Remarkable work by a fantastic team

Last week there was an extraordinary photography exhibit at the Mental Health Day Hospital in the Allan Memorial Institute, located at 1025 Avenue des Pins. Some fifty photographs, the fruit of patients' labours, are on display. The day hospital welcomes patients daily for a variety of activities, including workshops on cognitive and interpersonal skills and healthy lifestyle habits, etc. explains Melody Ross, a nurse clinician involved in the program. "For the photography activity, we start with a photo on a set theme and then, as a group, we tell the story of what we wanted to do.” Melody explains how photography becomes an exercise in mindfulness, enabling patients to focus on themselves and interact with others. “We discuss the photos as a group and, for the exhibit, we print them out and promote the event, which also boosts self-esteem."

Julie Migner-Laurin is responsible for music therapy. "On Thursdays, we do musical improvisation. We've often used the photographs to inspire these improvisations.” The exhibit also features a listening station where you can listen to these musical jam sessions paired with the photographs that inspired them. “Music is not only a bonus to the therapeutic approach; it involves expression and socialization, which are at the heart of good mental health,” says the music therapist.

Dr. Fielding, the psychiatrist who coordinates this amazing team, is clearly proud of this program, which offers an integrated approach to mental health. "We offer an all-encompassing method to teaching patients to adapt to their condition. It encourages them to adopt an attitude of mindfulness that enables them to reintegrate into active life." Dr. Fielding has worked at the hospital for 35 years. He reminds us that the Mental Health Day Hospital at the Allan Memorial Institute is the oldest centre of its kind in North America. It’s been around since 1947! It provides extensive services on a daily basis, offering a high-level of support. It is designed for people who have difficulty managing in a mainstream setting.

Kim was a doctoral student in pharmacology when she first experienced difficulties. "In all the other programs I attended, I was late or kicked out for lack of involvement. At the day hospital, it's completely different. I'm really learning to control my anxiety and that helps me a lot in my relationships with other people. The photography activity allows me to see the city from different viewpoints and to understand the way I feel and share it. For example, my photograph served as the basis for a musical improvisation initiated by Jean-Paul on clarinet. What I saw and how I felt when I took the picture were completely different from the impression I got from the band, which offered soothing music over what I had initially seen as a source of anxiety." Listen to the musical creation here.

Vicky has experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, accompanied by severe anxiety. She took photography classes in high school and was happy to resume the activity. For her, photography is a form of free expression and sharing that helps enormously in her relationship with others.

Jean-Paul, who is 22, was not comfortable with traditional verbal therapies. "I much prefer approaches that involve learning different things. At the day hospital, I was able to learn simple things like cooking in a group, which enabled me to regain my confidence and a great deal of independence.”

Tania, for her part, had a heavy family history that was weighing her down. “The day hospital saved my life,” she says. "The team is extraordinary and the group activities make a real difference, allowing me to be attentive in the present moment.”

About the program

The day hospital is a therapeutic program primarily made up of groups, intended for people living with mental health issues.

The multidisciplinary team consists of Dr. Allan Fielding (Psychiatrist), Sara Fouquette (Nurse Clinician), Nicole Côté (Nurse Clinician), Melody Ross (Nurse Clinician), Amy Newton (Psychoeducator), Elizabeth Jacob-Goldman (Occupational Therapist), Julie Migner-Laurin (Music Therapist), Léa Rawlinson (unit Coordinator) and a number of health professionals in training.

The program operates daily from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and lasts 12 weeks.

Its aim is to identify, learn and practice new skills in a supportive environment, with a focus on recovery and relapse prevention.