Lauren Richards’ death has left a number of questions. If you have not yet watched this video, you may wish to do so.
In addition, here is a related article that is worth reading.
Category Archives: Mental Health
A Must Read
If you have not had the opportunity to read this Facebook post written by Corinne McDermott, you may wish to do so. It is definitely time well spent.
Protocol prohibits transplant
Delilah Saunders is critically ill and requires a liver transplant. Unfortunately, she has been deemed ineligible based on a past history of alcohol use. What are your thoughts about this decision and the associated protocol?
Click here to read the story.
And We’re Off!
Today, Tuesday, June 6th, is the day for you to ask and answer the following question.
“What Matters to You?”
Join in the discussion on Twitter, using the hashtag #wmty17 and on the public blog found at https://t.co/sLz6U3P5nL
What Questions Matter Most to You?
If you are from Alberta, have lived experience with depression, and are interested in depression research, you may wish to participate in an online survey conducted by Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit, Patient Engagement Platform, Alberta Health Services and Canadian Depression Research and Innovation Network. By completing this survey, you will assist in determining the top 25-30 depression research questions to be used for an upcoming workshop. What questions matter most to you?
Click here to participate in the survey.
Definitely Worth Watching
The following was submitted by a member of the Patient 4 Change community. Thanks Shannon.
“Sharing this to help bring some context and understanding to the opioid crisis. This documentary is filmed in Alberta with a focus on Calgary and the Blood Tribe Reserve.
While the focus here is on long term users who are buying illegally – it’s really important to know that Alberta’s prescribing practices for opioid painkillers are mind boggling. Last year there were 1.8 million RXs written for opioids. Alberta’s population is 4.9 million. We are the highest opioid RX jurisdiction in the world.”
Click here to watch the video.
Walk Not Talk
The following quotation is from Robert, an individual who knows first hand what it is like to be addicted to drugs. As you read his words, ask yourself the following question. “What can we do, individually and collectively, to provide assistance to Robert and others? Now is not the time to ignore the current addiction crisis or pretend it does not exist. We have to do something, but what?”
“I’m tired of doing this…I don’t know what’s keeping me going. My family is like, Robert, what are you doing? My cousins are like, Robert, you’re a loser. I’ve heard it all, and they’re right. What have I done? I haven’t done s—. You try to regroup, you hear your grandson’s voice …”
“We need a little more compassion, a little more sensitivity, and not so much judging. I’m not going to be a poster boy, but walk a mile in my shoes, man.” (Toronto Star)
An Interesting Read
According to Carolyn Abraham:
What is clear is that North America’s baby boomers have found themselves in a perfect storm of self-destruction. For starters, boomers happened to reach the age of aches and pains just as highly addictive prescription opioid painkillers went mass market in the 1990s.
If you have not had the opportunity to read Abraham’s article entitled, “Against Opioid Abuse Among Baby Boomers,” click here to do so.
Creating Welcoming Settings
If you have ideas on how to make clinical settings more welcoming for depression clients, here is an opportunity for you to share them.
Canada’s Indigenous Suicide Rate Linked to ‘Apartheid’
A staggering suicide rate among Indigenous peoples in Canada is the result of the country’s “ancient apartheid system,” a Quebec coroner says in new report.
Source: Canada’s Indigenous Suicide Rate Linked to ‘Apartheid’
