How To Effectively Research Mental Health

New Workshop at Routes: How to Effectively Research Mental Health

A Google search for ‘mental health’ gives more than 49 million results! Trying to wade through all that to find reliable or specific information can be overwhelming and often difficult to know what is helpful and accurate. In this workshop, created and facilitated by Randi Storfer, clients will learn tips to help them research, think analytically and find information that will help empower them in their mental health. Topics will include: research tips, the benefits and risks in doing your own research, minimizing risks and negative outcomes, types of information and how to recognize different types of information and sources. Participants will learn how to determine if information is reliable and relevant to their needs as well as how to maintain mental wellness while researching.

The workshop will take place in 2 parts, and attendance at both sessions is essential. Participants will receive a handout of key points of the workshop as well as a list of reliable online starting points on a variety of mental health topics.

Dates: Part 1: Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm &

            Part 2: Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017. 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm.

Cost: Free! Snacks and tokens will be provided (upon request during registration).

Location: Routes: 2700 Dufferin Street, Unit 90, Toronto

To Register or Further Information: Email Tania Barrie: tbarrie@cmhato.org or

 Andrea Ferkranus: aferkranus@cmhato.org

Note: To encourage discussions, space will be limited to maximum 12 participants.

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 31, 2017.

Workshop Creator & Facilitator Bio:

Randi Storfer is a writer and mental health advocate with 19 years of lived experience of rapid cycling, type 2 bipolar disorder and eating disorders. She has been independently researching mental health for 15 years and has certifications in Mental Health First Aid, ASIST, Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, WRAP and received training in Peer Support Group Facilitation. She is especially passionate about empowerment, education, mental health in the workplace and children’s mental health. She is also a board member of C/S Info, was interim Editor for The Bulletin, volunteered in a variety of roles with The Hincks-Dellcrest Centre and has participated in several CMHA events. She believes wholeheartedly that having a mental illness does not mean a person is automatically sentenced to misery, poverty or learned helplessness – everyone has the ability to create a life focused on strengths, empowerment and can create sustainable and positive change.