Support for health concerns as close as a telephone call

The Canadian Mental Health Association is linking Prince Rupert up with other parts of the province in new program that is set to provide assistance to those requiring help in isolated communities.

The Bounce Back program has been designed to provide assistance for those suffering from mood or anxiety problems, through a self help DVD and follow up phone guidance, all designed to help patients reclaim their health.

The programs highlights were introduced through an article in Tuesday's Daily News.

Health help coming via phone
New program aims to better support people in isolated parts of B. C.
By Kris Schumacher
The Daily News
Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Pages one and three

A new two-year program launched by the Canadian Mental Health Association will provide support to people with chronic physical conditions in rural Northwest communities, including Prince Rupert.

The Prince George branch of the CMHA announced the new program would be expanding to several cities in the Northwest, making coping with mood and anxiety problems easier for people with chronic conditions. The Bounce Back: Reclaim Your Health program is now serving more than 85 communities in British Columbia, providing both a support DVD and community coach to improve the lives of people in several weeks - from the comfort of their own home.

"We're so pleased to introduce Bounce Back because we know it can really help people living with chronic conditions feel better and get more out of life," said Linda Doran, executive director of CMHA's Prince George branch.

"It's not uncommon for people with chronic conditions to feel anxious or depressed. Added on top of an existing health condition, these feelings can lead to worsening health, impacts on daily living, and an overall lower quality of life. We see Bounce Back as providing tools to help people 'reclaim their health.'"

Around one in three British Columbian adults suffers from chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes or heart disease, and about one-third of this group are affected by mood or anxiety problems.

The Bounce Back program will be delivered in close collaboration with primary care practices and is funded by a $6 million grant from the Ministry of Health Services, focusing on self-help skills and emotional well-being.

After being referred by a primary care practitioner, the two-part program begins with a DVD that outlines practical tips for maintaining mood, healthy living, building confidence and problem solving.

The second part of the program builds on those techniques through guided self-help with telephone support from a health professional.

"Integrating strategies to address chronic health conditions that are accompanied by mental health conditions makes British Columbia one of the first jurisdictions in the world to take this approach to improve the well-being of patients," said Health Services Minister George Abbott.

"We are spending more than $1.1 billion to support mental health and addiction services across British Columbia, a 30 per cent increase in funding since 2001."

More information on the Bounce Back program can be found online at www.bouncebackbc.ca, or by talking to a family physician.