The Disability Information and Resource Centre

Mental health difficulties in one partner inevitably impacts both the relationship and life of the other. There is also significant evidence that problems in a couple relationship can lead to mental health problems. Whilst the recovery approach talks about the inclusion of relationships and networks, the restraints of workloads, confidentiality, the centrality of the client and availability and/or interest of the partner often result in the individual becoming the focus of treatment. In this participatory workshop, we will consider the benefits of working with the partners of people with mental health diagnoses; discuss and contrast different approaches, and the processes engaged in to select and apply them. We will explore the potential and hazards in enlisting the partner as your assistant in intervention, couple therapy where one of the couple is in significant distress, and working exclusively with those aspects of the relationship that appear connected to the person’s symptoms. We will consider the role of parenting, as a key aspect of the couple relationship, although the impact of parental illness on parenting and child development will not be a major focus of this workshop.

The conundrum of the chicken & egg is surely matched by the question of the causal linkage of mental disorders & substance use. A commentry by Kavanagh highlights the complexity of the matter. He quotes a study by de Graaf which found that cannabis use in adolescence produced a modest increased risk of subsequent depression, a result which ‘highlighted the complex web of behavioural, cognitive and emotional factors that appear involved’. In unpacking further studies which attempt to demonstrate a causal link, the inability to make definitive statements becomes clear. The author concludes: ‘The complexity of potential causal connections requires that we initially approach co-occurring disorders as primary and having potential for mutual interaction, providing integrated treatment for both, while observing the apparent strength of specific causal associations over time.This approach does not guarantee success, but it may allow delivery of a treatment that is better suited to an individual’s situation, than if practitioners routinely focus on a single disorder.’

Kavanagh,D. Commentary on Liang et al. (2011): Unravelling the tangle of comorbidity –are we there yet?aAddiction, 106, 1135–1136 1135..

Would you like to learn more about the conceptualization & mangement of such cases? You may like to attend our next workshop on Friday 5th April.

Comorbidity Workshop

5th April 9.30am – 4.30pm

Presented by Malcolm Robinson

The prevalence of complexity and comorbidity in the community is a major issue for the health, mental health, welfare, education and disability sector. The co-occurrence of substance use disorders with mental and other disorders is a common dilemma for clinical and therapeutic treatment, counselling and case management processes. Comorbidity and the complex interactions that occur in such matters act as a significant constraint to treatment and management and the options available to agencies and practitioners. This also raises major questions about the compartmentalisation of treatment processes for disorders and conditions that are clearly linked to each other. Dealing with these apparently separate disorders separately is systemic nonsense. Practitioners need to consider these disorders and problems as part of the whole person and family; as complex phenomena closely linked to one another. Whilst there are significant problems for practitioner s in the management of people with complex circumstances and comorbidity there is still a dearth of information available about best practice. The Bower Place Complex Needs Clinic specialises in work with a diverse population of complex, comorbid individuals, couples and families and has developed a comprehensive integrated methodology to address the dilemma that these matters present in therapeutic practice. This methodology is premised upon ideas drawn from neurobiology, justice, contract theory and socio-relational interaction. This is a small group workshop for practitioners to examine the direct application of this methodology to clinical practice with complex comorbid matters, the development clinical skill, and the development of sound management principles.

To Register click here

INVITATION TO ATTEND

National Mental Health State Consultation Workshop

Hosted by the Mental Health Council of Australia and

Mental Health Coalition of South Australia

Hotel Grand Chancellor, Adelaide on Hindley

Monday 15 April 2013, 9.30 – 4.00pm

In the lead up to the Federal Budget and a Federal Election in 2013, and following COAG’s recent decision to establish indicators to monitor the progress of national mental health reform, the Mental Health Council of Australia (MHCA) is conducting consultation workshops with members and stakeholders in all states and territories throughout April to ascertain short and long-term priorities for the sector.

The aim of these workshops is to identify areas where the MHCA and its members can capitalise on their unique position as advocates to progress mental health reform and improve the lives of people affected by mental illness in Australia.

You can register to attend by following THIS LINK

Membership at Diamond House is open to anyone over the age of 16 with a history of mental illness, who is not a threat to the Clubhouse community and who sees a benefit to themselves in belonging. No referral is required. Support workers, key workers, mental health practitioners, family & friends of people with a mental illness are welcome to come.

Upcoming orientation dates:

Tuesday 26th of February at 9:30am

Stay for a free lunch on this day!

Contact Toni for further details and to register on 8244 5525.

Please find attached the VROOM flyer and the Festivale flyer promoting the upcoming Programs at the MIFSA Respite House.

These programs will be available for up to 7 participants who are living with Mental Illness and who receive regular support from a family member or friend. Carers are also welcome to attend or can take a break from their regular caring responsibilities.

Please contact the Respite Team on (08) 8378 4100 to register your interest to any of these Programs or for any other enquiries you may have.

Click here to download the VROOM flyer.

Click here to download the FESTIVALE flyer.

We are pleased to offer a residential group program* which provides recovery based respite services to carers and care recipients.

The program is available for up to 7 participants who are living with a mental illness and receive regular support from a family member or friend. Carers are also welcome to attend or take a break from their usual caring role.

The group will enjoy activities, excursions and shared meals, while staying at the MIFSA Respite House.

*eligibility criteria apply

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FLYER

For more information on this or other programs please contact

MIFSA RESPITE PROGRAMS
5 Cooke Tce
Wayville SA 5034
PO Box 310
T. 8378 4100
F. 8378 4199
E. respite@mifsa.org
www.mifsa.org

Restless Dance Theatre presents a number of exciting workshops during Term 4, 2012.

• Restless Central for people 15-26 years old, with and without a disability

– Tuesday early evenings

• The Living Arts Project for people 15-27 years old living with mental health issues

– Wednesday early evenings

• Leaps and Bounds for people 8-12 years old on the Autism Spectrum

– Thursday early evenings

Accessible

234a Sturt St, Adelaide

For more info call Lyn Wagstaff, Restless Dance Theatre (08) 8212 8495 or lyn@restlessdance.org or http://restlessdance.org/accordion-holder/workshops

Guest speakers: Ann Lawrence and Lisa Thiele – both have lived experience with mental illness

Topics covered will include:

• covering early indicators
• story of the illness, diagnosis
• treatment and the recovery journey

When: Wednesday 10 October 2012

Where: City of Onkaparinga Noarlunga office Ramsay Place Noarlunga Centre

Time: 10.30am–12pm

Morning tea provided

Please RSVP by Tuesday 9 October 2012 to Jennifer Day, Disability Network Officer  8301 7248 or  jenday@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au