Community Mental Health

Question 1

Layers of Mental Health System in Canada

Answer 1

National Health Care in Canada

Provincial Health Ministries

Local Health Integrated Networks

Question 2

Mental Health Promotion

Answer 2

• enable people to increase control and to improve their health
• enhance the capacity of individuals and communities to take control over their lives
• foster supportive environment and individual resilience while showing respect for culture, equity, social justice, interconnections and personal dignity

Question 3

Two key concepts of MH promotion

Answer 3

Power
- a person, group or community’s sense of control over life

Resilience

• ability to manage or cope with significant adversity or stress in ways that are not only effective, but may result in increased ability to respond to future adversity
• health promoting goals
• restructure negative cognitions

Question 4

Kirby Senate Report, 2006

Answer 4

mental health system is fragmented and the effect is significant

• 14 billion annual economic burden
• 2nd leading cause of hospital use among those aged 20-44 (high productivity period)

Recommendations:

• MH transition fund
• Canadian MH Commission
• housing and community services

Question 5

Initiatives and Projects

Answer 5

Anti-Stigma Campaign
- Bell’s “Let’s talk” initiative

National MH Strategy

Knowledge Exchange Centre

Homelessness ($110 mil from Fed)

Advisory Committee Projects

• child and youth
• First Nations
• Seniors
• Workforce

Question 6

National MH Strategy

Answer 6

Six Strategic Directions

1. promote mental health across lifespan
2. foster recovery and well-being for people of all ages
3. provide access to the right combination of services
4. reduce disparities in risk factors and access, strengthen the response to needs
5. Work with First Nations, Inuit and Metis
6. Mobilize leadership, improve knowledge and foster collaboration

Question 7

Value Based definition of Community Mental Health

Answer 7

• support and respect human rights and dignity
• based of expressed interest, respect right to self-determination
• provide needs-based services to promote wellness, improve QoL
• involve consumers
• provide service in least restrictive environment
• easy access

Question 8

Models of Care in the Past

Answer 8

Medical-institutional Model
- disease, diagnosis and treatment

Community Model
- psycho-social rehabilitation, community integration, develop support network

• not based on value-based definition because
  a. power remains in professional’s hands
  b. focus on deficit and dependence on services
  c. ignore social determinants

Question 9

Key Elements to Best Practice

Answer 9

• assertive outreach
• continuous, round the clock, time unlimited, individual support
• services provided in the community, reduce barrier
• provision of flexible support
• effective in reducing hospitalization

Question 10

Housing Supports

Answer 10

• use of various housing types dispersed widely in the community
• provision of flexible individualized support
• consumer choice
• assistance in locating and maintaining housing
• no restrictions on length of time

Question 11

Consumer Survivor Initiative Best Practice

Answer 11

programs run for and by people with mental illness

• peer/mutual support
• advocacy
• cultural activities
• knowledge development and skills training
• public education
• educating professionals

Question 12

Support for Consumer Survivor Initiatives

Answer 12

participation in self-help is associated with

• reduced hospitalization
• reduced other service use
• increased knowledge, information and coping skills
• increased self-esteem, confidence, sense of well-being and of being in control
• stronger social networks and support