VOLUME 33

EDITORS Chris Summerville, Kim Heidinger

Design & Layout

Sangeetha Nair

Inside This Issue

How to Become More Resilient ….... 2

Journey Of Hope Walk Regaining

Momentum ...………………………….3

From Schizophrenia to Stability ...….4

Farewell From Outgoing President ...5

Our Support Groups & Programs .….6

Our Services ………………………….6

Save the Date ……..……..………….7

Donation Form………BACK COVER

IN every marriage with mental illness, taking care of the caregiver is as important as taking care of the mentally ill spouse. Too often we focus on the needs of the mentally ill spouse and forget that the partner supporting them needs love and support as well. Without much-needed support, caregivers can experience burnout. Not only can their health be compromised if they experience caregiver burnout, but they will also be unable to support their mentally ill spouse. In every marriage with mental illness, taking care of the caregiver is essential. If you are a relative: People often don’t know how to help a family struggling with mental illness. Offering to help your friend or relative in the caregiver role will not only alleviate their stress but help support his or her marriage. Here are some ways you might be able to help a caregiver in a marriage with a spouse with mental illness:

1. Offer to sit with the mentally ill spouse so that he or she can get time away.

2. Bring a meal over to help lighten the load. 3. Help with household chores, yard work, or

sort out medical bills and paperwork. 4. Take him or her out for coffee and listen to

him or her without judging or trying to fix the problems.

5. Treat him or her to something special: a haircut, massage, or new outfit.

If you are the mentally ill spouse If your spouse is your caregiver, you can help take care of him or her in small ways that can make a big difference in your marriage:

1. Encourage your spouse to take breaks so that he or she can recharge.

2. Ask a friend to come spend time with you so that your spouse feels confident leaving to have some time for herself or himself.

3. Find small ways to say thank you. A note, text, or hug can do wonders for your exhausted spouse.

4. Understand that your spouse needs to spend “mental illness-free time“ with you to maintain your relationship (book recommendation: Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder by John Preston, Psy.D. and Julie Fast.).

5. Focus on how you can contribute around the house. Start with something small, like emptying the garbage. Over time, you may find you are capable of much more.

If you find yourself in the role of caregiver for your mentally ill spouse, take care of yourself and your marriage by remembering these important truths:

1. Your health is absolutely as important as the health of every other member of your family.

2. You cannot work endlessly without meeting your basic needs of good food, exercise, friendship, sleep, and even fun.

3. Setting functional boundaries or limits with your mentally ill spouse is necessary for the wellbeing of your marriage.

4. It is okay to admit you are experiencing caregiver burnout. Only then can you address it.

5. You may need to see a therapist to help you deal with your partner’s mental illness. Getting help is always a good thing, and not–no matter how it may feel–a betrayal of your marriage. Get the help you need.

Whether you are the mentally ill spouse or the caregiver, taking care of the caregiver is essential to keeping your marriage and family strong (more tips at Taking Care Of The Caregiver).

Source:

http://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/mentalillnessinthefamily/2016/03/marriage-and-mental-illness-take-care-of-the-caregiver/

Marriage and Mental Illness

A hug can do wonders for your exhausted spouse

Caring for the Caregiver by Taylor Arthur

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How to Become More Resilient

By Sharon Martin, LCSW

WHY ARE SOME PEOPLE MORE

RESILIENT THAN OTHERS?

We all experience tough times during our

lives. Some people seem to bounce back

from adversity while others struggle, fall

into depression, or permanently see

themselves as victims.

Resilient people are able to recover from

setbacks more quickly and thoroughly than

less-resilient people.

The American Psychological

Association identifies these factors in

resilient people:

Have a support system that provides

love, trust, and encouragement

The capacity to make realistic plans

and carry them out

Skills in communication and problem

solving

The capacity to manage strong feelings

and impulses

A positive view of themselves and

confidence in their ability to cope

In my clinical practice, I’ve also observed

that resilient people share these

characteristics:

Tend to be more optimistic in general

See choices and are resourceful

Accept that change is part of life and

things don’t always go as planned

Focus on what they can control and put

their energy toward changing

themselves

Allow others to help them

YOU CAN LEARN TO BE MORE

RESILIENT

Have a growth mindset

It’s helpful to adopt a growth mindset. In

other words, you can increase resiliency if

you can see setbacks as learning

opportunities not as failures. If you

remember that tough times are normal and

to be expected, you won’t take them

personally and blame yourself. You can

choose to see setbacks and adversities as

opportunities for growth rather than

personal failings or punishments.

Supportive people help

A support system is also essential to

resiliency. You can actively cultivate

supportive relationships by investing time

in existing and new friendships, organized

activities, or a faith community. Ask for

help; a support system doesn’t do you

much good if you don’t let others help you!

How not why

You can also increase resiliency by shifting

from “why” to “how.” Much of the time,

there isn’t an answer for why bad things

happen. But many people get hung up on

trying to understand why, which can leave

them stuck in anger, self-blame, or

depression. Shifting your thinking to how

you can cope will lead to more productive

solutions, greater sense of self-efficacy

and self-worth.

Manage your emotions

Effective coping also entails regulating

your mood. Strong feelings such as anger,

sadness, or fear can make it difficult to see

things clearly, evaluate all your options,

and make good decisions. Resilient people

manage their emotions so that they can

focus and not be overwhelmed by them.

They are aware of and express their

emotions in healthy ways and take steps to

calm themselves through activities such as

respectful communication, writing, art,

meditation, or exercise.

Avoid self-pity

Another effective way to shift your thinking

is to stop seeing yourself as a victim and

see yourself as competent and capable.

When you have self-compassion rather

than self-pity you recognize that everyone

has struggles and don’t compare your

problems to those of other people.

You have more coping skills than you

think

Resilient people view problems as

manageable and have confidence in their

ability to cope. In other words, your

perception of the obstacle has a lot to do

with whether you thrive or not. My favorite

way to build confidence is to write down all

of the challenges that you’ve overcome

already. Most of us can write a fairly long

list of struggles from major traumas such

as the death of a child to minor setbacks

like a fender bender. Even if you didn’t

cope with prior problems perfectly, you

have developed an arsenal of what to do

and what not to do. You’re stronger than

you think and it’s important that you know

this!

Focus on solutions

You can also increase your resiliency by

focusing on solutions instead of problems.

Dwelling on your problems only tends to

make them worse. Worrying and

overthinking don’t generally lead to

innovative solutions or flexible

thinking. Research headed by Sonja

Lyubomirsky, Ph.D. found that rumination

impairs problem-solving. It keeps you stuck

on what’s wrong. When you notice this

happening, you can intentionally

brainstorm solutions, seek guidance, and

use additional strategies to reduce anxiety.

Have a sense of humor

Can you laugh at yourself or your

problems? Humor can help us get through

some of the worst of times. Experience Life

magazine identified humor as one of its top

five ways to build resiliency stating: “…

laughing in the face of adversity can be

profoundly pain relieving, for both the body

and mind.”

You’re more than your problems

Finally, remember that the adversities and

problems that you face don’t define you.

You may not be able to control everything

that happens in your life, but you can

control your response. You can increase

your resiliency through the strategies

mentioned above and by finding meaning

and growth in your challenges, failures,

and traumas.

3

AROUND 200 Manitobans participated in our Journey of Hope Walk on September 24th, despite the rain. MSS’ Special Events Administrator, Katrina Tinman said though the numbers aren’t final-ized yet, it looks that the walk raised approxi-mately $15,000 this year. “Though the walk was struggling for the last few years, this event is really starting to gain momentum again,” said Tinman. “We are so pleased by the numbers of participants and

the amount of canvassing done this year and hope that the numbers will remain steady again next year.” Minister of Health Kelvin Goertzen was pre-sent and spoke about the priority of mental health services in the province. “It was amazing to see the walkers holding the signs of hope and chanting, ”Hope chang-es everything,” said Tinman. The walk kicked off at the Forks and made a stop at the legislative building and returned to

the Forks. We would like to thank our emcee, Ace Burpee and the following sponsors:

Johnston Group - Gold Sponsor

Otsuka - Silver Sponsor

Wawanesa Insurance - Bronze Sponsor

MYPA Janitorial Services - Bronze Spon-

sor

103.1 FM Virgin Radio - Media Partner

Journey of Hope Walk Regaining Momentum

4

From Schizophrenia to Stability

By Brendan Kupchik

SCHIZOPHRENIA is a neurobiological illness with no known cure. The disease appears in approximately one percent of the population, often in the late-teens to mid-twenties. This ailment strikes people in their prime and leads to disorganized thoughts, hallucinations, and delusions. This mental illness can be a traumatic experience and that may cause: terror, confusion, desperation, disorientation, and hopelessness. The main treatments for psychosis include: anti-psychotic drugs, psycho-social intervention, peer support, and empowerment therapies. In this personal essay, I will highlight the importance of treatment and intervention in my own story of my recovery. I will argue that the journey to mental stability is a profound experience full of hope and encouragement.

My journey began after my graduation year, following a decision that I needed a break from higher education. I finished my High School Diploma with an award of excellence for my academic standings in the Natural Sciences, Psychology, and Art. I felt as if I was on top of the world with my achievements. My personal life however, was a different story. I had become unsatisfied by various aspects of my life, and feared that I would not have the financial assets I needed to attend University.

I had ongoing feelings of disillusionment and fantasy. These often conflicted with self-care and made it difficult for me to take care of myself. I still pursued my interests. During that time, I was an aspiring painter and musician. I practiced eight hours a day with musical scales, paintings, and screen prints. I found my company in literary classics such as novels by Mary Shelley, Charlotte Brontë, Daphne Du Maurier, Emily Brontë, and H. G. Wells.

The mornings that followed would begin with breakfast. I would imagine myself as a rebellious Czech girl from the feminist film Sedmikrásky. The loose association I had gathered from this thought was connected to a large vessel containing an elderberry herbal drink.

I would make breakfast and then write in my notebook, collecting in this state my own familiarity with the arts. My writing felt clumsy in the following months. My diaries were a point of motivation throughout the day. I kept a private life and avoided all social contact with my friends. I placed all my attention on artistic masterpieces from the northern Renaissance. I imagined myself in the place of portraits in Renaissance paintings. I romanticized the Netherlands and the Italian countryside,

feeling affected by the maps, to which I admired the atmosphere and mood.

Later in the day I would continue my own regiment of cardiovascular activity that included activities such as jogging and running. I would visit an area shrouded by the woods, feeling as if I was a character from Dante’s Divine Comedia. There I would contemplate Rhetoric (practical reasoning) and Aesthetic Philosophy. I had collected a series of lectures from the Oxford University from iTunes U. The scenery kept my emotions stable and heightened, as I contemplated Greek philosophies. I often would return home and offer my devotion by arranging the flowers and candles on top of my television. I would stare at my reflection in the mirror for prolonged periods of time. My visions caused further disruption in my soul, a few times I awoke as pallid as a ghost. It is at this point, I contemplated that the cyanide from apple seeds would end these troubles.

I had my first mental breakdown that winter. I awoke completing the deed of consuming the apple seeds, and experienced both

panic and relief. My delusions included moments where I would contemplate scenes from Genesis upon my walls, and later bring my family in the room to view the miracle. I would settle in the bath imagining that I was in the Fourteenth century, and that there was a higher power. All of these thoughts felt unreal to me, but I was convinced that in my psychotic state I was complacent with my senses. I slept with a copy of the King James Bible and garlic under my mattress. I consumed various herbs to ward away evil spirits. I did not hear voices, but the disillusionment of my first psychotic experience felt rampant as a religious ecstasy.

I found myself unable to make distinctions between my dreams and the reality of every day. My visions consisted of rigid themes and imagery: witches, Lucifer, and my Great-Grandparents in Purgatory. My muscle movements became slowed, and I remained quite pale. I left the house at odd hours and went for walks during the night, sometimes I would travel outside of the city. I felt numb to all of my feelings and became easily agitated with daily tasks. One night I heard

5

Farewell from Our Outgoing President

Continued from previous page...

I first joined the Manitoba Schizophrenia

Society (MSS) Board in the last century,

around 1989 or 1990. At that time, MSS

was a small group, mostly family members,

with few programs but lots of dedication.

The recovery movement had not yet

gained any visibility in Manitoba, and the

focus in both health care and self-help was

primarily on treatment and coping. The

primary treatment available was first-

generation antipsychotics, families were

largely overlooked by the health care

system, and the expectations for any kind

of future with schizophrenia were dim.

Fast forward to 2016 – how things have

changed! Recovery is now the goal of our

mental health system, and the core of

MSS’ work. The Manitoba Schizophrenia

Society has branches across the province,

peer counsellors in most mental health

facilities, and many programs and services.

Persons living with schizophrenia are

widely represented on the MSS Board,

leading programs, and involved in public

awareness. Families can access education

and support at MSS, and the public can

attend workshops to learn more about

psychosis. We have moved from not

expecting recovery, to living it daily.

Although there are many gaps remaining in

our mental health system, the MSS has

become a leader and has a voice at all

levels of government, and in the media, to

promote change in the system.

And so, I have now reached the maximum

number of years that I can serve on the

MSS Board. This coincides with my

retirement from employment, and so is a

big transition for me. I have met so many

wonderful people at MSS, and am

immensely proud of the work that we have

done and continue to do. Though I will no

longer be on the Board, I hope to remain

connected to MSS.

So much has changed since the 20th

century! So much just within my working

lifetime! I look forward to seeing what great

things lie ahead for all persons affected by

schizophrenia and psychosis. Truly there is

hope.

the chanting of rituals and had the delusion that derived from a sudden belief in the Rapture.

The astral figures I imagined fell through the ceiling, and I felt momentarily excited to a degree of lightness, and I experienced further dizziness. I reacted spiritually under a solace, my prayers, thoughts, and self outlasted the worst of these false fixed beliefs. After that I fixated on the idea that my neighbours were performing exorcisms and spells. I continued with my writing, art, and exercise. I quit all substances such as alcohol, with the exception of caffeine and herbal supplements. I often consumed over ten servings of tea, including herbal varie-ties (Peppermint, Camomile, Ginger, Rose-mary, and Sage) with the hope I could fight off the fear of developing an incurable chronic illness. I felt all the blood drain from my body, felt light, but nonetheless ill.

After undergoing two months of hospitali-zation and an intensive psychosis interven-tion support program with Cognitive Behav-ioural Therapy, I felt that I had stabilized.

I contacted the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society, where I became a regular volun-

teer in the organization. Today, I answer telephone calls and prepare printed materi-al for groups organized by the society. My life has changed a lot since then, I have retained a clear head, I feel less distracted, and more empathetic to others. I seldom think in a way marked by my previous psy-chotic features that I experienced, since the early intervention and medication treat-ment.

I am currently working towards completing an English Bachelor's degree. A goal that would have been impossible, had I not sought treatment for myself and had a family that cared for my well-being. It was in the months following hospitalization that I experienced homelessness for the first time. This experience fundamentally changed how I thought of the disadvan-taged and would lead me to involvement with organizations such as Manitoba Schiz-ophrenia Society. The one thing I want my audience to know is that psychosis is not a permanent state, but rather a transitionary one between the various modes of the self.

I still continue to participate in self-help groups, use medications, and seek peer

support. I will continue to study English, I have been granted a number of opportuni-ties by my educational institution such as attending the conference Romanticism and Rights. In the years following I have been blessed by the opportunity to understand and learn in my course work. This included learning about the structures of language in Linguistics, the History of Art, and the importance of Medieval and early-European thought.

My achievements in the study of English literature will continue to be an important part of my life and I remain quietly optimis-tic about future treatments that will help me navigate through society and manage an improved quality of life. I have found that recovery is possible and early intervention with social supports are key to succeeding with the challenges posed by a psychotic illness. The next step for treatment I be-lieve is to more readily access to key re-sources and peers that promote self-determination of the individual with lived experience to engage with societies and the community. Medications are one as-pect, but there are many other factors that contribute to a healthy mind and to recov-ery.

Wilma Schroeder

6

Our Support Groups & Programs

PEER SUPPORT GROUP

Wednesdays 1:00P.M.—2:30 P.M.

Helps people living with schizophrenia through methods of empowerment, education and recovery.

WOMEN’S SUPPORT GROUP

Thursdays 1:15PM—2:45 P.M.

The Women’s Program attempts to meet some of the needs identified by women - socialization, recreation, peer sup-

port, and health information.

PARTNERS IN AWARENESS

A support group for working or career professionals looking for a safe place to discuss the implications of living with

schizophrenia.

H.O.P.E.S. PEER-LED YOUTH GROUP

1st Thursday of the month 4 P.M.—5 P.M.

H.O.P.E.S. (Hope and Opportunity through Peers, Empowerment and Support) is a support group for those between

the ages of 15 and 30 who are living with psychosis, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder.

NAME THAT FEELING

Seven-week educational support group for children, ages 7 and up who have a family member with a mental illness

(Any mental illness is included). Children are taught an understanding of mental illness, which provides an opportunity

for them to share emotionally and relationally with the group and facilitators.

FAMILY SUPPORT PEER GROUP

Last Tuesday of the month 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

This is an open group, for families and friends of those experiencing schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder, and psy-

chosis.

VOICE HEARERS’ PROGRAM

A safe, confidential and non-judgmental environment.

1. 10 week educational Program for voice hearers to learn effective ways to cope with their voices. Registration

required.

2. Bi-weekly Peer Support Group. A self-help group for voices hearers that offers mutual support. Open to all.

Meetings every 1st, 3rd, & 5th Friday 1.30 – 3.30p.m. Questions and to register email matthew@mss.mb.ca

FOCUSING ON YOU

Thursdays 3:00 P.M.— 4 P.M.

A wellness program with an emphasis on exercise, nutrition and positive self-image.

HONEST OPEN PROUD

3 session program that teaches those with lived experience of mental illness about the pros and cons of disclosure,

who to disclose to and how to tell your story if you do decide to disclose.

STRENGTHENING FAMILIES TOGETHER

Offered twice a year

This 4-session national education program for family members and friends of individuals living with and recovering

from serious mental illnesses aims to increase accessibility to Canadian-based information on the topics associated

with living daily with a mental illness. The program aims to strengthen family members and friends of individuals with a

serious mental illness by providing support, awareness, and tools.

EIGHT STAGES OF HEALING

Offered twice a year

For those who wish to improve their coping skills and their family's system of care. A 9 week program based on Julie

Tallard Johnson's book, "Hidden Victims, Hidden Healers".

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26th

Annual Golf Tournament Mon, June 19, 2017 Southwood Golf & Country Club

26th Annual Journey of Hope Walk Sat, Sept 16th, 2017 The Forks Canopy Plaza

Our Services

HOSPITAL OUTREACH

Outreach Worker, Eric Fraser, regularly visits the PsychHealth Centre (room PZ 391) and the Selkirk Mental Health

Centre in Selkirk, MB. On request he will visit the Victoria, Seven Oaks, Grace, or St. Boniface Hospitals. Please call his

direct line at PsychHealth 204-787-3014 or by email at eric@mss.mb.ca.

ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATION

Individual and family group consultations are held on a regular basis to deal with the specific issues concerning illness

management, available supports and services, and recovery.

INFORMATION SESSION

1st Tuesday of the month 6:00 P.M.

An info session for newly diagnosed loved ones and their families. Registration is required.

ALL ABOUT SCHIZOPHRENIA

These seminars include information on early psychosis, schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder, suicide prevention, co-

occurring disorders, recovery, mental health promotion, understanding the Mental Health System, and the resulting stig-

ma.

SIMULATED EXPERIENCE OF HEARING VOICES THAT ARE DISTRESSING

Suggested for caregivers, family members and professionals who work with people who hear distressing voices, this

workshop seeks to promote a greater understanding and awareness of the “hearing voices” experience. Pre-registration

in groups of 14 to 20 participants, or individual requests can be accommodated.

21st

Annual Iris Gala Sat, May 6, 2017 The Gates on Roblin

Strengthening Families Together Thurs, Jan 12, 2017 6 P.M. - 8 P.M. 100 - 4 Fort Street

8 Stages of Healing Thurs, Jan 12, 2017 6 P.M. - 8 P.M. 100 - 4 Fort Street

SAVE THE DATE!

8

Manitoba Schizophrenia Society is a consumer focused, family sensitive mental health self help organization whose mission is to

improve the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia, psychosis and co-occurring disorders, through education and peer support.

Reasons for Hope is the official newsletter for the Society. It is published quarterly. Submissions are invited. Opinions set forth in

this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Society or its members. Reprinting of articles is permitted with the proviso the

Society is given appropriate credit.

Eastman & East Central

21 Loewen Blvd.

Steinbach, MB R5G 0L4

Phone: (204) 371-0824

Fax: (204) 346-0423

eastmanmss@mymts.net

Brandon & Assiniboine

1-812 11th St.,

Brandon, MB R7A 4K9

Phone: (204) 728-5811

tim@mss.mb.ca

Interlake

Box #101

Selkirk, MB R1A 2B1

Phone: (204) 485-1253

Fax: (204) 334-7880

bevking@mymts.net

Parklands

Box 117

Pine River, MB R0L 1M0

Phone: (204)-648-6833

leanne@mss.mb.ca

Brandon & Norman

Box 413

Souris, MB R0K 2C0

Phone: 204-724-9043

nancy@mss.mb.ca

SMHC

825 Manitoba Ave. Box 9600

Selkirk, MB R1A 2B5

Phone: (204) 482-3810 ext 416

Fax: (204) 886-3821

eric@mss.mb.ca

We Provide Services

Around the Province

Manitoba Schizophrenia

Society

100-4 Fort Street

Winnipeg, MB R3C 1C4

Phone: 1(204)786-1616

Fax: 1(204) 783-4898

Toll Free: 1-800-263-5545

Website: www.mss.mb.ca

Email: info@mss.mb.ca

Regional Services

Burntwood

43 Fox Bay

Thompson, MB R8N 1E9

Phone: (204) 677-6056

Fax: (204) 677-5534

selfhelp@cmhathompson.ca

MANITOBA SCHIZOPHRENIA SOCIETY

Board of Directors Winnipeg Office Staff Outreach Workers

MSS is a registered non-profit organization. Charitable donation #88938 3998 RR 0001

Single, $15 Family, $25 Corporate, $50

Donation $___________________

I/We would like to give a monthly donation of $________________

Visa / MC: ___________________________________Expiry Date_____________ (For a pre-authorized payment from your chequing account, please enclose a

cheque marked VOID)

Name:_______________________________ Phone:________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________ City: ______________Province: _____________ Postal / Zip Code:____________ Signature:____________________________ Date: ________________________

I am: Mother Father Sibling

Consumer Service Provider Other

I am renewing my membership

Members receive the MSS newsletter, Reasons

for Hope.

Please make cheques payable to:

MSS

100-4 Fort Street

Winnipeg, MB R3C 1C4

Donate to MSS monthly!- For more

information on how you can become a monthly

partner with MSS call 204-786-1616

Doug Tiltman, President

Tracy Stople, Treasurer

Directors:

Amy Butcher

Barb Madden

Heather Carr

Louise Chernetz

Sean Miller

Geoff Moore

Rob Neville

Tammy Lambert

Peter Ostryzniuk

Chris Summerville

Rey Schellenberg

Katrina Tinman

Livia Lobo

Jane Burpee

Karen Kaplen

Eric Fraser

Joshua McNeil

Executive Director

Accountant

Special Events Administrator

Administrative Assistant

Public Education Coordinator

Peer Program Support Worker

Peer Support Worker

Social Media Communications

Kim Heidinger

Tim Shewchuk

Nancy Shewchuk

Bev King

Rhonda Heskin

Leanne Marceniuk

Eastman & Central Region

Brandon & Assiniboine Region

Brandon & Norman Region

Interlake Region

Burntwood Region

Parklands Region