ON-BPD News | 2016, Issue 5

Following are some news stories from us, as well as some bulletins we've received that may be of interest to you. If you have news that would be of interest to us or our members, please send it to webservices@on-bpd.ca.

In this issue:

Family Connections

ON-BPD is now accepting applications to participate in our fall session of Family Connections. Family Connections is a 12-week program designed to provide the adult family members and spouses of individuals with emotion dysregulation or borderline personality disorder with knowledge and skills for their own well-being and for better understanding their loved one.

To apply, please download and complete the application form, and send it by e-mail to info@on-bpd.ca.

Continuing Connections

We are excited to announce that, this May, we are launching a new project aimed at helping past participants of the Family Connections program to:

  • refresh their skills and
  • maintain supportive relationships with each other.

For many of us, the ongoing support network is critical for our own well-being. Our aim is to host this free support program three or four times per year for past participants of the Family Connections course.

Participation is free, but participants must have completed the Family Connections course. Registration is by invitation only. If you are a graduate of the Family Connections course, and are interested in this session, but have not received an invitation, please send an e-mail to info@on-bpd.ca.

Mental Health Week

May 2-8 is Mental Health Week in Canada. Canadian Mental Health Association has created this video to encourage people to "get LOUD for mental health." Visit the CMHA website for information and tools.

Borderline Walk

Sashbear.org will host its fourth annual fundraising walk on May 29, 2016. The walk is a stigma-shattering event, a symbol of support, and a crucial tool in funding awareness and treatment of BPD. It has captured the attention of some of the world’s leading BPD voices.

Where: The Sunnyside Boardwalk, Toronto
When: May 29, 2016  10:00am –12:00pm
Length: 5 km—Strollers, wheelchairs, scooters welcome!

Visit the Sashbear site to learn more, donate, or register.

Peer Support Group

Parents' Lifeline of Eastern Ontario (PLEO) and Open Doors have partnered to present a NEW confidential peer support group for parents and caregivers, of children and youth (up to 24 years of age) with mental health and/or addiction challenges.

When: 6:00pm - 8:00pm  Every 3rd Wednesday of the month
Where: Open Doors for Lanark Children & Youth, 40 Bennett Street, Unit A,  Carleton Place
DROP IN, no registration required.

For more information: contact Gail Taylor, Peer Support Outreach Provider 613-321-3211 or gail@pleo.on.ca

Free Webinar: Intro to Mindfulness with Moira Hutchinson

THIS THURSDAY May 5, 2016  7 PM

Mindfulness can help many of those who suffer with mental illness, as well as those who love them It is said to:

  • help relieve stress
  • lower blood pressure
  • reduce chronic pain
  • improve sleep

In recent years, many therapists have turned to mindfulness as an important element in the treatment of a number of problems, including:

  • depression
  • substance abuse
  • eating disorders
  • anxiety disorders
  • obsessive-compulsive disorder

Some experts believe that mindfulness works, in part, by helping people to accept their experiences — including painful emotions — rather than react to them with aversion and avoidance.              

RESERVE YOUR SPOT  the link to the webinar will be emailed to you.

Session: Readying Yourself to Become Resilient

Dr. Laura Nichols, a registered Psychologist, will discuss methods for caregivers of people with mental illness to develop the resilience necessary to cope with their loved one’s illness.

When: Monday, May 16, 7 - 9 pm

Location: Glen Cairn United Church, 140 Abbeyhill Drive, Kanata.

For information, visit www.TheOasisKanata.ca or email info@TheOasisKanata.ca or call 613-435-1100.

Workshop: De-escalate Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime

Learn five surprises and three guiding principles that will allow you to:

  • Remain in control at all times
  • Support anyone, anywhere, with any issue
  • Avoid the wrong response which can make the situation worse

Facilitator: Catherine Corey struggled to navigate the mental health and addiction system in search of help for her son. Countless crisis threatened to bring her to her knees until she learned the principles of de-escalation. Catherine is determined to keep hope alive and to provide others opportunities to learn from her challenges, failures and heartache the lessons that led to recovery for herself and her son.

When: Saturday, May 28, 2016, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Location: TBD

Cost: $57

Space is limited to a maximum of 15 people

Register www.recoveryacademy.ca | 1-800-532-4184 | info@recoveryacademy.ca