The Douglas Institute is proud to be part of Mental Health Week from May 7 to 13 by organizing mental health awareness activities for the general public. The goal of Mental Health Week is to get people talking and involved in the different issues surrounding mental health.

Frames of Mind Breakfast Conference

Frames of Mind at the Douglas Institute is a series of movie screenings followed by discussions about a mental health problem. This year, the format has been revamped and adapted to an audience with work obligations and limited time. Using excerpts from films such as Michael Clayton, Bandits and The Devil Wears Prada, Camillo Zacchia, PhD, will address mental health issues in the workplace, such as burnout, anxiety and depression.

This breakfast conference is presented by the Chambre de commerce et d’industrie du sud-ouest de Montréal (CCISOM) in collaboration with the Douglas Institute.

• When: May 8, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:10 a.m.
• Where: Douglas Hall, Douglas Institute. How to get to the Douglas
• Who: General public
• Cost: $15 for CCISOM members; $20 for non-members. Registration is required via the CCISOM Website.
  Or: Become a fan of our Facebook page before May 7 at noon and get a chance to win two tickets to the event.

Meet & Greet the Police hosts a basketball game

Patients at the Douglas and police officers from Poste de quartier (PDQ) 16 will take part in a friendly game of basketball for the second edition of Meet & Greet the Police. This activity aims to improve relations between patients and police officers and allow them to interact in a fun and safe environment. Launched last year, Meet & Greet the Police is another step towards destigmatizing mental illness.

• When: May 8, at 1:30 p.m.
• Where: Roberts Centre, Douglas Institute
• Who: Police officers from PDQ 16 and Douglas employees and patients

Is it depression or teen angst?

Speak Up For Kids is an annual event organized by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry that brings together health professionals, parents and teachers to discuss learning problems and mental health issues in children.

A trove of initiatives are taking place across the United States for the event. In Montreal, Johanne Renaud, psychiatrist at the Douglas Institute and Director of the Standard Life Centre for Breakthroughs in Teen Depression and Suicide Prevention, will give a bilingual lecture called “Is it Depression or Teen Angst?” During the presentation, Johanne Renaud will describe the characteristics of depression in teens and talk about treatment and resources available for youth.

• When: May 8
  English lecture: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  French lecture: 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Where: Douglas Hall, Douglas Institute. How to get to the Douglas
• Who: General public and parents
• Cost : Free

Towards a public sleep policy

A lack of sleep is a true public health problem, especially for children. Yet sleep plays an essential role in consolidating learning, reinforcing the immune system and regulating mood. Despite solid scientific evidence, sleep is not always a priority with public health decision-makers. To influence public policies in this area, Reut Gruber, PhD, is organizing a symposium for specialists in children's health as well as educators and administrators.

• What: Symposium—"Stop Dreaming! Integrating Pediatric Sleep into the Health and Education Systems: Reasons, Barriers, and Facilitators"
• When: May 4
• Where: Thomson House, 3650 McTavish Street, Montreal
• Who: Researchers and journalists
• Language: English

You can also learn more about the five most common myths about children and sleep.