Being a student is difficult to begin with, and it can be a struggle to figure out where to turn when things get particularly hard to handle. Universities offer counselling services, but there are other places to go on- and off-campus when looking for support or a safe space. Mental Health Crisis Telephone LineA phone […]
Mental Health
Posted inNews + Opinion
Sinking slowly in the city
The Liberal government’s all-for-nothing budget last month promised $2.4 million to get 20 more doctors. Doctors Nova Scotia told the legislature the day before they needed at least 100 just to break even. Last week, the King’s Investigative Workshop’s “Overburdened” series found access to mental health services for rural Nova Scotians is falling short. But […]
Posted inLifestyle
The quiet crisis of mental health care in Nova Scotia
Sherry Blinkhorn has experienced the effects of mental illness most of her life. From the time she was placed in foster care at age five because her mother and grandmother had severe schizophrenia, she knew of the devastating effects it could have on families and relationships. By 12, she was absorbing issues of Psychology Today, […]
Posted inLifestyle
Falling through the cracks
Few people know Nova Scotia’s mental health system as well as Truro’s Twyla Wilband. “It’s been a long road to say the least,” Wilband said, who was first diagnosed with anxiety and depression at the age of 14. Living in New Brunswick, Wilband received some counselling at school but the illness became increasingly severe, leading […]
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From a fellow warrior
A small painting hangs on the wall of the Antigonish Public Library. Its edges are a somber mix of grey, black and white, which become a brilliant array of colourful brushstrokes. At the centre of the canvas is a grey door. “‘Nothing can keep you from shining.’ A collaboration between Jordon Myles and Taryn Langille,” […]
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What help looks like
As with physical ailments, the treatment you get for mental illness depends on its seriousness. Some illness is treated in the offices of family doctors, often with drugs such as antidepressants. For those needing more intensive help, specialized services are provided by community-based clinics and programs. Patients can be referred to these clinics by their […]
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By the numbers
So much of health care is about numbers, and mental health care is no exception. Numbers of patients. Wait times. Expenditures. Here are a few of the numbers about mental health care in Nova Scotia and PEI. Money matters 2016-17 budget for community-based counseling and outpatient programs in Prince Edward Island: $10.8 million Budget for […]
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The making of Overburdened
Overburdened is the work of students in the investigative reporting workshop at the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia. During February and March, a team of students interviewed more than 50 people in Nova Scotia and PEI, including many users of the mental health system, doctors, experts and others. A few of the […]
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Solving the failures of mental health care
The woman in charge of the revamp of Nova Scotia’s mental health system says there is “absolutely no doubt” more money is going to be needed to fix it, but she’s not preparing a bill just yet. Linda Courey says a lot of other problems have to be solved first. Courey is senior director of […]
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Political party leaders make mental health an election issue
Progressive Conservative Leader Jamie Baillie is promising to open mental health crisis centres in rural communities to divert patients from hospital emergency departments. And not to be outdone, the NDP under Gary Burrill has a similar plan. They differ, however on the shuttered mental health unit at the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow, with Baillie […]
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Refugee mental health care adds insult to injury
[Image-1] Roughly a year ago, the first government-sponsored Syrian refugees began to land in Canadian airports. Their arrival was greeted with jubilation by Canadians who saw it as a sign of a new direction for the country. Seemingly in testament to the fact that the federal government had turned over a new leaf, funding for […]
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Desmond family deaths draw attention to PTSD and domestic violence
[Image-1] Four family members were laid to rest this week. Brenda Desmond: a woman who was “known for her smile, laughter, humour, and strong love.” Shanna Desmond: a registered nurse at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, remembered by her sister as “the rock of the family.” Aaliyah Desmond: a 10-year-old animal-lover with dreams of becoming a […]
