Pay it Forward the NAMI Way

Did someone help you during your family’s journey of recovery?

If you want to give back in a meaningful way, become a Family-to-Family teacher.

Qualifications

-Your family member lives with mental illness.

-You are willing to co-teach a Family-to-Family course.

-Available for teacher training Feb. 20 to 22 in Pittsburgh.   

 

NAMI's Family-to-Family program is a 12-week education course for family and friends of adults who are living with mental illness. The course is designed to help individuals understand and support their loved one living with mental illness. More family members are needed to teach so that this course can be offered on a more frequent basis.

No prior teaching experience is necessary. NAMI will provide you with everything you need so that you feel confident and comfortable in co-teaching this curriculum.
 

It is recommended that you've already completed the Family-to-Family course yourself but not necessary. 

Download an application for the Teacher Training.
 

Free Youth Mental Health First Aid Course

Do you interact with young people on a regular basis? You may want to consider becoming Youth Mental Health First Aid certified. NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania is holding a free certification class on Saturday, Jan. 31. 

 

Youth Mental Health First Aid

Saturday, Jan. 31

The Children's Institute of Pittsburgh

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, caregivers, educators, school staff, coaches, human service workers, youth group leaders and caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or crisis. This free, one-day course is for any adult who regularly interacts with young people.

To register, contact Susan Harrington at (412) 366-3788 ext. 14 or sharring@namiswpa.org. More information about Youth Mental Health First Aid can be found 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.

Workshop #4: Understanding Suicidal Behaviors in Adolescents

This photo has Some Rights Reserved

Did  you know that suicide is the third leading cause of death of individuals age 10 to 24? This workshop at the NAMI Education Conference on Saturday will explain the most up-to-date research on suicide among this age group. In terms the everyday person can understand, the presentation will include the neurobiology of suicidal behavior and highlight preliminary findings from the brain scans of adolescents with a history of suicide attempts. Basic review of the brain circuitry of depression will be included. A case report reviewing contributing factors for treatment-resistant depression and suicidal behavior will also be presented. The relevance of this information to understanding suicidal behavior in adolescents, and future directions of research, will be discussed.

For more information or to register for the conference, click here. Registration deadline is today!

Presenter: Lisa Pan, MD, is the assistant professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic.

Workshop #3: New Hope For People With OCD

With our 12th Annual Education Conference fast approaching, today we highlight the third of six workshops offered simultaneously on Saturday afternoon. As we always say, the hardest part of the conference is choosing which workshop to attend! For more information about the conference or to register, click here.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness that is characterized by recurring, upsetting thoughts (obsessions) and the repetitive behaviors (compulsions) used to control the anxiety the thoughts cause. These rituals often become so controlling that they interfere with activities of daily living. Typically, it takes 14 to 17 years from the time OCD symptoms start for people to find the right treatment. Fortunately, new treatments for OCD are being developed, offering new hope for people with OCD. During this workshop, Dr. Hudak will discuss these new treatment options, as well as how they are utilized with standard treatment protocol.

Presenter: Robert Hudak, MD, is the assistant professor of psychiatry and medical director of the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders Institute and Clinic at Western Psychiatric.

Which Workshop To Choose?

The hardest part of our annual conference is choosing one of the six interesting workshops offered in the afternoon portion of the day. This year's topics offer broad appeal with subjects such as "Ask the Doctor," good nutrition and addiction. But it also appeals to more specific interests such as new treatments for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, suicidal behavior in adolescents and the workshop on eating disorders highlighted below. Over the next week, we will highlight the five other workshops on our blog.

Workshop #1
Understanding Eating Disorders as Serious Mental Illnesses

Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that affect people from all cultures and socioeconomic classes, with consequences that can be devastating to individuals and their families. Eating disorders are difficult to treat and are associated with significant co-occurring mental and physical illnesses, high relapse rates and death. This presentation will review the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and eating disorders not otherwise specified. Theories of causation including genetic, familial, personality and cultural influences will be discussed. Medical complications and the importance of medical monitoring and intervention will be explained. A review of empirically supported treatment interventions will be presented, with a special emphasis on the role of family in treatment and recovery from an eating disorder.

Presenter: Liz McCabe, PhD, Clinical Administrator for Eating Disorders and Behavioral Medicine and Director of Social Work at UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic.

For more information on the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania annual conference or to register, click here.

The Agenda: NAMI Conference

Each year, NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania works hard to offer an annual conference that is not only educational and accredited but also interesting, entertaining and inspiring. This year we take brain research to a new level: one that you need not be a neuroscientist to understand! At the end of conference day, we will all walk away with the information and inspiration to truly appreciate the future of mental illness treatment and recovery. For more information or to register, click here.

The Agenda:

8 a.m. - Registration/Continental Breakfast/Exhibits

8:45 a.m. - Welcome by Christine Michaels, MSHSA, Executive Director, NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania

9 a.m. - Opening Remarks "Translational Research in Psychiatry: The Road to Prevention and Recovery" by David A. Lewis, MD, UPMC Professor in Translational Neuroscience, and Chair, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh and Medical Director, WPIC

9:30 a.m. - Keynote Address "Accomplishing Scientific Breakthroughs Through Innovative Neuroscience Research" by David A. Baker, PhD, Associate Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University

10:45 a.m. - Break and Exhibits 

11 a.m. - Morning Plenary "NAMI Southwestern PA Champions New Research Initiatives" by Christine Michaels

11:45 a.m. Luncheon

1 p.m. Afternoon Plenary "Current Trends in Mindfulness Research: Backing Up Practice with Science" by Safdary I. Chaudhary, MD, Founder and Medical Director, S'eclairer

2:15 p.m. - Break and Exhibits

2:30 p.m. - Workshops (Choose one of six) - 1. Understanding Eating Disorders As Serious Mental Illnesses - 2. Ask the Doctor - 3. New Hope for People with OCD - 4. Understanding Suicidal Behavioral in Adolescents - 5. Weight Management through Good Nutrition - 6. Trends, Truths and Treatment about Alcohol and Other Drugs

3:45 - 4 p.m. - Evaluation and Adjournment 

Quick and Easy Online Conference Registration

Registering online for the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania 12th Annual Education Conference Evidence for Hope: Why Research Should Matter To You has never been so simple. It's easy as 1 - 2 - 3!

1. Go to the registration page and click on Register for the Event.

2. Create your free sign-in account.

3. Register yourself and guests, choose Continuing Education Credits, select a workshop and finalize your payment method.

Register online now and ensure space at one of Southwestern Pennsylvania's leading conferences on mental health:

NAMI Southwestern PA 12th Annual Education Conference

Saturday, April 21 - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pittsburgh Airport Marriott

Meet Our Keynote: Dr. David Baker

After earning rave reviews at the NAMI Montana education conference, David Baker, Ph.D, from Marquette University became a top candidate to speak at NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's 12th Annual Education Conference. A NAMI supporter, Dr. Baker enthusiastically agreed to keynote our conference Evidence for Hope: Why Research Should Matter To You on Saturday, April 21 at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott. 

An associate professor at Marquette and founder of Promentis Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Baker will enlighten conference attendees about the major shift in research on mental illness. In an easy-to-understand and engaging way, Dr. Baker will summarize the past 40 years of neurological research and explain the major change that is taking place--a change that could make a world of difference in treatment and recovery for mental illness.

Highlighting one of his own research projects on schizophrenia, Dr. Baker will illustrate that the key to unlocking the answers to is in the approach.

By the end of his keynote presentation, the audience will understand the new movement taking place in medicine development and, perhaps more importantly, leave with a feeling of renewed hope and optimism that treatment works and recovery is possible.

For more information or to register for the conference, click here. To download a conference brochure, click here. Questions? Call (412) 366-3788 or email info@namiswpa.org.

MONEY 101: Free Workshop Announced

Want to learn a little more about budgeting, credit and taxes, among other things? Attend MONEY 101, a free training at the Braddock Employment Center on Thursday morning, Feb. 16. This is a great opportunity to change the way you think about money; the workshop will offer insight and ideas on how to achieve greater financial stability.

Attendees will learn about:

• Budgeting
• Credit/Bank
• Government Grants
• Identity Theft
• Entrepreneurship
• Investments
• Home/Vehicle Ownership
• Small Business Creation
• Tax Filing
• And more

The training takes place on Thursday, Feb. 16 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in room 222 of the Braddock Employment Training Center at 849 Braddock Ave., Braddock, PA 15104. For information or to register, contact Allan Alexander at (412) 273-4605. No charge for this workshop! 

Update: Family to Family Courses

We already have updates to our previous post about Family to Family classes going on in southwestern Pennsylvania!

Spring 2012 classes will be held in the following locations:

Butler County
Passavant Center Chapel
Zelienople, PA  16063
Classes beginning Saturday, January 14th, 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For more information and to register, contact the Butler NAMI Office at (724) 431-0069

Squirrel Hill
Children's Institute
1405 Shady Ave. Pittsburgh, PA  15217
Classes beginning Monday, February 27th, 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

East Liberty
Time and Date to be Determined

North Hills
Time and Date to be Determined

South Hills
Pittsburgh Baptist Church
3100 Pioneer Ave. Dormont, PA 15226
Classes beginning Tuesday, March 6, 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

For more information or to register for a class, please contact our office at 412-366-3788.


Contributed by Lora M. Dziemiela, Program Secretary

Pittsburgh Schizophrenia Conference

The 28th Annual Pittsburgh Schizophrenia Conference is being held on Friday, Dec. 9 at the Sheraton Station Square. This conference is the longest running scientific meeting devoted to exploring the latest research findings related to schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Each year, internationally recognized experts provide comprehensive reviews of advances in their areas and emphasize the clinical relevance of the research. 

This year's meeting will cover a range of topics, including the neurophysiology of schizophrenia as well as the the significance of inflammation and the role of pharmacogenetics in the treatment of schizophrenia. It will also examine the possible connection between infection, cognitive functioning and schizophrenia.

Presentations by the faculty awarded the two 2011 Pittsburgh Schizophrenia Conference Awards and the Gerard Hogarty Research Excellence Prize will also take place during the meeting. In addition, there will be a panel addressing issues related to the closing of a state hospital.

Details can be found at this website. For additional information, contact Maria Pena-Jordan at penajordanmi@upmc.edu or (412) 802-6917.

Free NAMI Employment Workshop

Join NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania for its first-ever employment workshop for mental health consumers and employers.

In any given workplace, it is likely that one in four employees will experience a mental disorder each year. While common, mental illness in the workplace still poses many questions both to the mental health consumer and the employer. NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania's first ever employment workshop brings together consumers, employers and local experts to help answer questions on this topic, and to enable attendees to ask questions of their own.

WHERE: Allegheny County Dept. of Human Services, The Liberty Room

One Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh PA 15222

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 1

8 a.m. to 9 a.m. - Registration and Continental Breakfast

9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Employment Workshop

COST: No cost to attend

Space is limited, and you must RSVP to attend. Please RSVP to Lora at ldziemiela@namiswpa.org or (412) 366-3788 by Nov. 23.

This event is hosted by NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania in partnership with Allegheny County Dept. of Human Services Employment Transformation Committee. It is supported by funds from the CMS Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (CFDA #93.768).