Alberta Mental Health Review 2015 Questionnaire

Transcription

1 Alberta Mental Health Review 2015 Questionnaire Introduction Thank you for taking the time to respond to this short questionnaire for Alberta s Mental Health Review Committee, Co-Chaired by MLAs Dr. David Swann and Danielle Larivee. The questionnaire could take approximately 20 to 30 minutes. You can answer some or all of the questions. You can also add comments or more information at the end of the questionnaire. All Albertans have a role in supporting mental well-being, so we want to hear from as many people as possible. Whether you are a client, service provider, an expert, have other experience in the addiction and mental health system, or simply have an interest, your input is valued and appreciated. Your comments will be used to help the Mental Health Review Committee develop recommendations that will assist the Alberta government in implementing an addiction and mental health strategy that aims to strengthen, and where needed, update the current system to provide more co-ordinated services and supports to Albertans. Important: Please refrain from including identifiable (personal or health) information in any of your responses. The non-identifying information collected in this survey is intended to be collected, used, disclosed and shared to assist the Mental Health Review Committee as they develop recommendations on Alberta s addiction and mental health system. If you choose to provide any personal information and/or health information, it will be returned to you whenever possible and if it is not possible to return the information directly to you, the personal and/or health information will be deleted. Submission deadline Online and fax submissions will be accepted until midnight, October 23, Mailed submissions must be received by October 23, Mail your print copy to: Alberta Mental Health Review Committee c/o Alberta Health P.O. Box 1360, Station Main Edmonton, AB T5J 2N3 Fax your print copy to: Please refer to the definition of terms being used in the questionnaire at the end of this document. Thank you for sharing your views and for being a part of building a healthier Alberta. Please invite your friends, family, neighbours and colleagues to fill out this questionnaire so they can make their voices heard. 1. Optional personal information You do NOT need to provide this information I am a(an): [Select one] Member of the public Addiction or mental health service provider Organization Specify name: 2015 Government of Alberta 1

2 Questions Important: For this non-fillable version, you may submit your answers on a separate piece of paper. Please also include page 1 of this document, and ensure your responses are numbered to be the same as the question. Early intervention and promoting mental well-being for all Albertans People who are mentally healthy are better prepared to face life s challenges. Identifying and treating mental health issues early can help prevent problems from getting worse and result in better outcomes. Helping people of all ages to stay mentally healthy, and identifying and treating mental health issues early can include having someone to talk to, knowing where to go for help, and developing social and emotional skills. Q2: How can prevention and early intervention be improved to better promote mental well-being of all Albertans? (Also consider examples of what is working well.) Q3: What can be done to help people feel comfortable in talking about addiction or mental health issues without feeling embarrassed, ashamed, unsure or scared? (Also consider examples of what is working well.) As part of the community, schools can be important places to provide prevention and other mental health services. Q4: How can schools and communities work together to support the mental health of children and youth, and, if needed, provide addiction and mental health services? (Also consider examples of what is working well.) 2015 Government of Alberta 2

3 Access to services and support Addiction and mental health support is often best provided close to where people live, learn, work and play. Q5: How can communities better support individuals and families with addiction or mental health issues? (Also consider examples of what is working well.) It can be difficult to identify available services or understand how services work together. Some people receive services only to come back again and again without being able to find long-term solutions. Sometimes moving, aging or other life changes mean people have to re-qualify for services, even though their needs have not changed. In some cases, information is not shared with all who can help which can impact the services that people receive. Q6: What can be done to help people find the addiction or mental health services they need, and when they need them? (Also consider examples of what is working well.) Q7: How can education, health, criminal justice, housing or social programs better co-ordinate and link their services so that it is easier for people to access services or treatment regardless of changes in their life? (Also consider examples of what is working well.) Outside of major urban centres of Alberta, the variety and choice in addiction and mental health services and information can be limited. Q8: How can people outside of major urban centres of Alberta get the right addiction and mental health services when they need them? (Also consider examples of what is working well.) Alberta is a diverse province; everyone should be treated with respect regardless of their culture, ethnic heritage, gender, age or even personal preferences. Q9: How can addiction and mental health services be provided so that people feel respected, supported and encouraged to continue to receive services? (Also consider examples of what is working well.) 2015 Government of Alberta 3

4 Services and treatment Services for people with an addiction can be hard to find. In addition, people can experience addiction and mental health issues at the same time, which can make accessing treatment difficult. Q10: How can addiction and mental health services be provided together to support those who may be experiencing both addiction and mental health issues? (Also consider examples of what is working well.) Q11: How can addiction treatment and recovery services be improved? (Also consider examples of what is working well.) 2015 Government of Alberta 4

5 Improving services and increasing accountability People and families who receive, or are unable to access, addiction and mental health services must be able to bring forward complaints and concerns, and have them taken care of quickly and effectively. It is important to know what is working, what is not working, and why. Q12: To what extent are the right services in place so people and their families can bring forward complaints or concerns and have them taken care of quickly and effectively? (Also consider examples of what is working well.) Q13: How could the complaint resolution process be improved? (Also consider examples of what is working well.) Q14: How will you know that addiction and mental health services are well supported in Alberta? What would this look like? (Also consider examples of what is working well.) Q15: How can addiction and mental health services be better measured and evaluated to ensure they are the right services and most helpful to those who need them? (Also consider examples of what is working well.) 2015 Government of Alberta 5

6 Additional information 16: Please provide any additional information or comments not covered by the questions Government of Alberta 6

7 Definition of terms Mental health is a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community. Mental illnesses are characterized by alterations in thinking, mood or behaviour associated with significant distress and impaired functioning in one or more areas such as school, work, social and family interaction, or the ability to live independently. Mental health issues/problems are reactions to life circumstances or events and have an impact on an individual, but do not qualify for a formal diagnosis. Addiction and substance misuse are often confused as one and the same. Addiction, however, is a relentless drive to engage in a behaviour or use a substance, marked by dependence. Substance misuse describes harmful or risky intake of psychoactive agents, including alcohol, illicit drugs and prescription drugs. Well-being refers to how people think and feel about their lives. It s the ability for the individual to develop personal potential, work productively and creatively, build strong and positive relationships with others, and contribute to the community. It is affected by the interplay of social, emotional, mental and physical health, life conditions, and more Government of Alberta 7