Citadelle of Quebec - Day 3

Dr. De Koninck presented the research project that detects early signs of mental illness in youth by studying the retina.

In the afternoon, Their Excellencies visited the Centre de recherche de l’Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec. Dr. Yves De Koninck, Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at Université Laval and Scientific Director of CRIUSMQ gave an overview of how various research projects related to the brain are developing.

Their Excellencies stopped by Dr Jean-Pierre Julien's lab, who is conducting research on lithium to treat bipolar disease.

Photo of Their Excellencies with CRIUSMQ reseachers. This neuroscience and mental health research centre studies the primary causes of brain diseases and hosts nearly 70 researchers who lead teams totalling nearly 500 people. It offers multidisciplinary expertise ranging from membrane biophysics to social intervention, including cognitive psychology.

Her Excellency had the opportunity to speak with stakeholders in two of La Boussole’s programs: Enfance-Jeunesse, focusing on group activities for children (7–12 years) and adolescents (13–17 years) with a family member living with a mental disorder, and L’homme qui parlait aux autos, training that offers a code of conduct to facilitate interaction with individuals with a mental disorder. In addition, Mrs. Johnston met with volunteer facilitators of self-help groups and volunteers with the 24/7 helpline, who offer callers support and a sympathetic ear.

La Boussole, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, is a community-based, non-profit organization in the Québec region with a mission to bring together and support the family members and friends of individuals experiencing the clinical features of a mental disorder. The organization offers a range of services to help, inform and equip them to improve their quality of life.