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Messages - Daniel F

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16
Family, Friends, and Supporters / Family Matters Guide for Families
« on: July 09, 2015, 12:14:24 pm »
he Family Matters team has developed a comprehensive guide for family members, friends, and supporters of individuals experiencing mood disorders and related issues. The Family Matters Guide for Families is an informational tool designed to give people a sense of grounding and an understanding of issues related to mental health and recovery. In addition, the guide provides resources that family members may found useful in supporting themselves and their families during difficult times. A digital version of the guide is available free of charge and can be accessed here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/93357642-cd4e-408e-a483-a1e54f4216a8

17
rollingl, I don't think it matters where your experience comes from geographically - you don't need to have been involved with CAMH in the past.

18
Hey Everyone,

The Surviving to Advising project, which is a CAMH program that pairs peers/mental health consumers/survivors to be advisors to psychiatric residents, is currently looking for new recruits for their next round, which starts in July. The purpose of the program is to make peer support and peer perspectives a part of psychiatric education, and in essence to “build better psychiatrists.” This is a project that I’ve been a part of as an advisor for the past year and a half, but regrettably won’t be able to continue on due to scheduling conflicts for the coming year.  If you are interested or know of any peers who may be interested in participating, please check out this link: www.camh.ca/s2a where you can find out more.

From the application tab on the website:

“We are always interested in hearing from people who might like to participate as advisors.  Minimum qualifications include at least 5 years of experience using mental health and addiction services and experience working as a peer or system advocate.  A deep and broad understanding of recovery and the ability to engage learners in constructive dialogue and critical reflection are key skills. 
If you are interested in applying, please email sacha.agrawal[at]camh.ca”

Please help spread the word to anyone who may be interested.

Thanks.

19
General Discussion / Re: "Emergency Nap Syndrome"
« on: April 27, 2015, 12:30:38 pm »
I have two cats, who I consider to be both sources of support and "wellness tools."

In terms of "emergency naps," there are times that I absolutely am mentally exhausted and just need to sleep, which is usually at night time/bedtime. I find if I nap during the day it messes up my sleep/wake cycle for that night. However, there are times when I do nap and other times when I really want to, sometimes to avoid doing something stressful - I try to push through those times and just make a start at addressing whatever the stressful thing is. For example, if it's a sink full of dishes, and I convince myself to do "just one" or "just for five minutes," I usually end up getting the whole task done.

20
Suggestions, Comments, Feedback? / Re: Introduction Section
« on: January 23, 2015, 02:56:29 pm »
Great suggestion, DeterminedJay; I just made a sticky introduction thread in the general discussion section.

21
General Discussion / Introductions
« on: January 23, 2015, 02:55:44 pm »
We got a great suggestion about having an introductions thread, so here it is! Feel free to introduce yourself/say a little bit about yourself in this thread.

I'm Daniel, administrator and sometimes moderator of this forum, and I'm also a peer support worker at the MDAO. I enjoy movies, good TV shows, listening to and making hip hop music, playing with my two cats (although I am still a dog person at heart!), and when I am feeling like doing something active I like biking, Ultimate Frisbee, skiing, and stuff like that.

22
Family, Friends, and Supporters / WRAP for Families
« on: January 02, 2015, 04:45:33 pm »
See flyer for upcoming program!

23
Forum Guidelines / Forum Guidelines
« on: December 17, 2014, 11:32:24 am »
Discussion Forum Guidelines

The success of these forums will be based on the user’s enthusiasm and eagerness to share ideas, information, and their willingness to listen and accept differences of opinion. Like any support group, there are basic guidelines that keep groups healthy and functioning well.

Registration

You agree, through your use of the forum, that you will not post any material which is false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, adult material, threatening, invasive of a person’s privacy or statements that harm an individual, business, product, group, government, religion, or nation or otherwise in violation of any International or Canadian Federal law. You also agree not to post any copyrighted material unless you own the copyright or you have written consent from the owner of the copyrighted material. Spam, flooding, advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes, and solicitations are also forbidden on this forum.

You have the ability, as you register, to choose your username. We advise that you not use your real name, and ensure it is appropriate. Furthermore, you agree to never give your password out to another person except an administrator, for your protection and for validity reasons. You agree also to never use another person’s account for any reason. We also highly recommend you use a complex and unique password for your account, to prevent account theft.

After you register and login to this forum, you will be able to fill out a detailed profile. It is your responsibility to present clean and accurate information. Any information MDAO or its representatives determine to be inaccurate or vulgar in nature will be removed, with or without prior notice. Appropriate sanctions may be applicable.

Maintaining a positive atmosphere

Post messages that are respectful of other individuals, no matter how strong the disagreement may be about ideas. Unpleasant personal remarks are hurtful. Highly critical comments can make other members wary of expressing their opinions. So, please feel free to disagree, but couch all comments in respectful language. Racist, sexist, abusive or disrespectful comments will result in your privileges being denied.

Share your experience – not your advice

It is far more helpful to share what you did to solve a problem than to tell someone what to do. So, if you find yourself responding to a post with "you should", quick - hit the delete button and start again. Tentative suggestions and enquiries should be made with the utmost sensitivity, and forum users are responsible for using their own discretion in taking suggestions and/or responding to enquiries. Users should not take any suggestions given on the forum as a substitute for professional advice.

Seek professional help when in crisis

The discussion forum is not intended to provide crisis support. If you are in crisis and/or are feeling actively suicidal, then this is not the place to seek help! We encourage you to get professional assistance so that you can get the care you need. If you are in crisis, please click this link: https://mooddisorders.ca/in-crisis

Feeling hopeless is often an unfortunate part of having a mood disorder and sharing those thoughts and feelings is O.K. – but please don’t post that you are actively planning to act on those thoughts! This makes others feel frightened and helpless. People will want to help but they may not know how. It can be very scary to worry about the health and safety of someone in crisis. Help others by getting help when you need it! For this reason, we encourage you to seek out professional help. When in crisis, we encourage you to build your resources and focus on yourself. You may need to take a break from the forum until you are feeling stronger and more in control, and then come back and let us know how things are going. We know that others will want to learn what you did to find your balance when it was lost!

Use caution and "common sense"

Virtual discussion groups are a great way to connect with other people. However, keep in mind that people may not always be what they seem to be/present themselves as online. We recommend that you do not share personal identifying information online.

This discussion group is moderated by MDAO staff and volunteers. As such, the MDAO and/or its representatives are not responsible for the content contained within, and do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information presented. The posted messages express the views of the author, and not necessarily the views of this forum or the MDAO. Anyone who feels that a posted message is objectionable is encouraged to click the “Report to Moderator” button at the bottom right of the post. Reported posts will be reviewed ASAP and removed if they violate the terms of these guidelines, and the user who posted them will be contacted and given a warning. Users who repeatedly violate these guidelines despite warnings from moderators may be banned from the forum.

The MDAO and its representatives reserve the right to remove objectionable content, within a reasonable time frame, if determined that removal is necessary. This is a manual process. Please realize that removal or editing of particular messages may not happen immediately. This policy applies to member profile information as well. That being said, the owners and representatives of the MDAO Forum reserve the right to remove, edit, move or close any thread for any reason.

Keep posted content within the scope of the forum

Please check with the MDAO before announcing any commodity or service that is sold for profit. Non-profit agencies are welcome to announce upcoming trainings, conferences, new materials, etc. that are relevant to the content of the forum. Feel free to let others know about other great websites that may be helpful. If you do post for commercial reasons, however, you will be blocked from accessing this site.

The MDAO reserves the right to restrict access to any individual who misuses the discussion forum or fails to respect the guidelines provided.

If you have any ideas or suggestions on how this forum can be improved, please let us know by commenting on the “Suggestions, Comments, Feedback?” board. It is your forum we want to make it work for you!

24
Announcements / Discussion Forum Guidelines
« on: December 17, 2014, 10:23:12 am »
Discussion Forum Guidelines

The success of these forums will be based on the user’s enthusiasm and eagerness to share ideas, information, and their willingness to listen and accept differences of opinion. Like any support group, there are basic guidelines that keep groups healthy and functioning well.

Registration

You agree, through your use of the forum, that you will not post any material which is false, defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, vulgar, hateful, harassing, obscene, profane, sexually oriented, adult material, threatening, invasive of a person’s privacy or statements that harm an individual, business, product, group, government, religion, or nation or otherwise in violation of any International or Canadian Federal law. You also agree not to post any copyrighted material unless you own the copyright or you have written consent from the owner of the copyrighted material. Spam, flooding, advertisements, chain letters, pyramid schemes, and solicitations are also forbidden on this forum.

You have the ability, as you register, to choose your username. We advise that you not use your real name, and ensure it is appropriate. Furthermore, you agree to never give your password out to another person except an administrator, for your protection and for validity reasons. You agree also to never use another person’s account for any reason. We also highly recommend you use a complex and unique password for your account, to prevent account theft.

After you register and login to this forum, you will be able to fill out a detailed profile. It is your responsibility to present clean and accurate information. Any information MDAO or its representatives determine to be inaccurate or vulgar in nature will be removed, with or without prior notice. Appropriate sanctions may be applicable.

Maintaining a positive atmosphere

Post messages that are respectful of other individuals, no matter how strong the disagreement may be about ideas. Unpleasant personal remarks are hurtful. Highly critical comments can make other members wary of expressing their opinions. So, please feel free to disagree, but couch all comments in respectful language. Racist, sexist, abusive or disrespectful comments will result in your privileges being denied.

Share your experience – not your advice

It is far more helpful to share what you did to solve a problem than to tell someone what to do. So, if you find yourself responding to a post with "you should", quick - hit the delete button and start again. Tentative suggestions and enquiries should be made with the utmost sensitivity, and forum users are responsible for using their own discretion in taking suggestions and/or responding to enquiries. Users should not take any suggestions given on the forum as a substitute for professional advice.

Seek professional help when in crisis

The discussion forum is not intended to provide crisis support. If you are in crisis and/or are feeling actively suicidal, then this is not the place to seek help! We encourage you to get professional assistance so that you can get the care you need. If you are in crisis, please click this link: https://mooddisorders.ca/in-crisis

Feeling hopeless is often an unfortunate part of having a mood disorder and sharing those thoughts and feelings is O.K. – but please don’t post that you are actively planning to act on those thoughts! This makes others feel frightened and helpless. People will want to help but they may not know how. It can be very scary to worry about the health and safety of someone in crisis. Help others by getting help when you need it! For this reason, we encourage you to seek out professional help. When in crisis, we encourage you to build your resources and focus on yourself. You may need to take a break from the forum until you are feeling stronger and more in control, and then come back and let us know how things are going. We know that others will want to learn what you did to find your balance when it was lost!

Use caution and "common sense"

Virtual discussion groups are a great way to connect with other people. However, keep in mind that people may not always be what they seem to be/present themselves as online. We recommend that you do not share personal identifying information online.

This discussion group is moderated by MDAO staff and volunteers. As such, the MDAO and/or its representatives are not responsible for the content contained within, and do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information presented. The posted messages express the views of the author, and not necessarily the views of this forum or the MDAO. Anyone who feels that a posted message is objectionable is encouraged to click the “Report to Moderator” button at the bottom right of the post. Reported posts will be reviewed ASAP and removed if they violate the terms of these guidelines, and the user who posted them will be contacted and given a warning. Users who repeatedly violate these guidelines despite warnings from moderators may be banned from the forum.

The MDAO and its representatives reserve the right to remove objectionable content, within a reasonable time frame, if determined that removal is necessary. This is a manual process. Please realize that removal or editing of particular messages may not happen immediately. This policy applies to member profile information as well. That being said, the owners and representatives of the MDAO Forum reserve the right to remove, edit, move or close any thread for any reason.

Keep posted content within the scope of the forum

Please check with the MDAO before announcing any commodity or service that is sold for profit. Non-profit agencies are welcome to announce upcoming trainings, conferences, new materials, etc. that are relevant to the content of the forum. Feel free to let others know about other great websites that may be helpful. If you do post for commercial reasons, however, you will be blocked from accessing this site.

The MDAO reserves the right to restrict access to any individual who misuses the discussion forum or fails to respect the guidelines provided.

If you have any ideas or suggestions on how this forum can be improved, please let us know by commenting on the “Suggestions, Comments, Feedback?” board. It is your forum we want to make it work for you!

25
General Discussion / Re: Doctor's believing me
« on: December 08, 2014, 09:49:55 am »
There is nothing more invalidating that someone, especially someone in a position of power when one is in an extremely vulnerable state, saying: "You are making this up. I don't believe you." They might as well say, "I don't acknowledge your experience. Your reality is invalid," because that's basically what they're saying.

If that my was doctor, I'd probably a) find a new doctor and b) report them to the College of Physicians and Surgeons for their inappropriate conduct. (I'm not telling you to do this - this is just what I think I would do).

I believe what you're reporting is a form of systemic discrimination against people with mental health issues by the healthcare system, and unfortunately it's not all that uncommon.

My suggestion is to find good peer support and/or a good therapist in your area (if you can afford one, or if you have insurance coverage, or can find one covered by OHIP). If you want help finding one in your region, let us know what region you're in and we will do our best to help.

For what it's worth, there are people who care, want you to get better, and are holding hope for your recovery.

26
General Discussion / Re: bad feeling in stomach......
« on: December 05, 2014, 10:10:55 am »
Hey Peter,

Sometimes when I notice I have a certain feeling/sensation in my body that I don't like and can't quite figure out why it's there, if I attribute it to emotional stuff, I try to give it a name. For example, when feeling very down/tired, etc., I have this feeling in my face that I call "heaviness" or "drained." One of my core feelings that underlies a lot of things for me I simply call "my sadness," and yes, a lot of it comes from childhood/family stuff.

-Daniel

27
Family, Friends, and Supporters / Re: 14 year old with social anxiety
« on: November 21, 2014, 11:10:12 am »
Have you come to see us at the MDAO? We provide counselling support, peer support groups, recovery programs, and more! If you're interested in getting more support, please give us a call and ask to speak to Becky, our intake coordinator. Contact info here: https://mooddisorders.ca/contact

28
General Discussion / Re: Anxious......then.....
« on: November 19, 2014, 11:31:28 am »
That's awesome Peter! Sounds like meditating can be a great "wellness tool" for you. Thanks for sharing  :)

29
Family, Friends, and Supporters / Re: 14 year old with social anxiety
« on: November 19, 2014, 11:29:10 am »
Hey zabava,

It's always hard to see a loved one suffering, and I would imagine it's especially hard to be a parent watching your daughter going through social anxiety and struggling at school. Perhaps one of the best things you can do is to "hold hope" for your daughter in that she can get through this difficult time. Can I ask what city you're located in to see if I can find you some resources/support?

-Daniel

30
Family, Friends, and Supporters / Family Wellness Tips and Tools
« on: November 03, 2014, 10:19:15 am »
How do you keep yourself and your family well?

Here are some ideas:

●   Spend time each day doing something for no other reason than your own leisure.
o   Find activities that bring you pleasure, help you relax, unwind, and recharge. For example: spend half an hour reading a good book, going for a walk, watching your favourite TV show, taking a bath, etc.

●   Keep a personal calendar/day planner.
o   Write all your appointments and tasks down in a place that you can access them easily (calendar, day planner, cell phone application, computer, etc.). Schedule everything – even leisure time. The time you spend scheduling your life might equal less stress and feelings of being overwhelmed later on.

●   Keep a personal journal
○   Many people find it helpful to journal regularly to organize their thoughts, express themselves, and process their emotions. You can keep track of life events, moods/feelings, fears, hopes, and dreams in your journal. You can also keep track of successes and signs of progress, in addition to challenges that you may be facing. Journalling can also be a way to understand your needs, keep track of ways you are practicing self-care, and as a mode of self-care in and of itself.

●   Keep a family calendar.
o   In a shared space in the home, keep a calendar of appointments, family events, and anything outside of the regular routine. This is a simple tool you can use to keep everyone on the same page.

●   Have a family white-board.
o   This is another tool you and your family can use to communicate. You can write encouraging messages to your loved ones, post reminders, share resources, or draw silly pictures. This tool is especially useful if verbal communication is difficult in your home or if tensions are high.

●   Schedule “family time.”
o   Assuming everyone is willing to do so, scheduling time to spend with your family is a good way to connect, open lines of communication, and find out what’s going on in other family member’s worlds. This scheduled time could look like anything: a family meal, going to a movie, a walk in the park, a games night, etc. Keep in mind, however, that your loved one may not always be up to “family time,” even if you’ve scheduled the time and made it a priority. Spending time with family can be stressful and anxiety-provoking for some people, depending on a variety of factors. As such, it’s a good idea not to make “family time” a requirement, but rather an option and an open invitation; keep this time flexible.

●   Create a crisis plan.
o   Make a plan for what you will do in crisis/emergency situations. Make sure to include all family members in the making of the plan. There is a good template for crisis planning through the WRAP program.

●   Make a list of what works and what doesn’t.
o   A simple and useful strategy for distinguishing issues in your family relationships is to create a two column chart with the heading “Works” in one column and “Doesn’t Work” in the other. With your family, fill out each side with points from each person’s perspective. For example, you may write that yelling and screaming doesn’t work, but communicating calmly does; your loved one may write that pressuring them to do things doesn’t work, but asking them if they want to do things does.
o   You may want to also keep this in a visible place so that you can remind yourself (and each other) of what you’ve discovered. You may also want to do this exercise periodically as new challenges come up.
o   This exercise is not about putting down one another or assigning blame; it’s about acknowledging what happens in your relationships and looking at how to make them better.
o   You can also do this exercise on your own to reflect on how you are relating to your loved one(s).

●   Access supports from outside the family.
o   Some of the issues and conflicts that occur in your family may be beyond your ability to solve on your own. This is not a weakness - it can actually take a lot of strength to reach out and admit you need support. Getting the input of other family members, friends, peers, and professionals can make a significant difference in your situation.
o   Peer support groups, counselling (individual and family), and recovery programs can make a difference in the quality of your home life. You may receive valuable insights and strategies that help you deal with your loved one’s mental illness. It can also be helpful to simply connect with others experiencing similar situations and to reduce feelings of isolation.

●   Educate yourself.
o   Access to information has never been more readily available than it is today. Books, the internet, professionals, and peers are just a few sources of knowledge that you can tap into. The more you learn, the more equipped you will be to handle the challenges that come up.

●   Remember: exercise, diet, sleep…
o   All of the factors that affect your own health will have an affect on your ability to support your loved one and be there for your family. Making time for exercise, eating a balanced diet, and getting adequate sleep are just a few of the important factors that can contribute to your overall wellness. The better care you take of yourself, the more you will be able to help those around you.


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