Eliminating the stigma associated with mental illness begins with open, honest discussion. This is why we’ve partnered with Ted Michaels at AM900 CHML to bring you #‎WellnessWednesdays: #MindMatters At 7pm each Wednesday for the month of October, Ted will cover two mental illness and addiction topics with both an expert from St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and an individual with lived experience.

This Wednesday, October 15th St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton Mental Health and Addiction Program experts will discuss seniors mental health and early intervention for youth.

Topic #1: Youth Wellness Centre
St. Joe's Expert: Lisa Jeffs, Manager, Lisa Jeffs, Manager – Youth Wellness Centre & The Cleghorn Early Intervention in Psychosis Program at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

It is estimated that 10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder – the single most disabling group of disorders worldwide. However, in Canada only 1 out of 5 children who need mental health services receives them. This is why early intervention is vital. This winter St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton will open the doors of the Youth Wellness Centre in downtown Hamilton. It marks a new beginning for an innovative model of service within our Mental health and Addictions Program at a time when services for youth are greatly needed. This general service will especially support youth experiencing the first signs of mental illness like major depression or anxiety, as well as helping youth transitioning to adulthood navigate the mental health system to ensure they receive the best care possible.

Also up for discussion is a youth based program with a specific focus on diagnoses involving psychosis. When youth experience the first signs of schizophrenia, not only may this be a frightening experience for the young adult, but the parents or families of the youth may not know how to best help. One in 100 youths aged 16 to 30 will be affected by this diagnosis in our region and the Cleghorn Early Intervention in Psychosis Program at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton is here to help.  

Topic #2: Seniors Mental Health
St. Joe's Expert: Dr. Maxine Lewis, Clinical Head of Geriatric Psychiatry, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness within their lifetime – this is becoming a fairly well known statistic. However, did you know that the rate of mental illness for adults between the ages of 70 and 89, including but not limited to dementia, are projected to be higher than for any other age group by 2041. Our Seniors Mental Health Program expert will discuss keeping physically and mentally fit as we age as well as indicating the signs and symptoms of mental illness for seniors. St. Joe’s is working to support this age group and their family members in multiple ways. One of the ways you can help is by encouraging open discussion about this topic with your friends and family.

Tonight at 7pm listen to Ted Michael's #WellnessWednesdays: #MindMatters and join in on the conversation on Twitter @STJOESHAMILTON. 

LISTEN:
Listen live each Wednesday in October at 7pm by clicking here. 

GIVE:
Support St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation innovative mental health therapies with a Gift of Care. Click here for more information. 

LEARN MORE:
Learn more about the topics on each week's program St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton's Mental Health and Addiction Program website by clicking here.

TWEET:
Follow #WellnessWednesdays #MindMatters on Twitter to keep up with the conversation before and during the broadcast by clicking here.