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Schizophrenics Anonymous

Empowerment

and RecoveryThrough Self-Help

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Introductions

Linda Whitten, APRN, BC, FAPA Bruce Black

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Objectives

Identify at least three benefits of the Schizophrenics Anonymous self-help group.

Understand the appropriate professional and interpersonal roles of staff and group leaders involved in SA.

Initiate the steps to start an SA group implementing the Schizophrenics Anonymous self-help/empowerment format.

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Joanne VerbanicFounder of Schizophrenics Anonymous

1970 diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia

1985 with Mental Health Association in Michigan Founded Schizophrenics Anonymous

– Motivated to erase stigma“The stigma is harder to

deal with than the illness itself.”

– Spokesperson at Mental Health conferences, universities, schools, clubs, TV, radio in an effort to educate the public

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Schizophrenics Anonymous

Self-help group for persons who have schizophrenia or a schizophrenia-related illness.

1985 - 1 group 2005 - more than 150 groups meeting

throughout 31 states, as well as Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela.

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Mission Statement

The mission of Schizophrenics Anonymous is to add the element of self-help group support to the recovery process of people suffering from schizophrenia. We hope this will contribute to the sense of well being of SA members and help us cope with the difficulties imposed by our illness.

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Purpose

To help restore dignity and sense of purpose for persons who are working for recovery from schizophrenia or related disorders.

To offer fellowship, positive support, and companionship in order to achieve good mental health.

To improve our own attitudes about our lives and our illness.

To provide members with latest information regarding schizophrenia.

To encourage members to take positive steps towards recovery from the illness.

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Group Philosophy

Recovery oriented group Six-step program

– Recommends a set of attitudes and actions that will enhance chances of recovery

Supplemental to professional help– Emphasizes adhering to advice of mental health

professionals, including taking prescribed medications and cooperation with necessary hospitalization

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Schizophrenics Anonymous Six Principles

1. The only requirement for SA membership is the desire to recover from a schizophrenia related illness.

2. There are no dues for SA membership, although donations may be accepted to cover SA group expenses or special events.

3. Everything said at SA meetings is confidential. (Except in cases when a person is threatening harm to self or others.)

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Six Principles, cont.

4. SA members should remain anonymous, except those who wish to work on special issues; SA members and leaders should place principles before personalities in all matters relating to our program.

5. Each group may establish its own meeting format, subject to approval by central SA leadership.

6. Decisions affecting SA as a whole are derived from the group consciousness of its own members; we rely on our Higher Power to work through this process.

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Similarities and Differences with 12-Step Programs

Initially based on 12 Steps of AA Self-help only—not advocacy or group

therapy Not billable to insurance Not “behavior based”—can do everything

“right” and still have schizophrenia 6 Steps can be done in any order

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Qualitative Findings: MSU

Involvement in SA helps:– Increase understanding of schizophrenia and how to cope

with it.– Promote change in how members feel about themselves.– Provide opportunities for participation in meaningful social

roles.– Combat feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

Deborah A. Salem, Thomas M. Reischl, & Katie Weaver RandallDepartment of Psychology Michigan State UniversityApril 20, 2000

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Bruce’s Story

My own experiences with schizophrenia How I came to SA

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Starting an SA Group

Take the steps needed to do it right! Prospective Group Leader or Staff Supporter

requests information from NSF NSF staff will assess your needs and provide

free initial information, orientation/training and start-up assistance

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Logistics for Starting SA Groups

Group leader, staff supporter/co-sponsor sign “Roles/Responsibilities” form

Obtain Group Start-up Package—$150 fee symbolizes two-way working relationship, with NSF lifetime commitment to technical assistance.

25% discount for future materials—ex.: 10 of the $2.25 Blue Books cost only $16.90 with discount.

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Identify a Core Organizing Group

Find one or two people with schizophrenia Energetic, caring, “together” Free enough of problems to focus on others

as well as own recovery Contact possible members Decide on refreshments, contact possible

donors

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Share the Work from the Start

Find a suitable meeting place:– Community Mental Health Center– Religious Meeting Place– Library– Community College or University– Ask AA groups where they meet – they may offer you a

space– Hospital Community Meeting Room– City Hall Chambers– Firehouse– Recreation Center– NO Bars

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Considerations For Location

Public Transportation Accessibility Near major routes Consistent Availability Independent from Facility Organization

– Foster autonomy, empowerment and

wellness model– Decrease Stigma

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Spread the Word

Spread the word using SA poster, flyers, press releases Newspapers

– Newsletters– Gazettes

Free “Bulletin Board”, “Public Service” column Local Service Providers

– Community Mental Health Center (CMHC)– Ministers, Rabbis, Priests, Religious Leaders– Physicians– Nurses– Psychologists– Social Workers– Mental Health Providers

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Post (With permission)– Unemployment Offices– Laundromats– Convenience Stores (7-11)– Day Treatment Centers– Psychiatric Hospitals/Units

Network– Talk to everyone you know– Attend meetings

Mental Health Advocates

Mental Health Workers Family Groups Conferences Speakers

– Request announcement of group information

NAMI

Spread the Word, cont.

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NSF Resources

Larry A. is main contact for new groups-- first 6 months; 800 #, Group Leaders’ Circular, etc.

Regional “Group Leader Liaison” is assigned as a volunteer mentor for the group

NSF remains a resource for the life of the SA group: SA e-letter, Forum, etc.

Leadership Development Conference: July 6-9, 2005.

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Schizophrenics Anonymous Meeting Format

Flexible and adaptable based on time constraints and group wishes. Consult with National Schizophrenia Foundation to adapt to individual group needs.

Refer to “Schizophrenics Anonymous Meeting Format” handout

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Spicing up Meetings

Format Options:– Adding readings from the Blue Book, Affirmations,

SA newsletters, etc.– See other ideas on Blue Book p. 6 and “Tips for

Spicing Up your SA Meeting” sheet– Resources available through NSF: printed

materials, newsletters, For People in Recovery/By People in Recovery, etc.

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Social Activities

PicnicHoliday partyGame nightRestaurantSpectator sports

ZooArt exhibitMuseumBowling

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The Six Steps

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Step 1

I SURRENDER…I admit I need help. I can’t do it alone

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Step 2

2. I CHOOSE…I choose to be well. I take full responsibility for my choices and realize the choices I make directly influence the quality of my days.

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Step 3

I BELIEVE…I now come to believe that I have been provided with great inner resources and I will try to use these resources to help myself and others.

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Step 4

I FORGIVE…I forgive myself for all the mistakes I have made. I also forgive and release everyone who has injured or harmed me in any way.

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Step 5

I UNDERSTAND…I now understand that erroneous, self-defeating thinking contributes to my problems, failures, unhappiness and fears. I am ready to have my belief systems altered so my life can be transformed.

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Step 6

I DECIDE…I make a decision to turn my life over to the care of GOD, AS I UNDERSTAND HIM, surrendering my will and false beliefs. I ask to be changed in depth.

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Roles of Group Leader & Staff Supporter

See handout on “Team Captain” and “Coach” roles

Turning leadership over to consumers—– It’s difficult to let go– It feels good when a group depends on us– Cultivating group independence is the most

empowering way to help others

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Roles of Group Leader & Staff Supporter, cont.

Nurturing leadership:– Acknowledge activity that shows evidence of

responsibility in the group– Encourage all group members to acknowledge

what they find helpful & what made them feel good about themselves or others

– Have members who are willing to take turns leading the group

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Roles of Group Leader & Staff Supporter

Remain in contact with the group as possible to help solve problems and encourage the use of SA Group Leader Liaison/Mentors

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Important Dates to Remember

Mental Illness Awareness Week– First full week in October each year.

Schizophrenia Awareness Week– Last full week of May before Memorial Day

SA Leadership Development Conference– July 7-9, 2005

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Schizophrenics Anonymous20th Anniversary Conference

Mental Health System Transformation:

The role of People with Schizophrenia– Hosted by the National Schizophrenia Foundation. Content

will be appropriate for all stakeholders and consumers– Metro Detroit July 6-8, 2004– More details will be found at www.nsfoundation.org as they

become available.– Interested persons may also call the NSF offices and ask to

be added to the conference mailing list

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What role might YOU have

with an SA group?

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Objectives

Identify at least three benefits of the Schizophrenics Anonymous self-help group.

Understand the appropriate professional and interpersonal roles of staff and group leaders involved in SA.

Initiate the steps to start an SA group implementing the Schizophrenics Anonymous self-help/empowerment format.

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Q & A

Don’t forget to complete an evaluation!

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Schizophrenics Anonymous Central Office Contacts

Schizophrenics Anonymous c/o National Schizophrenia Foundation403 Seymour, Suite 202Lansing, MI 48933

Phone (517) 485-7168 (800) 482-9534 (Consumer Line)

Fax (517) 485-7180E-mail: sareferrals@NSFoundation.orgWebsite: www.nsfoundation.org