News
Hope lights up a dark screen
2006-05-05
Kamataki: Next Frames of Mind film at the Douglas
Verdun, May 4, 2006 – Depression is commonly seen as a dark place, full of despair. Suicide often seems to be the only way to escape the sufferer’s mental anguish. Thanks to suicide prevention and depressive disorders treatment programs, Douglas Hospital clinicians and researchers are working to bring light back into the lives of people who wish to end their lives. On May 10, the public is invited to an evening dedicated to raising awareness of depression and suicide with the showing of the critically-acclaimed film, Kamataki. This is the second in a series of five free movie nights dealing with mental health, called Frames of Mind and organized by the Douglas Hospital.
“It’s essential to increase public awareness of the underlying causes of depression, and it is particularly important for the individuals close to people with suicidal tendencies to be better-informed,” says Douglas psychiatrist Johanne Renaud, MD, who oversees the youth section of the Depressive Disorders Program. “We need to recognize the telltale signs early on, so that depressed individuals can get the care they need.”
Renaud, one of two experts speaking at the screening, will be accompanied by Christine Cornez-Colmenero, a behavioral modification agent at the Depressive Disorders Program. Kamataki producer, Samuel Gagnon, will also be on hand to answer questions from the public.
“My family has close ties with Japan, where depression and suicide are also health issues,” says Gagnon. “We believe this movie portrays the real face of these disorders, which are universal and non-discriminating.”
Warning signs for family and friends that a person may have suicide tendencies include deep feelings of sadness, behaviour that is out of character, social withdrawal, giving away prized possessions to friends and family, and making remarks related to death and dying.
This past winter, the Depressive Disorders Program at the Douglas was created to provide cutting-edge treatment for patients of all ages and to offer family support. It is designed to help patients with a history of suicidal behaviour, youth who suffer from major depression, adults who are not responding to treatment, and those who find themselves in extended mourning. The program’s multidisciplinary team evaluates and treats patients with a variety of techniques, with or without medication, including family and group therapy and interventions aimed at suicide prevention.
Verdun, May 4, 2006 – Depression is commonly seen as a dark place, full of despair. Suicide often seems to be the only way to escape the sufferer’s mental anguish. Thanks to suicide prevention and depressive disorders treatment programs, Douglas Hospital clinicians and researchers are working to bring light back into the lives of people who wish to end their lives. On May 10, the public is invited to an evening dedicated to raising awareness of depression and suicide with the showing of the critically-acclaimed film, Kamataki. This is the second in a series of five free movie nights dealing with mental health, called Frames of Mind and organized by the Douglas Hospital.
“It’s essential to increase public awareness of the underlying causes of depression, and it is particularly important for the individuals close to people with suicidal tendencies to be better-informed,” says Douglas psychiatrist Johanne Renaud, MD, who oversees the youth section of the Depressive Disorders Program. “We need to recognize the telltale signs early on, so that depressed individuals can get the care they need.”
Renaud, one of two experts speaking at the screening, will be accompanied by Christine Cornez-Colmenero, a behavioral modification agent at the Depressive Disorders Program. Kamataki producer, Samuel Gagnon, will also be on hand to answer questions from the public.
“My family has close ties with Japan, where depression and suicide are also health issues,” says Gagnon. “We believe this movie portrays the real face of these disorders, which are universal and non-discriminating.”
Warning signs for family and friends that a person may have suicide tendencies include deep feelings of sadness, behaviour that is out of character, social withdrawal, giving away prized possessions to friends and family, and making remarks related to death and dying.
This past winter, the Depressive Disorders Program at the Douglas was created to provide cutting-edge treatment for patients of all ages and to offer family support. It is designed to help patients with a history of suicidal behaviour, youth who suffer from major depression, adults who are not responding to treatment, and those who find themselves in extended mourning. The program’s multidisciplinary team evaluates and treats patients with a variety of techniques, with or without medication, including family and group therapy and interventions aimed at suicide prevention.
