Mental health

Patients often report feeling mentally and physically unwell after eating fat-, salt-, or sugar-laden foods. Though the precise mechanisms underlying these symptoms are unclear, extensive self-reports support the notion that diet impacts mental health.

As you are likely aware, new provincial legislation came into effect in July 2012 broadening the scope of WorkSafeBC coverage for mental disorder claims and requiring the development of specific policies related to workplace bullying and harassment. In the year following the legislated changes, 2500 mental disorder claims were filed. This was more than double the number filed the previous year. Of those completed between July 2012 and July 2013, about 600 were accepted, and an equal number were ultimately withdrawn or did not require a decision. 

An innovative initiative funded by the joint BCMA/Ministry of Health Shared Care Committee is improving access to psy­chiatric care for patients with mood disorders. The Rapid Access to Psy­chiatry initiative has accelerated the wait time for psychiatric consultation and care from 5 to 6 months[1] from GP referral to within 4 to 6 weeks.

Movember Canada is requesting applications for mental health interventions in the priority areas of de-stigmatization, awareness, prevention, education, or early recognition/interventions. Movember Canada is offering $12 million in funding for these areas, the first and largest investment made to date through Movember dollars in the areas of mental health, with additional requests for applications to be announced in the coming months.

Movember Canada invites applications from organizations in Canada seeking funding for projects with the goals of:

The BC Medical Association has been presented with the 2012 Dr Nancy Hall Public Policy Leadership Award of Merit from the Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division.