This week we talked to Dr. Sheila Harms about mental health in Hamilton and on an international level.
On Nov. 4, the International Womenâs and Childrenâs Health conference was held in Hamilton. The focus of the conference was on âconfronting the stigma: a global and multicultural perspective on the mental health of women and childrenâ. Dr. Sheila Harms facilitated a workshop on the Grand Challenges of Global Mental Health at the conference.
Dr. Harms is a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist working at McMaster Childrenâs Hospital in Hamilton. She has a particular interest in marginalized populations and currently works with homeless and incarcerated youth to address mental health concerns. She participated as a clinician in the Grand Challenges in Global Mental Health in identifying key research priorities.
The Grand Challenges of Global Mental Health are those specific barriers that, if removed, would help to improve the lives of those affected by neuropsychiatric illnesses. The goal of identifying these challenges is to ultimately develop effective interventions.
Dr. Harms appeals to our listeners to be open to learning about what mental illness is beyond its stereotypes and stigma. It is important to remember the hope that resides in mental health issues and to recognize the resilience of those affected by mental illnesses.
If you want to learn more about the Grand Challenges in Global Mental Health, check out their official website: <a href="http://grandchallengesgmh.nimh.nih.gov/" title="Grand Challenges in Global Mental Health">
If you want more information on the International Women's and Children's Conference, click here! <a href="http://iwch.org/workshops" title="International Women's and Children's Health Conference - Hamilton"></a></a>
(photo taken from http://www.arttherapyblog.com/)
this program originally aired on CFMU 93.3 FM. Check us out online at http://www.healthjusticeradio.com