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WHY Cool Family Solutions?

A Brief History...

 In 1995, our daughter was diagnosed with a mental illness, bipolar disorder. This was a very roller coaster time for her and the family. We had no understanding of what mental illness was, how to cope with it and even wondered what her future held. So there existed many questions and uncertainties that needed answers.

Our daughter was getting the medical help she needed, however, as a family we were left to fend for ourselves.  As her mom, I had to make a call to the University of Calgary to see if she had completed her nursing courses for the year (May, 1995).  When I enquired, I told the professor the situation and she quickly referred us to the Canadian Mental Health Association. This was a gift.

I immediately phoned CMHA.  One thing they said to me that rung continually throughout our journey with mental illness was, “TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!”  I thought, “What! How can I take care of myself when our family is in a whirlwind of emotions, confusion and lack of understanding?”  Today, I am saying these same words constantly to caregivers. Why? If you do not take care of yourself, you cannot help the person who is ill as you may end up being ill yourself.  Who is going to be there for the ill family member, if you go down?

In 1996, I initiated the idea to have support for families at the Canadian Mental Health Association.  A CMHA staff member welcomed the idea and was willing to help develop a program for families to feel supported and guided. A     manual for the 6 week program has been produced for participants to work through, providing a product that is very unique in the market. In 2002, a CMHA staff member decided one more thing was needed to help families on an ongoing basis; weekly peer support groups. 

Over the 13 years involved in learning how to help our daughter, sharing what has worked and not worked and teaching the skills needed so families manage mental illness more effectively, it is time to add one more step to have a healthy, happy, strong family long term. 

Welcome, Cool Family Solutions Association. This has been a 10 year dream to have more FOCUS on the entire family. If the family does not learn how to support their loved one dealing with mental illness, EVERYONE is susceptible to illness. The Cooley family has had success in creating a strong, healthy and happy family for us as parents, our daughter and her siblings and now our grandchildren. When our daughter married a special man who loves the adventure, we were blessed with in-laws who willingly stepped up to learn how to be supportive to their son and daughter-in-law. 

Due to our skills and her ability to know when she needs the help, we can manage the ups and downs of the illness. The families step in to help at home versus her having to go to the hospital. Cool Family Solutions can NOW help more families create a healthy home environment, have the support to guide them through the high emotional times, find a plan to fit their particular situation and be supported by others who have walked in their shoes.

 Cool Family Solutions Association is focused on collaborating and partnering with organizations to support and guide the entire family through the challenges of mental illness and addictions.