One in five Canadians will suffer a mental illness at some time in their life.  If you include addictions to alcohol, drugs and gambling, the number is greater than one in three.  You may never develop a mental illness but with those odds, the chances are that someone close to you will. You can have a mental illness and behave just as "normally" as others.  Part of what makes that possible is having the right support and treatment.  A big part of that support is the acceptance of others. People with mental illnesses like depression, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia can be accepted more easily if we understand their conditions.   For example, mental disorder does not mean low intelligence. "Mental disorder" or" mental illness" or "mental disease" are all terms which describe not a single disease, but a broad classification for many problems which affect thought, emotion and the ability to deal with the stresses and strains of daily life.  In legal terms, mental disorder is described as "lack of reason or lack of control of behavior.."  These mental health problems are influenced by a combination of many factors including genetics, gender, age, stress, injury, nutrition, toxins and so on.CMHA Moose Jaw Branch  has a variety of programs and resources available to help people better understand mental illnesses and to help people attain and maintain mental wellness.  These services are available to:

• the general public people with mental health problems families of persons with mental health problems government organizations and businesses
• community organizations, etc.

Staff and Volunteers are available to do presentations on mental health issues to any size group.  

Pamphlets Available at CMHA Moose Jaw Branch

I'm Thumbody

This is a school or group program  directed to a grade 3/4 level.  It is done in 2 one hour sessions approx 1 week apart.

To help young people understand and learn about mental health and increase skills that promote personal development and successful relationships.  I'm Thumbody is a self-esteem program for children which: builds healthy self concepts, stimulates the development of self confidence, instills feelings of self worth, individuality and responsibility, develops an understanding of each person's unique skills and interests and the value of their differences, strengths and individuality and enhances self-awareness.

CAPSS (Communications and Problem Solving Skills)

This program is directed to Grade 5 students.  This is made up of 8 one hour sessions.  These are done on a weekly basis.

"The Journey"
Week One  - Meeting the group - Getting Ready for the Journey
Week Two - Feelings
Week Three - Defining Anger
Week Four - Anger Triggers
Week Five - Taking Control of my Anger
Week Six - Communications
Week Seven - Problem Solving
Week Eight - Practicing My Anger Contol

Presentation Suggestions

Balancing Work and Family
Seniors and Mental Health
Mental Illness (General Overview)
Depression
Depression and Physical Health
Depression in the Workplace
Work Life Conflict
Schizophrenia
Bi-polar
Anxiety
Borderline Personality Disorders
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Grief and Grieving
Laughter in Healing
Loneliness and Isolation
Managing Stress Can be Fun
Work Life Conflict

and many more....................