Specific diseases and disordersAddictions British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) This network has created a resource hub for family members and caregivers who are directly affected by substance use. Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and Addiction https://www.bccsu.ca/ This centre was created by Parliament to address substance use in Canada by providing national leadership and harnessing the power of evidence to generate coordinated action. Connex Ontario 1-866-531-2600 Families seeking to understand what rehabilitation services are available to their loved ones are encouraged to call Connex Ontario. The operator will be able to help identify all available options and can provide families with other helpful information, such as program duration and wait times. Chat service is also available. Families for Addiction Recovery (FAR) A national charity founded by parents of children who have struggled with addiction. The organization promotes long term recovery for people with addiction and their families. Parent-to-parent support is available, along with information about addiction and effective treatments and a comprehensive list of resources. From Grief to Action (FGTA) From Grief to Action acts as a voice and a support network for families and friends affected by drug use in British Columbia. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) NIDA is a US federal-government research institute that works to advance science on the causes and consequences of drug use and addiction and to apply that knowledge to improve individual and public health. Recovery Research Institute This American institute is dedicated to the advancement of addiction treatment and recovery. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital and one of the world’s leading research centres. CAMH aims to revolutionize the understanding of the brain, use evidence to drive social change and optimize care, and inspire hope for those with mental illness. Its work on the causes, biomarkers and treatments for mental illness is respected around the world. Anxiety Anxieties This website site has educational and step-by-step solution-oriented information and videos for many different anxiety disorders. Anxiety Canada The association’s mission is to promote awareness of anxiety disorders and support access to evidence-based resources and treatment. Its website provides information about anxiety as well as resources and tools to help manage the disorder. Anxiety Disorders Association of Ontario (ADAO) This association’s vision is to improve the lives of people in Ontario affected by anxiety. Anxiety and Depression Association of America This member organization is dedicated to the prevention, treatment, and cure of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders through education, practice, and research. The Association’s unique interlinked consumer and professional mission focuses on improving quality of life for those with these disorders. Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) This organization of academic and clinical practice leaders in depressive, bipolar and anxiety disorders conducts and interprets research in order to improve patient care, educate health professionals and the public. Bipolar Disorder BipolarCaregivers.org Bipolar disorder affects not only the life of the person with bipolar but the lives of those who care for them. Close family and friends can be a primary source of support for a person with bipolar disorder. See A Guide for Caregivers of People with Disorder. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Learn about the DBSA Wellness Tracker and see the informative Family and Friends’ Guide to Recovery from Depression and Bipolar Disorder on this website. Mood Disorders Association of Ontario 1-866-363-6663 This Association offers free support and recovery programs to people across Ontario living with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Its programs include drop-in peer support groups, recovery programs, family and youth clinical support, early intervention for mood disorders and psychosis, and online tools focused on wellness and recovery. Mood Disorders Ottawa 613-526-5406 This peer-group organization provides resources, programs, support groups, social and recreational activities for its members and their families and friends. Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) The Society gives people with mood disorders with a strong, cohesive voice at the national level to improve access to treatment, inform research, and shape program development and government policies with the goal of improving the quality of life for people affected by mood disorders. International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) This webste has a good selection of pre-recorded webinars and a book that family caregivers may find helpful, “Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder”. Borderline Personality Disorder Ottawa Network for Borderline Personality Disorder Has a helpful e-newsletter to keep you up-to-date with news about BPD in our region. L’Apogée [French] This association for parents and friends of the person living with a major mental health disorder, is dedicated to helping people who are living with people living who have a major mental health disorder, whether in their family, in their circle of friends, in their work environment, or in their surroundings in general. Concurrent Disorders Here to Help HeretoHelp is a project of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information. Since 2003, they been working to help people live well and better prevent and manage mental health and substance use problems. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) CAMH provides information about concurrent disorders and published a helpful guide, Concurrent Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders: An Information Guide. There is also a book for families, A Family Guide to Concurrent Disorders. Depression Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) This guide was written by patients for patients, to help manage symptoms and the journey through care, CHOICE-D patient and family guide. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Learn about the DBSA Wellness Tracker and see the informative Family and Friends’ Guide to Recovery from Depression and Bipolar Disorder on this website. DepressionHurts.ca This informative website has a helpful Symptom Checklist and Doctor Discussion Guide as well as information for family and friends. Depression.org.nz This website offers information and tools for anxiety and depression. Esperanza Find interesting articles about anxiety and depression in this e-magazine. Mood Disorders Association of Ontario 1-866-363-6663 Download The Choice-D Patient and Family Guide to Depression Treatment Mood Disorders Ottawa 613-526-5406 Offers support groups, recovery workshops, Speaker Nights, calendars and newsletters. Mood Disorders Society of Canada The Society gives people with mood disorders a strong, cohesive voice at the national level to improve access to treatment, inform research, and shape program development and government policies with the goal of improving the quality of life for people affected by mood disorders. TheLowDown.co.nz This New Zealand site has videos and ways to help yourself that would appeal to youth. Hear how others have dealt with their depression and anxiety and how they work on staying well. Depression: An Information Guide In addition to describing depression, its symptoms and treatment, this guide offers help for partners and families. What is Depression More than a definition, this booklet describes what the symptoms of depression are like, what causes depression, and steps to take toward recovery. The Choice-D Patient and Family Guide to Depression Treatment A practical guide for people living with depression. Written in plain language and intended to empower individuals to understand treatment options and engage in conversations about treatment options with health providers. Eating Disorders Anorexia and Bulimia Quebec A non-profit organization whose mission is to provide immediate, specialized and free assistance to people with eating disorders and their families. Centre for Cognitive Therapy Westgate Shopping Centre 1309 Carling Ave. Ottawa, ON 613-729-0801 Private clinic specializing in eating disorders. Hopewell Eating Disorder Support Centre 613-241-3428 Hopewell is eastern Ontario’s only eating disorder support centre and was created in 1999 by three Ottawa mothers who were driven by a common goal to help their daughters overcome their battles with anorexia. They host peer support groups in Ottawa as well as family and friends support groups. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder International OCD Foundation An excellent booklet called What You Need To Know About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can be found here. OCD Ottawa A peer-based support network providing support and guidance with resources and treatment for OCD. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD Association of Canada This organization supports those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), those at risk for PTSD, and those who care for traumatized individuals. The Association seeks to build the compassion, awareness, knowledge and tools necessary for recovery. Veteran Affairs Canada – PTSD and War-Related Stress In Canada, it is estimated that up to 10% of war zone Veterans—including war-service Veterans and peacekeeping forces—will go on to experience a chronic condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while others may experience at least some of the symptoms associated with this condition. Psychosis Because Your Mind Matters What is psychosis? A lot of people are afraid of what they don’t know but psychosis doesn’t have to be that scary. Check out a short video and some facts and myths about psychosis on his site. Early Psychosis Intervention This website was created with the intent of providing a collective resource about Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) for the province of British Columbia (BC). Early Psychosis Intervention Ontario Network (EPION) This Network focuses on the benefits of early treatment of psychosis in Ontario. Visitors will appreciate the family success stories, too. Here to Help Psychosis can be a disruptive, confusing, and frightening experience. Hearing voices or thinking unusual or disturbing thoughts is common in psychosis. The good news is that psychosis is treatable and here is a toolkit to help your loved ones move forward with their lives. Schizophrenia Schizophrenia Society of Canada The Society works to improve the quality of life for those affected by schizophrenia and psychosis through education, support programs, public policy and research. Schizophrenia Society of Ontario This family-based organization provides family support and education, and supports public policy and research in Ontario. Schizophrenia.com This internet community is dedicated to providing information, support and education to the family members, caregivers and individuals whose lives have been affected by schizophrenia. Suicide Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) Families in need of resources, guidance and education will find relevant content here. The ultimate purpose of this association is to reduce the suicide rate and minimize the harmful consequences of suicidal behaviour. Honouring Life Network This Network is a project of the National Aboriginal Health Organization. The website offers culturally relevant information and resources on suicide prevention to help Aboriginal youth and youth workers dealing with a problem that has reached crisis proportions in some First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities in Canada. Centre for Suicide Prevention The focus of the Centre for Suicide Prevention is teaching people the information, knowledge and skills necessary to respond to people at risk of suicide. International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) IASP is dedicated to preventing suicidal behaviour, alleviating its affects, and providing a forum for academics, mental health professionals, crisis workers, volunteers and suicide survivors. Ontario Association for Suicide Prevention 905-897-9183 The Association works toward reducing the rate of suicide and minimizing the harmful consequences of suicidal behaviour by providing information and resources to communities through the province of Ontario. Reach Out Now This website provides helpful links with a focus on getting help, reaching out and learn more. Suicide Prevention Resource Centre Their vision is to reduce suicide, suicidal behaviour, and their effects, by promoting positive alternatives and healthy coping skills.