It is well documented that caregivers of children with disabilities experience increased levels of stress. But caregivers of children with FASD have been shown to experience higher levels of stress than most people. In a 2009 study, 92% of primary caregivers of individuals with FASD had clinically elevated stress levels. These number show that finding effective ways for caregivers to manage stress is especially important for this population.
FASD and Mental Health for Professionals
One in five Canadians experience challenges with mental health. This proportion is high, but the stats are even higher for individuals with FASD. Researchers have shown that approximately 90% of people with FASD experience mental health issues. These numbers show that mental health is an extremely important consideration when discussing needs, supports, and resources for individuals with FASD.
Mental Health and COVID-19
Our mental health is very fragile right now because of all the uncertainty and stress surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. We can protect our mental health by using healthy coping strategies when we start to feel negative emotions.
Mental Health Week and FASD
The goal of mental health week is to shift how we think about mental health and to promote behaviours that encourage good mental health. Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) have unique needs and challenges that – when not met – can impact their mental health, and that of their friends and families. When we talk about mental health, we need to ensure that the voices of all Canadians are included in this conversation.
Attend a Virtual Presentation from the 2020 Sterling Clarren Award Winner!
We’re excited to announce that the 2020 Sterling Clarren Award winner is John Aspler from McGill University! John is completing his doctoral thesis analyzing the discourse surrounding FASD, alcohol, and pregnancy in major Canadian print news sources.
Take a minute to say ‘thank you’
A simple way to show your appreciation for our health care workers is to say, “thank you”. Canadians across the nation are saying “thank you” to our nurses and frontline health care providers through lawn signs, social media, discounts, and applause. Join in the celebration and find a unique way to say “thank you” from a distance.
15 Things to Do While Social Distancing
The community-wide prevention measures that have been put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 means that Canadians have a lot of downtime over the next few weeks. Here are a few things that you can do to pass the time while you practice social distancing.
International Women’s Day 2020!
International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrates the achievements of women around the globe, while also highlighting the need for gender equality. IWD is over 100 years old! It was first celebrated in 1911 and is now held every year on March 8th. On International Women’s Day it is important to have open and honest conversations about health equity, including the opportunity for … Read More
Zero Discrimination Day
In the field of FASD, research into stigma and discrimination is extremely important because stigma and discrimination affect everyone that we serve.
Let’s Talk About FASD and Mental Health
These numbers show that mental health is an extremely important consideration when discussing the needs, supports, and resources of individuals with FASD. Screening for mental illness early in the lives of individuals with FASD can be an important strategy to early identification and treatment.