Featured Articles

Spring Issue 2010

2010 Spring Issue: Parenting a Mentally Ill Child

The challenges, the stigma, the strength to cope

"I'm always hoping to meet or get connected with another parent or family member who might be going through similar issues, and yet my fear of being stigmatized or alienated prevents me from opening up too much."

Examining the challenges shared by parents of children with a mental illness
Find tips to be successful in finding help
Learn to let go of the guilt

Winter Issue 2010

2010 Winter Issue: Violence and Schizophrenia

Taming the criminal myths

"The incorrect stereotype...is that schizophrenics have multiple personality disorder and that the second personality is always evil"

A look at the role the media and Hollywood play in perpetuating ignorance regarding schizophrenia
Taming the criminal myths linking violence to schizophrenia

Fall Issue 2009

FUELING YOUR BODY ON A BUDGET

"Changing your lifestyle is a huge commitment, one that will take time and constant effort, but the rewards will far outweigh the effort..."

Learn why your body needs carbohydrates every day
Get a move on: it does more for you than just spark weight loss
Includes shop smart tips to keep you thin and your wallet fat

Summer Issue 2009

2009 Summer Issue: Homeless, recovery starting at home

Humble Abode: Recovery starts at home...if you have one

"Things don't fall into place for people who are homeless, regardless of their mental state."

For people like Nathaniel Ayers-the subject of the 2009 movie The Soloist-living on the streets is not necessarily the worst demon
Includes a look at housing programs targeting the mentally ill in Canada and the US

In The News

Epigenetics can help explain what causes disease

Canadian scientist Arturas Petronis, MD, PhD, reveals new insights at the crossroads of genes and the environment with respect to human disease and mental illness. (CAMH)

READ MORE...
Slater Tech provides seed funding for pharmaceutical company

Providence-based drug discovery venture Mnemosyne Pharmaceuticals, Inc. gets funding injection to develop therapeutic treatments for schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders. (peHUB)

READ MORE...
Six senators, congressmen recognized as Legislators of the Year

Sen. Debbie Stabenow honored for outstanding leadership on behalf of people with mental health and substance abuse disorders; six others named Legislators of the Year. (NCCBH)

READ MORE...

Poem of the Day

Poetry has a strong presence in the mental health community. Submit your poetry to be showcased on our website or read the work of other poets and be inspired:

Love Me Like You Can't by Tara T.

Q & A

Do you have a question but no one to answer it? Ask Bill!

Living Life

Practical tips helping individuals live with mental health enjoy quality of life. At SZ we believe in total care beyond just medication.

HEALTHY LIVING

Stepping into summer slimdown

The weather is mild, the sun feels good-what a great time to shape up your body and eating habits!

8 simple Action Steps to eating smarter, getting fitter
Learn about 'mindful eating' to boost your weight loss
Beware the empty calorie trap

PARENTING

'Mommy, what's wrong with Daddy?'

"More than anything, I wanted our son to understand that his father was a very good person who could not help what was happening to him."

One family's story of discovery and understanding
Approaching mental illness from a child's standpoint
Includes suggestions on how to answer a child's questions based on his/her age

RELATIONSHIPS

Home on the farm

There were many days when Carmela Kudyba, groggy and listless from her medications, didn't think she could rise from bed. But the horses waited to be fed, and she couldn't ignore them.

The therapeutic benefits of working farm communities
A look at the healing powers of relationships and teamwork
Includes a list of working farms in the US and Canada

MEDICATION

Necessary precautions

Unfortunately, medications for schizophrenia-just like pharmaceutical treatments for any other condition-come with the risk of drug interactions.

Learning the dangers of medication conflicts
Understanding how the body processes medication and vitamins
A look at long-acting injectables

Book Reviews

Title: The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness
Author: Elyn R. Saks
Summary: From childhood, Saks' life was comprised of varying degrees of normal behavioral growth and irrational thoughts or actions. Yet from the beginning of her book, she helps the reader understand how the shattered mind of a person living with schizophrenia can become clearer and more productive.
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For: consumers, caregivers