Hi Karyn:
So good to hear from you! I wanted to fill it out too but because my son died almost 14 years ago I can not. There is a strict criteria for within the last 12 months. That is because the Ministry is trying to collect the data for a current 'snapshot'.
There were many other dynamics that we all wanted to capture (including those of us affected previously outside of that time frame) but the survey was even longer than it is now and it had to be shortened.
The one very promising thing Karyn is that this family/friends care- giving survey is now inclusive of mental health and substance use.
Finally, we as parents, family, loved ones, significant others are being recognized as care-givers to our loved ones with mental health and/or substance use issues.
I know we still have a long way to go but the determination of parent advocates like you and I who have lost our children (and those who are struggling to keep their children/loved ones alive) in partnership with systems and community will indeed get us there one day.
I often think of you Karyn and particularly at times when yet another person struggling with mental health and/or substance use is shot by police because I can only imagine how horribly triggering it must be for you.
Betty-Lou Kristy
Lived Experience/‘Family’ Advocate- Mental Health, Addiction, Trauma & Bereavement