FIPA's
Mental Health Centre
We are as Beautiful and as Resilient as Rocks.
Photo taken by Marie Russell, Strong People Strong Families (SPSF) Volunteer Photographer.
FIPA's practical approach to mental health include, for example, protocols and ideas that our readers can easily use in their work or professional lives. This page will be updated from time to time to include those protocols and ideas.
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We will also present ideas from individuals and organizations that are invested in mental health and general wellbeing.
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We are a modest Centre with plans to expand.
definition of mental health
Mental health is “a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. Mental health is a basic human right. And it is crucial to personal, community and socio-economic development." World Health Organization
mental health is affected by physical health
Mental health issues can be affected by physical health, therefore as healthy as possible in one's circumstances is recommended. Certain foods, especially those rich in refined carbohydrates and sugars, can lead to quick increases in blood sugar levels, which can significantly affect mood and mental well-being. Sleep quality and quantity, exercise and other lifestyle factors may also affect mental health.
free and discounted resources
We are excited to offer assistance and a collection of resources
that provide tools and techniques to facilitate both
physical and mental health.
On our team are physicians, therapists, life coaches and artists.
If you would like to be a member of this community,
write to fipafamily@gmail.com with the heading Mental Health
We also welcome videos that meet our policy guidelines.
The free book Hush Writing is available in January, 2025 as a gift to our FIPA Community. If you would like to receive a notification on its availability in August, 2024, write to fipafamily@gmail.com with the caption Hush Writing. The book to the left, which is a book on healthy food choices for the entire family, is heavy discounted.
calm
One of the key objectives of the mental health center is to help individuals maintain a sense of calm
we hold quarterly talks
On one of the following topics
Self Awareness | Depression | Anxiety Disorders | Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Esteem and Self-Worth | Stress Management | Mindfulness and Meditation Emotional Resilience | Coping with Grief and Loss | Anger Management Substance Abuse and Addiction | Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Burnout and Compassion Fatigue Crisis Intervention and Support | Relationship and Interpersonal Issues | Mental Health and Wellness in the Workplace Work-Life Balance | Sleep Disorders and Mental Health | Cognitive Therapy (CBT) Techniques| Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders | Bipolar Disorder | Eating Disorders| Self-Care Practices | Child and Adolescent Mental Health Geriatric Mental Health | Men’s Mental Health | Women’s Mental Health Phobias and Irrational Fears | Social Anxiety and Shyness | Identity and Mental Health Supporting a Loved One with Mental Illness | Mental Health and Cultural Sensitivity|Healthy Boundaries|Emotional Intelligence|Holistic Approaches to Mental Health/Managing Chronic Pain|Digital Detox|Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder|Domestic Violence| New Insights into Mental Health and Critical Thinking for Mental Health - also see the Centre for Critical Thinking in Leadership
counterintuitive
All videos on this page are provided for discussion purposes only. FIPA does not necessarily endorse all the views expressed in these videos.
resilience ... but
Resilience is the strength that gives us the willpower to bounce back from challenges and emerge even stronger. But when 'Resilience' becomes a buzz word it can normalize extreme hardship and even cruelty. It can also negate the need for systemic change, leading to burnout when all responsibility is shifted to individuals.
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the power of creativity
The Power of Creativity for Mental Well-being Nearly a decade ago, the founders of Hospital Rooms were inspired by a visit to a friend in a mental health facility. The cold, clinical environment was far from conducive to healing, which led them to wonder: what if the arts could transform such spaces into nurturing, inspiring environments? Since then, they’ve collaborated with renowned artists to breathe new life into mental health units across the United Kingdom. At our Mental Health Centre, we believe that creativity plays a vital role in mental well-being. Just as Hospital Rooms has demonstrated, art can not only transform physical spaces but also elevate mental health by fostering self-expression, reducing stress, and offering an outlet for emotional release. Studies show that engaging with creative practices, whether through visual art, music, or writing, can significantly improve mood, increase self-esteem, and aid in recovery for those facing mental health challenges​. As our Centre grows, we aim to integrate art and creativity into our mental health initiatives, working with local artists and therapists to showcase their art thar promotes healing and personal growth by providing links to their websites or social media pages
Sailing: painted by Traci Wong at age 16
articles
A resource from Psychology Professor Norris M Haynes, a distinguished member of our Board of Advisors
Social and Emotional Learning Cross Cultural Pillars
A resource from Sheryl Garriques Lloyd, University Lecturer, Psychiatric Nurse, PhD Student, and a Member of the Board of Directors
One of our favourite classic psychology articles is written by Albert Bandura in 1977. Bandura was heralded as the greatest living psychologist until his death in 2021. The article, we feel, should be read by every university student.
if you would like to share an article on a mental health subject, please write to fipafamily@gmail.com under the heading Mental Health Article. Note that the article must comply with our policies., while keeping your layout clean. Link your text to anything, or set your text box to expand on click. Write your text here...
professional services
We only offer very limited professional services. Our goal is not to provide wide services, but to ensure that therapists, regardless of their training, agree to our goals, values and strict Code of Ethics. Therapists are not employed to FIPA and act as independent agents.
CELEBRATION!
Who is the Mental Health Centre Celebrating? Scroll Down to the End of the Page
domestic violence
resources
Please educate your family, workplace or community
about domestic violence
Listening to one or more of the videos or articles below will help you start understanding this phenomenon. Also note that domestic violence also affects men: not only are they abused by their partners, but they are also the fathers, sons, brothers and friends of abused women.
Videos
Confronting domestic violence abusers face to face - less than 6 minutes
Why domestic violence victims do not leave 16 minutes
It's time to talk about psychological and verbal abuse 10 minutes
Recognizing signs of abuse over 9 minutes
What happens when men are victims of domestic violence? over 5 minutes
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Articles
Why (some) adults act like children a 5 minute read
The nine different kinds of abuse a Fact Sheet
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Please contact your national help line if you are experiencing violence at home, or contact a helping professional with expertise in this area if you suspect a family member is in an abusive relationship.
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LET'S CELEBRATE!
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To celebrate an individual, group or organization on the Mental Health Centre, write to us at fipafamily@gmail.com. Those celebrated can be of any profession: they should have a reputation of inspiring others by deed, not only through words. We will also develop a FIPA published photo album of the people celebrated on this Page.
Mrs. Audrey McDowell, in her proud 90s, in such a beloved person that her niece wrote a happy poem about how she reminded her of Caribbean Christmases. Born in Jamaica, she was a splendid teacher until she retired at the Bishop Anstey High School in Trinidad and Tobago, and is known as a treasured, caring and excellent teacher, inspiring her students at every turn. As the saying by Henry Adams suggests ' good teachers affect eternity, they can never tell where their influence stops.' Mrs. McDowell's mind is wonderfully active: she reviewed in detail the book The Courage to Fly by Trinidadian Wendy Yawching. She is in two active book clubs: one with her daughters and grandchildren and another with her friends. Also see a photo of Mrs. McDowell on Facebook.
The Mental Health Centre:
Impact on Other Centres
The Mental Health Centre is deeply interconnected with the other three centres of FIPA, as mental health is a fundamental aspect of human well-being that affects all areas of life. It provides support, resources, and education for individuals and families dealing with mental health challenges, which in turn impacts family dynamics, leadership, and economic stability. The Mental Health Centre focuses on ensuring that mental wellness is integrated into the various programs and initiatives across FIPA’s centres. The relationship between the Mental Health Centre and the Family Centre is especially significant. Mental health struggles can place considerable strain on family relationships, and the Family Centre's work is enhanced by addressing the mental and emotional health of its participants. By collaborating, these two centres ensure that families are equipped with the emotional resilience and tools needed to handle stress, trauma, or other mental health issues, creating stronger, healthier family units. The connection between the Mental Health Centre and the Trade Centre recognizes that economic pressures can often lead to mental health challenges, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. By working together, the two centres aim to provide not only mental health support but also economic opportunities and resources that can alleviate financial stress. This holistic approach helps individuals improve both their mental well-being and their economic prospects, acknowledging that these aspects of life are interdependent. The Mental Health Centre’s link to the Centre for Critical Thinking in Leadership (CCTL) is essential because critical thinking can help individuals navigate the complexities of mental health, both for themselves and others. Leaders in all spheres, including families, communities, and workplaces, need the ability to approach mental health challenges with empathy, insight, and sound judgement. The CCTL equips leaders with these critical thinking tools, fostering environments where mental health issues are addressed thoughtfully and effectively. Finally, the Mental Health Centre has a strong relationship with the Idea Lab, where new approaches to mental health care and support can be explored. The Idea Lab encourages innovative thinking around how mental health is understood and addressed, from developing new programs to exploring emerging research. By engaging with the Idea Lab, the Mental Health Centre can adapt and refine its strategies, ensuring that it stays at the forefront of mental health care and remains responsive to the changing needs of the communities it serves.