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Friends essential in identifying schizophrenia early By Christina Jabalee, Early-Intervention Community Worker, Schizophrenia Society of Ontario etting a teenager's attention can be a near impossible task, especially if they call you mom or dad. They live in their own world -- fantastic places where life is full of endless possibilities. Rules exist to be broken, or at least bent a little. Some dangers are obvious. We've come a long way in bringing down teenage smoking, for example. But other perils are not. In my work with the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario's Oakville office, most people are surprised when I explain that one in 100 Canadians are living with or will develop schizophrenia. An even bigger shock comes when I mention that the illness typically starts surfacing around teenagers aged 15 or 16. People can still enjoy fulfilling lives. There truly is hope. 11 · Friday, January 27, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com G We chose the And all of them deserve support. People experiencing psyname Peace of Our annual Yogathon, which benefits our chosis may not realize there Minds because it youth engagement initiatives, is being held is anything wrong, or they reflects hope and across Ontario on Saturday, Feb. 25, with a may be scared to let others the fact that a sin- special event planned for Oakville at Appleby know what is actually going gle case of schizo- College, 540 Lakeshore Rd. W. on with them. phrenia affects For more information, visit www. A teenager's friends and yogathon.ca or call 905-338-2112. classmates play an essential role in the early identi- many people, not just the one. fication, spurring intervention and treatment. These same friends are part of what we call the circle of care. They, along with family members, play key roles 1395 Abbeywood Drive, Unit #3, Oakville, L6M 3B2 in the successful treatment of schizophrenia. (Located in the No Frills Plaza) And the best way to end the stigma is to educate our youth about mental illness. Take advantage of Exam Week with this Part of my job involves working with schools in Four Day Special Course! Halton Region to engage young people and inspire February 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th them to learn about mental illness. WITH THIS AD! 9:00 AM - 2:15 PM Youth play such an important role in our work that the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario has creIf you're busy during the week check out ated a youth council to help shape our outreach these two courses. ($10000 OFF) programs. Evening Course Saturday & Sunday Course But our staff and volunteers need resources to get February 6th, 7th, 13th & 14th February 18th, 19th, 25th & 26th 4:30 PM - 9:45 PM 9:00 AM - 2:15 PM the job done. That is why youth engagement is a pillar of our 905-484-3435 · Ministry of Transportation approved Beginner Driver Peace of Minds fundraising initiative. Education course provider. g1g2drivingschool@yahoo.com Another core element is a Ask the Experts service · New vehicle and new in-class learning facility. www.g1-g2.com where people can contact us for guidance, advice and much-needed support. The service is available by phone at 1-800-4496367, e-mail at asktheexpert@schizophrenia.on.ca and online by visiting www.schizophrenia.on.ca. G1, G2 DRIVING SCHOOL SAVE ON TAX $ 500 00 "Friends... along with family members play key roles in the successful treatment of schizophrenia. And the best way to end the stigma is to educate our youth about mental illness." Christina Jabalee Carpet Cleaning Specialists Since 1952 On The Spot! RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL WALL TO WALL FURNITURE & UPHOLSTERY AREA RUGS PERSIAN & ORIENTAL NOTICE OF CONSTRUCTION Wastewater Main Construction on Timber Lane and Seneca Drive Town of Oakville PR-2356 Truck Mount In-Plant Service Water Damage Restoration Wallace 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville, Ontario L6M 3L1 26/270112 It is vital, however, that we identify the warning signs as soon as possible. The early symptoms of psychosis are not obvious to an untrained eye. After all, it is not unusual for teenagers to become moody or shut themselves in their room. But then friends stop calling and conversations don't always make sense. With schizophrenia, it is difficult for people to determine what is real and what is not real. In many cases, people may experience paranoia, have fixed and false beliefs (delusions), or see or hear things that are not actually there (hallucinations). They may also withdraw from friends, school and/or hobbies. See the transformation of what we can do in relation to others! VOTED BEST CARPET & RUG CLEANERS 11 YEARS IN A ROW! Drop-off Discount! 25% FREE 250 mL SPOTTING BOTTLE www.onthespotcleaning.ca Bronte 905-825-4256 1446 WALLACE RD. OAKVILLE, ON QEW Speers Contract Number: Scheduled Start Date: Scheduled Completion Date: Project Manager: S-2356A-11-1 Winter 2012 Spring 2012 Caroline Hales ext. 7612