Through the Can-Help program of the Canadian Mental Health Association, the local branch is offering a Family Outreach program for friends and family members who have a loved one with a mental illness.
“It gives families an opportunity to learn about the mental health recovery vision, and it assists families to learn how they can be most helpful in their family member’s recovery process,” CMHA family liaison worker Christina Hahkala said of the free 10-week program, which begins Jan. 7.
It will run Mondays from 7-9 p.m. at the Step Centre (612 Portage Ave.)
Hahkala explained the purpose of the Family Outreach program is to support and educate families and friends during the recovery process.
“We try to build on strengths and resilience of families to enhance their lives,” she added, stressing it’s a confidential program.
Hahkala said each week will feature a different educational lesson, such as the role of family and resilience, and strengths in family. But there also will be the opportunity for participants to speak if they wish.
There also is a section dedicated to family members taking care of themselves. Because if they are not well, they won’t be able to help their loved one.
Hahkala stressed focusing on recovery is a new and emerging theme within the mental health field.
“The model has come to Canada in recent years from various sources,” she explained. “Families in New Zealand, Great Britain, the U.S., and other countries have been empowered through the recovery model to help the people they care about.”
She noted those within the mental health field believe people can—and do—recover from serious mental health problems.
There are five key concepts of recovery and what recovery is:
•Hope
•Personal Responsibility
•Education
•Self-Advocacy
•Support
Hahkala explained recovery is a process—not a place. For people to recover, they need to regain control over what was lost, like rights, roles, responsibilities, decisions, potential, and support.
“Having hope is the key,” she stressed. “Recovery thrives in hope-filled environments that nurture dignity and respect. . . .
“Hope is something we need when we’re not sure what the future holds. Hope is crucial to our existence,” she added. “Without it, people cannot engage in life.”
Hahkala also indicated recovery is made possible, in part, by people who stand by and accept the person for who they are at that moment and believe in the person struggling with a mental illness.
“Mental illness can be a scary, disconnecting experience filled with losses,” she noted. “It can also be a passage of self-discovery leading to compassion, empathy, inner strength, and a deeper appreciation of life.”
Hahkala said some people choose to call recovery a “journey” or “path.”
“Recovery is a unique, self-determined, ongoing process. It can include setbacks, relapses, and ‘bad days,’ as well as major accomplishments,” she remarked.
“Know that there is hope and that you are not alone.”
The Family Outreach program also is being offered in cities such as Thunder Bay and Toronto.
“Sometimes the stigma holds people back, but they really should come if they want to help their loved one,” Hahkala said. “The more educated you can become, the more you understand. . . .
“This isn’t to say what family members are doing now is wrong, but this is a new approach that could be helpful.”
She noted even if people come and just learn one thing, it will have been worth it.
Although the local CMHA office will be closed from Dec. 24-Jan. 2, those interested in signing up for the program are asked to contact Hahkala at 274-2347 ext. 27 and leave a message.
She also hopes a support group will get started from the Family Outreach program so family members can talk and share their stories with each other.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
