovery services to support their vital role in providing appropriate, timely, and effective care for their loved ones.

This new program will continue to adhere to the peer support and recovery work that MDAO does best while expanding upon and strengthening services in the following areas:

Clinical support services for family members challenged with complex mental health and addiction needs
Educational resources for family members
Recovery programs for family members
Peer support groups
One-to-one family peer support
Psycho-educational programs
System navigation
Support networks
Community outreach

MDAO would like to graciously acknowledge the Toronto Central LHIN for providing funding for this new program and most importantly addressing the concerns of those families in need of supports. If you have any questions or comments regarding our new Family Matters Peer Support and Recovery program, please contact:

Shelly Murphy MSW, RSW, RRP
Clinical Program Manager
416-486-8046 Ext. 300
shellym@mooddisorders.ca

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