In October of 1995, a new program was started by the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay. The Mental Health Program serves all of the nine Cree communities. The aim is to have this program meet the needs of the people in areas relating to mental health in a manner that is culturally appropriate.
The term “health” means balance and harmony within and among each of the four aspects of human nature: spiritual, emotional, mental and physical. Over-focusing or under-focusing on any one aspect upsets the balance of the four.
“Mental health” is one part of our total being, and the aspects of spiritual, emotional and physical life must also be considered. The characteristics of good mental health include the ability to express a wide range of emotions including joy, anger, sadness and contentment, the ability to have positive interpersonal relationships, the ability to concentrate on particular tasks and to lead a balanced life which means enjoying both work and play and not abusing any substances.
A disturbance of mental health can be attributed to such things as chemical imbalances, lack of self-esteem, distrustfulness, inability to empathize with others and chronic anxiety.
The Mental Health Program is here to promote the well-being of people. It encourages and lends support to initiatives from the communities as well as acting as a resource service. Without local support, the Mental Health Program by itself will not be able to answer the needs, so collaboration among the people, local entities and health providers is needed to improve the overall mental health of the population. The Mental Health Program is only effective as far as there is collaboration and partnership with the communities.
The long-term goals of the Mental Health Program are:
1) Develop accessible services adapted to clients and families in each community,
2) Improve the quality of services offered to clients and their families,
3) Gradually reduce the number of admissions to institutions,
4) Develop alternative resources for the community,
5) Offer a program of mental health education adapted to adolescents,
6) Explore alternative methods of healing, including traditional ways,
7) Encourage the involvement and participation of parents, families and/or extended families in promoting the well-being of their members,
8) Maintain internal collaboration whether in families or health services,
9) Assist in the development of collaboration between health and social services as well as other entities (schools, band offices, etc.)
Prevention programs:
—Training workshops,
—Support groups,
—School milieu—adolescents (therapeutic theatre project)
Services available:
—A team of psychologists available for consultation upon referral
—Employee-assistance program (in collaboration with the CBHSSJB Personnel Dept.)
—Traditional healers
—Supporting role to local initiatives (wellness centre, drama club, marital harmony project, etc.)
—Supporting role to intervenors (e.g. in crisis situations)
Priority target clientele: youth
Priority problem to be addressed: family violence
If you have any questions please feel free to call the Mental Health Program at (819) 855-2844, ext. 5350. Pascal de Sutter is the program’s coordinator and Mary-Louise Snowboy is the assistant to the coordinator.
