Winter 2014

VOLUME 31, NUMBER 3, Winter 2014 MANITOBA SCHIZOPHRENIA SOCIETY NEWSLETTER
MSS Walk Kicks Off Mental Illness Awareness Week
By Katrina Tinman
EDITOR
THE 23rd annual Journey of Hope Walk was Sun- phrenia. We really enjoyed the event and my five
day, October 5 at the Forks Canopy Plaza despite year old son had a blast being able to do this and
blustery conditions.
contribute.”
“The wind was kind of like being inside a tornado,
but it was good to see so many wonderful people
come out and support the event and the cause,”
said Katrina Tinman, MSS Volunteer and member
of the Board of Directors.
Emcee Ace Burpee of Virgin Radio 103.1 FM led
the crowd of (approximately) 150, which ranged
from children to adults and included not only volunteers and MSS members, but community members
like the teams of Breaking the Stigma and the U of
W’s Peer Health & Wellness Educators. Five students of Dakota Collegiate helped with the walk
course set-up and preparation.
“The money raised will go toward supporting the
Voice Hearers’ Support Group and various consumer self-help groups,” said Chris Summerville,
MSS Executive Director.
Participants were entertained by The Flatland Ceili
Band, DJ Mr Nemo and comedy juggler Chris
Without The Hat, and had the option of partaking in
face painting by Mardi Gras Face Art or a massage
from the Reflexology Association of Canada. Also
joining the event were Mascots Scoop and Binjamin and Partners for Mental Health.
Special thanks go out to Danny’s All Day Breakfast
and Brunch, Winnipeg Harvest and all the food
“The reason we participated is my sister-in-law and donors for providing lunch for the walk participants.
my uncle both suffer from Schizophrenia,” said
Samantha Farrar of the team Breaking the Stigma. Sponsors included Otsuka, Lilly Giving Program,
“Over the last year, I’ve been making myself more Wawanesa Insurance, Valeant Pharmaceuticals
aware and my family’s been coming together to International, Inc, Canadalawnsigns.com, Danny’s
help out family members who suffer from it. We All Day Breakfast and Brunch,
wanted to participate to help raise awareness for
the MSS and for those who suffer from Schizo...Continued on Page 3
Kim Heidinger
Design & Layout
Sangeetha Nair
Inside This Issue
Message from our Executive
Director………………………………..2
Beating the Christmas Blues ...…....2
Journey of Hope Walk ………….…..3
60 Tips for Helping People who have
Schizophrenia …………….…...…4 –5
Ten Tips for Handling a Schizophrenia Crisis ………………...……………5
Two MSS Volunteers Receive National Award ……………………………..6
Guidelines for Communicating with a
Person with Mental Illness ………...6
Healthy Eats …...……………….….. 7
Donation Form………BACK COVER
Message From Our
Executive Director
In this issue of the MSS newsletter you
will find an article on how the holiday
season can be difficult on people’s mental health. Families can also struggle
during this period. But hope is possible
and help is available. Klinic offers a 24
hour crisis line. Their number is 1-888322-3019. Don’t hesitate to get help if
you find you are struggling during the
month of December and all the celebrations. No one need suffer alone.
On another note, you will find in the envelope that your newsletter came in, an
appeal letter that I have written. Please
consider a special gift this season to the
MSS. We are indebted to all of you who
have made a donation this past year!
Happy holidays to each of
you and may you find “rays of
hope” to face each day.
Chris Summerville
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Beating the Christmas Blues
WHILE Christmas for many people means
happiness and togetherness, it can also be
a difficult time for others. The Christmas
blues could start weeks before the holiday
and for some it can continue after the celebrations are over. It is a mixture of feelings
that may include sadness, depression,
loneliness, a loss of self worth, and anger.
lives of others as well.
There’s something to be said about rest
and relaxation in a new location. While it
may seem counterproductive to go away
alone, you may end up meeting some
people and making some new friends. You
may also have time to try some new, fun
activities and could possibly come back
You may experience the Christmas blues if with a new outlook on life.
you recently lost someone close to you, if
you’ve moved to an unfamiliar area or if The holiday season can be incredibly exyou’ve been through another type of dras- pensive if you’re not cautious. If you have
tic change. They can also be brought on the Christmas blues and believe that it
by everyday stresses that have accumulat- may stem from your financial problems,
ed, such as financial difficulties, a loved you should be honest with yourself and
one that is sick, relationship problems or others about your situation. While you may
any other multitude of problems. You may want to give your loved ones every present
feel as though you are the only person on their list, you may not be able to and it’s
going through this, but you are not alone. okay. Instead, you could give them an
Many people experience the Christmas inexpensive but special present. A gift
blues every year.
given from the heart has the potential
to be incredibly meaningful.
The best way to start to push your way
through these feelings is to talk to some- While the Christmas blues can be agonizone. Whether it is a friend, family member, ing, it is possible that you can get through
therapist or a spiritual adviser, you can it and enjoy the Christmas season. Conexpress to them what you are going centrating on the unpleasant won’t mend
through without holding everything inside. what’s going on in your life. You should
Letting your feelings out may help you to focus on all of the good that you’re surstart moving forward.
rounded by and keep fixated on that.
Another way that you could attempt to beat
the Christmas blues is to volunteer. You
could look for opportunities at a hospital, a
homeless shelter, library or any other
place near you that needs volunteers. The
experience could not only make you feel Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-arehappier, but you may even bring joy to the the-christmas-blues.html
Continued from Page 1 ...
Young run participant, Calleigh Denisuik
Ace with the Journey of Hope Message Board
Left: Reyanne Heidinger poses with Scoop from the Winnipeg Free
Press.
Right: MSS Board President, Wilma Schroeder gives participants a
thumbs up.
Winnipeg Harvest, RAC Reflexology Association of Canada, as well as supporters
like the City of Winnipeg, Fairmont Hotel
Winnipeg, Fort Garry Hotel, Har2Dye4, Inn
at the Forks, Instant Imprints, Level Hair
3
and Spa, Manitoba Children’s Museum, This year’s Journey of Hope Walk kicked
Pulse Gallery, Radisson Hotel Winnipeg, off Mental Illness Awareness Week.
Sobeys Grant Park, Stride Ahead, Tall
Grass Bakery, The Fairmont Winnipeg,
Two Rivers and Viscount Gort CanadInns.
60 Tips for Helping People who have
Schizophrenia
By Rex Dickens
IF you have a family member with a mental 11. Your chances of getting mental illness
illness, remember these points:
as a sibling or adult child of someone with a
mental illness are 10-14%. If you are older
1. You cannot cure a mental disorder for a than 30, they are negligible for schizophrefamily member.
nia.
21. Survival-oriented response is often to
shut down your emotional life. Resist this.
2. Despite your efforts, symptoms may get 12. Your children's chances are approxiworse, or may improve.
mately 2-4%, compared to the general population of 1%.
3. If you feel much resentment, you are
giving too much.
13. The illness of a family member
is nothing to be ashamed of. Reality is that
4. It is as hard for the individual to accept you may encounter discrimination from an
the disorder as it is for other family mem- apprehensive public.
bers.
14. No one is to blame.
5. Acceptance of the disorder by all concerned may be helpful, but not necessary.
15. Don't forget your sense of humor.
23. The family relationships may be in disarray in the confusion around the mental
disorder.
22. Inability to talk about feelings may leave
you stuck or frozen.
24. Generally, those closest in sibling order
and gender become emotionally enmeshed, while those further out become
estranged.
25. Grief issues for siblings are about what
you had and lost. For adult children the
issues are about what you never had.
6. A delusion will not go away by reason- 16. It may be necessary to renegotiate your 26. After denial, sadness, and anger comes
ing and therefore needs no discussion.
emotional relationship.
acceptance. The addition of understanding
yields compassion.
7. You may learn something about yourself 17. It may be necessary to revise your exas you learn about a family member's men- pectations.
27. The mental illnesses, like other diseastal disorder.
es, are a part of the varied fabric of life.
18. Success for each individual may be
8. Separate the person from the disor- different.
28. Shed neurotic suffering and embrace
der. Love the person, even if you hate the
real suffering.
disorder.
19. Acknowledge the remarkable courage
your family member may show dealing with 29. The mental illnesses are not on a con9. Separate medication side effects from a mental disorder.
tinuum with mental health.
the disorder and person.
20.Your family member is entitled to his or
10. It is not OK for you to be neglected. You her own life journey, as you are.
have needs and wants too.
...Continued next page
4
30. It is absurd to believe you may correct a
mental illness such as schizophrenia, or BiPolar Disorder without addressing possible
issues of trauma.
31. Symptoms may change over time while
the underlying disorder remains.
41. Forgive yourself and others for mistakes
made.
42. Mental health professionals have varied
degrees of competence.
43. If you can't care for yourself, you can't
care for another.
32. The disorder may be periodic, with times
of improvement and deterioration, independ- 44. You may eventually forgive your family
ent of your hopes or actions.
member for having a mental illness.
33. You should request the diagnosis and
its explanation from professionals.
45. The needs of the ill person do not necessarily always come first.
34. Schizophrenia may be a class of disorders rather than a single disorder.
46. It is important to have boundaries and
set clear limits.
35. Identical diagnoses do not mean identical causes, courses, or symptoms.
47. Most modern researchers favor a genetic/environmental cause of mental illness.
36. Strange behavior is a symptom of the
disorder. Don't take it personally.
48. Learn more about mental disorders.
49. It may be therapeutic to you to help oth37. You have a right to assure your personal ers if you cannot help your family member.
safety.
50. Recognizing that a person has limited
38. Don't shoulder the whole responsibility
capabilities should not mean that you expect
for your mentally disordered relative.
nothing of them.
39. You are not a paid professional case
worker. Work with them about your concerns. Maintain your role as the sibling,
child, or parent of the individual. Don't
change your role.
40. Mental health professionals, family
members, and people with mental illness all
have ups and downs when dealing with a
mental disorder.
51. Don't be afraid to ask your family member (s) if they are thinking about hurting
themselves. Discuss it to avoid it.
in the storm clouds. You may have increased awareness, sensitivity, receptivity,
compassion, maturity and become less
judgmental and self-centered.
54. Allow family members to maintain denial
of the illness if they need it. Seek out others
whom you can talk to.
55. You are not alone. Sharing your
thoughts and feelings with others in a support group is helpful and enlightening for
many.
56. The mental disorder of a family member
is an emotional trauma for you. You pay a
price if you do not receive support and help.
52. It is natural to experience a cauldron of
emotions such as grief, guilt, fear, anger,
sadness, hurt, confusion, etc. You, not the ill
family member, are responsible for your
own feelings.
58. Most persons with schizophrenia do
better living somewhere other than home. If
a person does live at home, two things are
essential--solitude and structure.
53. Eventually you may see the silver lining
59. Mental disorders affect more than the
individual living with a mental illness.
10 Tips for Handling a Schizophrenia Crisis
1. Remember that you cannot reason with
acute psychosis
2. Remember that the person may be terrified by his/her own feelings of loss of
control
3. Do not express irritation or anger
4. Do not shout
5. Do not use sarcasm as a weapon
6. Decrease distractions (turn off the TV,
radio, fluorescent lights that hum, etc.)
7. Ask any casual visitors to leave—the
fewer people the better
8. Avoid direct continuous eye contact
9. Avoid touching the person
10.Sit down and ask the person to sit down
also
What is crisis?
A crisis is a time in your life when you feel
like you can't cope.
5
You may experience
lors are there to help improve the quality of
 Feelings of fear, failure, uncertainty, pow- life of our callers and to prevent suicides.



erlessness, hopelessness, confusion, hurt
Who can call the Crisis Line?
and sadness.
Anyone who wants to discuss a problem
A sense of losing control
can call. You do not have to be in crisis or
Thoughts of ending your life
suicidal to call. The Crisis Line is open to
anyone who needs help.
Headaches, muscle tension, chronic fatigue or other physical problems
When does it operate?
Changes in eating or sleeping habits
The Crisis Line and Manitoba Suicide Line
Isolating yourself
operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Difficulty concentrating



 Anger and other mood swings
 Alcohol or drug problems
The Crisis Program, run by Klinic, operates
the crisis phone line that offers confidential
counselling, support and referral. Counsel-
Counselling Services
Manitoba Suicide Line - 24 Hours
1-877-435-7170
Crisis Line—24 Hours
(204) 786-8686
Toll free 1-888-322-3019
Two MSS Volunteers Receive National Award
By Sangeetha Nair
ery, but has used her familial experience to
better the lives of others affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through years of volunteer work at MSS and the Government of
Manitoba, and through formal work with MSS
and Eden East.
Katrina Tinman, MSS Board Member and
Volunteer received the Recovery of Hope
Award.
Julia Hoeppner
EACH year, the Schizophrenia Society of
Canada recognizes individuals and initiatives
and programs within the schizophrenia community that are helping to fulfill our mission
through the presentation of our Annual
Awards.
The 2014 Schizophrenia Society of Canada
awards were announced in Ottawa recently
during Mental Illness Awareness Week.
Two out of the seven awards were given to
volunteers from the Manitoba Schizophrenia
Society (MSS).
KatrinaTinman
This award recognizes and encourages people living with schizophrenia or psychosis
who, in spite of the discrimination associated
with mental illness, have shown significant
self-determination in their recovery process.
They will also have made outstanding voluntary contributions in their community towards
the SSC’s mission.
Julia Hoeppner, MSS Board Member was Katrina was presented with this award for her
awarded the Bill Jefferies Family Award.
exceptional contribution as a role model in
demonstrating and promoting “recovery” for
This award recognizes and encourages fami- those living with a mental illness.
ly members of persons with schizophrenia or
psychosis who, in spite of the discrimination Katrina has lived experience with schizoassociated with the illness and the personal affective disorder and also with recovery.
difficulty endured by their role as caregivers, Recovery for her is living beyond the limitahave made an outstanding voluntary contri- tions of mental illness and enjoying a quality
bution toward the SSC mission.
of life. She points out that a positive and
hopeful attitude are really keys in so many
Julia has contributed to the lives of, not only ways, especially as they relate to the recovher family member with a psychosis-related ery process. Katrina is an active and pasdisorder in terms of supporting their recov- sionate volunteer for the MSS.
Guidelines for Communicating with a Person
with Mental Illness
BE respectful to the person. When someone
feels respected and heard, they are more
likely to return respect and consider what you
have to say.
If they are experiencing events like hallucinations, be aware that the hallucinations or the
delusions they experience are their reality.
You will not be able to talk them out of their
reality. They experience the hallucinations or
delusional thoughts as real and are motivated by them. Communicate that you understand that they experience those events. Do
not pretend that you experience them.
Some people with paranoia may be frightened, so be aware that they may need more
personal space than you.
Do not assume that they are not smart and
6
will believe anything you tell them.
Mental illness has nothing to do with the
person's intelligence level. Do not lie to them,
as it will usually break any rapport you might
want to establish.
will be able to understand. Find out what
reality based needs you can meet.
If needed, set limits with the person as you
would others. For example, "I only have five
minutes to talk to you" or "If you scream, I
Do not just pass them on to another person will not be able to talk to you."
like a "hot potato" just to get rid of them. This
may save you time in the short run, but may Keep a current list of community resources,
come back to haunt you later, or cause prob- like shelters, food programs, and mental
lems for someone else. Anyone who is health services that you can suggest to them
passed unnecessarily from one person to (if they need it). Some people will not accept
another can become angry or violent. Refer the suggestion, but some will.
them to someone else only if it is an appropriate referral.
Call for help (police, security, or colleagues)
if you feel physically threatened or need help
Listen to the person and try to understand de-escalating the person.
what he/she is communicating. Often, if you
do not turn off your communicating skills, you
Healthy Eats
2 tsp fresh thyme
4 to 6 medium sweet potatoes
½ cup coconut milk
1 tbsp butter plus more for the pan
sea salt and pepper
Butter
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
(serves 2)
Ingredients:
4-6 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into
1″ chunks
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut
milk)
1 heaping tablespoon coconut oil
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Process:
Peel and cut sweet potatoes, and place in a
large soup pot filled with water.
Bring water to boil, and boil sweet potatoes
until soft, about 20 minutes.
Drain sweet potatoes and place in a large
bowl, or kitchen aid mixer.
With kitchen aid mixer, or hand mixer, mash
Fruit Roll Ups
(Makes 10 Strips)
Ingredients
2 apples, finely diced
10 strawberries, diced
1 ruby pink grapefruit, diced
Stevia/rice malt syrup to sweeten if needed
1 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/4 cup water
Instructions
1. Place the fruit in saucepan with the water
and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the fruit is soft and the liquid has
been reduced. Stir in the cinnamon and salt.
2. Transfer the fruit to a blender and puree
until smooth. Taste the mixture and if required
add a sweetener. The grapefruit can be quite
tart and while suitable for adults, children may
7
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 F.
In a large skillet, brown the meat with the
cloves of garlic in butter.
Once the meat is browned, remove it from the
pan, and cook the onions, carrots and mushrooms until carrots are soft and onions are
translucent.
Add the meat back to the pan, add the tomato
paste, balsamic vinegar, rosemary, thyme
and salt.
Cook until all of the excess liquid has cooked
off.
Stir in the peas.
sweet potatoes on low to keep from getting Pour the meat mixture into a large baking
dish-- 9X13" works well.
lumpy and “glue-like”.
Continue to mash while adding coconut oil, Bake your sweet potatoes: place the sweet
potatoes on a foiled lined baking sheet and
almond milk, and maple syrup.
bake until soft-- about 40 minutes depending
Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve.
on the size of your sweet potatoes. (You
could also do this step while you are cooking
the meat on the stove top).
Gluten-free Shepherd’s Pie
Allow the potatoes to cool for a few minutes,
(serves 8)
then peel and place into a medium-sized bowl
Ingredients
with coconut milk, butter, sea salt and pepper.
2 lbs ground beef (preferably grass-fed)
Mash the sweet potatoes into a paste, and
4 cloves garlic, minced
spread on top of your meat mixture. (Refer to
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe)
2 carrots, chopped
Bake the shepherd's pie for 15 to 20 minutes,
1 container (~8oz) of mushrooms, sliced
or until the sides are bubbling and the center
1 bag of frozen peas, thawed
is hot.
1 can tomato paste
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Source: Friskylemon.com
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
not appreciate this. If you would like a sweet- and store in an airtight container for up to a
er roll up then I suggest adding some sweet- week!
ness to balance out the sourness. If a sweetener is added blend again until combined.
You should end up with 2-3 cups worth of
pureed fruit.
3. Heat oven to 120-150°C (250-300F). Line a
large baking tray with baking paper (if your
baking tray is not very large you may need to
use two smaller sized trays). Pour the mixture
onto the tray and spread it out thinly by using
the back of a spatula. You want it to just cover
the baking paper's surface without leaving
any gaps (the thinner the better!). Place the
baking tray in the oven on the lowest shelf
available and bake for 8-12 hours. I left mine
overnight baking at about 130°C for 9 hours.
Remove the tray from the oven and using a
sharp knife cut the fruit leather into strips. Let
it cool completely before peeling the fruit Source: http://www.brookes-kitchen.com/
leather off the baking paper. Roll up if desired
We Provide Services
Around the Province
Regional Services
Burntwood
43 Fox Bay
Thompson, MB R8N 1E9
Phone: 1(204) 677-6056
Fax: 1(204) 677-5534
selfhelp@cmhathompson.ca
Manitoba Schizophrenia
Society
100-4 Fort Street
Winnipeg, MB R3C 1C4
Phone: 1(204)786-1616
Fax: 1(204) 783-4898
Central
309 Main St. Box #129
Winkler, MB R6W 4A4
Phone: 1(204)362-3027
Fax: 1(204)325-8742
msscentral@mymts.net
Toll Free: 1-800-263-5545
Website: www.mss.mb.ca
Email: info@mss.mb.ca
Brandon & Assiniboine
1-812 11th St.,
Brandon MB R7A 4K9
Phone: 1(204) 728-5811
tim@mss.mb.ca
North & South Eastman
21 Loewen Blvd.
Steinbach, MB R5G 0L4
Phone: 1(204) 371-0824
Fax: 1(204) 346-0423
eastmanmss@mymts.net
Parklands
Box 117
Pine River, MB R0L 1M0
Phone: 204-648-6833
leanne@mss.mb.ca
Interlake
Box #101
Selkirk, MB R1A 2B1
Phone: 1(204) 485-1253
Fax: 1(204) 334-7880
bevking@mymts.net
SMHC
825 Manitoba Ave. Box 9600
Selkirk MB R1A 2B5
Phone: 1(204) 482-3810 ext 416
Fax: 1(204) 886-3821
eric@mss.mb.ca
Norman
Box 3864
The Pas, MB R9A 1S4
Tel/Fax: 204-623-3387
teresa@mss.mb.ca
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.
MANITOBA SCHIZOPHRENIA SOCIETY
Winnipeg Office Staff
Board of Directors
Wilma Schroeder, President
Amy Butcher, Secretary
VACANT, Treasurer
Directors:
Barb Madden
Brenda Bacon
Heather Carr
Louise Chernetz
Sean Miller
Tammy Lambert
Tracy Stople
Peter Ostryzniuk
Katrina Tinman
Chris Summerville
Rey Schellenberg
Susan Boning
Livia Lobo
Jane Burpee
Karen Kaplen
Eric Fraser
Verne McComas
Executive Director
Accountant
Special Events Coordinator
Administrative Assistant
Public Education Coordinator
Peer Program Support Worker
Peer Support Worker
Lifelinks Program
Outreach Workers
Kim Heidinger
Tim Shewchuk
Diane Findlay
Bev King
Rhonda Heskin
Teresa Roberts
Leanne Marceniuk
North & South Eastman Region
Brandon & Assiniboine Region
Central Region
Interlake Region
Burntwood Region
Norrman Region
Parklands Region
Donate to MSS monthly!- For more
information on how you can become a monthly
partner with MSS call 204-786-1616
MSS is a registered non-profit organization. Charitable donation #88938 3998 RR 0001
Single, $15
Family, $25
Corporate, $50
I am: Mother
Father
Donation $___________________
Consumer
I/We would like to give a monthly donation of $________________
I am renewing my membership
Visa / MC: ___________________________________Expiry Date_____________
(For a pre-authorized payment from your chequing account, please enclose a
cheque marked VOID)
Service Provider
City: ______________Province: _____________ Postal / Zip Code:____________
Signature:____________________________ Date: ________________________
8
Other
Members receive the MSS newsletter Reasons
for Hope and the Schizophrenia Society of
Canada (SSC) Bulletin.
Name:_______________________________ Phone:________________________
Address:___________________________________________________________
Sibling
Please make cheques payable to:
MSS
100-4 Fort Street
Winnipeg, MB R3C 1C4