Major depression is not feeling a bit blue.. By Nancy Rempel Depression sucks! I am not talking about feeling a bit blue or down for a day or two. I`m talking about soul-sucking living death, which is what major depression is for me. I experienced my first real taste of my illness when I was 14. […]Continue readingMajor depression is not the same as feeling a bit down…
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Minds are funny things and shouldn’t always be trusted…
The strange case of my elderly mom’s loss and return of her memory… By Nancy Rempel On the side of a filing cabinet in my psychologist’s office is a sign that simply reads: “Please don’t feed the thoughts.” It took me a while to really understand the message it is conveying. I got the humour part […]Continue readingMinds are funny things and shouldn’t always be trusted…
New bursary will assist students with mental health challenges
Edmonton – Recognizing that education is a part of meaningful recovery for those who suffer from mental illnesses, NorQuest College announced today the creation of a new bursary. The Catherine & Austin Mardon, C.M. Schizophrenia Award has been made possible thanks to an anonymous donation. “It’s wonderful to see programs like this bursary in place […]Continue readingNew bursary will assist students with mental health challenges
Celebrated advocate tells us what it is really like
I am writing this at 30,000 feet on a flight to Montreal to participate on a panel related to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)… By Austin Mardon I am writing this at 30,000 feet on a flight to Montreal to participate on a panel related to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). I […]Continue readingCelebrated advocate tells us what it is really like
Stress Management at Work Tool Launched
CMHA – Calgary is pleased to announce the launch of its first e-learning module on stress management in the workplace. This brief module, designed for anyone and everyone in the workplace, will help you to better recognize stress in yourself and others and provide tangible strategies to effectively address stress in the workplace. CMHA – Calgary […]Continue readingStress Management at Work Tool Launched
Escaping the realm of living death
My battle with depression began more than 30 years ago. By Nancy Rempel My battle with depression began more than 30 years ago. I grew up in a home that was very uncomfortable with emotions, except anger. The deaths of my eldest brother and only sister from the genetic disorder Cystic Fibrosis bookmarked my unexpected appearance […]Continue readingEscaping the realm of living death
Maybe abnormal isn’t so abnormal anymore
So what is normal? For anyone with experience of mental illness, ‘normal’ is a curiosity. By Scott McKeen So what is normal? For anyone with experience of mental illness, ‘normal’ is a curiosity. Hearing voices, for example, is considered abnormal. But what about self talk, or self criticism? Is that insane? What is the line between […]Continue readingMaybe abnormal isn’t so abnormal anymore
Anxiety and depression — a survivor’s tale
Some of history’s notable writers attempted to describe their experiences with depression… By Scott McKeen Some of history’s notable writers attempted to describe their experiences with depression. The task is almost absurd. Explaining depression is like describing shades of green to a blind Martian. But writers are stubborn lot. Words might fail, but writers search for […]Continue readingAnxiety and depression — a survivor’s tale
First U of A Scholarship Award to Person with Schizophrenia
The first recipient of the Catherine and Austin Mardon C.M. Schizophrenia Award at the University of Alberta has been announced. Edmonton, AB — The first recipient of the Catherine and Austin Mardon C.M. Schizophrenia Award at the University of Alberta has been announced. It is a freshman nursing student Tabitha Zuni England. She has been involved previously in […]Continue readingFirst U of A Scholarship Award to Person with Schizophrenia
Showing compassion theme of 2011-12 Annual Report
Edmonton – The 2011-12 annual report of the Alberta Mental Health Patient Advocate Office (MHPAO) has been submitted to Alberta Health Minister Fred Horne. Tabled in the legislature today, the report focuses on the theme of compassion and features interviews with several Albertans speaking about the role compassion has played in their lives. The report […]Continue readingShowing compassion theme of 2011-12 Annual Report
Movember Move to Mental Health Motivation for Moustache
Tom Shand, Executive Director of the Alberta Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association, has joined the movement – and begun growing a moustache. This year the annual Movember campaign is being expanded to include men’s mental health. And Tom Shand, Executive Director of the Alberta Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association, has joined […]Continue readingMovember Move to Mental Health Motivation for Moustache
Dennis Anderson recipient of Caring Canadian Award
Dennis Anderson, long-time Alberta mental health advocate, receives the Caring Canadian Award. Read Article (Edmonton Sun, August 28, 2012)Continue readingDennis Anderson recipient of Caring Canadian Award
2012 Annual General Meeting Photos
(l. to r.) Tom Shand with Bob Schuett of Calgary (l. to r.) Tom Shand with Bert Andrews of Park Lane Major Brian Roach (l. to r.) His Honour Col. (Ret’d) Donald S. Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta with Emmanuel Shakir, Director of Catering, Holiday Inn (l. to r.) Shelby MacLeod with Alberta Sheriff Jon […]Continue reading2012 Annual General Meeting Photos
Alberta Teachers’ Association Makes Christmas Donation
CMHA Alberta Executive Director Tom Shand accepts a cheque from Jonathan Teghtmeyer and Carol Henderson of the Alberta Teachers’ Association. The donation was made in lieu of sending out Christmas cards. (from left) Jonathan Teghtmeyer, Carol Henderson and Tom ShandContinue readingAlberta Teachers’ Association Makes Christmas Donation
Austin Mardon Receives Honorary Doctorate
Mental Health advocate Austin Mardon was conferred with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws by the University of Alberta at a ceremony on June 10, 2011. We offer our most sincere congratulations for this great honour and are pleased to present his Convocation Address (PDF).Continue readingAustin Mardon Receives Honorary Doctorate
CMHA Launches 60th Anniversary of Mental Health Week
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) launches 60th Anniversary of Mental Health Week, May 1 – 7, 2011 with nationwide activities and events. It’s an important year for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). We’re celebrating 60 years of improving people’s understanding of mental health through our annual Mental Health Week, May 1 – 7, 2011! […]Continue readingCMHA Launches 60th Anniversary of Mental Health Week
In Memoriam: Valerie Wolski
Valerie Wolski, an Individual Supports Worker employed by CMHA East Central Region in Camrose, passed away tragically while on duty on February 12, 2011. A graduate of Camrose Lutheran College (now Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta) with a major in Psychology, Valerie had worked for CMHA twice over a period of many years, […]Continue readingIn Memoriam: Valerie Wolski
In Memoriam: Edward Sale
We note with great sadness the passing of Edward Salé on February 19, 2011 in Edmonton. At the time of his passing, Edward was Vice President of the Alberta Network for Mental Health (Fellowship), and a very conscientious and quietly determined supporter of the mental health movement in Alberta. Continue readingIn Memoriam: Edward Sale
In Memoriam: Aleck Trawick, Q.C.
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Aleck Trawick on November 20, 2010. Among his many contributions and accomplishments – within and outside of CMHA – were: Introduced to the mental health system in 1970 and involved from there on in Provided 23 years of continuous volunteer service to CMHA at Alberta Division […]Continue readingIn Memoriam: Aleck Trawick, Q.C.
Health Minister Delivers Uplifting Address to AGM
The 2010 Annual General Meeting of CMHA Alberta Division, held on September 25 in Edmonton, featured a spirited speech by Minister of Health and Wellness Gene Zwozdesky, with a very active question and answer period. The Minister spoke passionately of the need and importance of involving community partners such as CMHA in its plans and […]Continue readingHealth Minister Delivers Uplifting Address to AGM
CMHA Executive Director Elected as Alliance Chairperson
The AAMIMH elected a new Executive Committee at its March 10, 2009 General Meeting. The new Chair is Tom Shand, Executive Director of the Alberta Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association, while the two Vice Chairs are Pierre Berube, Executive Director of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta and Kaj Korvala, Executive Director of the […]Continue readingCMHA Executive Director Elected as Alliance Chairperson
Peace Country President for CMHA in Alberta
The Alberta Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association has elected Kathleen Frei, of Grande Prairie, as its President. She is the first person from either of the two northern regions of the province to hold this position. Ms. Frei, a senior manager at Grande Prairie Regional College, is also the President of North West […]Continue readingPeace Country President for CMHA in Alberta
Bill 31 Mental Health Amendment Act
Bill 31, Mental Health Amendment Act, 2007 passed first reading in the legislature on Tuesday, April 17, 2007. The Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Division will take every advantage to provide feedback to the government of Alberta on the proposed changes in the upcoming months. To view CMHA’s position on Community Treatment Orders, please see […]Continue readingBill 31 Mental Health Amendment Act
Cohen Returns As President for Second Year
The CMHA’s Alberta Division’s Board of Directors for 2006-07 is an experienced assembly of volunteers, with strong representation from across Alberta. Returning for her second year as President, is Jodi Cohen of Calgary. She will be joined on the Executive by fellow Calgarian John Stokdjik (Finance) along with Executive Vice-President Kathleen Frei (Grande Prairie), Dick […]Continue readingCohen Returns As President for Second Year