Happy Holidays from NAMI

We at the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania office would like to extend our best wishes for a happy and safe holiday season! Our offices will be closed on Dec. 24, 25 and 26 and Jan. 1.

The NAMI Blog will be taking a holiday break and return with new posts on Monday, Jan. 4.

Free Christmas Dinner

FREE DINNERS are available for individuals in need on Christmas Day at three locations.

Omni William Penn

525 William Penn Place

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Westin Convention Center

1000 Penn Ave

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sheraton Station Square

7 Station Square Drive

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The dinners are free and the participants must select one of the three places and can bring a guest.

Here is what is needed from the participant:

• Name (Last and First)
• Date of Birth
• Address
• City, State, Zip Code
• Telephone number
• Family size
• Choice of hotel and number of tickets needed

The participant should contact Ms. Donna Hurst at (412) 325-3926 with the above information and pick up the ticket(s) at 610 Wood St. on the 3rd floor, as directed.

Tickets must be picked up by tomorrow Dec. 23 between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. (noon).

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania thanks the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh for sharing this information.

Grinch Likely Depressed, Suffers from Lack of Joy

This article is taken from the December issue of bp MAGAZINE.

The Grinch, who lives atop Mt. Crumpet, is likely depressed, says University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill psychologist Cynthia Bulik, Ph.D.

"Everybody's always so down on the Grinch," says Bulik, the William R. Jeanne H. Jordan Distinguished Professor of Eating Disorders in UNC's Department of Psychiatry. "But one of the things I've always asked myself is whether the Grinch himself might be feeling kind of down.

"When people think about depression they often think about people being sad," says Bulik, who has not officially treated the Grinch but is very familiar with his story.

Being irritable, grumpy and seeking social isolation are also hallmarks of depression, and could explain the Grinch's disdain for the Who -- the tall and the small -- his mistreatment of his dog Max and, ultimately, why he tried to stop Christmas from coming.

"Especially around the holidays you look around and everyone seems to be feeling the joy, but inside you're just feeling dark and miserable," Bulik says. "It's that contrast between how you're feeling inside and how all those happy people are feeling out there that can really be torture for someone who has depression."

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Grinch isn't alone. The lifetime incidence of depression ranges from about eight percent to 20 percent. Depression "interferes with daily life, normal functioning, and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her," according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

"One of the things that happens with people who are depressed, and we see this especially with the Grinch, is that people don't really want to be around him, and he doesn't want to be around people," Bulik says. "So, he's not getting a lot of love."

And, she points out depression can have physical manifestations. The Grinch is overweight, is badly in need of dental work and, Bulik says, "I think what we might be seeing is that his heart might be shriveling from a lack of love."

The Grinch might also be suffering from seasonal affective disorder, which is associated with fewer hours of daylight, Bulik says. "There are a lot of people who get depressed as the days get shorter and fall and winter arrive."

So, Bulik says, besides learning that Christmas doesn't come from a store, we can learn from the Grinch that depression doesn't always manifest as sadness.

"If there's someone in your life who is just really irritable and miserable, and just not getting any joy out of life, you have to wonder whether they might be being challenged by depression," Bulik says. "Reach out and see if some of your friends who are not doing well could use some help."

For more information on depression or other mental illnesses, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.

Family-to-Family Week 10

Note: One of our current Family-to-Family participants is writing a weekly series about her experience in NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's 12-week education program. This is her 10th post.

When a loved one's behavior changes and a diagnosis of mental illness is made, the family's immediate concern is for the present situation--getting their loved one appropriate treatment. But, what happens after that? Until the late 80s, the treatment model for mental illness did not extend beyond stabilization and maintenance. People were given medication and therapy to control their symptoms or behaviors, but there was no discussion of recovery. People with mental illness and their families were given no vision of hope for moving beyond the status quo.

However, with the input of family members and mental health consumers, and the creation of innovative rehabilitation programs, recovery has become the focus of long-term treatment. Our Family-to-Family class discussed the concept of recovery, how it means something different for each individual, and how it begins with an individuals decision to "lead a hopeful life and to make a contribution in spite of the limitations imposed by illness" (Patricia Deegan, Consumer and Clinical Psychologist).

Our guest speaker for the second half of the class was a recovering mental health consumer, who had been through years of misdiagnosis, treatments, tests and hospitalizations. She is now starting her own business, based on helping others with mental illness and is taking an active role in advocating for others as well.

One point in this week's class that struck me was that until an individual has the self awareness to make this decision, we can provide them with understanding, patience and support, but we cannot push them into recovery. Self awareness is often something that is taken away or distorted by mental illness, so it is often a long and difficult road, for both the individual with mental illness and their family, just to get to the point where recovery begins.

Without NAMI and the Family-to-Family class, it was clear that many people in need would not even know where to start. There are a number of programs now that supply the atmosphere in which this self awareness is achieved: Clubhouses provide a place for people to simply get out and meet others, talk to peers who have been where they are, and, if they are ready, provide direction for next steps. Job skills training, peer-to-peer supports, housing assistance and job placement assistance are all available to those who are ready to move forward.

For more information, visit the Family-to-Family section of the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.

Watch This Anti-Stigma PSA

By request, we are re-posting an anti-stigma PSA (public service announcement/TV commercial). It's worth taking 60 seconds to watch! Click here.

For more information on the stigma of mental illness, visit the Fight Stigma page of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's website.

NAMI on FlickR

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania event photos can be viewed on FlickR, a photo sharing website.

Click here to view photos on FlickR from our last two NAMI Walks and our 2009 Annual Education Conference. You are able to download photos directly from the site.

Step #4 Of Leading A Balanced Life

According to NAMI's Family-to-Family Education Program, there are seven principles for a caregiver to lead a balanced life. The first, second and third principles were discussed in previous posts.

The fourth principle is to maintain social contacts.

Never underestimate the importance of maintaining regular contact with your circle of friends or social network. This can include friends, church contacts, acquaintances from clubs and former or current co-workers. It is important for the primary caregiver to maintain a social network beyond the family or caregiving circle.

These friends--who are not immersed in the family situation--lend support to the caregiving process. They spend time with the caregiver and offer objective advice or insight. They can help the caregiver to focus on interests outside of his/her role as caregiver. They provide comfort during difficult times. They can even run errands for the caregiver in a pinch.

In general, maintaining social contacts gives the caregiver a buffer from day to day challenges and stresses of caregiving. In some cases, friends can be used to air frustrations, concerns or fears. They can be there to vent anger or simply to help the caregiver to relax and have fun for awhile.

Sharing with friends enables the caregiver to come back to their loved ones in a way that helps them better to nurture and help the family member in need.

Information and support for families can be found at the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.

Family-to-Family Week 9

Note: One of our current Family-to-Family participants is writing a weekly series about her experience in NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's 12-week class. This is her ninth post.

Throughout the Family-to-Family course, we've been learning about our loved one's mental illness, and how to help them through communication, understanding and advocating for them. All of these tools will serve everyone involved in our loved one's care; but, as family members who provide support in so many ways, we need to make sure that our feelings and needs are not being ignored or suppressed by our focus on our loved one's care. If we don't make room in our lives for the expression of our own feelings and we don't set boundaries, we can become burned out.

An analogy to the importance of caregivers and family members paying attention to their own needs was brought up in class and is one that travelers have often heard as part of the pre-flight safety instructions: "If you are traveling with a child, kindly secure your oxygen mask before securing theirs." The reason for this is that if you don't help yourself first, you won't be able to help the child.

Having a loved one with mental illness can be a burden, but often we take the stoic route and pretend as if our feelings and needs don't matter as much as our loved ones. They do. In class we discussed what some of the typical burdens are. We discussed our own feelings and the specific burdens we encounter as a result of a family member's mental illness. And, we learned ways to make these burdens lighter by taking positive actions to balance out the heavy responsibilities that we shoulder. Sometimes you need to give yourself permission to let go of the guilt, pay attention to your social life and your health, and do things that make you feel good. It seems simple, but the payoff is enormous.

For more information, visit the Family-to-Family section of the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.

Friends of the Riverfront Holiday Party

Our friends at Friends of the Riverfront are hosting their annual holiday party tonight from 5 to 8 p.m. in the South Side.

Friends of the Riverfront Holiday Party

33 Terminal Way

Pittsburgh (South Side), PA 15219

5 to 8 p.m.

Food and beverages provided

Featuring The Boilermakers Jazz Band

Friends of the Riverfront is a non-profit organization that protects and restores our rivers and riverfronts, including the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, where we hold our annual 5K NAMI Walk. The walk could not happen without the support of Friends of the Riverfront!

To find out more about the annual NAMI Walk, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.

Candlelight Memorial Service Tonight

SPRITES invites survivors of suicide to attend a candlelight memorial service tonight, Wednesday, Dec. 9, in memory of friends and relatives.

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL

In Memory of Friends & Relatives

Wednesday, Dec. 9

7 p.m.

Riverview United Presbyterian Church

3505 Perrysville Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA 15214

Attendees are encouraged to bring a dozen cookies for the reception. Punch and coffee will be provided. For more information, call Carol at (412) 654-4784 or email spritesfoundation@yahoo.com.

Find information on suicide and other mental illnesses at the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.

"Safety Nets: Mental Illness" Airs Tonight on WQED

Once again, WQED-TV takes a meaningful look at mental illness with an OnQ Special Series called Safety Nets: Mental Illness. The show airs tonight, Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 7:30 p.m.

On tonight's show, host Michael Bartley takes a close look at local services for people with mental illness. A man from McKeesport who has bipolar disorder and has attempted suicide will discuss his life-saving help and ongoing assistance from Mon-Yough Community Services.

Following the program will be a discussion on the importance of mental health safety nets in the Pittsburgh region. Special guests are Robert Adamson and Harold Hartger of Mercy Behavioral Health.

For more information on mental illness, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.

Five Tips for Surviving the Holidays

The following article is taken from BP Magazine.

Five Tips for Surviving the Holidays

Finally! It's the holiday season! We get a break from work, visit family, watch football games, eat great food.

And the other time-honored tradition: we get to stress out. And with unemployment across the country rising, many people might truly have a blue, blue Christmas.

"When someone becomes stressed they're experiencing an age-old, very normal reaction to the perception of some sort of threat," says Dr. Jonathan Abramowitz, an expert in anxiety disorders and professor of psychiatry and psychology in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Medicine and College of Arts & Sciences.

"Your heart races, your chest gets tight, you start to sweat. There are catastrophic thoughts: Oh, no! What's going to happen? And then we act--it's the fight-or-flight response," Abramowitz says. "At its heart are normal and adaptive behaviors."

Stress, anxiety, depression and anger all are caused by certain patterns of thinking. "When we get angry, we're telling ourselves that things must or should go a certain way, or other people must or should behave certain ways."

With the economy, we might be thinking about things that dictate out emotions.

But, Abramowitz says, it's the way we think about things that dictate our emotions.

"If we're thinking, 'I have to buy gifts for everyone. We signed up to take this big vacation, we have to travel.' Those set us up to be let down."

So, what are we to do?

* First, identify what the trigger is -- a relative's comment or the thought of a departed loved one -- recognize how it makes you feel and slow down your thought process to keep your emotions from going 0 to 100 in 5 seconds flat.

* Put expectations into perspective -- lower them; the holidays do not have to be perfect.

* Think of yourself first; we cannot control what others do or say but we can change the way we think about things.

* Limit demands and ultimatums: replace "should," "must" and "have to" with "I wish," "maybe" and "my preference..."

*Remember the holidays are temporary; January is right around the corner.

"We don't have to like the holidays, and they might not be stress free, but going into them thinking, 'This is temporary, I can get through this,' instead of "Oh, God, this is going to be awful,' prepares you to get through them," Abramowitz says.

For information on mental illness visit NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.

SPRITES Coffee Social This Friday

The SPRITES invite survivors of suicide to a Coffee Social on Friday, Dec. 4 at T.G.I. Fridays in Monroeville at 7 p.m.

This is a chance for survivors to gather and talk in a relaxed setting, without stigma or prejudice.

SPRITES welcomes your ideas on coping strategies, getting through the holidays and anything else you'd like to share with fellow survivors.

RSVP to Lori at lorielnyczky@yahoo.com.

SPRITES stands for Survivors Partnership for Research Information Truth and Education on Suicide.

For more information on suicide and other mental illnesses, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

With the seasonal changes this time of year, some people experience periods of depression and may suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder.

This condition is characterized by recurrent episodes of depression--usually beginning in late fall or early winter--alternating with periods of normal or high mood the rest of the year.

Typical characteristics of Seasonal Affective Disorder include oversleeping, daytime fatigue, carbohydrate craving and weight gain, although a person does not necessarily need to show these symptoms.

Additionally, a person can experience the usual features of depression, especially decreased sexual interest, lethargy, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, lack of interest in normal activities and social withdrawal.

Light therapy is now considered first-line treatment intervention. If properly dosed, it can produce relief within days. Anti-depressants may also help and can be used in conjunction with light therapy.

Click here for more information on Seasonal Affective Disorder, including patterns and treatments. Today the Wall Street Journal published this article on seasonal depression.

For information on other mental illnesses, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.

Step #3 Of Leading A Balanced Life

Self-care for the caregiver is essential. According to NAMI's Family-to-Family education program, there are seven principles for a caregiver to lead a balanced life. The first principle and second principle were discussed in previous posts.

The third principle is: Watch Your Stress Level.

Stress is an unavoidable part of life. We know that it can wreak havoc on our bodies and our lives.

A key component to managing stress is to learn your own personal warning signs that you are becoming stressed.

All of us handle stress differently. While one person's warning sign might be snapping at a family member or co-worker, another person's might be sleeplessness or a physical reaction like an aching neck.

It's important to identify your personal "red flags" so that you can address the stress before it reaches a point of overwhelm.

Once you've identified an early sign that you are stressed, it's time to take a step back and slow down. Don't underestimate the importance of acknowledging that you are stressed, taking deep breaths and taking a step back (in whatever way you can) from the situation.

From there, each of us must determine what helps during times of stress. There is no one answer for everyone. For some people, going for a walk or run helps tremendously. For others, baking, bathing, writing or listening to music might help. Some people want to be alone while others feel the need to vent to a friend or therapist.

Each of us is unique, and self-knowledge is critical when it comes to watching stress levels. Know your signs. Know when to take a step back. And know what things you can do that help relieve your stress.

Helping yourself is one of the best things you can do for your loved one.

Family-to-Family Week 8

Note: One of our current Family-to-Family participants is writing a weekly series about her experience in NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's 12-week class. This is her eighth post.

While learning about mental illness is vital, learning how to communicate and work with loved ones can make a huge difference in a family member or caregiver's ability to cope from day-to-day.

This week's Family-to-Family class focused on communication skills. When someone with a mental illness is symptomatic, their cognitive overload can make communicating with them extremely difficult. Additionally, the stress of caring for someone who is suffering from a mental illness can impair normal communication skills. In order to overcome these barriers, it is helpful to first understand why our loved ones have trouble hearing us, and secondly to employ communication skills that respectfully set boundaries and convey empathy.

First we performed an exercise to help us understand what it may be like for a person with an active mental illness to listen to and make sense of what they're hearing. The exercise underscored the difficulties many people have in filtering out external distractions and sometimes even the thoughts in their own head when trying to focus on one voice or task.

We then learned and practiced two communication skills: "I statements" which directly communicated thoughts, needs and feelings in a way that does not put the other person on the defensive; and "Reflective Responses" to demonstrate that you hear what the other person is saying and that you understand why they might feel the way they do. This type of response validates the other person's feelings and enables you to connect and empathize with them.

Certainly it will take practice, and as we discussed in class, some planning to implement these strategies in the real world, but with patience and understanding, hope is that they will help break through some of the communication barriers in our relationships with our loved ones.

For more information, visit the Family-to-Family section of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's website.

Happy Thanksgiving

We at NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our members, volunteers, supporters and professional colleagues for helping us achieve our mission every day. We are grateful to be in a position to help families and individuals affected by mental illness through support, education and advocacy.

Our office will be close on Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!

Actress Glenn Close: Changing Minds About Mental Illness

Emmy-award winning actress Glenn Close has launched a BringChange2Mind campaign to fight stigma and provide people with mental illness, their family and friends with access to information and support.
Earlier this year, Close helped lead Maine's NAMI Walk near her home. Her sister Jessie, who lives lives with mental illness, credits NAMI for helping their family.

"It will be a great day when I'm able to introduce the subject of my own bipolar disorder or my son's schizophrenia without seeing the flicker of fear behind the eyes of whoever I'm speaking to," Jesse declared in thanking NAMI.

In launching the campaign, Close and Jessie appeared on numerous television talk shows, including Good Morning America.

This week, Time Warner rolled out a public service announcement (PSA), featuring Glenn Close and the song "Say" by John Mayer, which can be viewed by clicking here.

For more information on mental illness, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.

Family-to-Family Week 7

Note: One of our current Family-to-Family participants is writing a weekly series about her experience with NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's 12-week education program. This is her seventh post.

"Empathy is: The intimate comprehension of another person's thoughts and feelings, without imposing our own judgment or expectations."

It can also be thought of as "putting oneself in another's shoes." But, how can you do that when you have never actually, and most likely could not possibly ever fully experience what your loved one with mental illness is experiencing as the life they know is taken away from them?

In class we listened to several scenarios that challenged us to imagine how someone with mental illness might be feeling. For instance, imagine that your mind, the origin of your personality, is lost, or altered in some way so that it no longer feels right to you. People have started treating you differently, giving you wary looks that you can't understand, getting impatient when you can't remember something, or telling you that what you're experiencing isn't real. How would you feel, and how would you act in this situation? Would you be afraid - so afraid that you would start to withdraw from others? Or would you pretend like it wasn't happening, just keep pushing the growing terror down and lashing out at those who were trying to help you? And, after you realize that this situation, this altered state of being is the new status quo, would you feel like giving up? Would you keep trying to make it back to your old life even though it seems that every one step forward runs the risk of dragging you two steps back?

By understanding how these inner feelings affect behaviors, we gained a better understanding of the emotions fueling the actions of our loved ones with mental illness. And, by understanding the stages of emotional response, we learned to accept that there is a path that they need to follow (albeit a path beset with obstacles, switchbacks and meanderings).

In essence, by having empathy for our loved ones, we are acknowledging them as individuals rather than illnesses or diagnoses or dependents. We are recognizing and attesting to a part of them--their inner selves--that they have been desperately guarding for fear it would be taken from them by their illness. And in doing this, we are fostering the self-esteem that is essential to their recovery.

For more information, visit the Family-to-Family section of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's website.

News Footage From WPXI-TV

We were able to get our hands on news coverage of the NAMI Walk that appeared on Channel 11 news on Oct. 4.

We previously posted walk coverage that appeared on Channel 4 news. Below is the Channel 11 clip featuring Chris Michaels, Executive Director of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania.

If you cannot view this video clip, click here to download Apple's Quick Time, which can be installed in under a minute.

Step #2 Of Leading A Balanced Life

NAMI's signature family education program Family-to-Family is a multi-faceted 12-week course for families who have a loved one diagnosed with a mental illness. Self-care for the caregiver is one of many focuses. There are seven principles for a caregiver to lead a balanced life. Last week we discussed the first principle.

The second principle is: Strive for good physical health.

Of course, everyone should strive for good physical health, but it is especially important for the caregiver. Growing bodies of evidence show that a family member providing care to a loved one with a chronic or disabling condition is also at risk. Physical health problems can arise from complex caregiving situations.

There are many ways to sustain one's physical health. Even following the most basic rules for good physical health can make a huge difference in a caregiver's overall well being.

Nourish your body with healthy food and drinks. Eating well most of the time is key to optimal health and energy when caring for another. There are a wealth of resources on the Internet and books/magazines available to educate yourself on healthy eating. Also check with your health insurance plan to see if it covers or offers nutrition counseling.

Exercise or use your body. Some people think exercise will wear them out, but it actually gives you energy! While you should check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program, simply adding extra activities to your day, such as taking the stairs, helps to use your body as it was intended.

Visit your doctor regularly. Don't skip annual exams. Talk openly to your doctor about any physical and mental health concerns. Advocate for your own health the way you do for your loved one.

Try deep breathing. This is something anyone can do, anytime. Again, there is a wealth of information available on deep breathing exercises, and more and more experts are encouraging this practice for good physical health.

As a caregiver, it is imperative to your loved one that you take care of YOU.

For more information on support for family members, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.

NAMI Wins Exceptional Employer Award

The Howard Levin Clubhouse recently named NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania one of the recipients of its 2009 Exceptional Employer Recognition Award.

A proclamation passed in Pittsburgh City Council on Oct. 20 states, "Whereas, these employers continually demonstrate the utmost respect for the Clubhouse community and the ongoing initiative to combat the stigma associated with mental illness."

The Howard Levin Clubhouse held an Employer Recognition Reception on Monday honoring the winning organizations. Paul Freund (pictured below right), C/FST Services Director at NAMI's Consumer Action & Response Team (CART), accepted the award from CART Interviewer Brian Rayne (pictured left), who nominated NAMI for the award.

The other organizations honored were WPIC Transition for Recovery, Jay Fingeret - Attorney at Law, Community Day School, Squirrel Hill Food Pantry, IKM Architects, United Jewish Federation, Trader Joe's, U.S. Department of Labor, Thriftique/National Council of Jewish Women, TriState Petroleum, Peer Support & Advocacy Network, DeLuca's Restaurant and BENDER Consulting Services.

Family-to-Family Week 6

Note: One of our current Family-to-family participants is writing a weekly series about her experience with NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's 12-week education class. This is her sixth post.

Medications can be a very frustrating aspect of treatment for mental illness, both for the consumer and caregivers. What works well for one person with depression, may not work at all for another; or the medications that keep a person functional during the day, may also keep them up all night. Often one medication's side effects must be treated with another medication.

Many people in our Family-to-Family group had experienced the frustration of having their loved one's diagnosis -- and subsequently their medication -- changed time and time again, leaving them to wonder if the professionals they trusted to give them answers were doing anything more than guessing.

It's hard to ask a doctor about these seeming inconsistencies, especially as they sometimes take affront to any suggestion that their professional opinion is being questioned. So it was extremely refreshing and enlightening to have a physician come to our class and talk openly about the the problems of diagnosis, pharmaceutical treatments, and side effects; and, to frankly address how mainstream medicine creates a mirage of seemingly inviolate truths when, in fact, science is challenging and changing what we know about mental illness every day.

One of the most impactful revelations, to me, was the "Bible" of mental illness, the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in its next revision (version 4 is used currently) will be more focused on categorical diagnoses as opposed to the dimensional mechanisms that are currently employed. This change will make diagnosis more fluid, with considerations for co-occurring disorders and the overlap between diagnoses of many symptoms. Diagnosis, and treatment plans, will then target symptoms rather than attempt to force all the varied and numerous expressions of mental illness neatly into blanket categories.

Next Week, we'll learn about empathy -- a gift we can all give and, gratefully, use.

For more information, visit the Family-to-Family section of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's website.

Step #1 Of Leading A Balanced Life

NAMI's signature family education program Family-to-Family is a multi-faceted program for families who have a loved one diagnosed with a mental illness. Self-care for the caregiver is one of many focuses. There are seven principles for a caregiver to lead a balanced life, as discussed in last week's blog post.

Here is more detail on principle #1: Do as much as you can physically and financially to improve the situation, but don't feel guilty about all you won't be able to do.

If it isn't possible to maintain a degree of peace, dignity and well being within the family while the person with mental illness lives at home, other arrangements should be made. If it is necessary, don't be embarrassed about seeking public support through available social services such as community clinics or state hospitals. You have every right to ask for information and help from the facilities of our state Department of Mental Health. Tax dollars are meant to support the truly disabled.

For more information on mental illness or the Family-to-Family program, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.

Life-Saving Legislation for Troops

There is no better time than Veteran's Day to announce an important piece of legislation that has become law, thanks to our friend and colleague, Matt Kuntz, Executive Director of NAMI Montana, and Montana's senior U.S. Senator Max Baucus.

The legislation requires medical screenings for returning combat troops to help identify and treat post-combat related behavioral health issues.

The legislation, which is modeled after a program currently used by the Montana National Guard, requires the military to provide screening for every Soldier, Marine, Airman or Sailor before he or she deploys to combat as well as six, 12 and 24 months after their return. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that once fully implemented, this new requirement would result in the need for an additional 150,000 mental health assessments every year.

The purpose of this screening is to identify Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, suicidal tendencies and other behavioral health issues to identify which service members are in need of additional health care and treatment.

Matt Kuntz, who was the keynote speaker at NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's 2009 annual conference, championed this effort in memory of his step-brother Chris Dana, who died by post-traumatic stress related-suicide 16 months after he returned from Iraq.

"I can't tell you how much I've appreciated NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's support throughout this advocacy effort," Kuntz said. "Your efforts will make a major difference in the lives of service members and their families."

To read the full press release and see video footage of Sen. Baucus, click here.

New Research on Depression

Americans do not believe they know much about depression but are highly aware of the risks of not receiving care, according to a survey released today by the NAMI National.

The survey reveals a "three-dimensional" measurement of responses from members of the general public who do not know anyone with depression, caregivers of adults diagnosed with depression, and adults actually living with the illness.

• Seventy-one percent said they are not familiar with depression, but 68 percent or more know specific consequences that can come from not receiving treatment--including suicide.
• Sixty-two percent believe they know some symptoms of depression, but 39 percent said they do not know many or any at all.

One major finding: almost 50 percent of caregivers who responded had been diagnosed with depression themselves, but only about 25 percent of them said they were engaged in treatment.
Almost 60 percent of people living with depression reported that they rely on their primary care physicians rather than mental health professionals for treatment. Medication and "talk therapy" are primary treatments--if a person can get them--but other options are helpful.

• Fifteen percent of people living with depression use animal therapy with 54 percent finding it to be "extremely" or "quite" helpful. Those using prayer and physical exercise also ranked them high in helpfulness (47 percent and 40 percent respectively).
• When people living with depression discontinue medication or talk therapy, cost is a common reason, but other significant factors include a desire "to make it on my own" and, in the case of medicine, side effects.

"The survey reveals gaps and guideposts on roads to recovery," said NAMI National Executive Director Michael J. Fitzpatrick. "It tells what has been found helpful in treating depression. It can help caregivers better anticipate stress that will confront them. It reflects issues that need to be part of ongoing health care reform."


"There are many treatment strategies," said NAMI Medical Director Ken Duckworth. "What often works is a combination of treatments that fit a person and their lifestyle."


"Research indicates that a combination of medication and psychotherapy are most effective. But physical exercise, prayer, music therapy, yoga, animal therapy and other practices all can play a role.


"The good news is that 80 percent or more of the public recognize that depression is a medical illness, affecting people of all ages, races and socioeconomic groups, which can be treated."


Harris Interactive conducted the survey for NAMI online between Sept. 29 and Oct. 7, 2009. Participants included 1,015 persons who did not known anyone diagnosed with depression, 513 persons living with depression and 263 caregivers of a family member or significant other diagnosed with depression.


See full survey results by clicking here.


All information above provide by NAMI National -- the National Alliance on Mental Illness -- which is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.


NAMI has over 1,100 state and local affiliates, including NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania, which provides support education and advocacy for individuals living with a mental illness, their families, professionals and the community.

Family-to-Family Week 5

Note: One of our current Family-to-Family participants is writing a weekly series about her experience with NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's 12-week class. This is her fifth post.

Imagine harnessing the collective experience of nearly 20 experts and "lay-experts" to personally address your one most pressing problem.

We were assigned homework for this week: to define one problem that you have with your loved one and describe our emotional response to the problem. Then, we were to see if our emotional response to the problem helped us redefine the original problem. I see where they're going with this--in many cases the only thing I have control over is my own reaction to the problem. And, often, my reaction causes escalation of the original problem or creates a whole new problem altogether. This reminds me of the variation of the Serenity Prayer I learned at the NAMI National Conference: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know that that one is me."

Unfortunately, while most of the problems described in our group tonight involved extremely emotional responses, there were more serious and pressing issues underlying them. As a group, we worked on each dilemma, following a problem-solving technique called P.O.W., which involves reviewing the Past Experience with the problem--who has tried what, what has worked, what hasn't; listing Options--new things to try to resolved the issue; and What if--picking a second option to try if the first choice either cannot be implemented or does not work as planned.

For each problem, the group was tasked with listing 10-12 possible solutions. The reaction to some of our suggestions was as if we were giving new hope to people who felt they'd "tried everything." Most of the people had never heard of Clubhouses--places where a person with a mental illness can go to socialize, learn job skills or get information on housing, jobs and other supports. In several cases, it was suggested that a new doctor be consulted or medications evaluated, encouraging action in situations that had become accepted as "the norm" although they were steadily eroding the lives of those involved.

Next week we have a guest speaker who will answer our medication questions--how valuable would it be to have answers to your questions about your loved one's medication?

For more information, visit the Family-to-Family section of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's website.

7 Principles of Living a Balanced Life

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania and Allegheny Family Network recently presented a workshop called "Self Care for Families and Caregivers" at the Regional Recovery Conference.

During the workshop, they discussed the 7 Principles of Leading a Balanced Life.

1.) Do as much financially and physically to improve the situation

2.) Strive for good physical health

3.) Watch your stress level

4.) Maintain social contacts

5.) Seek out and join a support group

6.) Continue pursuing your own interests

7.) Do something for someone else; give back

We will highlight one of these principles each week for the next seven weeks. Stay tuned.

7 Principles taken from NAMI's signature program Family-to-Family.

Regional Recovery Conference

Today marks the final day of the 2009 Regional Recovery Conference in Pittsburgh.

This year's theme was "Bridging our Communities: Closing the Gaps with Recovery and Resiliency." It attracted over 500 people including individuals with mental illness, family members, advocates, providers and community members.

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania was there as workshop presenters, exhibitors and participants.

One workshop that NAMI co-presented was "Self Care for Families and Caregivers." Executive Director Chris Michaels and Associate Director Debbie Ference presented this workshop with Ruth Fox, Executive Director of Allegheny Family Network.

One of many pieces of valuable information they imparted was the "7 Principles of a Balanced Life." Check the NAMI Blog on Thursday for a list of those seven principles.

Family-to Family: Week 4

Note: One of our current Family-to-Family participants is writing a weekly series of her experience in NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's 12-week class. This is her fourth post.

Week 4 of Family-to-Family presents a broad review of the scientific evidence supporting the not widely accepted view that so-called psychiatric illness are, in reality, organic brain disorders; meaning that they are every bit as much diseases without blame as other neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's, Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy.

A rose by any other name may smell as sweet, but what we choose to label a class of illnesses has a dramatic effect on how it's perceived by others. For instance, compare the connotations of the following terms: mental illness, psychiatric disorder, mood disorder, neurological disorder. Which type of illness do you think garners the most compassion from family members, friends, employers and healthcare providers?

Generally speaking, all of these terms are synonymous. Yet by classifying some disorders of the brain as psychiatric or mood disorders or, more commonly, mental illnesses, the medical establishment seems to be supporting the outmoded and terribly detrimental belief that these illnesses are caused by "weaknesses" of character, morality or family values. This point of view has been with us for so long and is so entrenched that even caring family members can have trouble fully internalizing the knowledge that their loved ones are not to some extent willing participants in their conditions.

Even my own beliefs, as someone who has struggled with depression, as a daughter, friend, aunt, sister and advocate of people with mental illness, were challenged by some of the research -- showing just how deeply we hold on to the conviction that people with mental illness have the ability to will ourselves well, to overcome our "shortcomings." It may be that this point of view offers us some incremental hope in the face of daunting statistics about recovery and a broken mental health system. It may also be that we need somewhere to direct our feelings of frustration, inadequacy, anger and hurt.

Whatever the reasons, the hard scientific evidence gives us the tools to further fight stigma, in our own hearts as well as in the judicial system, the healthcare and insurance industries and the general population.

For more information, visit the Family-to-Family section on NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's website.

Last Chance Benefit

Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic (WPIC) is hosting a Last Chance Raffle to benefit the NAMI Walk. To order your tickets, call Marlene at (412) 586-9054. Drawing will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Donate $5 for one chance or $10 for three chances to win one of the following prizes:

--The Detroit "white out" towel given the night the Penguin's won the Stanley Cup AND two tickets to the Feb. 10 game against the Islanders (Igloo section).

--An original 8x10 photo of Sidney Crosby and Marc Andre Fleury with the Stanley Cup from the June 15, 2009 Victory Parade AND an autographed shirt from #87 himself - Sidney Crosby.

Donate $2 for one chance and $5 for three chances to win one of the following prizes:

--Family Night Gift Basket

--Two Applehill Playhouse Flex Passes (good for four admissions each)

--Two tickets to the Carousel Pittsburgh Playhouse (Nov. 5-15)

--Two tickets (Orchestra Center, Row B) at the Benedum Center to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular on Nov. 19

New NAMI Connections Group

We understand how you feel because we've been there...

A new NAMI Connections Recovery Peer Support Group is up and running on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. at UCP Pittsburgh located at 4368 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213.

NAMI Connections is a 90-minute support group run by persons who live with mental illness for other persons who live with mental illness. The program includes NAMI-trained peer facilitators and employs principles of support designed to empower its members. This program focuses on allowing all participants to share their experiences and learn from each other in a safe and confidential environment.

NAMI Connection is not illness-specific and welcomes persons with all psychiatric diagnoses.

For more information about NAMI Connections, or to find a group near you, visit the Support Group Page of the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.

Family-to-Family, Week 3

Note: One of our current Family-to-Family participants is writing a weekly series of her experience in NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's 12-week class. This is her third post.

Back for week three at Family-to-Family and, even though I'm dead tired after a day of work, I'm looking forward to tonight's topic: Types of bipolar disease, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and borderline personality disorder. These labels are bandied around so much in the media--in news reports, talk shows and TV series--that they become one confusing jumble of overlapping symptoms. I'm anxious to get some clarification.

However, as our co-teachers present the content, and I mentally flip through the catalog of symptoms experienced by various family members, friends, and myself, I'm still at a loss. Which makes one thing very clear: at any given point in time, each and every person's position on the spectrum of mental illness, from perfectly healthy to severely incapacitated, can and does change.

The second half of class is reserved for each member of the group to talk about their loved one and share their story, mapping where they are currently to the stages of dealing with a loved one's mental illness. Much like the stages of grief, the stages of dealing with mental illness detail the range of attitudes one experiences during the process of coming to terms with the drastic rearrangement of one's life, hopes and dreams that occurs in the wake of serious mental illness.

Heavy stuff for a Monday. But hearing the stories of the others in this class, learning how they and their loved ones have struggled, how some have persevered, while others are still searching for a light at the end of the tunnel, leaves me feeling as though I am surrounded by untold strength.

For more information, visit the Family-to-Family section on NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's website.

Losing Lambert Airs Tonight

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania will be part of a live, participating studio audience tonight for OnQ Close-up: Teen Suicide on WQED at 7:30 p.m.

At 8 p.m., WQED will premiere the 30-minute documentary of Losing Lambert: A Journey of Survival and Hope.

The documentary tells the story of a NAMI volunteer, Kathy, who lost her son Lambert to suicide 16 years ago. She transformed her pain and loss into a life of helping other people.

We introduced Kathy to WQED producer David Solomon after another episode on teenage suicide we were part of in April. Click here to see a clip of our Executive Director Chris Michaels on that program.

Tune in to WQED tonight at 7:30 for this important episode.

NAMI at Heart Expo

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania participated in BNY Mellon's "Heart Expo" last Tuesday. The expo was a wellness fair held in Pittsburgh at One BNY Mellon Center, downtown.

The Heart Expo is put on by BNY Mellon employees for all of its employees to educate and promote wellness among their staff. The company has a great health resource network, called LifeWorks, available for its employees. LifeWorks is both an online and telephone hotline where employees can speak confidentially and receive referrals for community resources for childcare, assisted living centers, parenting help, financial aid, physical and mental health resources, and addiction and recovery programs.

In addition to the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania information table, others in attendance were the Epilepsy Foundation, Stroke Survivor Connection, American Lung Association, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, Arthritis Foundation, The Children's Home and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. HealthSouth Home Health was on hand to take blood pressure readings, and three massage chairs were available to anyone who wanted a mid-day stress reliever.

Posted by guest blogger Susan Harrington of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania.

We Have A Budget!

After 101 days of budget impasse, the House Appropriations bill was passed by the Senate and signed by Gov. Rendell on Friday, Oct. 9.

"The budget is a good one. It's a realistic one," said Gov. Rendell. He apologized for what he called an "unconscionable delay" in delivering a finished spending plan.

Mental Health Funding

The state budget total for mental health services in the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) is $728.730 million, down from the Governor's request of $730.58 million.

The line item funds both the community mental health programs and the state-operated psychiatric hospitals. The budget includes a two percent across-the-board reduction to the county allocation, about $3.055 million. This amount is expected to be absorbed within OMHSAS administrative costs and through reduction in the state hospital appropriations.

There is an increase of $1.5 million to support post-closure programs related to the Mayview State Hospital closing.

NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania, particularly our Director of Education & Community Relations Sharon Miller, took a leadership role in advocating for the end of the budget impasse. We would like to thank everyone who tirelessly contacted Gov. Rendell and legislative leaders to urge for the passage of a state budget protecting essential services and supports for people with mental illness.

This post was excerpted from an email alert from Sharon Miller. Click here for a full report.

Family-to-Family: Week 2

Note: One of our current Family-to-Family participants is writing a weekly series on her experience in NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's 12-week class. This is her second post.

Upon entering the room on week two, I'm greeted by name by several attendees, and surprisingly, as I'm really bad with names, am able to return the greetings in kind. This kind of bonding can only come about so quickly through shared trial, and although we've not been through the emotional twister of a mental illness together, all of us in this room have been touched in a similar way by its brutal force.

After a quick passing around of notices about upcoming seminars and conferences, one of our co-leaders points out the collection of books on the counter--her personal library of resources that she invites us to borrow during the course of the remaining 10 weeks. Then we plunge into the information starting with answers to four questions:

Why can't someone just tell us what the diagnosis is?

Why is the response to mental illness so different from the response to another medical illness?

What are the basics we need to know about psychotic illness?

Why do people change so drastically when they become psychotic and what are they actually experiencing?

Who hasn't asked at least one of the questions at one time or another? And why, despite all the doctor's appointments, phone calls, emergency room visits and frustration, has it taken this long for someone to answer them?

The second half of the class (after the short break for coffee, cookies and family networking) focuses on the characteristics of major depression and mania, and defines schizoaffective disorder. Most amazingly, it ends with a realistic, concrete and practical discussion of how to deal with our loved ones when they are a danger to themselves, others or to us. Family members are not given this information when their loved ones are enrolled in residential or outpatient programs, and there is no "Handbook of How to Deal" when your loved one is arrested. But, here I discover that invaluable advice spelled out in plain text in my Family-to-Family binder and labeled appropriately "Crisis File." Who knew?

For more information, visit the Family-to-Family section on NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's website.

Healthy Eating

There is a strong connection between a person's mental and physical health. Lifestyle choices such as healthy eating and exercise make a big impact on our overall wellness. NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania and Nutrition Systems presented a demo on healthy eating last night at REI in the SouthSide Works. Presenter Meridith Paterson, MS, RD, LDN, gave us great ideas on healthy eating and snacking.

One of Meridith's tips was to eat something every four hours to maintain blood glucose and energy levels throughout the day. However, portion control -- or Portion Distortion, as Meridith calls it -- is the key. Below is a healthy snack recipe. The key is only consuming one half-cup serving at a time.

The cereal, pretzels and fruit provide carbohydrates for energy and fiber to help slow down the release of sugar into our bloodstream. The chocolate M&Ms provide energy and are okay to have once in awhile in moderation. Nuts provide protein and fat that work with the carbohydrate to give us staying power. This combination of carbohydrate, protein and fat make trail mix a great choice for athletic activities and snacking.

Trail Mix

In a large bowl, mix together:

2 cups cereal (Crispix, Cheerios, Shreddies, Corn Bran, or any cereal that stays crunchy. Use a mixture for variety.)

1 cup pretzels

1 cup dried fruit (raisins or mixed dried fruit)

1/2 cup nuts and seeds

1/4 cups M&Ms or Smarties plain chocolates

The mixture makes five cups and can be stored in a sealed container for up to one month. Don't forget an appropriate snack size is half a cup!

Eating for Energy

As a follow-up to the NAMI Walk, Nutrition Systems and NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania present Eating for Energy:

Eating for Energy
Wednesday, Oct. 14
7 to 8 p.m.
REI (SouthSide Works)
412 S. 27th St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
No cost to attend

Whether you exercise regularly or just want to gain more energy for your daily life, nutrition can play an important role. At the Eating for Energy demo, healthy snack samples will be provided along with some recipes for powerhouse snacks. Also, become a portion pro! Learn what an appropriate portion size is and measure up your current portions.

Our featured presenter is NAMI volunteer Meridith Paterson, MS, RD, LDN, of Community LIFE.

Family-to-Family: Week One

Note: One of our current Family-to-Family participants is writing a weekly series of her experience in NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's 12-week class. This is her first post.

My first indication that NAMI's Family-to-Family program was going to be much more than I expected was the large binders placed at every seat around the square of tables. I had expected some handouts, but not enough for a two-and-a-half inch binder. As we went through the agenda, I discovered just how intense the program is. Family-to-Family is much more than an informational support group; it's hard core education from those who have been-there-done-that-and-more.


But don't be deterred. Like water to the thirsty, the education you get from Family-to-Family will soak in to your brain without effort. As we went around the room introducing ourselves, I was amazed by the range of experiences among our group members. And yet, as each person described their situation, I could make connections to things that had happened in my own life. And, unlike my high school geometry class, when we started in on the handouts, I felt one "ah-ha" moment after another rather than one long "duh" moment.


This first session introduced us to the objectives of the class and what to expect, as well as getting us all acquainted with each other. Next week, we'll learn about the specific symptoms of major depression, schizophrenia and mania and discuss how those symptoms affect our loved ones.


For more information, visit the Family-to-Family section on the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.

NAMI Walk in the News

The NAMI Walk on Sunday attracted over 2,000 people to the SouthSide Works to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of mental illness. The walk attracted both WTAE-TV and WPXI-TV, enabling us reach nearly a million households with our message of hope and recovery.

Below is footage that appeared on the six o'clock Channel 4 news after the walk. If you cannot view this, click here for a free download of Apple's Quick Time, which be installed in under a minute.

Jim's Jocks Party for NAMI

On Friday, Sept. 18, dozens of people joined hosts Jim Ehrman and Nancy Huff (pictured below) at Amici in the South Hills for a fundraising party. The event was fun-filled with delicious food, great music provided by live band Black Cat Otis, and amazing baskets for a silent auction and raffle drawing.

Jim's son Brennan greeted guests at the door. He took donations and handed out free Pirates tickets and information on NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Not only did Jim host a fabulous party, but he also raised over $2,300! The funds go toward his NAMI Walk team, Jim's Jocks, benefiting NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania.

NAMI Southwestern Pa.'s Executive Director Chris Michaels (pictured below, center) enjoyed the party with volunteer Mary Ann Farmerie and Board Member Mim Schwartz.

Thanks Jim and Nancy--and everyone who came in support of this event!