What I want care teams to know: Clients give their perspectives
We asked people who have experienced mental illness to give their perspectives on the care they hav received. They describe their experiences leading up to a diagnosis – in hospitals, clinics and doctors' offices. They tell us what they needed then and what they need now as they manage their illnesses. And they give concrete tips and advice to clinicians about what works for them – and what doesn't.
We also asked clinician Wayne Skinner, deputy clinical director of the Addictions Program at CAMH, to listen to what they have to say and to give his perspective on the role of families in care.
What I want care providers to know: Ann Douglas's story
Ann Douglas describes her experience being diagnosed and treated for bipolar disorder, and about the crucial role of hope in recovery.
What I want care providers to know: Ann Douglas's family story
Ann Douglas is the author of "Parenting through the Storm: How to Handle the Highs, the Lows, and Everything in Between". It's a resource to help families and professionals with children's mental, emotional or behavioural challenges. In this video, she speaks about her own children's experiences with mental and neurodevelopmental disorders, and the care they received.
What I want care providers to know: Diana Mak's story
Diana Mak describes her experience in crisis in a hospital emergency and tells us what could have been done differently to support her.
What I want care providers to know: Lynn Cunningham's story
Lynn Cunningham talks about her experience with bipolar disorder and addiction and what she needed from her care team, from diagnosis to treatment.
What I want care providers to know: Linda Rosenbaum's story
Linda Rosenbaum describes her experience trying to find a diagnosis, treatment and support for her son who has fetal alcohol syndrome.
What I want care providers to know: Jayne Bingler's story
Jayne Bingler talks about her experience with depression and generalized anxiety disorder and tells us what she needed and still needs from her care team. She also talks about the role of family in her care.
What I want care providers to know: Jason Balgopal's story
Jason Balgopal talks about his experience with depression and the approaches and treatments that have worked best for him. He also talks about the importance of his family in his care and suggests ways to include them.
What I want care providers to know: A clinician's perspective on the role of families
Wayne Skinner, deputy clinical director of the Addictions Program at CAMH, discusses the role of families and gives examples of how clinicians can integrate families into care.