Mental Health Week: May 6-12

Camosun College addresses the changing landscape of Mental Health and Addiction

Program leader, expert Michelle Bass available for media interviews

May 1, 2013

As the needs and climate of mental health and addiction continue to evolve, Camosun College's Interprofessional Mental Health and Addictions (www.camosun.ca/IMHA) program is part of a changing landscape. Michelle Bass, program leader, and the IMHA students look at mental health and addiction with a more recovery-focused lens—looking at ways for people struggling with these afflictions to get on with their lives and participate fully in society.

Currently, students in the program are working on projects that examine the lack of resources with regards to child mental health; ways to help military families access the resources they require; and "mental health first aid" training for how to assist an individual who appears to be going through a mental health crisis.

Michelle Bass is available to speak to the issues surrounding mental health and addiction. Students involved directly in child mental health and "mental health first aid" projects are also available.

Contact

Jonathan Ruhl
Marketing and Communications Strategist
250.370.4555
ruhlj@camosun.ca

Michelle Bass, Program Leader; MSW, PhD

Michelle has over 25 years of experience providing clinical services to individuals and families struggling with mental health and addiction challenges. Michelle is also a director of research on LifeRing Canada. She continues to hold a small private practice.

Mental Illness stats

Research has shown that mental illness in childhood has increased 30% since the '80's.

• Approximately 15% of children and youth in BC have moderate to severe mental illness that affect their ability to function.
• Up to 10% of youth will experience an episode of Major Depressive Disorder.
• About 3% of youth and young adults are diagnosed with psychosis.
• 70% of mental health problems and illnesses have their onset during childhood or adolescence.
• Young people aged 15-24 are more likely to report mental illness and/or substance use disorders than other age groups.
• Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15-24 year olds. An estimated 25 to 50% of homeless people have a mental illness and up to 70% of those with a severe mental illness also abuse substances. Almost a third of Canada's homeless are youths aged 16-24 (CAMH report- out of the shadows, 2009).

Stats care of the Canadian Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (http://www.camh.ca/).