NAMI Dallas Newsletter - NAMI North Texas€¦ · Director of Region 2 on the NAMI Texas Board of Directors Letter from our President . Volume 18, No. 11 NAMI Dallas (214) 341-7133

NAMI Dallas Newsletter

Find Help. Find Hope.

(214) 341-7133 www.namidallas.org

Volume 18, No. 11 NAMI Dallas (214) 341-7133 November 2015

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The November General Meeting will feature information regarding law enforcement’s mental health perspective. That’s right, it’s Ask A Cop topic at the November general meeting and we’d like you to come out and hear how law enforcement and mental health is working together to improve our community.

A grassroots, family and consumer self-help, support, education and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with

severe mental illnesses and their families. Such illnesses are now known as serious and persistent neurobiological brain disorders.

Find Help. Find Hope.

----------------------------------------

An Affiliate of the

National Alliance on Mental Illness

NAMI Dallas General Meeting Thursday, November 5, 2015

Support Groups: 6 p.m.-7 p.m. | Presentation: 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Meeting Location: Park Central Baptist Church

7777 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, TX

Coping With The Holidays

“Cheer up, it’s the holidays!” Many people may not realize that the holidays can have the opposite effect on

others struggling with a crisis, grief, recent loss, financial hardships, brain disorder or any type of medical

illness. These words should be said with caution and not expressed so casually during this time of year to

people we do not know. Although it is meant to redirect our attention towards the “joyous” moment but how

can a person focus when they are struggling with more pressing matters. See more on page 5


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Some helpful websites

NAMI National www.nami.org

NAMI Texas www.namitexas.org

NAMI Dallas www.namidallas.org

PLAN www.planofntx.org

National Mental Health Association www.nmha.org

NARSAD (National Alliance Research on Schizophrenia &

Depression) www.narsad.org

Recovery International recoveryinternational.org

Child & Family Guidance Center www.childandfamilies.org

Texas Legislature Online www.capitol.state.tx.us

United States Congress Information

Senate www.senate.gov (202) 224-3121

House www.house.gov (202) 225-1908

Green Oaks Hospital physical address is 7808 Clodus Field Dallas,

TX 75257. It is located in North Dallas and is also the crisis

intervention unit for the NorthSTAR area. The hospital is near the

east end of Merit Drive behind Medical City Dallas Hospital at

Forest Lane and Central. This Psychiatric Crisis Stabilization Unit can

be utilized as a psychiatric emergency room, just as Parkland

Hospital Psychiatric ER is used. It is not necessary to be a member

of NorthSTAR to access the services available at Green Oaks. They

will accept indigent, Medicaid, NorthSTAR, most insurances, or

private pay patients. Services are available 24 hours a day, 7

days a week.

NAMI DALLAS’ MEMBER & VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

NAMI Dallas honors volunteer: Will Kovich. Will is very active in NAMI Dallas events and frequently assists NAMI Dallas staff during our monthly general meetings. Many may be aware that Will lost his father Daniel this past May and since then he has worked diligently to honor one of his fathers many pursuits which was to advocate on behalf of the mental health community.

Will, thank you for all that you do

The NAMI Dallas NEWS is published monthly by

NAMI Dallas

2812 Swiss Avenue.

Dallas, Texas 75204

Ph. (214) 341-7133

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.namidallas.org

Hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday

The NAMI Dallas Board meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at

Green Oaks Hospital.

Visitors are welcome to attend. Staff Executive Director & Program Director: Marsha Rodgers Community Outreach & Support Coordinator: Quita Williams Grant Writer: Susan Essary Special Projects Manager John Dornheim Board of Directors President: Sherry Cusumano Vice-President: Herb Cotner Secretary: Ilana Presley Treasurer: Paul Sloane Board Members-At-Large Teena Adler Roberts* Mary Berger * Leonard Keesee * Claudia Smith *

David Whitley* Maria Terrell

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.namidallas.org/


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NAMI Dallas Support Groups

(updated 9/18/15)

For individuals living with a mental illness and family members/caregivers of loved ones diagnosed with a mental illness.

TYPE TIME LOCATION FACILITATOR CONTACT

Family Dallas

1st

Thursday 6-7 p.m.

Park Central Baptist Church 7777 LBJ Freeway Dallas, TX 75252

Rita Mike

NAMI Dallas (214) 341-7133

Family Dallas

2nd

Saturday 10-11:30 a.m.

Outreach Center at Holy Trinity Catholic Church 3826 Gilbert Ave Dallas, TX 75219

Carmen (214) 520-0650 ext.117 or (214) 435-7562

Family Rockwall

2nd

Saturday 1-2:30 p.m.

First United Methodist Church 1200 E. Yellow Jacket Rockwall, TX 75087

Linda NAMI Dallas (214) 341-7133

Family Terrell

3rd

Thursday 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Lakes Regional Bldg 400 Airport Rd. Terrell, TX 75160

Emma Glenda

(972) 962-3784 (214) 202-1183

Family Duncanville

PLEASE CONTACT FACILITATORS TO ATTEND

Trinity United Methodist Church 1302 South Clark Rd. Duncanville, TX 75137

Evelyn Madeline

(214) 728-0637 (214) 536-2703

Parents Group (Parents of children & adolescents)

Richardson

3rd

Thursday 7-8:30 p.m.

The Warren Center 320 Custer Road Richardson, TX 75080

Cheryl Amanda

(214) 923-2576 (214) 236-1706

Peer NAMI Connection Dallas

1st

Thursday 6-7 p.m.

Park Central Baptist Church 7777 LBJ Freeway Dallas, TX 75252

Mike

(903) 967-3763

Peer NAMI Connection Dallas

3rd

Thursday 6:30 p.m.

NAMI Dallas Office 2812 Swiss Ave. (parking in back) Dallas, TX 75204

Teena Sharniqua Vita

(972) 815-9491

Peer Schizophrenia Richardson

Every Tuesday 7 p.m.

515 Custer Rd. (First Center) (House across the street from First UMC)

Richardson, TX 75080

Mike (903) 967-3763

Peer Dual Recovery Dallas

Mon. & Wed. 5-6 p.m.

Quaker Meeting House 5828 Worth St. Dallas, TX 75214

David (214) 824-2435

Peer Dallas

2nd & 4th Wednesday

7-8 p.m. Iris Place Apartments 13321 Emily Rd. Dallas, TX 75240

Jeanine (214) 575-9492

Peer Rockwall

2nd

Saturday 1-2:30 p.m.

First United Methodist Church 1200 E. Yellow Jacket Rockwall, TX 75087

Amery William

NAMI Dallas (214) 341-7133


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What happens after the holidays? Should I just set aside my concerns because it’s a different month? This phrase can do

more harm than good depending on the person receiving the message. The commercialization of the holiday

season can make one feel inadequate and sometimes unaccomplished if our lives appear different than what’s

publicized in the media. For many people it’s more than just the “blues”. The simple fact is the holidays can be a

reminder of whom and/or what is missing in our lives. These thoughts don’t just appear around the holidays but

they become more prominent around this time of year. This brief thought is not meant to shame anyone or suggest

well wishes stop altogether. This is meant to encourage others who aren’t aware how much the holidays can affect

others. For those who can’t just “cheer up” we’d like to offer some general suggestions to help guide you.

Peers Families

Practice self-care Maintain routines Prepare yourself Know your limits Stay as sociable as possible Have an accountability partner Know when to excuse yourself Volunteer to help others Seek help when needed Redirect unhealthy thoughts Avoid negative situations Journal Maintain healthy boundaries Find a quiet space at events Vocalize your needs Give yourself permission to say no Have an exit plan

Be cautious of statements Include loved ones in events Be as flexible as possible Help loved ones feel relaxed Educate your guests Avoid judgment and shaming Gather the facts Be an advocate Spend personal time if possible Respect boundaries Have realistic expectations Don’t interrogate Be receptive Be aware of antagonistic

interactions & intercede if needed

*Can include coworkers, neighbors, etc.

If someone is in crisis, seek help Avoid judgment and shaming Offer encouragement Ask respectfully if they need help Don’t interrogate Be receptive

Others

Continued from page 2

NUMBERS TO KEEP HANDY

Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas: (214) 828-1000 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1 (800) 273-8255 ADAPT Mobile Crisis: 1 (866) 260-8000


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Hello NAMI Members and Friends of NAMI! Wasn’t our last meeting terrific? Dr. Kahn did such a terrific job! I just wish that more of you had been there to hear what he had to say! I heard several comments about the presentation so I know that those of you who were able to be there felt just a strongly as I did—we will definitely want to hear from him again in the future! Many people commented his theory about why people with mental health disorders stop taking their medications. He suggested that when we are diagnosed with high blood pressure or heart disease; we see that as a problem with our heart or our cardiovascular system. When we are diagnosed with mental health conditions, we don’t see that as a disorder of the brain, but we take it more as a problem with who we are! We think that means WE are faulty!! So, of course we don’t want to see ourselves that way. When we take our medication, it is a reminder of that belief. Sound familiar? Sounds like stigma to me! He did have a very interesting way of thinking and talking about that and many of us found that to be very helpful. Thank you, Dr. Kahn! For the month on November we will be doing an “Ask a Cop” session again. Sr. Corporal Herb Cotner along with an advocate or two (maybe I’ll help with this one), will talk about staying safe when there is a need to call 911 in response to a mental health crisis. We all know that calling 911 is a last resort, but what can you as a family member do to maximize the chances that everyone has a positive outcome when it’s been necessary to call 911? Of course the month after that is our Annual Community Awards Ceremony and holiday pot luck so I hope that you’ve been giving some thought on who you would like to see recognized for their work in the mental health community and service to families and people living dealing with mental illnesses. Please think hard and offer your nomination. I know that we’ve had many people in the community who have really knocked it out of the park in their efforts to help others living with these illnesses and to help their family members too. What about a Family to Family teacher, Peer to Peer instructor, or your support group leader that you’ve called when things were tough? What about the officer who really took time with you and your family during your last crisis? What about the reporter who wrote an article that you believe enlightened those who read it and educated the public about brain disorders? What about the philanthropist that you know donated a lot of money to an organization that really helped your loved one? People help in all kinds of ways and we need to acknowledge their efforts and accomplishments. Please check your email for a recent notification we sent with the nomination form. You may also email [email protected] or call the office at (214)341-7133 to request a form to nominate your local hero (or heroine). We want to hear from you!

Sherry Cusumano

Sherry Cusumano, RN, MS, LCDC President of NAMI Dallas Director of Region 2 on the NAMI Texas Board of Directors

Letter from our President



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The Recovery Corner

Trying to describe PTSD isn’t easy and getting someone to truly understand what it’s like to live with it seems merely impossible. Some people are so brainwashed by a stigma that holds no truth. Most people have just refused to acknowledge the reality that such a disorder can even exist. And then there are those who can’t even let the thought of someone experiencing such a thing into their minds that they happily welcome blindness to such a subject they really know to be true. But regardless, it is a very real thing that real people live with. And as I start to become more familiar with a body I’ve had for 22 years, it has never been more evident.

In no way did I have a normal childhood. Life was chaotic and my house was broken. My normal was no electricity, running water or food. I was use to lines of strangers constantly coming in and out of my house as well as bedroom. My goals and dreams were everyday necessities for most kids my age. I dreamed about moving into a normal house, my mom having a car, or simple things like owning a pair of socks. I craved to be normal and did everything I could to convince people that I was. Even as an adult I still find myself spending money on unnecessary things because I think, “normal people have this, right?” As long as I could remember I have always felt different. I just knew I couldn’t process or feel things the way other people did. In school for instance, it was so difficult for me to process or comprehend this simplest of lessons. It was as if the second my attention was needed for anything, disassociation had completely taken over. Eventually I found myself in a constant “auto pilot” state that seemed to have no ending. I still have a note that my best friend had written me when we were 14 that says, “Please wake up. You’re scaring me. It’s like you are a walking dead person.” And she was right. That’s exactly what I was.

For the next 6 years I submerged myself in a community that taught me to “fake it till you make it” and keep any personal issues hidden and unseen. I learned to solely focus on others hardships rather than bringing any light to my own. And I got away with it for the most part but eventually I hit a wall. I had finally exhausted every recourse of distraction.

In 2013 I came face to face with something I had worked so hard to get away from….myself. It really was like I had just woken up one day and was completely catatonic. Hours, days, and weeks were now spent staring at the ceiling in silence. I couldn’t comprehend or contribute to any conversations and trying to explain what I was feeling just wasn’t an option. I had lost all, if any control I ever had over myself. I was dead…again. This time I had nowhere to run and I couldn’t risk losing my friends that had stuck by my side through all of this. I knew I needed help but I was so afraid of finding something out that I couldn’t handle. I knew it would just be too much and I was afraid of what I might do to myself. But I was out of options.

After just a few therapy sessions, my counselor had explained to me that I had bipolar disorder and severe PTSD primarily from 16 years of physical and sexual abuse. I then started seeing a psychiatrist and a therapist weekly and things were starting to become clearer. I could now recognize panic attacks, manic episodes, flash backs, and disassociation. The very things that kept me silent for so long that never had an explanation, until now. In February of this year I was hospitalized after experiencing a flashback that seemed too much to handle. The very thing I was so afraid of was now happening. I couldn’t do it any longer. I couldn’t take another memory or sleepless night. I couldn’t live through this another day. But somehow I made it one more week. On February 6th I was released from the hospital. This same day I happen to turn 22. My only wish was to never come back. I just wanted to get better, to feel again.

Since that day I have done everything I could to fight for myself. I’ve made life style changes, switched mindset, and remained open and vulnerable with my therapist and psychiatrist. I’ve slowly been able to become more aware of my thoughts and recognize progression. I feel better than ever. Now don’t get me wrong, I’ll still close my eyes and my body will starts to shake, or I’ll spend hours in my closet hiding behind clothes just to feel safe. Sometimes I’ll wake up 3-4 times during the night screaming, and completely overwhelmed by crippling fear. Getting through 24 hours without a trigger feels like winning the lottery and if I’m lucky enough not to spiral into a horrifying flashback in public, then it was a good day. But for the first time in 22 years I feel like I can finally breathe and identify with real emotions. I have been able to keep my job, live on my own and have a somewhat normal life. I surround myself with people who love, accept and encourage me.

I am optimistic for the future and my recovery. Living with PTSD is a constant struggle but you somehow make it through. The greatest thing I’ve learned is to stay open, honest and most of all not silent. Regardless of what I’m feeling or thinking, this day will go just as quickly as it came. No matter how inconsistent my mind is, time is constant. And time will heal. Which means yes, I will get better.

I am one day closer to being better.

The Recovery Corner is a section in which persons living with a mental illness in recovery can share a story of hope and recovery with our readers.

My Secret Battle

Anonymous


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NAMI Dallas' annual community awards ceremony is quickly approaching. Each year

we hold a well-deserved awards ceremony to recognize individuals in the

community who has made an impact in the mental health field. This ceremony

takes place during our December General Meeting. In addition to our awards

ceremony we have a fantastic potluck dinner and raffle drawings to wrap up the

2015 year. You all are an integral part of this process and we are asking for your

help in recognizing these dedicated individuals. There are eight categories total. At

your earliest convenience, please take a moment to complete your nomination on

page 9.

PROCESS:

Select a mental health advocate

State why you think they deserve the award you are nominating them for

Include your information

Submit to NAMI Dallas by 11/6/2015


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The NAMI Dallas Annual Community Awards 2015 will be presented at our holiday/awards party on Thursday, December 3rd. Please

submit your nominations and recommendations no later than Friday, November 6, 2015. Awards will be presented in the categories listed

below. Each NAMI Dallas member is asked to make nominations and tell us why you believe the person or organization you nominated

deserves an award. Please email (or mail) your nominations (using a separate page for each one) to the NAMI Dallas office, at the address

listed below. You may also call in your nominations to the NAMI Dallas office @ (214)341-7133.

Every year NAMI Dallas attempts to recognize people who have proven track records for improving the lives of persons with mental illness

and their families.

Categories include:

1. JEROME AND HAZEL BYERS AWARD (an enduring volunteer)

2. PROFESSIONAL of the YEAR (professional care provider)

3. MEDIA AWARD

4. COMMUNITY SUPPORT AWARD (for person or organization)

5. SPECIAL APPRECIATION

6. SPECIAL RECOGNITION

7. ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR

8. NORTH TEXAS CIT AWARD (for excellence in law enforcement)

INFORMATION NEEDED:

Nominee: __________________________________________ Award: _______________________________________________

Address & Phone: __________________________________________________________________________________________

Nominated by: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Address & Phone: __________________________________________________________________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Reason Nominated: _________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please use a separate sheet of paper per nomination. Return by Friday, November 6, 2015 to:

Awards Committee

NAMI Dallas

2812 Swiss Ave.

Dallas, TX 75204

Nominations can also be emailed to [email protected]

Phone (214) 341-7133

[email protected]

NAMI Dallas 2015 Community Awards Nomination Form




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Have you heard of NAMI Dallas’ newest mental health campaign?

#IWILLLISTEN (I Will Listen) is an online pledge that promotes understanding,

openness and destigmatization. This pledge simply promises you will listen to

people struggling with mental health conditions. We would like to invite our members

on social media to join this simple online pledge to show your support. It’s very easy!

1. Take a selfie holding a sign that says #IWILLLISTEN

2. Post on your social media

3. Tag @NAMIDallas

4. Encourage others to do the same!

#IWILLLISTEN


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NAMI Dallas events for the remainder of the year: JULY: National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month [7/1-7/31]

AUGUST: The Potters House Megafest [8/19-8/23]

SEPTEMBER: North Texas Giving Day [9/17]: $14, 485

OCTOBER: MIAW [10/4-10/9] *See page 6 for event information

DECEMBER: Holiday Party and Community Awards Ceremony [12/3]

Many of you have been experienced several events in their life, positive and negative. Did you

know that donations and contributions can be made in honor of a loved one or someone who

has captured your heart? If you would like send a donation, please contact NAMI Dallas via

phone, email and/or paper mail. We’d love to hear from you and acknowledge your support

and tribute.

We are seeking support group facilitators and Parents and Teachers As Allies presenters! If

you’re interested please see page 7 for more information. We are taking names for our interest

Connect with NAMI Dallas at one of the social sites below!


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NAMI Dallas

(National Alliance on Mental Illness) Find Help. Find Hope. 2812 Swiss Avenue

Dallas, TX 75204

Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday - Friday Ph: (214) 341-7133 Email: [email protected] www.namidallas.org RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID RICHARDSON, TX

75080

PERMIT NO. 158


http://www.namidallas.org/

Documents

NAMI Dallas Newsletter - NAMI North Texas€¦ · Director of Region 2 on the NAMI Texas Board of Directors Letter from our President . Volume 18, No. 11 NAMI Dallas (214) 341-7133