Mental Health Sufferers on the Rise, But Too Few Resources
New self-help DVD series released for Psychology Month tries to fill the gap
Vancouver, BC- Mental health is on everyone's minds this month, and AnxietyBC, a non profit organization focused on increasing awareness of and promoting education and evidence based treatments related to Anxiety Disorders, is happy to bring more resources to sufferers.
Their new DVD, Panic Disorder: An Effective Self-Help Guide, is the latest self-help DVD to reach BC libraries, mental health centres and hospitals. Following on the heels of the popular DVD Separation Anxiety Disorder: A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Child, the new Panic Disorder DVD follows the story of three adults and shows how they successfully resolved their problems with Panic Disorder.
"We're pleased with the timing of our DVD release this year, as February, Psychology month in BC, is increasing public awareness of mental health issues." said Arto Tienaho, Executive Director at AnxietyBC. "Thanks to funding from BC Partner's Here To Help, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, we were able to supply 200 copies to BC libraries, Canadian Mental Health branches, hospitals and GPs."
One in four people will face an anxiety disorder in our lifetime, but there is still a long way to go to ensure sufferers are aware of -and get access to- the most effective treatments. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the treatment of choice for anxiety disorders, yet only 10% of people with a diagnosed anxiety disorder receive CBT. Furthermore, the number of CBT-trained therapists in BC and Canada is insufficient to meet demand.
So far, expert psychologists and psychiatrists are optimistic that these DVDs can help fill the knowledge gap, with illustrations of how Panic Disorder feels to sufferers and easy to follow, step by step treatments.
"After 25 years as a practicing and 32 years as an educating psychologist, I was delighted to be given this opportunity to show the very best of what psychology and psychiatry can do for sufferers of Panic Disorder." said Dr. Michael Catchpole, Executive Producer of the DVD series. "Panic Disorder is highly treatable and this program shows sufferers exactly how to go about resolving their challenges."
Unlike so many "pop" psychology programs, Panic Disorder is produced, written and hosted by mental health professionals. Early reviews have been positive.
"This DVD is an outstanding resource for individuals with Panic Disorder, their loved ones, and their therapists." wrote Canadian psychologist and global expert in anxiety, Dr. Martin Anthony. "The strategies described are grounded in the most up-to-date, evidence-based approaches. Anyone who wants to learn more about panic disorder and its treatment should watch this DVD. I highly recommend it!"
Later this month, AnxietyBC will release the next DVD in the series which addresses Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in children.
In addition to being available for loan at public libraries and through your health care provider, AnxietyBC's self help DVDs can be purchased directly from AnxietyBC. The DVDs are available for purchase here.
Media Contact
Arto Tienaho
E: info@anxietybc.com
O: (604) 525-7566
M: (778) 868-9845
