NAMI Takes a Stand for Mental Illness in New Documentary on Violence

Last night, thousands of viewers across Southwestern Pennsylvania watched a new documentary on gun violence in America called "Gun Violence: The Voices." Produced by Tonia Caruso for WQED-TV, the 30-minute documentary investigates gun violence and the gun control debate from a variety of different perspectives. One of those perspectives is that of Christine Michaels, MSHSA, executive director of NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania. Michaels represents the mental health community in the documentary, which illustrates that mental illness is common and that people living with mental illness are no more likely to commit a violent crime than the rest of the population.

"In the incidences that we do know of where there has been a tragedy and an act of violence, and we know that the person did have a mental illness or a history of mental illness, we know that it (the mental illness) was untreated," Michaels stated. "And that is the operative word: untreated."

Michaels continues, "So if you're going to create new laws in terms of gun violence in America and you want to focus on mental illness then I think you should focus on treatment, not a list. It is a disincentive to seeking treatment."

To view the entire 30-minute documentary, which was funded by the Pittsburgh Foundation, click here.

New Community Education Classes on Mental Illness & Addiction

NAMI is pleased to announce a series of classes in June that focus on mental health and addiction.   

These Community Wellness Classes are for people who want to learn more about mental health issues and addictions. Whether learning how to care for yourself or a family member, there is much to explore. The interactive classes are taught by experts in the mental health and/or addiction fields along with family advocates. Our experts include physicians and staff at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of UPMC and NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Registration must be in advance.

• Class size is limited.
• Cost is $30 per class.
• Child care is provided at no charge.
• For additional information, contact Nancy Mundy at (412) 204-9090.

You are Not Alone: Facts About Mental health and Mental Illness
This class provides an overview of some of the more common mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, post traumatic stress disorder, phobias, hoarding and obsessive compulsive disorder. We will review substance abuse, the symptoms, and the different kinds of treatments available. This class will also cover the types of mental health professionals and how to find help.

• Thursday, June 6 at 10 a.m.
• Wednesday, June 12 at 6:30 p.m.

To register for the event, visit the Classes and Events page and use "Community Wellness" as a keyword. Look for the "You Are Not Alone" classes. If you have questions or need help with registration, call the NAMI office at (412) 366-3788.

You are Not Alone: Someone in My Life is Depressed, What Can I Do?

Depressed individuals may withdraw from family and friends and the activities they enjoy. Others may experience symptoms including: low energy, chronic fatigue, decreased effectiveness at school, work or home, a change in eating and sleeping habits, and loss of sexual interest. This class will give an overview of depression and the types of treatment available. Our experts will provide information about available resources and what you can do to help your loved one.

• Wednesday, June 19 at 10 a.m.
• Thursday, June 27 at 6:30 p.m.

To register for the event, visit the Classes and Events page and use "Community Wellness" as a keyword. Look for the "You Are Not Alone" classes. If you have questions or need help with registration, call the NAMI office at (412) 366-3788.

Classes are sponsored by Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic, Allegheny Family Network and NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Big News: Few Waived for NAMI Cycles!

Ride with NAMI for only $30! That's right: to create a more inclusive event for NAMI members and friends, we have waived the $150 fundraising requirement for NAMI Cycles. So register online today and ride with us on Saturday, May 18. Don't miss this first-of-its-kind event on the Great Allegheny Passage to raise awareness of mental illness. Here's how you can get involved:

 

1) REGISTER to cycle for only $30 today at www.namicycles.com. Want to cycle but need a bike?  Find bike rentals here.

2) DONATE if you cannot attend. Click here and become a virtual rider by donating $30, stock up a rest stop for $50, or be a trail champion for $150.  Any amount you can donate is truly appreciated.  

3) VOLUNTEER! We welcome individual volunteers or group volunteers from businesses, schools or community organizations. Contact Susan Harrington at sharring@namiswpa.org or (412) 366-3788 ext. 14.  

While there is no fundraising requirement, riders raising at least $150 will receive a NAMI Cycles T-shirt in a size of your choice. Very cool indeed!  

For more information, call (412) 366-3788 or email dgarda@namispwa.org.

Announcing Honorary Chair of NAMI Cycles

We are pleased to announce WTAE-TV News Reporter Sheldon Ingram as the Honorary Chair of our inaugural cycling event NAMI Cycles, which takes place on Saturday, May 18 at Cedar Creek Park. Sheldon has been with WTAE-TV for 20 years and is devoted to health and fitness, including (of course) cycling! 

With Sheldon Ingram as our Honorary Chair and a growing list of sponsors, NAMI Cycles is only three weeks away. We need your help to make this happen! Can you do one of the following?

 

1) REGISTER to cycle and/or ask a friend to participate. Here is the link for information and to register: http://www.namicycles.com/

 

2) SPONSOR or donate to NAMI Cycles. Sponsors recieve many benefits. Click here for details. Other donations can be made securely online here. 

 

3) VOLUNTEER. We need volunteers to put on this event. We welcome individual volunteers or group volunteers from businesses, schools or community organizations. Contact Susan Harrington at sharring@namiswpa.org or (412) 366-3788 ext. 14.

 

All proceeds benefit NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania in its mission to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness through recovery focused support, education and advocacy.