Vol. 11 • Issue 3 • Fall 2014

EARLY INTERVENTIONIMPROVES RECOVERYIN YOUNG ADULTSOver the course of their lifetime, roughly half of all Americans will meet the criteria for a mental health disorder, with the first signs taking place in childhood or adolescence.

The first episodes of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression tend to appear in the late teens and early 20s. In fact, three-fourths of all mental health disorders make their first appearance before the age of 24.

Going from childhood to adulthood is filled with many choices, challenges and new stressors. At the age when most young adults are beginning to assert their independence and find their way in the world, the first signs of a mental illness can make this rite of passage even more challenging.

But research suggests those who seek treatment at the first sign of illness have a better chance at recovery than those who wait. There is increasing evidence that intervention during the early stages of a mental health disorder may help reduce the severity and chronic nature of the disorder as well as prevent secondary disorders from developing. For example, the Treatment and

Intervention in Psychosis (TIPS) project showed that early treatment had positive effects on clinical and functional outcomes at two and five-year follow-ups after the first episode of psychosis.

Unfortunately, there is often a significant delay between the onset of symptoms and the beginning of treatment. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness,

More than 90% of those who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental disorder.

A DAY AT THE BALLPARKES YOUNG ADULT PROGRAM OUTING AT A DETROIT TIGER’S GAME

Front Row – Kimberly, Lydia, Brandon, Jesse, Andrew, Kimberly, ChayceBack Row – Mollie, Teresa, Gabby, Catie, Davena, Alex, Allison

Left to Right Catie, Davena, Alex, Allison

Continued on following page

Kimberly, Chayce Catie, Davena

less than one-third of adults and one-half of children with a diagnosable mental disorder will receive mental health services in a given year. And left untreated, mental health disorders can lead to many preventable tragedies. For example, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 24 in the United States. More than 90% of those who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental disorder.

For those who are newly diagnosed with a mental health disorder, time is of the essence and knowledge truly is power. While timely intervention provides hope for a stronger recovery, the early emergence of mental health disorders also appears to

carry increased risks. Among persons served by Easter Seals in the second quarter of this year (Jan. 1 through March 31st ), the likelihood of requiring admission to a psychiatric hospital was nearly three times higher for young adults than for persons age 31 and older. In addition, the odds of leaving services prematurely – without making adequate plans to address ongoing treatment needs – was about 10% higher for young adults than all other age groups. Even worse, young adults considered by their treatment team to be at “high risk” for adverse consequences were about twice as likely to leave services against medical advice as their older counterparts.

Easter Seals offers many specialized services for young adults to help them become an expert on their illness and the available treatment options. Participants in young adult groups learn how to identify symptoms and triggers; acquire more effective coping skills; develop healthy support systems; create strategies for effectively managing symptoms; and make an effective plan for achieving their goals and moving forward in recovery.

Some of the opportunities available to young adults age 18 to 26 who are receiving services at Easter Seals include the following:

• Young Adults Social Skills Group

• Young Adults Education Group

• Young Adults Peer Support Group

• Family Psycho-educational Group

• Cognitive Enhancement Group

• Individual therapy

If you’d like more information about services for young adults, talk to your case manager.

EARLY INTERVENTION IMPROVES RECOVERYIN YOUNG ADULTS Continued from front page

A DAY AT THE BALLPARK

New Strategy Focuses on Early Intervention Following First Episode of PsychosisEaster Seals Michigan was recently selected to participate in a national project that seeks to provide treatment to young adults as soon as possible after their first episode of schizophrenia.

NAVIGATE is a national research project being funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. This project is aimed at reducing the likelihood of long-term disability that people with schizophrenia often experience by providing coordinated and aggressive interventions in the earliest stages of the illness.

Using an intensive, recovery-oriented approach, NAVIGATE includes case management, psychotherapy, medication management, family education, supported employment and educational rehabilitation. Treatment goals include reducing symptoms and improving the ability to work, participate in social activities and live independently.

Any individual age 15 to 30 who has been diagnosed within the past six months with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder or psychosis NOS may be eligible. The program – which is located at Easter Seals Adult Services Southfield location – can accept persons either with or without

health insurance.

Approximately 100,000 adolescents and young adults experience first episode psychosis each year in the United States. Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe and disabling brain disorder associated with significant rates of co-occurring health problems, including other mental illnesses and medical conditions. Although current knowledge of schizophrenia indicates that

the best chance for improving the long-term prognosis for this illness is to intervene aggressively at the first sign of symptoms, the majority of individuals do not receive timely treatment.

For more information, contact Easter Seals Michigan at 248-475-6400.

Get to Know the Easter Seals Staff:Frank RubinoHow long have you been working at Easter Seals?

“I have been a case management coordinator at Easter Seals for about a year at our Southfield and Walled Lake locations.”

What made you want to work for Easter Seals?

“I have a desire to help people; and Easter Seals is a premier organization within Michigan for helping those in need.”

Why did you go into the field of clinical psychology?

“I have always had an interest in understanding mental illness, particularly as it relates to trauma and substance abuse, and I want to help those who deal with the challenges on a daily basis.”

What do you see as the best part of working at Easter Seals?

“Getting to know the consumers I serve, trying to understand their history and background so that I can provide effective services.”

How has Easter Seals helped you grow in your profession?

“Easter Seals has provided me with a vast array of opportunities that I otherwise would never have been able to encounter. I am proud to be able to provide services to the consumers that Easter Seals serves.

Approximately 100,000 adolescents and young adults experience first episode psychosis each year in the United States.

Consumer Spotlight: Diana ThorntonHow long have you been a consumer with Easter Seals?

“I have been with Easter Seals for over three years.”

Describe the services you have received from Easter Seals over the past three years.

“I have received a variety of services over the past three years including; psychiatric, case management, and group therapy.”

What has Easter Seals helped you accomplish in your time here?

“Easter Seals has helped me find stability in life. I have found stable housing and I started going to school. Easter Seals has helped improve my depression and it has taught me to be more patient.”

What does Easter Seals mean to you?

“Easter Seals is a place that has helped me a lot. I wish I would have known about it years ago. When I thought I was the only person out there with problems; Easter Seals helped me realize that everyone is equal.”

How has Easter Seals helped you grow?

“Easter Seals has allowed me to grow into a better person. It has helped me find what I want and pursue a career. I now have a more positive attitude towards life itself.”

Hello from Adult Services Consumer Advisory Council!In September we had a successful annual letter writing and voter registration campaign for persons served. We also had a guest speaker from My Place Center for Wellness, formerly South Oakland Drop-In Center.

In October 2014, we had SMART as guest speakers; they gave us information regarding fixed routes, fares, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ADA applications that were placed in the main lobby and the Resource Center. If you are interested in filling out an application, please talk to the resource center representative or your case manager. Also during our October meeting, we accepted nominations for the officer positions; Marie M. was nominated as Chairman, Linda V. for Co-Chairman, and Anita W. was nominated for Secretary.

Our next meeting will be on January 9, 2015 from noon until 2 pm.

Our monthly meetings are held on the second Friday in the conference room in building 22150 from noon to 2 pm. Hope to see you there. Check out our bulletin board in the main lobby for helpful information, upcoming conferences and much more.

We would be honored to have you at our upcoming Meet &

Greet in 2015. Details will be available in the near future.

Submitted by Anita Warner, Chairman, Consumer Advisory Council

Check out our bulletin board in the main lobby for helpful information, upcoming conferences and much more

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