Robert Paterson • Mar 15, 2021
Why would my father suffer from Bipolar and not his brother? Why would I not suffer, but my youngest sister does? Why would a "normal" family with no history of mental illness suddenly have a son in his early twenties develop schizophrenia?
Why any one of us develops mental illness is a mystery. Why me or why her, are questions that cannot be answered. Accepting that becoming mentally ill is such a lottery is a critical factor for everyone's well being. For unless we accept this mystery, then it is easy to let judgement into the equation. The risk is that the well members of the family take on the mantle of being righteous, and the ill member takes on the role of the bad person.
Such feelings and roles, once assumed, are not easily resolved by the protagonists. Having a sympathetic and professional outside advisor can make all the difference. Dunham House can help.
Remember, a cure is not the objective. A cure is not possible. All the time, focus on how can we all live better with mental illness. That is the goal.
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Opiate addiction is a complex and pervasive issue affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The opioid crisis has reached epidemic proportions, with devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities.
I’ve been wanting to take care of my addiction problem for the longest time, and although I have done therapy in the past, it was nothing in comparison to Dunham House I’m very grateful to be able to benefit from this program. I was provided with a safe place to stay at throughout these past months with help from a great counsellor and different workshops, I was given the opportunity to learn valuable tools and life skills that will help me regain control over my life.
Honouring the Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney, Chairman of Dunham House Advisory Board
Addiction is a pervasive issue that affects individuals, families, and communities worldwide. When someone we care about is struggling with addiction, it's natural to want to support them in any way possible. However, there's a fine line between enabling and helping, and understanding the difference is crucial in providing effective support.
Dunham House is a residential treatment centre that helps individuals suffering from mental health and concurrent disorders, including addiction. Over the years, Dunham House has helped hundreds of people overcome a wide variety of challenges that life has thrown their way. It is Dunham House’s mission to provide the tools and support to help people cope with and recover from their illnesses. Since 2017, Dunham House has operated a 28-bed residential treatment centre located in Dunham, Quebec, 90 kilometers from Montreal in the Eastern Townships. In September 2023, Dunham House celebrated the opening of a new additional building at its Dunham site with 12 additional beds and new counselling and recreational facilities. Dunham House’s residential programs are designed, among other things, to help individuals with a chronic or prolonged history of substance use and concurrent disorders. Residents benefit from a supportive environment and the care needed to implement the changes necessary in their life. Daniel Colson, Dunham House’s President, said; ’With so many of Dunham House’s graduates returning to their lives in the Montreal area, establishing a local support centre in Montreal is a logical next step. Our mission is to help as many people as possible who are suffering. These new programs will reinforce our residential programs and help our former residents stay true to their goals after they have finished their stay at Dunham House. With today’s announcement, Dunham House is extending its continuum of care beyond its Residential and Alumni Programs. Dunham House Outpatient Services will include: · Counselling for friends and family of people suffering from mental distress and addiction. · A one-month Pathway Program for people who know they need support and require grounding and guidance as they begin their recovery journey. · A three-month Outpatient Program designed for former residents of Dunham House’s residential programs. This program is for people who want to build upon their positive accomplishments. Graduates from equivalent programs are welcome. · An Extended Program for people on the road to recovery who want to benefit from the continued support of Dunham House’s counsellors and group sessions. We base the length and composition of the Extended Program on each individual’s needs. · A meeting place for Dunham House alumni to come together in Montreal for regular group sessions. Dunham House Outpatient Services’ office is in the Queen Elizabeth Health Complex (QEHC), 2100 Marlowe Ave., Montreal, QC, H4A 3L5. The QEHC is Montreal’s not-for-profit community-led health complex, providing an extensive array of quality mental health care accessible to all. The QEHC is a short walk from Sherbrooke St. and the Vendome Metro. For information about the Dunham House Residential Programs or the Dunham House Outpatient Services, visit www.dunhamhouse.ca , email contact@dunhamhouse.ca, or call (450) 263-3434 where someone will be available to take your call 24/7.
It's Time You Get The Help You Deserve
