Community Based Mental Health Literacy Research Study Community: Chilliwack, B.C. September 2008 – December 2008 Kirsten Hargreaves

Purpose  To establish a baseline of mental health literacy in Chilliwack, B.C.  What is Mental Health Literacy? “the knowledge, beliefs and abilities that enable the recognition, management or prevention of mental health problems” (Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health)

Data Collection Both qualitative and quantitative data was gathered 5 primary methods of data collection 1. Content analysis of local newspapers survey responses from school based, local buisiness owners, general public and professionals 3. Interviews with key stakeholders 4. Focus groups with School District personnel 5. Responses to four case vignettes each describing DSM symptomatology for four separate cases

Content analysis of local newspapers  Analysis of local newspapers over a three week period demonstrated an over abundance of articles on fishing and sports  Very little within the broad spectrum of mental health  Articles found demonstrated a high correlation between crime and mental illness

200+ Survey responses  Participants responded to 39 survey questions using a four point likert scale (Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Agree, Strongly Agree)  Measured subjective attitudes, beliefs and knowledge about mental health, mental illness and available treatment options  Measured Professionals roles and experiences of stigma as linked to mental illness

Stakeholder Interviews 1. School District #33 Educators 2. RCMP and community policing staff 3. Medical personnel including paramedics and physicians 4. Non profit and community resource personnel 5. UFV students and staff 6. Geriatric service providers 7. Aboriginal organizations 8. Recreation Staff 9. Municipal Mayor and Council members 10. General Public (Starbucks, Cottonwood Mall)

Focus Groups  100% of focus group participants identified someone in their lives they unknowingly used stigmatizing language towards (“crazy aunt”)  School personnel identified a need for increased education in the area of mental health literacy/mental health in general  General knowledge focused on psycho- pharmacological interventions rather than a biopsychosocial approach

Case Study 1 – Schizophrenia Sample Size 192 (Accuracy 36%)

Case Study 2 – Depression Sample Size 201 (Accuracy 78%)

Case Study 3 - Anxiety Sample Size 197 (Accuracy 53%)

Case Study 4 – ADD/ADHD Sample Size 185 (Accuracy 39%)

Case Study Results Depression 78% Anxiety 53% ADD/ADHD 39% Schizophrenia 36%

Research Team Observations 1. Responses from the general public demonstrated an over awareness of psycho-pharmacological interventions and a lack of understanding of biopsychosocial resources and the importance of social connections 2. The majority of participants relayed concern for the growing awareness of individuals with mental health challenges in Chilliwack 3. Successful survey locations included the Vedder Starbucks and the Cottonwood Mall food court

Observations 4. Community responses included the following: “We don’t have those kinds of problems here ” - School Professional SD#33 “Chilliwack has way less psychos than in other communities” - Community Social Service Professional

Observations 5. One Chilliwack business owner was strongly opposed to this research study holding many beliefs regarding the existence of mental health challenges in Chilliwack including: 1. Government conspiracy theories 2. Chemicals and preservatives in our food 3. Media conspiracies 4. Ill intentions of the Psychological community

Outcomes  The community of Chilliwack reported a high level of interest in the origins of mental illness and desire to learn more  Research participants often inquired regarding the link between current social problems and individuals struggling with mental health challenges (Example – Homeless individuals)  A broad focus on social influences was outside the scope of this research study

Conclusions  The study was designed to be replicable in five years (Baseline 2008) (Repeat Study 2013)  School Professionals identified a need for increased education in mental health literacy to be better educators  Additional research is needed to better understand public assumptions on genetic vulnerability, psychopharmacological interventions and psychosocial interventions as they relate to individuals with mental health challenges  In 2008, Chilliwack was/is a leader in this community development oriented research approach