The Canadian Institute for Advancements in Mental Health (IAM), is a connector, collaborator, thought leader and solution driven organization, supporting, innovating and driving change for better mental health.
Through their in-house services, they design programs around the needs of their clients – people with complex mental health needs and their support circles.
In 2017, they created a unique, first-of-its kind community-based mental health innovation platform: a designated space for mental health innovation entrenched within a mental health service organization. Through this platform, they envision a society that helps anyone impacted by mental health issues thrive, calling it redesigning society for better mental health by creating environments that are more inclusive, positive and accepting for people with mental illness.
IAM’s Mission
A community that works together supporting people with mental illness and expanding opportunities for better mental health.
Values
IAM, believes in a community that works together supporting people with mental illness and expanding opportunities for better mental health. IAM’s values support this work. They include:
- Partnership: Everything is better together, not alone.
- Innovation: Always questioning what’s not working and moving quickly to create meaningful change.
- Integrity: Work for better mental health with unwavering candor, compassion, and respect, always.
- Impact: Listen to what people need so that real solutions can be delivered for better mental health.
IAM Impact Story
My nightmare began in university, a time when I was beginning to realize my dream to become an expert. I had so many high hopes. I entered university with a very high average, a full scholarship, and in my dream field.
Then, it happened; I failed for the first time in my life. My dear parents sent me to a psychiatrist, and he was reluctant to say that I had schizophrenia; instead, he said I was depressed. I returned to university part-time and somehow managed to graduate in three more years than the majority of students.
Following university, I was unable to hold a job. I was fired several times even before my probation period ended. Concerned, my parents sent me to be an in-patient in a hospital. There, I officially became “schizophrenic”.
Years passed. Getting jobs. Losing jobs. Delusions. Psychosis.
Somehow, I got an amazing job in another university where I could study for free. It reignited my passion for learning. I decided to try for a master’s degree and was accepted, something I thought would never happen.
This was my first inkling of my recovery. Slowly and gradually, I improved. Academically, I did so well that today I am doing a PhD which was impossible when I started this journey. It wasn’t just education that saved my sanity. It was also the excellent support I got from a hospital and from IAM. They pulled me from the depths of despair.
I learned life-changing skills through the hospital and IAM – CBT, Mindfulness, and the Arts. Most importantly, I participated in one-on-one counselling with a very knowledgeable, talented and compassionate member of IAM who helped me become the person I am today. With her deep knowledge of schizophrenia, she helped me cope with my symptoms. I am experiencing a new beginning and moving my life forward after 20 years of debilitating delusions and psychosis.
Today, more and more, I am in the present and building my future. I feel free. Life is wonderful and getting better everyday. Although I may never get rid of my delusions and psychosis completely, I know how to cope and manage. I know that I do have a bright future. After all, tomorrow is a brand-new day with no mistakes.
