SEAFAN FASD Network

We learn more every day as FASD research continues across Alberta. The approximate number of Albertans who currently have FASD is 174,000. Individuals living with FASD are more likely to have challenges with behaviour, communication, physical and mental development, and attention or hyperactivity. To help prevent FASD, share the message that there is no safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy.

"If she know's she's pregnant, shouldn't she know not to drink alcohol?" There are many reasons why a woman might take the risk to drink while pregnant. One is that she may be using alcohol to cope with difficult life situations such as violence, depression, poverty or isolation. Many women find it difficult to stop drinking when their life circumstances remain challenging or if they have few alternatives for finding support and treatment. But no one has to face challenges alone. There IS support available - see https://seafan.ca/pregnancy/ for local references.

Individuals with FASD need mental health treatment that is FASD-informed. FASD is a spectrum, meaning that each individual will experience different challenges and their challenges may differ depending on where they are in their life.

October 15th is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Losing a child is something that a mother should never have to experience, and yet, the unthinkable still happens. For counselling and grief support reference in the Foothills Alberta region, see https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/fmc/Page16422.aspx

Today is #worldmentalhealthday - so Let's Talk about mental health with individuals who have FASD. "When we talk about mental health for individuals with FASD, we often talk about the mental health issues people with FASD commonly experience. But it is important to remember that mental health more than mental illness. Our mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handl...e stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. For individuals with FASD, it can be difficult to develop the skills you need to maintain good mental health. There are a number of things that might be a barrier to you achieving good mental health, such as your personal challenges, stigma, and lack of services available." See https://canfasdblog.com//mental-health-for-individuals-wi/ to keep reading, and to see 5 strategies on how to improve your mental health despite the barriers. See more