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NAMI COBB
Welcome to our family of National Alliance for Mental Illness - NAMI Cobb!
Our group works to be a wealth of information to you the consumer, the family member, the friends and relatives of those dealing with day to day issues of living with a Mental Illness.
NAMI Cobb Leadership Team
President – Mary Dean Evans [email protected]
1st Vice-President/Communications Chair Greg Ausham [email protected]
2nd Vice-President/Outreach Chair Linda Akanbi [email protected]
Secretary - Nancy Spetnagel [email protected]
Treasurer and Parliamentarian– Paul Wiser [email protected] Member At Large/Newsletter Editor/CIT – John Avery [email protected]
Past President: Neill Blake [email protected]
Member at Large
Member At Large/Advocacy Chair: Sylvia Oliphant [email protected]
Membership Chair: Robert Gray [email protected] Fundraising Chair: Reina Pantaleon [email protected]
Website: www.namicobb.org Email: [email protected]
Mailing address: NAMI-Cobb P.O. Box 999 Kennesaw, GA 30156
I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E
1 NAMI Cobb Education Meeting
2 President’s Letter / NAMI Annual Conference
3 Education Speaker Series - Bi Polar Babes
4 Connecting with Others, Friendship Enhance Mental Health
5 Family to Family / Peer to Peer
7 NAMI Cobb Activities / NAMI Northside
8 Maine sheriff wants mentally ill inmates out of jail
9 Meeting and Membership Information
Newsletter Date Volume 1 Issue 1 APRIL 2016 FRESH START
February Education Meeting Speaker
Bi-Polar Babes: “I’m Not Crazy”
Sue Ryerson will be the host and mediator. After a quick film entitled “I’m not Crazy,” there will be a panel discussion. The program not only appeals to those that are diagnosed, but even more to friends and family who are trying hard to understanding this illness. All of the above is delivered with humor and care. The cross section of people on the panel makes for a lively and interesting discussion, and having comedian, Sue Ryerson as host and mediator makes the subject that much more palatable.
NEW MEETING LOCATION EVENT Name: March Education Meeting
DATE of Event: Thursday, April 21, 2016
TIME: 7:00PM – 9:00PM
WHERE: The Cathedral of Turner Chapel
492 North Marietta Parkway NE Rm 187 Marietta 30060
http://www.turnerchapelame.org/index.php/about/locationandtimes
Parking is plentiful and there is a lift at the base of the parking lot stairs to make the building easily accessible through the main entrance.
Page 2 Fresh Start
President’s Message April 2016 It is my pleasure to work with and serve NAMI in the capacity of President of the NAMI COBB affiliate. I am retired after devoting my adulthood to the betterment of children and families. I have been an educator, administrator of state wide Health and Human Services in two states so I am familiar with the many stressors that today’s families face. When mental health is thrown in the mix, the family often suffers without necessary help. Either they do not know what help is available, do not know how to access the help or none exists in their community. These factors make NAMI Cobb an invaluable resource for families in Cobb county. Having served on the board of directors of a children’s mental health hospital, I can attest to the need for organizations such as NAMI Cobb. All too often, a crisis has erupted and the only perceived option is in-patient treatment. Having an array of community-based resources is essential. Having an effective advocacy group is also essential. That is the role that NAMI Cobb serves. The Leadership Team has exciting things planned for 2016 and I am excited to join them in making those things happen. Mary Dean Evans
The Leadership Team has exciting things planned for 2016 and I am excited to join them in making
to register! The Annual Meeting of Members will convene after the conference in the same location. Attendance at the Annual Membership Meeting is free of charge, no registration required.
2016 Conference and Annual Meeting of Members
The 2016 NAMI Georgia Conference will be held on April 30 at Mercer University’s Atlanta Campus, in
the AACC (Atlanta Administration and Conference Center) building. Join us for engaging, informative
workshops, camaraderie, fun, and a chance to participate in the positive efforts of determined, recovery-
oriented, NAMI Georgia members and friends. Our keynote speaker will be Rachel N. Waford, PhD, from
the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. At the Conference, we will be recognizing
individuals, affiliates, volunteers, partners, legislators, and organizations who have worked tirelessly to support
NAMI Georgia’s mission. To learn more about the award and nomination process, please download our form at
http://namiga.org/2016-nami-georgia-awards-info/
Nominations are due this Friday, April 15.
Workshop Tracks
Recovery
Advocacy
Emerging Trends
Affiliate
Conference registration fee is $25 (includes lunch). Click here athttp://namiga.org/event-registration/?ee=1744
Fresh Start Page 3
“I’m Not Crazy”
A Documentary by Sue Ryerson
New Dawn Theater Company and Bleeding Edge Productions present "I'm Not Crazy" a documentary written and produced by comedian Sue Ryerson.
Please view the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW0kvM4RPpU Sue and three independent participants who call themselves the Bipolar Babes share their insight, experiences, and hope as they go through life with Bipolar Disorder. No scripts, no actors! This the real deal. Join us if you have Bipolar Disorder, know someone that does, or are involved in the mental health field. There will be a Q and A after the screening.
Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 7:15 pm. Doors open at 7:00 pm. NAMI Cobb Education meeting. Turner Chapel AME Church 492 N Marietta Parkway Marietta, GA 30060 in Room 187.
Open to the public. Admission is FREE!
Page 4 Fresh Start
Connecting with Others, Friendship Enhance Mental Health
A powerful way to enhance mental health is through human connection and friendship. Connecting with others in a positive, meaningful way can improve both thoughts and emotions (Friendship and Mental Health: Priceless). Friendship boots other treatments like medication and therapy, and it helps increase positivity and wellbeing for people experiencing mood disorders, anxiety disorders (yes, even social anxiety), trauma-related disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and more.
Connecting with people, though, is sometimes difficult. Living with mental illness wreaks havoc on self-confidence, drive, and trust in others. Still, forming friendships is possible when done in small steps. Here are three ideas to get you started:
1. Attend a support group. 2. Join a community organization that relates to one of your interests. 3. Identify one person (coworker, neighbor, parent of one of your child's friends, etc.) that you'd like to know better. Start
a simple conversation. Have more conversations.
Human connection is so important and effective because it breaks through the isolation and loneliness common among people living with mental illness. Connecting with someone else allows people to share their humanity, to exchange stories, to celebrate life's joys and to empathize through life's sorrows. Friendship also motivates, inspires, and encourages. While it might be difficult to take the first step, it's a step you'll be glad you took on your life's journey.
Related Articles Dealing with Friendship, Human Connection, and Mental Health
Friendship and Mental Illness
Maintaining Friendships When Living with a Mental Illness
How Do You Make Friends with Someone?
What Does it Take to Make New Friends?
Finding Friendship with Schizophrenia
Keeping Friendships Alive
Tips for Decreasing Anxiety and Loneliness
From the HealthyPlace Mental Health Blogs
On all our blogs, your comments and observations are welcomed.
Please Stop Using My Borderline Diagnosis As An Insult
Depression, Bipolar Depression Amplifies Physical Pain
Improving Access to Substance Abuse Treatment
‘How to Overdose without Dying’ and Other Red Flag Searches
Depression and Setting Emotional Boundaries
PTSD Recovery: 12-Step Approach, Steps 7, 8, and 9
Binge Eating Disorder at College: The Freshman 15
To Reduce Anxiety, Do More of What Works
Cutting Ties with Family? Consider This Before You Do
Political Activism and Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder
Find Joy in Life by Doing the Things You Love
Anxiety And Feeling Unlikeable: What Can You Do About It?
How to Deal with Weight Changes In Eating Disorder Recovery
How To Improve Decision-Making Despite Anxiety
How To Talk To Your Child About Your Addiction
TED Talks for Confidence and Motivation
Feel free to share your thoughts and comments at the bottom of any blog post. And visit the mental health blogs homepage for the latest posts.
Fresh Start Page 5
NAMI FAMILY-TO-FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAM
FREE for adult Caregivers (family members, partners, & friends) of individuals who are living with serious mental illnesses such as:
Major Depression Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Borderline Personality Disorder
Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression) Schizophrenia & Schizoaffective Disorder
Panic Disorder & Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Co-occurring Brain Disorders & Addictive Disorders
NAMI Family-to-Family consists of 12 weekly classes that are taught by trained NAMI Caregiver volunteers. The course is free-of-charge is designed to help adult Caregivers understand & support individuals who live with serious mental illness. Through the course, Caregivers will also develop ways to maintain their own well-being. Over 300,000 Caregivers in the U.S., Canada, Italy, Puerto Rico, & Mexico have completed this course. We think you’ll be pleased by how much assistance this program offers.
Class begins on a Tuesday and run for 11 consecutive Tuesdays from 6:30-9:00 pm
First Presbyterian Church 189 Church Street
Marietta 30060
*Register by contacting Instructors:
David Mc Daniel Mrs. Neill Blake
770-757-7511 770-757-0151
[email protected] [email protected]
This NAMI Family-to-Family Program is sponsored by NAMI Georgia. It is funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb &
Otsuka America Pharmaceutical
Please visit NAMI; www.nami.org for a complete list of NAMI courses &resources.
Page 6 Fresh Start
NAMI Peer-to-Peer
NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, 10-session educational program for adults with mental illness who are looking to better understand their condition and journey toward recovery. Taught by a trained team of people who've been there, the program includes presentations, discussion and interactive exercises.
Everything is confidential, and NAMI never recommends a specific medical therapy or treatment approach. - See more at:
https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/NAMI-Programs/NAMI-Peer-to-Peer#sthash.xCxfAyIz.dpuf
PEER TO PEER Classes
“This course has given me a sense of who I am. I understand what is going on
with me and I am able to cope. I have gained employment and committed to my
recovery. I’ve come a long way since I started."
For more information and registration contact
Paul Miner at [email protected] or (678) 560-3058.
Fresh Start Page 7
NAMI Cobb Activities NAMI Connections Weekly Support Group
Our NAMI Connections Support Group for persons with a mental health diagnosis continues to meet every Monday from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in Room 231 at First Presbyterian Church located at 189 Church Street in Marietta. We have a good core group of people who are committed to living in wellness - please come join this drop-in group any Monday or every Monday! Contact Ashley Burton at 404-936-3887 for more information.
Family Care & Share Weekly Support Group Our Family Care and Share Support Group is a drop-in group for family members and caregivers for someone with a
mental health diagnosis. The group meets every Monday from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in Room 232 at First Presbyterian Church, 189 Church St in Marietta. If your family member is in crisis, come any or every Monday to receive support from others.
And if your family member is doing well, please come to give your support and share your experiences with others! Contact Greg Ausham at 330-801-0328, Susie Allen at 770-565-4335 or Sylvia Oliphant 678-471-5907 for more
information.
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Page 8 Fresh Start
Maine sheriff wants mentally ill inmates out of jail, in treatment
Officials say people with mental illness are arrested more often and spend more
time in jail than the general population
Apr 15, 2016 By Nok-Noi Ricker Bangor Daily News BANGOR, Maine — Many who walk through the doors at Penobscot County Jail have a mental illness or are experiencing a mental health crisis, and jail officials are trying to divert them from incarceration and into treatment programs, according to Penobscot County Sheriff Troy Morton. “Citizens should not have to be incarcerated in order to receive proper mental health services,” Morton said in a Wednesday email. That’s why Morton is part of a team from Penobscot County heading to Washington, D.C., Sunday for a three-day national summit designed to reduce the number of adults with mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders in jails. The Stepping Up summit is hosted by the National Association of Counties, the Council of State Governments Justice Center and the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, and it will include county representatives from across the nation. “Penobscot County is one of 50 counties who will head to D.C. for a national summit on how jails, courts and law enforcement can coordinate to meet this pressing issue,” Juliet Fletcher, spokeswoman for the Council of State Governments Justice Center, said in a recent email. “More than 250 counties representing one-third of the U.S. population have joined a national initiative, Stepping Up, to commit to better meet the needs of those with mental illness.” People with mental illness are arrested more often and spend more time in jail than the general population, Fletcher said. “To put the issue in perspective, people with mental illnesses are three to six times more likely than others to end up in jail, most commonly for minor charges like disturbing the peace,” she said. “They’re also far more likely to end up back in lock-up after being released, often for minor technical violations. And this population ultimately costs as much as three times [more than] average inmates while incarcerated. So, clearly there are two crucial costs at play locally: an unnecessary financial burden to taxpayers and a human toll for those endlessly cycling in and out of the system.” The three national groups, with support from the U.S. Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, are bringing the county leaders together to collaborate and learn from each other. The National Summit starts Sunday and ends Tuesday. “I’m in hopes to learn more about how other counties throughout the country are addressing the issue of mental illness in their jails,” Morton said. “This process might help us identify services or practices missing in our region, perhaps even funding opportunities.” How to pay for programs and resources offered particularly interests Morton, he said. “We have seen the challenges many people in this state face without proper insurance coverage,” Morton said. “It will be interesting to see how others breach this hurdle.” In addition to Morton, the Penobscot team will include Penobscot County Commissioner Laura Sanborn; jail administrator Richard Clukey; Jennifer Mehnert, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Maine executive director; and Wally Fraser, clinical supervisor Community Health and Counseling Services. Penobscot County recently signed a Stepping Up resolution to work with area agencies to reduce the number of people with mental illness in the Bangor jail. The county has a long-running relationship with the National Alliance on Mental Illness Maine and years ago established a committee to help exiting inmates with mental illness connect with area resources to help reduce recidivism. “Unfortunately, far too often those who go untreated find themselves in crisis,” Morton said. “Oftentimes these crisis situations escalate into serious mental health issues, medical problems or crime.” Copyright 2016 the Bangor Daily News http://www.correctionsone.com/re-entry-and-recidivism/articles/172172187-Maine-sheriff-wants-mentally-ill-inmates-out-of-jail-in-treatment/?utm_content=bufferdb224&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
Fresh Start Page 9
Thank you so much for your interest in joining NAMI Cobb Affiliate! Please complete the form below, and mail this with your check made out to
NAMI Cobb. (If you wish to pay by credit card, go to www. nami.org and click on “Become a Member”. You will start receiving our monthly
electronic newsletter within the month. You are also invited to attend our monthly education and support meetings at St. James Episcopal Church in
Marietta, 161 Church St. NE, on the third Thursday of each month at 7:30pm (there is a time to look at resources and brochures at 7pm). You are not
alone. Come join us.
NAMI Cobb April 2016
P.O. Box 999
Kennesaw, GA 30156
TO:
Yes, I would like to join NAMI Cobb of Georgia! Date:____________________
New
Renewal
$3 Financial Hardship Membership (Please note there has been a slight increase in membership fees nationally).
___________Donation (I would like to give an additional donation
to support NAMI-Cobb programming and outreach) Name(s):______________________________________
Address:______________________________________
_______________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________
Email: _______________________________________
I am interested in volunteering. My skill is ________________________.
Family Care and Share Support Group
For families of those with a mental illness
1st Presbyterian Church
189 Church St
Marietta, GA
MONDAYS Time: 7-8:30 PM
Susie Allen 770-565-4335
Greg Ausham 330-801-0328
Sylvia Oliphant 678-471-5907
Monthly NAMI Cobb General Meeting
NEW MEETING LOCATION
Turner Chapel Rm# 187 492 North Marietta Parkway NE
Marietta 30060
NEXT Meeting
April 21, 2016
7:00 PM Networking/Social
7:30 PM Program
**Please mail this form along with your check to:
NAMI Cobb, P.O. Box 999 Kennesaw, GA 30156
Thank you for your membership!
