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Editor's Message
Visions In this journal, we hope to create a place where the many perspectives on mental health issues can be heard. The Canadian Mental Health Association is grateful to the Ministry of Health, who has assisted in underwriting the production of this journal. The Canadian Mental Health Association invites readers’ comments and concerns regarding the articles and opinions in this journal. Please send your letter, including your name, address and phone number to: The opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division or its Branch offices. Editorial Board 
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How do they impact mental health? What kind of income support is available? And how difficult is it to get?  
Editor's Message
Dena Ellery
The income assistance bureaucracy is overwhelming and often undermines people's abilities to maintain their dignity. And that's if you don't have a disability such as a mental illness.
The combination of living with a mental illness, particularly if its symptoms are more present, and living with low-income or in poverty can be too much to bear. Those who do thrive in this kind of system deserve our kudos, respect, and mostly, our willingness to advocate for changes to this unjust system.
For all those who manage to live in poverty, there are many who give up. Some give up after trying once to access disability benefits; a couple more hundred dollars per month. The path of appealing and dealing with a bureaucracy that holds your future in its decision-making hands is too daunting. Others give up trying to work within the system, and learn how to lie, cheat or steal because they cannot find other ways to live on $500, $596 or $771 (or $546 if over age 56) per month. Others give up hope altogether and they are lost through suicide, drugs or alcohol abuse.
As you read through this issue, keep in mind that it is all of us who can make a difference in how our system works. Will we ask our elected officials to make changes and hold them accountable to the issues the United Nations have identified as unjust? Will we contribute to organizations which provide services and supports to people with a mental illness? Will we volunteer to help advocate for each other when we need help gaining access to housing, income, benefits, work opportunities and a decent quality of life?
If you have a comment, question or concern, contact the editor by e-mail at dellery@cmha-bc.org, or by phone, 604/688-3234.
Dedication: Ros Libbey
This issue of Visions is dedicated to the memory of Ros Libbey.
Ros graduated from UNB with a BA in English. She had been living in Vancouver for the past few years. She had aspirations of becoming a writer and editor and had written a lot of poetry which her family and friends aim to see published one day.
Ros was an engaging creative and intelligent woman whom many people were drawn to. However, she struggled with the fact that the challenges of living with a mental illness made it difficult for her to achieve and contribute.
She is deeply missed by her family in Fredericton: her parents Harry and Jackie Libbey, her sister Sandra Libbey, grandmother Lila Libbey and her sister in Vancouver Heather Libbey as well as, many friends and relatives. Her family would like to share one of her poems and thank those who contributed to the CMHA in her memory.
when you love me
when you love me
Table of Contents
Below is a complete title list of the articles and other resources in this issue.
1. Do income supports really help people with mental health problems feel more a part of our communities?
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