Welcome to the KB Searchlight!
Frequently Asked QuestionsGeneral FAQs
What services or information is available online?
What services are available in the Kootenays?
Where can I find other parents or youth who have had similar experiences?
How do I figure out who to contact to get support for myself/my child?
Here are some additional resources:
Family Support Organization – Families Organized for Recognition and Care Equality (F.O.R.C.E.) www.forcesociety.com 604 878 3400
Child and Youth Mental Health, call 811
Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Line 1 800 663 1441
Aboriginal Services 1 800 588 8717
What services is my child eligible to receive?
How long will we have to wait for an appointment?
Are we alone? How common is mental illness? Is it my fault?
What signs should I be looking for?
There are many different symptoms that are associated with mental health challenges and symptoms can be different for different people. How a person feels, thinks and behaves can all be affected.
A full list of some of the most common symptoms can be found on the kelty mental health resource centre website: http://keltymentalhealth.ca/mental-health-challenges-and-disorders
What do I do if there is a crisis?
Crisis Line: 310-6789
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-784-2433
Youth in BC crisis line: 1-866-661-3311
What are my rights?
The following “rights” were drafted in 2001 as a way of describing what people can and should expect from the mental health system in British Columbia. This is not law but intended to help service providers, patients and family members to achieve the best of our mental health system.
- The right to have your basic human rights respected.
- The right to services that promote mental wellness and recovery and positive attitudes towards mental illness.
- The right to have concerns listened to, heard and responded to with procedures that follow respectful process.
- The right to privacy.
- The right to access timely and relevant treatment and services.
- The right and responsibility to be a full partner in one’s care and to participate in the development, implementation and evaluation of one’s plan for recovery/rehabilitation.
- The right to the least restrictive environment possible when in an in-patient setting.
- The right to appropriate and comprehensive information, education and training, in plain language, about one’s mental health problems, their treatment and what recovery services and community supports are available to meet one’s needs
- The right of access to a support person of one’s choice, which could include family, advocates or friends, or to exclude individuals whom the person feels would have a negative effect on their treatment/well-being at this time.
- The right to be included and involved at all levels of systemic mental health service delivery and policy.
Each hospital should have patient rights posted and accessible.
Need help?
If you believe your rights have been breached, then it is best to talk or write directly to the person or organization giving you the services. Very often they will welcome the complaint or concern as it helps them to improve their standard of service or uncover a problem.
If you feel uncomfortable or unable to do this, you can take a friend, relative or advocate with you as support. You also have the support of the Hospital Patient Representative who is trained to help people resolve health care concerns. This service is free.
Be sure to address your concern fairly and respectfully. Some communities may have access to mental health advocates who will help you work through your concerns. There are provincial organizations like the BC Coalition for People with Disabilities or the office of the Ombudsman or the Minister of State for Mental Health who are also available to help you address your concerns if you cannot get them resolved locally.
For More Information:
- Office of the Ombudsman: 1-800-567-3247 or www.ombudsman.bc.ca
- Freedom of Information and Privacy Commissioner: 1-800-663-7867 or www.oicbc.org
- BC Human Rights Tribunal: 1-888-440-8844 or www.bchrt.bc.ca
How do I make a local complaint?
Whenever possible it’s best to resolve any issues directly with the person who provided the service. If that does not work you can contact the manager for the area. If neither of those steps resolve the issue, you can file a formal complaint.
This link will take you to the page about filing a complaint with Interior Health: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/YourCare/PatientCareQualityOffice/Pages/de…
This link will take you to the complaints process page for the Ministry of Children and Family Development: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/complaints/
Youth FAQs
Are we alone? How common is mental illness? Is it my fault?
Mental health challenges are common and can happen to anyone. Most of us will either struggle with a mental health challenge ourselves, or will know someone who is affected by one at some point in our lifetime. Up to 70% of mental illnesses begin before the age of 18. In BC 14% – 20% of youth are currently experiencing or will experience mental illness. It is not your fault! Early detection and treatment can help.
Though you may feel alone at times there is always a group of people who are willing to help you through the tough times, like your family, friends, doctor and counsellors.
What do I do if there is a crisis?
Suicide Hotline: 1-800-784-2433
Youth in BC crisis line: 1-866-661-3311
How do I explain to my friends what my illness looks and feels like in my life?
What questions should I ask my doctor?
- How can I get a better understanding of what I am experiencing?
- What is the best treatment method?
- Do I need medication? If yes, what side effects will the medication have?
- Will the medication make me drowsy or sluggish?
- Should I take my medication at a certain time?
- How often should I see you?
- Can you refer me to a counsellor?
What questions should I ask my counsellor?
- How can I get a better understanding of what I am experiencing?
- What is the best treatment method?
- How long will my treatment be and who will be involved? How will you keep everyone informed?
- Will you tell my parents what I say?
- How can I explain my illness to my friends and family?
- Where can I meet other youth who are experiencing similar things?
- When can I expect to feel better?
What are some potential side effects of medication?
This depends on the type of medication you are taking. Your doctor or psychiatrist will explain any potential side effects to you.
Some side effects might be:
- weight gain
- high blood pressure
- sluggish or drowsy like symptoms
- constant urge to eat
- low energy
What happens if I am hospitalized or referred to a treatment centre?
If you are hospitalized or referred to a treatment centre do not panic just relax and get the help that you need. I made the most progress managing my mental illness at a treatment centre where they taught me useful coping mechanisms. It was fun, youth friendly and a welcoming environment.
If you are hospitalized make sure you have an understanding that you are in the hospital for your own safety reasons. An inpatient psychiatric unit can be scary at times so having support is important. Make sure to have as many people as you can come visit and be there by your side when you need them.
KB Searchlight is an initiative of the Kootenay Boundary CYMHSU Action Team, coordinated locally by Kootenay Boundary Division of Family Practice and hosted by partner agency, Kootenay Family Place. Other action team members include families, doctors, mental health counsellors, school administrators, health authority staff, community agencies and more. The Child Youth Mental Health and Substance Use Collaborative is supported by the Shared Care Committee with additional support for specialist participation from the Specialist Services Committee. Both committees are partnerships between Doctors of BC and government of BC.