How You Can Help A Walk Through the Family Toolkit A Resource for Families Supporting Children, Youth and Adults with a Mental or Substance Use Disorder 2004

BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information In 2002, seven provincial mental health organizations joined together as BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information. Objectives of BC Partners: Increase mental health literacy among British Columbians Provide evidence-based resources on mental health, mental illness and substance use problems Work in partnership with health authorities and community organizations to build a sustainable base of resources for people with mental or substance use problems, their families and the general public

A Walk Through the Family Toolkit Introduction and Overview In April 2003 the BC Schizophrenia Society, as a member of the “BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information”, embarked on a project to develop a practical toolkit for families to help them support their family member in the management of a mental or substance use disorder. In November 2003, the FORCE Society for Kids’ Mental Health joined the project to assist in the development of an additional module “Child and Youth Mental Health in the School System”.

A Walk Through the Family Toolkit Objectives of Family Toolkit Help families to identify warning signs of relapse and develop action plans in the event of relapse Provide practical information to families about the day-to-day management of mental illness Enhance communications and problem-solving skills of all family members Enable family caregivers to care for themselves and other members of the family Empower families to ensure that their child is supported in the school system

What you will find Five individual modules Practical information Worksheets to help assist in illness management Links to other helpful resources Detailed information about mental and substance use problems Information about specific local resources and programs What you won’t find A Walk Through the Family Toolkit

Introduction to Toolkit Management of Mental and Substance Use Disorders – set of strategies and tools to minimize risk of relapse and maximize mental health Evidence-based Information – utilizes our most current understanding of how families can help and scientifically grounded evidence about illness management. Information comes from family education programs, professionals working with families and families’ expertise in supporting their loved ones.

A Walk Through the Family Toolkit Important !!!! Toolkit is not intended to replace professional medical advice in treating mental or substance use disorders

A Walk Through the FamilyToolkit Module 1: Understanding Mental and Substance Use Disorders What are mental and substance use disorders? How mental illness affects thoughts, feelings and behaviours Types of mental and substance use disorders Causes and treatments Common warning signs Mental illness is a tragedy; It doesn’t need to be a mystery

A Walk Through the Family Toolkit Module 1 cont’d. What to do if you suspect a problem Navigating the mental health system (Child & Youth and Adult) Worksheet – Local mental health resources What to do if your family member refuses to get help

A Walk Through the Family Toolkit Module 2: Supporting Recovery From a Mental or Substance Use Disorder What does “recovery” mean? Developing an illness management plan Relapse prevention – identifying triggers and warning signs Worksheets – Family member’s relapse signature and ways to deal early with warning signs Responding to acute episodes – hospitalization Monitoring for signs of suicide

A Walk Through the Family Toolkit Module 2 cont’d. Family crisis planning – worksheet and sample plan Hospital discharge planning with worksheet Managing medications Alcohol or other drug use Managing symptoms or behaviours of mental illness Ways to reduce stress Supporting other aspects of recovery

A Walk Through the Family Toolkit Module 3: Communication and Problem- Solving Skills To enhance skills families already have Clarify elements of good communication Acknowledge communication is both verbal and nonverbal Practical skills – Communication of praise Expressing negative feelings Listening Worksheet: Assess your communication skills Dealing with communication problems

A Walk Through the Family Toolkit Module 3 cont’d. Talking to children and youth about mental illness Tips for effective communication Conflict situations Dealing with conflict Structured approach to problem-solving (with a scenario) Stages of change Motivating your family member to make a change

A Walk Through the Family Toolkit Module 4: Caring for Yourself and Other Family Members Recognition that mental illness affects all family members Grieving losses Effects of a family member’s mental illness on Parents Spouses Siblings Young children Adult children

A Walk Through the Family Toolkit Module 4 cont’d. Taking care of yourself Setting boundaries and limits

A Walk Through the Family Toolkit Module 5: Child and Youth Mental Health in the School System Problems children with a mental disorder may experience in school Substance use problems and school Supporting your child in school – working with the school system Parents’ rights Keeping records

A Walk Through the Family Toolkit Module 5 cont’d. Ministry of Education policy – Children with special needs Adapted and modified education programs Individualized Education Plans – with worksheet for planning IEP Reviews – with worksheet Accommodations for students with a mental illness

A Walk Through the Family Toolkit Module 5 cont’d. Effective behaviour support Steps towards changing challenging behaviours – with worksheet on tracking behaviours How parents can help – Supporting learning at home Tools for students, families and teachers Tips for teachers with students who have mental illness

A Walk Through the Family Toolkit Questions??

How to Access Family Toolkit BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information A Walk Through the Family Toolkit