A ffiliate Newsletter - NAMI North Central Mass · ffiliate NewsletterA March-April 2016 ... made...

Affiliate Newsletter March-April 2016

NAMIWalks Massachusetts, Saturday, May 14, 2016

The 13th annual NAMIWalks Massachusetts will take place at Artesani Park on Saturday, May 14. (Artesani Park is at 1255 Soldiers Field Road in Boston (Brighton), MA, across from Days Inn.) Members and friends of NAMI North Central Massachusetts will join the many Walk teams and thousands of Walkers to raise awareness about mental illness and recovery and to raise funds to support NAMI’s programs of support, education, and advocacy on behalf of individuals and families affected by mental illness. We’ve formed a team - Team NAMI North Central – and invite you, your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers to become members of our team, set goals, and support a great cause. Here’s a link to our team: http://www.namiwalks.org/team/ncm NAMI North Central held a poster contest for Leominster high school students, and the winner’s design graces our team’s t-shirt (see p. 6). We’ve also designed a “stop stigma” hat for our team. You may purchase the t-shirt for $20, the hat for $20, or both for $35. You may wish to create your own team to support NAMI North Central Massachusetts. That’s exactly what Allison and Rick Raymond have done! They have created Team Raymond/Mid-State Hikers. Here’s what Rick says: “This spring Allison and I are going to be doing a two-part walk in hope to raise money for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). NAMI has made a huge difference in the life of not only Allison, but for me as well and we would like to be able to give back. The first part is the 5K NAMI walk on May 14, 2016 in Boston. The second part is a 92-mile hike from the Rhode Island border to the New Hampshire border, called the Mid-State trail. We plan on doing this part in the beginning of June but the exact date is still TBD. We will be doing this as a thru-hike which means we will do it all in one shot, and, yes, that includes camping in the woods! Please help us to raise money and help stop the

stigma of mental illness. Below is the link to the NAMI walks page where you can donate to our cause Team Raymond / Mid-State Hikers. I also wanted to stress that everything you donate to the NAMI page goes directly to them and nothing goes towards funding our hike or our gear - this is strictly to raise money for NAMI and to spread awareness of mental illness. Thank You so much!!!”

WALK! SUPPORT! EDUCATE! ADVOCATE!

Family Support Groups

Messiah Lutheran Church 750 Rindge Road, Fitchburg

7:00-8:30 p.m. 1st and 3rd Thursdays Contact Diane or Guy

978-345-1491 508-736-3887

Clinton Hospital, 2nd Floor Conference Rooms A & B

6:30-8:30 p.m. Contact Edie 978-345-2214

Connection Recovery Support Groups

Messiah Lutheran Church 750 Rindge Road, Fitchburg

7:00-8:30 p.m. Every Thursday Contact Caryl 508-574-0603

Heywood Hospital

242 Green St., Gardner Dining Room, Conference Room B (inside Cafeteria)

7:00-8:30 p.m. Every Tuesday

Contact Cortney 508-331-2921

NAMI North Central Massachusetts, Newsletter (March-April 2016), p. 2 www.NAMINorthCentralMA.org

In my own words... (by Glenn Close) Source: http://mashable.com/2016/01/25/glenn-close-mental-illness-stigma/#fL8Icb5lOkq3

I come from a family that had no vocabulary for mental illness. Toxic stigma and the social mores of the time made any conversation about possible mental health issues taboo. That lack of conversation was very costly. Over multiple generations, various members of my family and extended family have been impacted by: serious depression, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder and bipolar disorder. If talking openly about something as scary and misunderstood as mental illness is not accepted, tragedies can happen. I have learned that I have been living with mild depression for probably most of my life. When I couldn’t concentrate, overwhelmed by the simplest tasks — wheels spinning — I thought I had some form of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Upon being tested, I was told that I was depressed. But how could that be? I shouldn’t have been surprised, given the history of depression in my family. Our DNA connects us for better or for worse. The human brain is a magnificent organ — fragile and mind-bogglingly complex. Imbalances are part of the human condition. They say one in four of us is touched in some way by a mental health issue. That fact alone should make us compassionate and empathetic. Now, as I walk down the street in New York or board a plane or go buy a quart of milk, I look at those around me and think, “One in four.” My journey as an advocate for mental health started on the day my sister, Jessie, came to me and said, “I need help. I can’t stop thinking about killing myself.” Jessie’s son, Calen, had been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder a number of years before. Because mental illness was never discussed in our family, Calen’s diagnosis had been a shock to us all. Then, Jessie had been misdiagnosed with depression and was actually put on the wrong meds. Her suicidal ideation — envisioning ways to kill herself — came to dominate her thoughts. She feared for her life and came to me for help. When she was a little girl, Jessie would rub the skin between her thumb and forefinger until it was crusted and bleeding. Today, if any of us in our family should witness such a behavior, red flags would go up and help would be sought. But back then we all thought it was because Little Jess was high-strung and nervous. How sad was it, then, that the early interventions available in the present day, did not exist? How different Jessie’s life would have been? We are so blessed that she is still with us. Tragically, she wasn’t properly diagnosed with bipolar disorder until she was 50. Today, she is a mental health advocate and gifted public speaker and her book, Resilience, came out in paperback just this month. Both Jessie and Calen have astounding courage. When they asked me to help fight the stigma around mental illnesses, I cofounded Bring Change 2 Mind but only after I asked them both if they would be willing to talk about living with their diagnoses publicly, in a national campaign. Without hesitation, they both said, “Yes.” We didn’t know what we were getting into. We have learned so much over the years. One prominent lesson is that personal stories are incredibly powerful. It’s like opening a floodgate. No one should feel alone or ashamed. We are all in this together. I hope more families will have the courage to talk openly about the mental health challenges they face. In our communities, starting within each family, we need to be vigilant and to err on the side of sensitive and


compassionate intervention if we notice someone isolating themselves, being marginalized and made to feel ashamed. As a society, it is imperative that we educate ourselves about mental health issues, that we realize that those suffering from bipolar disorder or serious depression or cancer or diabetes — any chronic illness — are worthy of our compassion, empathy and respect.

Grant from Doyle Community Fund We are very pleased and grateful to have received a grant from the Doyle Community Fund of UMassMemorial-HealthAlliance Hospital. The grant will underwrite the costs of offering two of NAMI’s signature educational programs in the fall: the twelve-week, evidence-based Family-to-Family Education Program and the six-week NAMI Basics. Details about the location, days, and hours for the courses will be announced as soon as they are set.

Guy Beales, President of NAMI North Central Massachusetts, received the check from the Doyle Community Fund from Deborah Weymouth, CEO of HealthAlliance Hospital.


Family-to-Family is a free course for family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses. Participants will receive current information on serious mental illnesses such as major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia; learn about medications, side effects, and evidence-based treatments; practice problem-solving skills and communication techniques; develop strategies for handling crises and relapses; review local community services and supports; and focus on self-care and coping with stress. Family-to-Family is a nationally recognized, evidence-based course that has been taught to more than 300,000 individuals across the country. Research has shown that family members who participate in Family-to-Family classes have significantly greater overall empowerment as well as empowerment within their family, the service system, and their community; greater knowledge of mental illness; better coping skills; less anxiety related to being able to control conditions; and higher reported levels of problem-solving skills related to family functioning. In other words, the NAMI Family-to-Family education program leads to positive life changes for participants that enable them to feel more in control of their own lives. NAMI Basics is a free 6-week educational program for parents and family caregivers of children and teens who are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness or who have already been diagnosed. NAMI Basics is offered in a group setting so participants can connect with other people face-to-face. Members of the class will learn the facts about mental health conditions and how best to support children at home, at school, and when they are getting medical care. Last year, 99% of the participants who took NAMI Basics across the country said they would recommend the program to other parents. The course is taught by NAMI-trained parents with lived experience: that is, they know what parents are going through because they have been there. The six-session program, meeting once a week for two and a half hours, provides critical strategies for taking care of children with mental health conditions and learning the ropes of recovery. In NAMI Basics, parents find out that they are not alone. Equally important, they learn that recovery is a journey and there is hope. The group setting of NAMI Basics provides mutual support and shared positive impact: parents can experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand their situation; in turn, they can help others from the perspective of their own experience.

Parents Caring for Adult Children with Serious Mental Illness Kathryn Raymond, who recently received her doctoral degree, will present the results of her research, “Parents Caring for Adult Children with Serious Mental Illness,” at Fidelity Bank’s Community Room, 9 Leominster Connector, Leominster, on Thursday, April 28, at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Raymond’s research is a qualitative descriptive study examining parents' management styles and associated management components in caring for adult children with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder. Dr. Raymond is an adult psychiatric clinical nurse specialist with 34 years of experience working for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. She is interested in working with adults with serious mental illnesses and their families to provide education, skills-building, and support in order to improve health outcomes. The presentation is free, and members of the public are cordially invited to attend. The Community Room, which is handicap-accessible, is located on the lower level of Fidelity Bank and can be accessed by the lobby elevator.


FOR YOUR CALENDAR

April 28 (Thursday): 7:00 p.m., Kathryn Raymond, “Parents Caring for Adult Children with Serious Mental

Illness,” Community Room, Fidelity Bank, Leominster May 3 (Tuesday): “Healing Voices” (feature-length documentary), 6:00 p.m., Community Room, Fidelity Bank,

Leominster May 4 (Wednesday): Mental Health Month Kickoff, Montachusett Vocational Technical High School (4:00-

5:00 p.m., mental health wellness fair; 5:00-6:00 p.m., speakers, Q&A) May 7 (Saturday): Family Day, UMass Memorial-HealthAlliance Hospital, Leominster, 10 a.m.-2:00 p.m. May 10 (Tuesday): “If Only” screening at North Middlesex Regional High School, 6:00 p.m. May 12 (Thursday): “Being and Parenting a Depressed and Suicidal Child: One Family’s Story” by Patricia

Larsted and Her Father Bob, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Frances Perkins Branch, Worcester Public Library, 470 West Boylston St., Worcester

May 14 (Saturday): NAMI Massachusetts Walk May 27 (Friday): Health Fair, Sky View Middle School, Leominster, 8:00-2:00 (set up at 7:30) June: Book sale at Hannaford’s, Leominster July 6-9: NAMI National Convention, Denver June 8 (Wednesday): 6th Annual Mental Health & Law Enforcement Conference, “Crisis De-Escalation and

Prevention Strategies,” Fitchburg State University, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. To register, click on: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MH-LeConference-2016 August 21 (Sunday): Ride of Your Life (Montachusett Suicide Prevention Task Force), Monty Tech Regional

Vocational Technical High School, 1050 Westminster Street, Fitchburg October 2 (Sunday): NAMI North Central’s Annual Candlelight Vigil, Carter Park, Leominster October 5 (Wednesday), 6:00 p.m., NCM Annual Meeting October 29 (Saturday): NAMI Massachusetts Convention, Sturbridge Host Hotel & Convention Center

Massachusetts Mental Health Resources for Men MassMen.org is a comprehensive resource for Massachusetts men and their loved ones, offering statewide mental health information, resources, and online self-assessments: www.massmen.org Mass Men is part of a statewide initiative aimed at reducing the suicide rate among working-aged men in Massachusetts. The comprehensive website provides men and their loved ones with vital mental health information, anonymous screenings for common mental health disorders and suicide, and state and local resources developed by regional suicide prevention coalitions. In addition to providing mental health information, screenings and resources, MassMen.org also provides access to ManTherapy.org, a website designed to encourage men to take care of themselves and to seek help before mental or emotional issues develop into a crisis. MassMen.org has a simple goal: To provide men in Massachusetts with the tools they need to take care of themselves and to get the help they need when they need it most. About Screening for Mental Health Screening for Mental Health, Inc. (SMH), the pioneer of large-scale mental health screening for the public, provides innovative mental health and substance abuse resources, linking those in need with quality treatment options. SMH programs, offered online and in-person, educate, raise awareness, and screen individuals for common mental health disorders and suicide. Thousands of organizations worldwide including hospitals,


military installations, colleges, secondary schools, and corporations utilize our educational and screening programs, and in turn, have reached millions of people ranging from teenagers to adults. For more information about Screening for Mental Health, visit http://mentalhealthscreening.org/.

Gardner Suicide Survivor Support Group

The Gardner Suicide Survivor Group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Volney Howe Conference Room, Heywood Hospital, 242 Green St., Gardner. This peer support group is open to anyone 16 or older who has lost someone to suicide. The group offers special support based on shared experience and knowledge. Contact: Lynn Kvingedal, 978-632-3240, [email protected], or Lisa Chaves, 978-827-6959, [email protected]. For information about other Massachusetts suicide support groups: http://www.suicide.org/support-groups/massachusetts-suicide-support-groups.html.

Hannaford Book Sales Last year e had very successful sales of used books through Hannaford Supermarkets and hope to do as well in 2016. You can help! If you, family members, or friends have books that are no longer needed, you can gain space on your shelves and donate the books to a worthy cause. We can use either hardcover books or paperbacks that are in good condition. You can drop them off at one of our support groups or call Guy (508-736-3887) to arrange for a pick-up. Thanks very much!

NAMI North Central’s 2016 Walk T-Shirt and Cap

Our team will be wearing this t-shirt and a “Stop Stigma” cap at the NAMIWalks on Saturday, May 14. If you would like to purchase a t-shirt or cap, the cost is $20 each (or, if you order both, $35) plus $5 shipping. Please send your check or money order (payable to NAMI NCM) to P.O. Box 442, Fitchburg MA 014120. And PLEASE specify the size t-shirt you want! If you have questions contact Diane at [email protected].


Important Telephone Numbers

NAMI Information Helpline 1 (800) 950-NAMI (6264)

NAMI Massachusetts Information and Helpline

1-800-370-9085 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday; not on holidays or weekends

Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 Confidential chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK Free, confidential 24-hr. emotional distress line Mass Substance Abuse Helpline 1-800-327-5050 Free, confidential information and referrals Samaritans of Massachusetts 1-877-870-HOPE 24 hour Crisis Intervention/Hotlines Samaritans of Massachusetts 1-800-252-8336 Teen Line (statewide) Samaritans of Massachusetts 1-617-247-0220 24 hour Helpline Emergency Services Programs (ESP) 1-800-977-5555

In-person behavioral health crisis assessment. Note: After dialing this toll-free number, you will be prompted to enter your Zip Code and will then be given the local number to call.

Alzheimer’s Association 1-800-272-3900 For information and support. Free and confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

HealthAlliance Hospital - Patient Complaint Options

1-978-466-5504

Or write a letter to the hospital: HealthAlliance Hospital, Attn: Robin Morin, 60 Hospital Road, Leominster, MA 01453.

MAA Substance Abuse Information Hotline 1-800-327-5050 The Partnership at Drugfree.org has a toll-free helpline — 1-855-378-4373 (DRUGFREE) — that offers assistance to families concerned about a teen’s drug use or drinking. Trained specialists can help parents outline plans for prevention, intervention and other services. They also can direct parents to local and national resources. The English-Spanish helpline is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time. SAMHSA has a 24-hour hotline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357) — and a directory of more than 11,000 alcohol and drug addiction treatment facilities and programs at http://www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov.

Board of Directors, NAMI North Central Massachusetts

Guy Beales, President 978-345-1491 [email protected] Jane Crook, Secretary 978-582-7388 [email protected] Jean Durkin 978-365-4841 [email protected] Maryann Fairbanks 978-342-0988 [email protected] Cathy Gaudet, Vice President 978-870-8887 [email protected] Diane Joe, Treasurer and Membership

978-345-1491 [email protected]

Caryl Leeds 508-574-0603 [email protected] Greg Reiff (on leave) 978 448-3402 [email protected]

The Board of Directors meets on the SECOND Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m., Room 26, Gallagher Building, 24 Church St., Leominster (entry on Merriam Avenue). Please plan to attend our meetings. All are welcome! If you have a particular concern or idea for the Board, do let one of us know.

Ask me a question, I’ll tell you a story Posted on April 4, 2016 by Lisa Lambert

For many of us, there comes a time when you decide to tell your story publicly to someone else. Maybe it’s a journalist, maybe it’s a legislator, maybe it’s an audience of people who’ve never raised a child with mental health needs. You want them to understand, to be moved, to feel the injustice, the hurt and the determination to make things better. You are willing to forgo your privacy and expose your pain in order to help the families coming along behind you. You want to make a difference. http://ppal.net/2016/04/blog-posts/5553


Membership Form

AFFILIATE #119, NAMI NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS, INC.

NAME____________________________Telephone__________________e-mail____________________________________ ADDRESS_______________________________________Town__________________________Zip Code_______________ DATE _____________________________________ New members: Please tell briefly how you heard about NAMI____________________________________________________ Check only one membership choice ___Membership including our affiliate newsletter ($35.00) New member ___ Renewal ___ $_______ ___Low-Income Membership including our affiliate newsletter ($3.00) New member ___ Renewal ___ $_______ ___Extra Donation - Thank you! $_______ TOTAL enclosed (Please make check payable to NAMI NCM) $_______

Please mail to: NAMI of NCM, P.O. Box 442, Fitchburg, MA 01420-0442

NAMI North Central Massachusetts, Inc., is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.

You may also join on-line at www.nami.org (click on “Become a Member”).

. P.O. Box 442 Fitchburg, MA 01420

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