Meeting 28 Oct 2003
EPI (Early Psychosis Intervention) Parents' Meeting, October 28, 2003
The meeting was attended by 23 people representing 15 families (some of whom were attending for the first time).
Facilitators were
Walter Lidster (EPI) and Nancy Clarke from British Columbia Schizophrenic Society (BCSS)
The meeting was opened with an update regarding the Peer Support for Parents Of
Psychosis Sufferers group. (PSPOPS)
This is a group of like minded individuals
who are working to leverage the current parent group dynamics into a format that
can help people who are far beyond the local boundaries. This group has developed
from the EPI parent group meetings and they would like to encourage other parents
to be involved.
PSPOPS is about to launch a web site www.psychosissupport.com dedicated to supporting
parents of children who are experiencing psychosis. An appeal was made for "INPUT" in
the form of stories, lessons learned,
hints etc, because it is important that sufficient timely information is provided to
keep the web site interesting and useful. It was pointed out that the focus of this web site
would be purely Parent Support based upon our experiences and that we would leave all the clinical information
to the medical experts. There are a wealth of good web sites dealing with psychosis
from all angles except the parent perspective. Links to these sites will be available
on the PSPOPS web site.
It was pointed out that we are
very fortunate in the South Fraser Region to have fantastic rescources (EPI) available
to us. Parents in other area's of the Province are not as fortunate and they would
really appreciate our knowledge and experiences.
Walter then talked about the EPI web site (www.psychosissucks.ca),
which a an absolute 'must' for
you to visit for all the clinical information and some client stories. There is also
a genetics survey on the site.
A survey will be carried out soon to determine the effectiveness of the EPI
program. Please return the survey with your honest input.
Dates for future meetings are November 25, January 27, February 24, March 30, April 27,
may 25th, and June 22.
The introductions and "where are you" session produced several stories af encouragement
with a few not so encouraging. This is the reality of the illness and the process of going
around the group this way is welcomed by all. Lively support discussion ensued
with the following area's being addressed at this meeting: Acceptance of illness, Slow
speed of change, Responsibility regarding condition, non-compliance and meds, peer pressure.
Some of the key strategies discussed were: providing a safe environment, providing structure,
recognizing there are no right answers to cover all situations, and patience.
The next meeting will be held Nov 25. The Topic will be Vocational and Job opportunities
for EPI clients in recovery.
If you have comments you would like to share please email pspops@psychosissupport.com