GOING

CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION

PLACES

FALL 2015

KINGSTON

A DARKER SHADE OF BLUE:

MEN AND DEPRESSION

en tend to ignore stress entirely or deal

with it by engaging in self-destructive actions (alcohol, drugs, risk-taking behaviours ).
They also suppress feelings until they erupt as
anger, hostility and irritability. Or, they isolate
themselves from social contacts (Centre for Suicide Prevention, 2011). Men who repress their
emotions are unable to articulate their distress
and cannot identify depression in themselves;
these men are found to be more prone to a
range of medical illnesses, including heart disease, sudden cardiac death and hypertension,
as well as alcohol and substance abuse.

results from mental health promotions come

from focusing on specific groups and settings.
Information can dispel myths, stigma can be
reduced, and support systems can be provided
when the warning signs of male depression and
suicide are known and noticed. A male-sensitive brochure on depression and suicide outlines the characteristics and symptoms of male
depression and uses language that encourages
solution-focused, cost-effective and client-directed interventions.

Suck it up.
Take it like a man.
Boys dont cry.

Inside this Issue

New Executive Director

Office Update

Teddy Bears Picnic

Rotary Cheque Presentation

Mental Illness Awareness Week

Things to Look Forward To

Bell Backpacks Bulge

Paddling with PTSD

Disability Tax Credit

Mental Health & GSD Youth

10

Volunteer Opportunities

11

Fall Training & Workshops

12

he stigma of depression in
men is a significant public
health concern and is a major
barrier to care-seeking. Particularly relevant for men is
the self-stigma the negative
perception of oneself as inadequate or weak. A society that
celebrates masculine qualities
has little patience for any show
of weakness (Canadian Mental
Health Association, 2010).

he project Men & Depression: A Darker Shade of

Blue is a mental health promotion project that provides
educational/awareness presentations to promote stigma-free
discussions about male depression and suicide. The best

he Canadian Mental Health Association

Kingston Branch will provide awareness
presentations and brochures to local industry
employers/employees, university/college faculty and students, interested groups, military
personnel/families and those working in the
criminal justice system within the local community. Increasing community awareness of
male depression and suicide through stigmafree discussion will lead to more people rec-

Two thirds of men with mental

health issues refuse to seek help
Continued on Page 5

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

On June 1st, CMHA Kingston welcomed Judi Burrill to the Executive Directors position. Judi has volunteered with CMHA for over 18
years and has conducted many workshops and public presentations
on issues related to mental health. Judi brings energy, creativity and
a passion for mental health awareness and education.

Mission Statement

400 Elliott Avenue, Unit 3

KIngston, Ontario K7K 6M9
Phone: 613.549.7027
Fax: 613.549.7098
E-mail: cmhstaff@kingston.net
cmhakingston.blogspot.ca/
Executive Director
Newsletter Editor

Judi Burrill
Karin More
KEM Document Design
karin@kemdocdesign.com

Board of Directors
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Members

The Canadian Mental Health Association - Kingston Branch is a community-based voluntary organization dedicated to restoring, enhancing
and promoting the mental and emotional well-being of all individuals. We strive to do this through public education, advocacy, social
action, community development and direct service.

Our Goals
1. To promote mental health and contribute to the prevention of mental
illness.
2. To maintain and enhance our volunteer program.
3. To promote acceptance and empowerment of individuals with
mental health issues.
4. To advocate for improvements in the mental health system and liaise with other mental health service providers, consumers and the
community throughout Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington.
5. To enhance branch governance and administration.

Mark MacDonald
Bill McKeough
Hart Freedman
Jackie Powell
Dick Von Brieson
Nina Williams
Stephanie Place
Michael Cassidy

UNITED WAY ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

The United Way annual campaign is the
largest community fundraising effort, helping thousands of people through collective action, raising funds that will then be
invested in local programs. 79% of funds
raised are through workplace campaigns.
CMHA-Kingston has pledged to raise
$1000 by selling candy in the office and
at events throughout the campaign. So,
stop by, pick up a sweet treat and support
United Way!

Page 2 | CHMA Kingston

FROM THE E.D.: OFFICE UPDATE

It is almost three months since I came to take on a position
previously held by one creative, kind, competent woman.
Many thanks to Brenda who continues to mentor and has volunteered to help with fundraising. The team spirit and dedication is amazing.
RESTART has provided CMHA with three employees who are
a team of creators, thinkers and organizers:
Lisa Marie brings an energy that is contagious and her creative skills have received a boost with a new laptop donated
by the Rotary Club (the new screen is great too!). Lisa will be
training to facilitate programs in the fall/winter.
Jennifer keeps the office looking professional and welcoming while all the while
providing kindness and caring for others. Her love of music is shared
with everyone! Thanks Jen.
Kristys current transition to
the workforce is CMHAs gain.
She has taken on a number of
projects and has stepped outside the box. Bravo!
CMHA is fortunate to have volunteers that are passionate and
dedicated to issues of mental
health. Brad has volunteered
with CMHA previously and returned for the summer, putting
everyone at ease and challenging us all to be as organized
and focused as he is.
Chris has been a CMHA volunteer and administrative relief person for quite some time. He brings a quiet, reassuring

manner and a dedication to the many issues associated with

mental health. He will be co-facilitating the anger management program for men, and will also be participating in the
Men & Depression project. Chris is also a puppeteer extraordinaire.
We had two summer student placements, Candice & Ellen.
Their energy and ready to try anything attitude contributed
to the spirit of the team.
Rebecca Rafuse a Behavioural Psychology student from St.
Lawrence has started a placement. Her energy has everyone
motivated even to venture into a ball pit all for the cause!
Melissa McDonnel and Hannah Jansen, Queens Nursing Students will
be in the active with the Men &
Depression project.
Welcome to Simone Ottley a new volunteer who will
be facilitating a Paint Escape
project in the future.
The newest member of the
team is Sean Waldbillig
who has been hired through a
Career Focus Internship Program through Keys Job Centre. Sean will be facilitating
the Promoting Mental Health
with Gender and Sexually Diverse Youth Program
A special thank you to Karin More of KEM Document Design for her design and layout of the newsletter.

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING

This series of workshops teaches first aid skills to help someone who is developing a mental health
problem or is experiencing a mental health crisis.
In 12 hours you will learn:
Signs/symptoms of common mental health problems and crisis situations
Basic actions for mental health first aid
Information about effective interventions and treatments
How to access help and resources
Cost: $125

For more information and upcoming

dates, please contact us at:
cmhstaff@kingston.net or 613-549-7027

Fall 2015 | Page 3

TEDDY BEARS PICNIC

I
F

f you go down to the woods today

Youre sure of a big surprise.
If you go down to the woods today
Youd better go in disguise!
or every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Todays the day
The Teddy Bears have their picnic.

More than $5,000

was raised to
support The Boys
& Girls Club of
Kingston & Area

CHRIS

TEDDY BEAR PICNIC FUN

E
B

very Teddy Bear whos been good

Is sure of a treat today.
Theres lots of marvelous things to eat
And wonderful games to play.
eneath the trees where nobody sees
Theyll hide and seek as long as they please
Cause thats the way
The Teddy Bears have their picnic.

ZURI
MALIK

I
F

f you go down to the woods today,

Youd better not go alone!

More than 5,000

children & parents
attended...

Its lovely down in the woods today,

But safer to stay at home!
or evry bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Todays the day

...including
staff,
volunteers
and puppets
of
CMHA
Kingston

The Teddy Bears have their picnic.

SBratton, John W / Kennedy, Jimmy

ongwriters

Page 4 | CHMA Kingston

ROHAN

PLyrics Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC,

ublished by

Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.

Continued from Page 1

ognizing the signs in brothers,

sons, fathers, husbands, partners, loved ones, co-workers
and friends.

Four out of five deaths

by suicide, are men.

n the second part of the project, CMHA will recruit men

who have lived experience of
depression, and who are willing to facilitate stigma-free
discussions with others, those
living with depression, those
who may be at in risk of suicide, and/or other interested
groups.

CHANGE
STARTS
HERE

he project supports the target of the Healthy Community Fund by improving access
to (mental) health promotion,
connects people to coordinated services, supports and informs people to make healthy
decisions and make behavior
changes that provide value for
money through measurable
outcomes.

TAKE A BREAK ~ GET CONNECTED

FIND YOUR COMMON

FURTHER READING; I Dont

Want To Talk About It by Terence Real; Lonely At The Top
by Thomas Joiner and Promoting Mens Mental Health by
David Conrad & Alan White.

COMING SOON ~ OCTOBER 2015

ROTARY CHEQUE
PRESENTATION
The Rotary Club of Cataraqui Kingston presented CMHA with a
cheque for $1337 that enabled the purchase of a portable screen, laptop and software to assist with community educational programs and
presentations.
Pictured at left: Lucille Davies, Rotary Club President and Paul Elsley,
Co-Chair, Rotary Community Outreach Grants Committee, with Judi
Burrill, ED, CMHA Kingston Branch

Fall 2015 | Page 5

Goldwing

STRATEGIES
FOR
WORKING WITH
CLIENTS WHO
ARE AT RISK

Join CMHA Kingston

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7TH

6:30 PM to CLOSING

Tir Nan Og
200 Ontario Street, Kingston
for the

Annual Social/Fundraising Event

and

Lifelong MemoriaL

Swift

TO Celebrate The Life

And MemorY OF

kick

WILLIAM ALEXANDER
VANHORN
tic n
l
e
C e

ch
KPitarty

Dance, drink and be merry,

and treat your ears to a mix of
Local Pop, Country and Celtic East Coast Music

Tickets are by suggested donation of $10 and are available in advance

(andrewvanhorn@hotmail.com) and at the door.
Proceeds to the CMHAKingston .

The VanHorn Fund provides education, support and resources

to local families experiencing mental health issues.
This year, CMHA Kingston launches a new awareness campaign
Men & Depression: A Darker Shade of Blue
at this event

WOMEN & WELLNESS:

Keeping Your Balance

through Creativity

This 3-part series encourages creativity, and through discussion

and sharing experiences, participants will discover activities
that encourage positive wellness. All supplies are provided.
Vision Boards
Laughter & Movement
Paint Expression
Self-Care Kits
Saturdays, Oct. 24, Nov. 7 & 21
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
$60

Page 6 | CHMA Kingston

(for Suicide,
Self-Harm, etc.)

This is a 1-day intensive participatory workshop designed

to help professionals, paraprofessionals and laypersons recognize the signs & symptoms
of suicide, assess immediate
risk and learn a model for effective intervention and management. It includes small and
large group activities, videos
and role plays.
Saturday, Oct. 17
9:30 am - 2:30 pm
$60
Requests for workshops are accepted. A minimum of 10 participants is required. Larger group
rates available.

There is no psychiatrist in the world like

a puppy licking your face.
~Ben Williams

Helping you to help yourself

LIVING LIFE TO THE FULL
Skills, strategies, and new ways of thinking about yourself! This Cognitive Behaviour Therapy-based 8 week
program benefits all adults in a wide range of situations and stages of life. Designed for anyone dealing with
stress, anxiety or just needing help in dealing with lifes challenges.
The Living Life to the Full program can also help anyone in periods of transition, whether getting ready to leave
high school, preparing for retirement or moving to a new community.
Learn new skills for coping with stress
Improve problem-solving skills
Meet new people
See improvements in your mood
Please contact lisamarie.cmha@kingston.net for additional information
Lisa Marie Hogeboom
Certified Living Life to the Full Program Facilitator

MENTAL HEALTH:
TAKE ACTION NOW
MIAW 2015 is October 4th-10th
An initiative of

Presented by

Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) is an annual

national public education campaign designed to help
open the eyes of Canadians to the reality of mental illness. A strong societal stigmatization of mental illness
persists, forcing individuals into the shadows to suffer
alone in silence. Unfortunately, many Canadians with
mental illness will not seek the help they need and
society continues to remain unaware of the significant
burden mental illness places on us all.
The MIAW campaign has fought to increase awareness and decrease stigmatization through the sharing
of hundreds of personal stories from individuals living
with mental illness. Our purpose is to place mental
illness on the national stage by educating Canadians and healthcare practitioners on the importance
of early recognition, proper diagnosis, and effective
medical treatment, and to show that by doing so,
individuals living with mental illness are capable of
leading rewarding and productive lives.

Thank you to the following organizations for their support of Mental Illness Awareness Week:

For the stories behind the faces pictured here (and

many others), go to: bit.ly/1uAnjwp

Fall 2015 | Page 7

THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO

MORE INFORMATION
COMING SOON!

BELL

PACKS
BULGE

BACK

The Backpacks were donated again this year by

Dale and Lyn Tuepah. Dale is a Bell retiree and Lyn
currently works at Bell. The 12 school backpacks
filled with school supplies are given to children associated with CMHA.
Photo: Dale Tuepah; Brad Godfrey, CMHA Kingston
summer volunteer; Judi Burrill, CMHA Kingston ED;
Lyne Tuepah

Page 8 | CHMA Kingston

PADDLING WITH PTSD

RAISING AWARENESS & RAISING FUNDS
Trevor Peterson is a Canadian Armed Forces veteran who served in both Bosnia and
Afghanistan. Stuff happens over there, he said in a 2014 interview with CTV news.
In 2007, Trevor was diagnosed with Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD). In 2011, he discovered paddleboarding. For the past two years he has used his love for
the sport to raise awareness of PTSD.
In 2014, Trevor paddled from Edmonton to Winnipeg on
the North Saskatchewan River raising funds for Wounded Warriors Canada. This year he travelled from Toronto
to Ottawa following the lake, rivers and canals to raise
funds for the Canadian Mental Health Association.
In June, Trevor and his mother, Marie, were welcomed
to Kingston by CMHA - Kingston Branch before he continued on to Collins Bay and onward, reaching Ottawa
in July.

To learn more about

Trevors travels and his
story, go to:
paddlingwithptsd.com
Candice Bartlett (CMHA), Trevor Peterson, Marie Peterson

THANK YOU
to SENICAS
GREENHOUSE!
We love the flowers!
1691 Highway 2 East , Kingston

DISABILITY TAX CREDIT

The disability tax credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps persons with disabilities or their supporting persons reduce the amount of income tax they may have to pay.
For more information, go to cra.gc.ca/dtc.

LE CRDIT DIMPT POUR

PERSONNES HANDICAPES

Le crdit dimpt pour personnes handicapes (CIPH) est un crdit dimpt non remboursable qui aide les personnes handicapes et leurs aidants rduire limpt sur le revenu quils
pourraient avoir payer. Pour en savoir plus, allez arc.gc.ca/ciph.

Fall 2015 | Page 9

Promoting Mental Health with

Gender and Sexually Diverse Youth

A survey of Canadian youth within schools found that one in seven

self-identify as gender and sexually diverse (GSD). These young
people are an increasingly vulnerable population. They face approximately 14 times the risk of
substance abuse and suicide than
their heterosexual peers. The risk
to trans youth within this group is
further compounded by addiction, self-harm, bullying and
sexual/physical assault.

Currently there is no organization in Kingston directly addressing the mental health challenges of GSD youth. CMHA
Kingston has applied for funding from the United Way Community Investment Fund to develop a program addressing
this need.
The program, Promoting Mental Health with Gender and
Sexually Diverse Youth, will provide opportunities for GSD
youth to be stakeholders in the development of this initiative, and with CMHA Kingston staff and volunteers, they
will lead the direction of conversations, activities and education/awareness.
The program itself will consist of facilitated conversations
on:

Mental Health Challenges and Coping Strategies

Addiction and Mental Health
Gender Dysphoria and Trans Mental Health
Discrimination: Transphobia and Homophobia

Sexual
Assault:
Violence in Intimate Relationships

Building
GSD
Community
Capacity around Mental Health
Support
It will also provide youth
with engagement and empowerment through:

Suicide Intervention Training,

Participation in the Friends For Youth Training Program,
Creative Coping with Art, Writing and Digital Art,
Information and Navigation of Kingston Mental Health
Supports.

This program will develop pamphlets about GSD which will

be distributed to communities, schools, mental health providers and youth groups. Also a list will be compiled of mental health providers who deal with GSD issues in a sensitive
manner. There will be an opportunity for the youth involved
to review and evaluate the program, and for those accessing
the resources to provide feedback.
If you or your organization/business would like more information
or you are interested in participating or supporting this initiative,
please contact Sean Waldbillig,
Project Coordinator at cmhastaff@
kingston.net or 613.549.7027.

This group is designed for those who have lost someone to suicide, including
the spouses, parents, brothers or sisters, adult children and friends left behind. Suicide and the resulting feelings and emotions are very difficult
to deal with, let alone discuss. This group is intended to help
individuals find the support they need. It will also help them
develop strategies to use while working through this very difficult time. The Peer format ensures a level of comfort from
the fact that each member of the group has been through a
similar experience.
Groups will take place on the 4th Wednesday of each month
from 7 pm to 9pm at CMHA Kingston, 400 Elliott Avenue, Unit
#3. For more information please contact us at 613-549-7027 or
cmhastaff@kingston.net.

SUICIDE
SURVIVORS
RECOVERY
GROUP
Page 10 | CHMA Kingston

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES!
Give the gift of yourself, your time and your effort, and discover the benefits of volunteering!
Whether you can help out for 2 hours or 20 hours a week, the CMHA Kingston needs warm
and caring people to assist with social/recreational programs, festive gift programs and more.
WHO CAN BECOME A
VOLUNTEER?
Adults, teens, students,
working
professionals,
WHY BE A VOLUNTEER?
homemakers, retirees, the
Our volunteers have opportunities to:
unemployed preparing to
Meet new people
return to the workplace.
Put your current skills to good use
Learn new skills
HOW MUCH TIME IS REQUIRED
Make a difference
Its up to you. Some volunteers
Add valuable experience to a resume
donate a few hours of their time

WHAT TYPE OF VOLUNTEER WORK IS THERE?

Fundraising & Special Events
Office Support
Research and Library work
Branch Services

Public Education & Special Projects
Children and Youth Programs
Health promotion
Publications
Booth Displays

Conferences & Seminars
Community support services

each week or each month. Some

volunteer for specific projects at
select times during the year. The
amount of time needed has a lot to
do with the kind of volunteer work
you choose.

Support Mental Health Week: This is

an annual event held the first week
of May and is one of the highlights of
the year.
Board and committee membership: If
you have expertise, knowledge and /
or interest in specific areas, why not
serve on the Board or a Committee?

To find out how you can get involved,

give us a call!

One of the greatest

volunteering experiences Ive had! I got
to meet lots of people,
gained experience
and had fun!
- Chester

Fall 2015 | Page 11

FALL 2015 TRAINING AND WORKSHOPS

Positive Parenting & Building Resilience

Anger Management Sessions For Men

Learn how to promote positive relationships with your children, increase self-esteem and recognize signs of anxiety/
depression. Through discussion, story videos and activities,
participants will learn practical strategies to assist in teaching
children to cope with adversity and change.
Call for upcoming dates.
$40

Chronic anger can be costly, both physically and emotionally.

Many people can use their anger in appropriate ways in some
situations, yet be ineffectual in others. In this group men will explore how anger arises. They will learn new skills to more effectively manage anger without harming themselves or others, and
how to reduce angry responses. They will also learn effective
coping behaviours to stop escalation and to resolve conflicts.
Offered in 4 session 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Wednesdays, Nov. 4, 11, 18 & 25
$25

Respectfully Responding to People In Crisis

Learn the essential skills of crisis intervention and a comprehensive model of Psychological First Aid, assessment, intervention and management. Participants will also learn to
recognize helper emotions, & develop professional self-care
techniques.
Call for upcoming dates.
$60

The Stigma Within: Depression in the Workplace

This workshop focuses on how to recognize, manage or support Mental Health issues in the workplace.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression/Stress
Solution-Focused Support
How to Promote Work/Life Balance
Professional & Personal Self-Care
This workshop will include discussion, video stories, and
practical strategies. Participants will increase their understanding and skills towards managing and supporting mental
health challenges or barriers in the workplace. Recommended for supervisors, team leaders & co-workers.
Call for upcoming dates.
$60

Strategies for Working With Clients

Who Are at Risk (for

Suicide, Self-Harm, etc.)

This is a 1-day intensive participatory workshop designed to
help professionals, paraprofessionals and laypersons recognize
the signs & symptoms of suicide, assess immediate risk and learn
a model for effective intervention and management. It includes
small and large group activities, videos and role plays.
Saturday, Oct. 17
9:30 am - 2:30 pm
$60
Requests for workshops are accepted.
A minimum of 10 participants is required.
Larger group rates are available.

Women & Wellness:

Keeping Your Balance through Creativity
This 3-part series encourages creativity, and through discussion and sharing experiences, participants will discover
activities that encourage positive wellness. All supplies are
provided.
Vision Boards
Laughter & Movement
Paint Expression
Self-Care Kits
Saturdays, Oct. 24, Nov. 7 & 21
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
$60

Page 12 | CHMA Kingston

Understanding & Facilitating Grief & Loss

Participants will: examine personal attitudes toward grief; develop a heightened awareness of the process of grief; examine complicated grief; develop a greater understanding of unspeakable losses (suicide and homicide); explore the losses
and emotional responses associated with illness; and develop
strategies to better support those who are grieving.
Saturday, Nov. 14
9:30 am - 2:30 pm
$60
all losses need to be grieved

Emotional Management for Women

During this 4 week program participants will investigates the
causes and consequences of anger, while developing positive communication skills and improving strategies for coping with stress. They will learn anger management techniques
and how to make effective changes.
Wednesday, Nov. 18 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
$25

Dealing with Different, Diverse (and Difficult) People

Embrace the challenges and utilize the benefits of working
with different/diverse/difficult people. Learn techniques to
deal with personal anger/frustration, the impact of workplace
stress and the importance of work/life balance.
Saturday, Nov. 28
9:30 am - 2:30 pm
$60
To register, or for more information, please contact CMHA
Kingston at (613) 549-7027 or cmhstaff@kingston.net
We require 4 business days notice for cancellation.
All participants receive a Workshop Manual
and a Certificate of Completion.
Refreshments are provided.
Limited spaces available.