Values and Recovery 2 Spring Cleaning: Time to 3 Declutter

CIT&CIP Highlights 4

Affiliate Highlights: 5 Leading by Example

Governor’s Budget 6

News from NAMI 7Wisconsin

Annual Conference 2017 8

Annual Conference 2017 9 Registration

Ask the Doctor 10

NAMI WISCONSIN4233 W BELTLINE HWYMADISON, WI 53711

(608) 268-6000(800) 236-2988

NAMIWISCONSIN.ORG

NAMI Wisconsin is an Affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness

© 2016 NAMI Wisconsin.All Rights Reserved.

With so many events coming up at NAMI Wisconsin, we are ecstatic to be reunited with our fellow NAMI community members. We cannot help but reflect on the powerful effects a community can have on someone during their recovery from mental illness.

It takes a village-- this is something we hear all the time, but we do not always seem to fully appreciate the meaning. Many of us like to believe we can do anything and everything on our own, even when we should not have to.

When facing mental illness, the world can seem rickety and unclear. Yet thousands of individuals going through the same situations can share in this feeling of instability. This is when community support should come in for the rescue.

The power of community can make our current situation feel manageable, while giving us a sense of hope and belonging. Community can give us support and strength. Community can give us inspiration and strategy. Community can give us companionship and connection in a world when no one seems to be around.

Community can give us balance when the world seems rickety.

Look beyond your local town and neighbors when reaching out for a community. Community can span much further than this specific demographic. Your community is anyone you share mutual goals and connections to-- such as coworkers, members of your church, current or former classmates, fellow sports teammates, and, of course, our local NAMI affiliate. Your community is based on your past achievements and future aspirations.

Even if you’re not going through a particular hardship at this time, it is crucial to participate as a helping hand in your community. There will most likely be a day when you will need the same help and guidance. In the meantime, be sure to share genuine kindness and give to those who need it. After all, we rise by lifting others.

At the NAMI Wisconsin office, we are continually reminded of how strong a community we are able to work with. Each person in the NAMI community utilizes their own strengths to end the stigma around mental illness. It’s powerful to see a community come together in so many different ways around the same goal of helping those affected by mental illness. We would like to thank the strong, compassionate individuals who are dedicated to the NAMI community! We are lucky to have you as part of our team.

The Power of Community Support

Visit www.namiwisconsin.org/membership to become a member today!

6 Benefits of Community Support

1. Collective wisdom

2. Pushing our limits

3. Support and belief

4. New ideas

5. Borrowed motivation

6. Accountability

Courtesy of TinyBuddha.com

The IrisMARCH/APRIL 2017

Vol 32 • Issue 2

Wisconsin • The State’s Voice on Mental Illness

IN THIS ISSUE

namiwisconsin.org •MARCH/APRIL 20172

The mission of NAMI Wisconsin is to improve the quality of life of people affected by mental illness and to promote recovery.

NAMI Wisconsin will accomplish its mission through the following:

• Establishing local affiliates in keeping with NAMI National’s principles and guidelines.

• Supporting affiliates by providing follow-up advice and counsel, educational and training programs and materials, access to financial resources as appropriate, conferences, seminars, and presentations.

• Advocating at all levels of government and throughout the public sector.

• Promoting public education and understanding of mental illnesses.

This newsletter is published six times per year. The views expressed

in the newsletter are those of the authors and not necessarily those of

our officers or funding sources.

HOPE AND RECOVERY

Values of a Lifetime

I don’t know everything about the world around me. I don’t claim to understand the com-plex net of issues cradling a panic-gripped society, nor do I think that I have the specific solutions. However, I believe in the humanitarian values that unite a community in vibrant contrast to the hatred that unties one. Through my own observations, thoughts, experi-ences, and adventures, there are many things that I have learned about life and how to live it.

I met my first significant challenge in seventh grade. My mood, like many teenagers’, started to swing and falter at times; it became significantly worse for me. As a semi-pop-ular, intelligent student with good friends, it was as though my young world fell away. I learned to be unhealthy, how to hurt; I was negative, afraid, and idle amidst a hurricane of neurotransmitters. Then I became tolerant. Not destructive, just simply existent, waiting indifferently for some answer to come to me amidst an emotional storm. Finally, after rounds of doctors’ appointments and constant support from family and friends, I adapted proactivity; positivity, empathy, strength, power, self-worth, and tenacity arose from the core of feelings that I was sure would only take me downward. This experience is largely what has shaped the strongest aspects of my character and created the foundation of my perspectives of the world and the people in it.

Looking back, I wish that I could have been more understanding with myself and what I had then perceived to be shortcomings of my character. I now can give others the sympa-thy and compassion that I should have given myself. I’m now supplied with the emotional intelligence and perseverant personality to overcome a broad spectrum of adversities. I am a better friend, a greater individual, and more resolute amidst a challenge because of the lessons that I have learned.

I had to teach myself to learn what I find important, and I hope to teach others to learn the same values that hold true to their own identity. I value compassion. Pillars of moral integrity like selflessness, ethics, and fairness should stand tall with an outward statement against a bleakly toned plasma of their own antonyms. This kind of disposition to others helped me to stand up at my lowest point, and raises me higher on good days. I value human experience and the courage to express, the bravery to stand together, to advocate. Sympathy and empathy are rooted within the pupil of any kind eye, coloring the person’s perspective with shades of compassion, understanding, humanity, and connection; these things bring liberation from melancholy and its sour sadness.

Failure, in all of its definitive faults, is a tool. Lessons learned lead to alluring solutions, further from the frigidity failure leaves in its wake. For every failure overcome, there is effort, tenacity, creativity, reallotment of priorities, and a very specific experience of victory. The beauty of failure is that it can be experienced by an individual but overcome as a group--or vice-versa. Crawling from the pit takes the minds of many or simply the determination of one. Failure, even as a symbol of downfall, is a valuable force not to be underestimated.

Compassion, empathy, and perseverance are some of the most valuable morals a commu-nity can hold. They have helped me through difficult times and can bring together a group in times of adversity and animosity. The idea of unity through love sounds hyper-opti-mistic, and I know that I probably sound like a hippie, but the sentiment still holds true. There is no stronger society than the one tied together by the vibrancy of humanity.

BY MCKENZIE RYBAK

MARCH/APRIL 2017 • namiwisconsin.org 3

WHAT THE RESEARCH IS SAYING

Spring cleaning: time to declutter your life

Spring is nearly sprung. For many of us, this presents the perfect chance to do some deep spring cleaning in our homes and office spaces.

Spring is also the perfect opportunity to begin living a minimalistic lifestyle.

What is minimalism anyway? With the minimalist movement in full swing, it seems like we are hearing more and more about this trending ‘buzzword’. Minimalism is a tool that can assist you in finding freedom and relieving stress. Research is continually showing us that living this sort of simplistic, wholesome lifestyle can significantly contribute to overall positive mental health.

Many people attribute minimalism to owning less stuff. This is not solely the case. Minimalism is about making room for things that truly matter to our internal happiness.

We all know the age-old saying that money cannot buy happiness. In the 1970’s, P. Brickman conducted a large study which investigated the level of happiness of people who had reached their financial ‘dreams’. He found that those who had won millions on the lottery were no happier than his control group who meet their basic financial needs.

Minimalism attempts to take out the addictive cycle of buying and owning more stuff that adds no sentiment or meaning to our daily lives. In fact, owning more things adds a whole new dimension of stress. Let’s say you purchased a new shirt at the store last week. This shirt means one more shirt to wash. One more shirt to fold. One more shirt to decide against wearing in the morning. Is the shirt worth it? It might be, but in many cases it is not.

One of the most powerful explanations of minimalism comes from Joshua Fields Millburn, who along with Ryan Nicodemus, has been prac-ticing and lecturing on minimalism for many years.

“Minimalism is a tool I use to get rid of unnecessary stuff and live a meaningful life-- a life filled with happiness, freedom, and conscious awareness. Because I strip away life’s excess, I’m able to focus on the important parts of life: health, relationships, passions, growth, and contribution.”

Objects aren’t the only thing we can declutter through a minimalistic lifestyle. We can also toss feelings and thoughts to the side, such as gossip, anger, busyness, low self-esteem, and stress.

Minimization is not a cure-all for infinite happiness. However, it can be viewed as a tool to gain control and limit daily stress. Just remem-ber: “if it doesn’t add anything to your life, it doesn’t belong in your life”.

Article adapted from: http://www.theminimalists.com/scientific/http://www.emaxhealth.com/1275/how-minimalism-can-improve-mental-health

BENEFITS OF MINIMALISM

• Clarity of Mind• Better Health• More Freedom• Greater Purpose• Extra Money

• Less Stress• More Time• Self-Confidence• Lifetime Memories• Better Relationships

Courtesy of https://nosidebar.com/benefits-of-minimalism/

namiwisconsin.org •MARCH/APRIL 20174

PROGRAM FOCUS

About the Wisconsin CIT Advisory Committee

For more information on the CIT Advisory Committee, please visit www.citwisconsin.org

Who they are:The Wisconsin CIT Advisory Committee was formed in October 2016. This is a committee of Wisconsin law enforcement, mental health advocates, behavioral health specialists, and those with lived experience who promote and support the CIT&CIP Wisconsin initiative and best practices anchored within the Memphis Model.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Develop State Standards. The committee will create and maintain a set of Wisconsin state standards providing consistent and sustainable trainings within all CIT&CIP Wisconsin training teams. These standards include: • Partnerships of law enforcement, behavioral health specialists, mental health advocates,

and those with lived experience/family members • Core element topics for CIT, CIP, and CIT for Dispatch trainings (required,

recommended, and additional)• Local data tracking system• Sustainability within the county/community

2. Mentorship. Committee members will work with developing CIT&CIP training teams by providing resources, guidance, and any additional technical assistance to create a sustainable consistent training.

3. Evaluate existing state resources. The pre/post evaluation, 6 and 12 month follow up surveys, toolkits offered to new training teams, learning objective summaries, etc.

In Loving Memory

Beverly O. Young1923-2017

As one of the original founders of the

National Alliance on Mental Illness, Beverly

dedicated her life to advocating for those affected by mental

illness. Her continual passion, dedication, and overall kindness

will truly be missed. We will remember Beverly

as a strong mental health advocate and an

inspiration to all.

MARCH/APRIL 2017 • namiwisconsin.org 5

AFFILIATE HIGHLIGHTSNAMI Wisconsin’s Local Affiliates:

Barron: (715) 736-0089

Brown: (920) 430-7460

Chippewa Valley: (715) 450-6484 (Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire)

Dane: (608) 249-7188

Dodge: (920) 887-1766 x217

Door: (920) 743-6162

Douglas: (715)-399-8850

Fond du Lac: (920) 979-0512

Fox Valley: (920) 954-1550 (Outagamie, Calumet, Waupaca, Winnebago)

Green: (608) 328-9376

Jefferson: (920) 728-4627

Kenosha: (262) 605-9038

La Crosse: (608) 779-1554

Manitowoc: (920) 684-3998

Milwaukee: (414) 344-0447

Monroe: (800) 924-8416

Northern Lakes: (715) 362-6823 (Vilas, Oneida, Forest)

Northwoods: (715) 432-0180 (Marathon, Lincoln, Langlade)

Oshkosh: (920) 651-1148 (Winnebago)

Ozaukee: (262) 242-6492

Portage-Wood: (715) 254-1864

Racine: (262) 637-0582

Rock: (800) 608-0104

Sauk: (608) 469-2574

Southwest Wisconsin: (608) 375-2541 (Grant, Iowa, Crawford)

St. Croix Valley: (608) 301-5440 (St. Croix, Pierce)

Trempealeau: (608) 484-2723

UW Madison: (262) 389-7780

Vernon: (608) 637-8143

Walworth: (262) 325-8663

Washington: (262) 339-1235

Waukesha: (262) 524-8886

Leading by example...

NAMI DANE COUNTYis blessed to have Kristen Brey on our Board of Directors, as she, through her role as a Community Relations Specialist with SSM Health, helped us launch two new programs in 2016 - Bridging Hearts and Minds and the Recovery Bag Project. Thank you, Kristen, for your tireless commitment and dedication to helping people affected by mental illness!

NAMI FOND DU LAC is fortunate to have had Bev Gudex and Mary Ellen McMeen serve on our BOD for the past 20 years. They have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of those with mental illness and we are forever grateful for their dedication.

NAMI GREEN COUNTY is blessed by the presence of Conni Bigler, who, in addition to filling the offices of Secretary & Treasurer, provides the energy and leadership behind our primary fundraising through the annual NAMI Walks event.NAMI LA CROSSE COUNTYis fortunate to have Barbara Friell working diligently on behalf of our organization in her second year as a Board Member. In addition to her participation on the board, she co-facilitates Family-to-Family classes and is also a Family Support Group Facilitator. Barbara works diligently in getting NAMI La Crosse County involved in various activities to bring the good work and name of National Alliance on Mental Illness to the attention of people our community.

NAMI MANITOWOC:wants to thank Marge Ullman our treasurer and Board Member. She stands out as the designated “leader” of our Brat Frys and is the “go-getter” in her efforts to write grants for fundraising to support Family-to-Family programming for our affiliate. Thank you Marge!

NAMI NORTHERN LAKES is celebrating Mary Wright, whose dedication to our mission manifests itself in taking the leadership role in bringing Family-to-Family to our community, as well as heading up the Fundraising Committee.

NAMI NORTHWOODSis pleased to recognize the efforts of our President, Bernie Corsten, who goes above and beyond making community contacts, doing presentations, and working individually with various board members to ensure we get input from all involved. Her willingness to spend much of her free time working on NAMI is what is sustaining our organization at this point as we don’t have many active members. Thanks Bernie!

NAMI OZAUKEEis fortunate to have John Abbott on our Board of Directors as Treasurer, Family to Family Mentor, Bowling Coordinator, weekly email and phone updater, mentor to support group leaders, fundraiser, and someone who frequently reaches out to the Ozaukee community through media and personal contacts. John was recently described by a NAMI Ozaukee member as “thoughtful, caring, always going the extra mile.”

NAMI SAUK COUNTYsends a big thank you to David Moritz. He served as both Secretary/Treasurer for a year and was our ‘right hand man’ through obtaining 501(c)(3), insurance, and various other pertinent tasks of our affiliate.

wishes to honor our board member, Jane Pope. Jane has worked diligently to continue to keep our Peer-to-Peer meeting a success! Her out-of-the box thinking and leadership has solidified the foundation of this important group. Thank you Jane, we appreciate you!

NAMI TREMPEALAEU COUNTY

NAMI WASHINGTON COUNTYis gaining awareness in our community because of the tireless efforts of Board Member Sheryl Smith. She chairs our Outreach Committee and her efforts to get Ending the Silence into the schools have touched hundreds of youth and teachers. She is a NAMI trainer for Ending the Silence and Family-to-Family. She and the volunteer speakers have made over 49 presentations (so far) this school year. This program and many more of her initiatives are making a great impact in Washington County!

The culture of NAMI is rooted in the idea that a dedicated group of people can roll up their sleeves and work hard to make a difference for those in their community who are affected by mental illness. This grassroots approach typically means that an affiliate's Board of Directors operates less like a governing board, and more like a working board. It means that Board Members have to dedicate their time, wear a variety of different hats, and not be afraid to do the hard work themselves. Here are just of a few examples of Board Members from across Wisconsin who are doing a fantastic job of leading by example at their local NAMI affiliate.

namiwisconsin.org •MARCH/APRIL 20176

AROUND THE STATE & NATION

What does this mean for mental health?

Access to Mental Health Services and Avenues to Recovery• Develop a peer run respite center for veterans in the Milwaukee area to improve outcomes of veterans in crisis and those

having difficulty coping with mental illness.• Provide a 2% increase for the Specialized Transportation Assistance program that provides transportation to seniors and

individuals with disabilities.

Mental Health Services in Schools Three important items from the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) agency budget request were included in Governor Walker’s budget. These include:• Hire more school social workers to address the

growing needs of students with behavioral and emotional challenges.

• Provide grants for mental health services which include more school and community health collaboration.

• Provide training for school employees in trauma-informed care, mental health screening and intervention.

Individuals with Mental Health Disorders in the Criminal Justice System• Expand Opening Avenues to Reentry Success

(OARS) to five additional counties. OARS allows individuals found not guilty due to mental illness to live successfully in the community without compromising public safety. OARS provides access to case management, housing, psychiatric treatment, medication and other assistance upon release from prison.

• Provide grants for the expansion of the Treatment Alternatives and Diversion Program (TAD), which provides alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenders. TAD allows certain individuals who have come into contact with the criminal justice system to be diverted from jail to appropriate behavioral health services and supports under supervision of the courts.

• Provide grants to counties to expand drug treatment courts so people with substance use disorders can experience recovery, not incarceration.

To read more about the budget, please visit the advocacy section of our website. You can also read the full budget or the “Budget in Brief’ by visiting the Wisconsin Department of Administration website.

On February 8th, Governor Walker delivered the 2017 Budget Address. It included many important items to help youth and adults with mental health challenges. Below is a short summary of some key items that he addressed. It is vital that the legislature hears from NAMI Wisconsin members about why these items are essential to prevention and recovery from mental illness. Contact your elected officials and let them know mental health is your top priority!

Governor Unveils 2017-2019 Biennial Budget

Image: Courtesy of the Wisconsin Alliance on Women’s Health

MARCH/APRIL 2017 • namiwisconsin.org 7

NEWS FROM NAMI WISCONSIN

Action on the SquareLearn the issues. Meet your legislators. Join our voice!

Contact Advocacy Coordinator at crystal@namiwisconsin.org

STAY CONNECTED!Get the latest updates in mental health news and research. Follow NAMI Wisconsin on social media!

#JMMDoGoodBeKind

QUESTIONS?

“You have been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved.”

On Thursday, May 4th, mental health advocates from all over the state will gather at the Wisconsin State Capitol for NAMI Wisconsin’s Action on the Square, a mental health advocacy day. While many of us are facing hurdles in the mental health system, we often forget to share our stories, perspectives, and ideas. Action on the Square is a day to spread awareness about mental health, learn about current legislative issues, and tell your elected officials what people affected by mental illness need to thrive!

Action on the Square will kick off with some issue briefing (and brunch!) at the Best Western Inn, so you can hear what’s most important to the Wisconsin mental health community and legislators. We will prepare you to meet with policymakers and practice telling your story. We’ll then walk to the Wisconsin State Capitol steps for the rally to hear from some incredible speakers and make our voices heard!

Finally, the day will conclude with a chance for you to meet with legislators. Whether you share your story or attend just to listen, you can make a difference! NAMI Wisconsin will schedule these appointments for you when you register by April 1st. Chances are that you have been affected by mental illness in some way or another. This is your chance to share and make a difference in the lives of many! As a grassroots organization, NAMI Wisconsin thrives on stories like yours.

Contact Crystal Hester at crystal@namiwisconsin.org or (608) 268-6000 with any questions or concerns. Attendees at the Annual Conference 2017 can register for Action on the Square when they register for the conference. Others can register online at www.namiwisconsin.org/action-on-the-square.

Madison’s, James Madison Memorial High School’s boys swim team selected NAMI Wisconsin as their recipient of the 7th annual “Spartans Give Back Swim Meet”. The swim meet is an annual charity event that is a friendly competition between the JMM Spartan’s and the McFarland Spartan boys swim team. The two schools take turns hosting this holiday swim meet and also select which charity will receive the Spartan Funds raised. There are games, events, t-shirts and oh yeah...swimming! This year the Madison Memorial team selected NAMI Wisconsin as they remember Zack - a friend to many in the local swimming community. The two school communities generously donated and raised a little over $4000! With that money NAMI Wisconsin will be able to provide trainings, education, and advocacy throughout the state! And not only are these teams generous but they are fast! The McFarland Spartans boys team finished 9th in Division 2 State Meet and the JMM Spartans finished 2nd in the Division 1 2017 meet this February. Thank you Spartan swimmers and families for the funds you raised to increase the awareness of mental health in your schools!

Spartans Give Back

namiwisconsin.org •MARCH/APRIL 20178

NAMI Wisconsin Annual Conference 2017

Together We Define Tomorrow

NEWS FROM NAMI WISCONSIN

It’s that time of year again-- the NAMI Wisconsin Annual Conference 2017! We’re less than two months away from this big event we couldn’t be more excited to see it come to life.

NAMI Wisconsin’s Annual Conference 2017 promises to be another year of information, inspiration, and celebration. This year’s conference theme, Together We Define Tomorrow, focuses on community collaboration for change. We hope that the Annual Conference 2017 will encompass this and provide an open forum for attendees to learn and share with others in the mental health system.

We are lucky to have over 40 talented speakers who are volunteering their time to make the conference so valuable for attendees. Each speaker will bring expertise and credibility from their various backgrounds in a large variety of topics, such as advocacy, therapy, criminal justice, and recovery/wellness.

No matter where your background and interests may lie, there is a place for you at the NAMI Wisconsin Annual Conference. Previously, we have representation from many different audiences, such as mental health providers, community leaders, social workers, clinicians, government officials, criminal justice partners, family members, and those with lived experience with mental illness. The Annual Conference is a unique opportunity for you to connect with other mental health advocates from across the state of Wisconsin.

In addition to learning and sharing, the NAMI Wisconsin Annual Conference is also a time to celebrate the many statewide successes from around the state. Each attendee has made significant changes in the mental health system in their community.

For more information about the Annual Conference 2017, please email Jamie Gurgul, PR & Events Coordinator, at jamie@namiwisconsin.org. We truly hope that you can join us this year so that together we can define tomorrow.

• Current Issues in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry CEU• Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy CEU• Using Social Media to Build a Movement• Tobacco Stories: The Role Tobacco Plays in Our Lives• Peer Run Respite: What Makes It a Good Fit• Fill the Gap: No Consumer Left Unheard• Update on Schizophrenia CEU• The Practice and Benefits of Forgiveness Therapy CEU• Healing Yoga for Anxiety and Depression• Using Support Systems in Your Recovery• Police and Mental Health Collaboration Programs• Preventing Gun Violence: Saving Lives• risis Intervention for Individuals and Families CEU• Self Compassion and Compassion Fatigue• Weight Lifting vs. Cardio: What’s Better? • Mental Health Parity: Getting What is Rightfully Yours CEU• Trauma Sensitive Communication Skills CEU• Developing Crisis Intervention in Jails

• Psychiatric Medications CEU• Adult Bullying: How to Recognize It CEU• Legislative Advocacy 101• Serious Mental Illnesses Around he World• Why Choose Dialetical Behavior Therapy (DBT)? CEU• Jobs that Fit: Lessons from IPS for Everyone • Update on Mood Disorders CEU• How Animal Assisted Therapy Promotes Healing• Creating a Culture of LGBT and Support CEU• The Art of Service• The War Within: Veterans and PTSD• Professional Challenges of Rural Mental Health CEU• Ask the Expert: OCD and Anxiety Disorders CEU• Thriving Through Change• Changing Winds in Washington: Federal Policy CEU• Peer Recovery Movement CEU• Creating a New Conversation about Mental Health in Schools• Here Comes the Sun: An Art Therapy Workshop CEU

Friday, May 5 Workshops Saturday, May 6 Workshops

Together We Define Tomorrow Workshops

*CEU indicates workshops being offered for Social Work CEU credit

MARCH/APRIL 2017 • namiwisconsin.org 9

NAMI Wisconsin State Conference Friday, May 5th- Saturday, May 6th, 2017

Sheraton Madison Hotel

706 John Nolen Drive, Madison, Wisconsin 53713

NAMI Wisconsin Annual Conference Registration Form

PLEASE SEND A SEPARATE REGISTRATION FORM FOR EACH PERSON REGISTERING

Name: NAMI Affiliate:

Organization or Business:

Home Address:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: Email:

►Circle the conference day(s) you plan to attend (Required): Friday, May 5 Saturday, May 6

►Circle meal preference: Regular Vegetarian Other Meal Restrictions:

►Special Accommodation Needs:

►Please check all that apply to you: First time attendee Consumer Family member Affiliate leader State program trainer Program leader Professional (specify:_____________________________) Other___________________________

X Conference Attendees 1 Day 2 Days

NAMI Members $70 $120

Non-Members $130 $215

Low Income $45 $90

Student $45 $90

Subtotal

X Special Events

Action on the Square Full Day. Thursday, May 4; 10:00am-3:00pm $10

X Support the NAMI Wisconsin Scholarship Fund

Donate to the NAMI Wisconsin Scholarship Fund

Total

REGISTRATIONS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT PAYMENT:

Enclosed is my check for $ _______________, payable to NAMI Wisconsin. Please bill my credit card for $ __________________ Visa MasterCard American Express Acct#_________________________________________________ Exp. Date _________/___________ Print name as it appears on card: __________________________________________________________ Signature: ____________________________________________________________________________

Mail this form with payment to: NAMI Wisconsin, 4233 W. Beltline Hwy, Madison, WI 53711Or FAX to: (608) 268-6004 (Payment by credit card required for FAX registrations)

LET’S GET SOCIAL! NAMI Wisconsin officially has an Instagram account! Follow us @namiwisconsin

namiwisconsin.org •MARCH/APRIL 201710

NAMI Wisconsin, Inc.

4233 W Beltline Hwy

Madison, WI 53711

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Julianne Carbin, MSW

OFFICE STAFF

Carol Mitchell Rybak, MSEd

Crystal Hester, MSW

Dennis Wilder

Jamie Gurgul

Mary Kay Battaglia

Nate Schorr

Stacey Mohr

VOLUNTEERS

Bob Fox

Carol Grogan

Leah Rolando

Nancy Abraham

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Michael Newton

Vice-President

Rob Golub

Secretary

Katherine Rybak

Treasurer

Seth Conard

Members At Large

Chris Finnell

Chris Schmaling

Dorothy Thompson

Jennifer Kleinert, RN

Jessie Uttke

John Battaglia, MD

Kelly Kruse

Ricky Muhammad

Phone: (608) 268-6000

(800) 236-2988

FAX: (608) 268-6004

nami@namiwisconsin.org

www.namiwisconsin.org

ASK THE DOCTOR

Understanding what

BY JOHN BATTAGLIA, MD

The word “crazy” gets used a lot in the context of mental illness, and it carries with it many different meanings as well as social, political, and legal ramifications. We’ll explore a few of these in this article.

In lay usage, “going crazy” usually means that a person has become so far removed from reality that they can’t relate to “normal” anymore. Of course, both of these positions are highly relational depending on one’s point of view. When Galileo proposed that it was the sun, and not the earth, as the center of the universe, he was considered crazy, foolish, and heretical by the prominent scientists and clergy at the time. He was banished to house arrest for the rest of his life for his “crazy” beliefs. Sometimes the impression that someone is “crazy” is made simply by consensus…if the majority of people deem it crazy, it is.

There is no place for the word “crazy” in the professional psychiatric nomenclature. Instead, the word “psychosis” refers to when a person’s reality becomes significantly impaired in one of several ways. Hallucinations are impairments in perception, for example, “hearing voices” or “seeing things”. Delusions are impairments in belief. A delusion can be within the realm of possibility, for example, a person believing they are being followed by the FBI, or outside of a realistic possibility, for example, believing one can control the weather. The more technology advances, the more the distinction between these types of delusions becomes confusing. A patient of mine recently made a very convincing argument that satellites may in fact someday be able to “read a person’s mind”.

There are other ways a person can manifest psychosis. Their mood may be psychotic, that is, the mood and subsequent emotional reactions might be out of proportion to reality. The thought processes of a person, that is, the flow of their thoughts, might also be impaired to the extent of being psychotic. And finally, behavior itself can be psychotic, for example, catatonic (severely limited movement or rigidity), disorganized, or out-of-context to the point being out of touch with reality.

When a person is undergoing psychosis, it is very important to understand reality from their point of view. Even though their speech and behavior might be very far apart from reality as judged by others, to them, it fits. Their behavior is “crazy” to others, but makes perfect sense to them. Understanding how it “fits” for them can become critically important in forming a good treatment alliance. Simply put, a person will usually comply better with treatment and the support of their loved ones if they feel understood. That is the way most of us feel, and is not different for a person suffering from psychosis. Psychosis is a medical condition that has multiple causes and is often improved with treatment. Viewing it this way is better than calling someone “crazy” which is often used as an insult and doesn’t lead toward understanding.

‘crazy’ is...

MARCH/APRIL 2017 • namiwisconsin.org 11

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance” – Alan W. Watts

FROM THE PRESIDENT

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S CORNER

Julianne Carbin, Executive Director

Michael Newton, President

We all know that change is never easy, but is inevitable. Some change is easy to accept and we happily embrace it. Some change we dig our heals in and want to fight! No matter how we initially respond, at some point we have to let go and allow the change to move us into the unknown. More often than not, there is great opportunity, creativity, and ingenuity to be found!

We recently saw a great deal of change in the political arena both nationally and locally. Some of these changes have left our members with questions about the future of healthcare. At NAMI, we are working tirelessly to ensure that our elected officials understand the kind of support, treatment and services that thousands of individuals need to remain mentally healthy and thrive in the community. Last month our team visited the State Capitol to deliver folders full of information and resources to 133 Wisconsin Legislators. The folders included NAMI Wisconsin’s policy priorities, position papers on our top issues, a quick guide to mental health resources, and information about NAMI and our movement.

Visiting the Capitol building, walking the halls, and knocking on door after door was intimidating! But what I found was that I was welcomed with genuine appreciation and inquiry by each office I entered. Staffers and legislative aids asked questions, shared their personal experiences with mental illness and NAMI, pulled the resource cards and put them on the waiting table of their office, and thanked me for stopping by. The reception was overwhelming. I left feeling hopeful that there is a genuine interest to build relationships, find solutions, and look to experts, such as NAMI members, for guidance on these important issues. Subsequently, our Advocacy Coordinator has been in contact with a number of legislative offices to field follow-up questions.

As much as we want things to stay the same, perspectives change and people change. Now is our opportunity to jump in and build relationships with our newly elected officials so that we can learn to dance together! I hope you can join us on May 4th at Action on the Square to meet with your elected officials. We need to get acquainted so that when the time comes we can work in unison to shape policy that truly supports, heals, and empowers individuals and families.

Each and every one of us needs to take a break from time to time. This break helps us cope appropriately with the stressors in our lives. Taking care of one’s own mental wellbeing is important as our mental health can influence the way we look at ourselves, our life and those around us. Many mental health issues can be influenced and triggered by both physical and emotional stress. This stress can trigger chemical changes in our brains.

Focusing on health and wellness is particularly important for people with, or at risk for, mental health conditions. Overall, when your mental health suffers, it can become hard to enjoy life. You may start to feel run down, both mentally and physically. Many of these changes can make it harder to enjoy a balanced and rewarding life.

Many internal and external factors contribute to well-being. These include relationships with loved ones, financial issues, work environment, and coping behaviors/skills. When an individual is experiencing chronic stress it can have an impact not only on physical health but also on one’s mental health. Working on our mental wellness now will ultimately help us when we need to face challenges that exist in everyday life.

There are things that we can all do to help improve our mental wellness. These include connecting with others, staying positive, being physically active, eating right and getting the sleep that we need. As you begin to put your mental wellness first, it will be important to understand that there must be balance in your life. It is critical for us to look at every aspect of our life and understand what is right for one person may not be right for you. Each of us has a very different journey when it comes to mental health wellness. Set goals that incorporate balance and keep wellness in the forefront. Remember to be good to yourself and that you are not alone.

Help NAMI Wisconsin bring vital education programs to people affected by mental illness.

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