CAMH introduces “Mental Health & Addiction 101” – A fast, easy information resource for one of Canada’s most widespread health concerns

June 23, 2008 - (TORONTO) - With as many as one in five Canadians expected to face a serious mental health or addiction challenge in their lifetime, there’s never been a greater need for fast, easy-to-use education material on these issues.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) now offers “Mental Health & Addiction 101,” a series of free web tutorials for anyone who wants to learn more about mental health and addictions topics, or who may encounter someone with these challenges in the course of their work.

“These issues are in every workplace and every family, yet most people lack basic information and understanding,” said Dr. David Goldbloom, CAMH Senior Medical Advisor for Public Affairs, who also serves as Vice-Chair of the federal Mental Health Commission of Canada.

“Stigma remains an enormous challenge for the many Canadians who face mental illness or additions,” Dr. Goldbloom said. “Creating fast, free and easily accessible tools like this one is one way CAMH is working to overcome stigma.”

Mental Health & Addiction 101 topics range from basic introductions to addictions and mental health, to specific subjects like depression, schizophrenia and addressing stigma. Available in English or French, they’re ideal as ‘starting point’ information for a wide variety of people, including:

friends or family members of someone who may have mental health or substance use problems
teachers, principals and school counsellors
healthcare providers, ER staff
peer support workers
police and corrections workers
social support workers
community service workers or those who work with/in diverse communities

Mental Health & Addiction 101 tutorials include myth-challenges and 'try-it' activities and are a fun, quick and easy way to test your knowledge and learn more. They can be a good refresher for people in the field or a good introduction for people new to mental health and addiction issues.

Mental Health & Addiction 101 modules are available now at: www.camh.net/MHA101

For more information or to arrange interviews in English or French, contact Michael Torres, CAMH Media Relations at 416-535-6015 or Media@camh.net

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The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, as well as one of the world's leading research centres in the area of addiction and mental health. CAMH combines clinical care, research, education, policy development, prevention and health promotion to transform the lives of people affected by mental health and addiction issues.