* SUPPORT * EDUCATION * ADVOCACY * RESEARCH *

Website: http://madisoncty.nami.org

NAMI Office Phone: 618-798-9788

NAMI Madison County

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rob Roennigke, President Mary Rottmann, Vice President

Jane Roennigke, Secretary Lynn Glauber Treasurer

Diane Pisko, Immediate Past President Scott Comrie Steve Glauber

Cindy Hall Fred Laswell

Margaret Merrell Vicki Vasileff

Beverly Watkins

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 1 - GO GREEN Page 2 - President’s Article - WWW - Office Information - Join NAMI Page 3 - Color Provided By… - News from Jerseyville - Moving??? Page 4 - Calendar of Events - NAMI Leaders and Tasks - Newsletter Deadline Date - Other Local Meetings - Thanks from NAMI MC Llama Page 5 - Advertisers Page 6 - Depression & Anxiety: Exercise… - NAMI 2010 National Convention Page 7 - NAMI IL Educational Training Page 8 - NAMI IL Training Continued - NAMI Holiday Party Page 9 - Social Security News - Vets & Families Cope with PTSD - Wish from NAMI MC Llama - NAMI IL Conference Page 10 - NAMI Meeting Locations and Times

CRISIS HOTLINE NUMBERS

Hotlines open 24 hours.

January 2010

NAMI Members & Businesses, Let’s Ring in the New Year and Go Green!

If you are receiving the black and white mailed news-letter but have a computer, you can receive your news-letter in color just like this each month. You can either read the newsletter online or if you’re just not ready to GO Green altogether, you can still print your newslet-ter and have a hard copy. When reading your newsletter online, you can click on any link that is mentioned and get right to the story of reference right away. If you need to send an e-mail reply to someone, all you have to do is just click their e-mail address and, voila, you’re ready to type your message to them. Just send an e-mail message to the NAMI office at namimadisoncty@sbcglobal.net and tell them that you want to start receiving the electronic newsletter rather than the mailed copy. (Remember you can just click on the blue link above when you’re reading this online.) Besides the advantages just mentioned, you will also receive your newsletter faster than the snail mail ver-sion and you will be helping NAMI by saving postage. GO GREEN & see if you don’t enjoy the color ver-sion and the ease of your newsletter better.

Northern Madison County

Community Counseling Center Crisis Hotline (618) 465-4388

Southern Madison County

Chestnut Health Systems Crisis Hotline (618) 877-0316

Jersey County Greene County

Calhoun County

Tri-County Counseling Center Crisis Hotline (618) 498-6881

St. Clair County

Call For Help Crisis Hotline (618) 397-0963

...Rob Roennigke

NAMI’s Christmas party was a fun occasion. A special thanks goes to Cindy Hall for her excellent work in organizing and emceeing the festivities. Thanks also to the members who pitched in to help, the delicious desserts that were made, and all the many gifts that were contributed. While this is normally a quiet time of the year for NAMI, the strategic plan-ning committee is active and we hope to have much to report at our January 12th business meeting. Have a safe and Happy New Year!

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NAMI Madison County Office

Gateway Regional Medical Center 2100 Madison Avenue, 4th floor

Granite City, IL 62040

E-mail: namimadisoncty@sbcglobal.net

Website: http://madisoncty.nami.org

Phone: 618-798-9788 Fax: 866-332-5338

Call the NAMI Office at 618-798-9788 to have a membership form sent to you or download one

from our website by clicking here: http://madisoncty.nami.org/

nami_membership_form12d.pdf

Below are some links that may be useful to you. Remember that if you receive your newsletter online, you can just click any of the blue links below and you will be taken directly to that website.

www.nami.org - NAMI National il.nami.org - NAMI Illinois (State) www.namistl.org - NAMI St. Louis mhsource.com - Mental Health Information gatewayregional.net - Gateway Regional Medical Center bha-inc.org - Local Mental Health Service Provider chestnut.org - Local Mental Health Service Provider www.cccnmc.org - Local Mental Health Service Pro-vider www.dbsalliance.org - Depressive Bipolar Support Alliance www.karlasmithfoundation.org - Karla Smith Founda-tion www.mhai.org - Mental Health Association in Illinois www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline mentalhealthsummit.uchicago.edu - Mental Health Summit www.co.madison.il.us - Madison County Government www.mcmhb.org - Madison County Mental Health Board www.dhs.state.il.us - State of Illinois Department of

Human Services mentalhealth.com - Mental Health mentalhealth.about.com - Mental Health Resource Web Site www.mirfa.org - Mental Illness Research Foundation of America schizophrenia.com - Schizophrenia Information psycom.net - Mental Health Informational Bookstore www.phrma.org - Patient Drug Assistance Programs ocdawareness.com - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder www.acap.org - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry apa.org - American Psychological Association bpkids.org - Children and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation www.focusas.com - Focus on Adolescent Services www.nimh.nih.gov - National Institute of Mental Health naspcenter.org - National Mental Health and Education Center http://www.siue.edu/dss/ - SIUE Disability Support Services nasponline.org - National Association of School Psychologists disabilityrights.org - Guide to Disability Rights www.medscape.com - General Health/Mental Health Information familyvillage.wisc.edu - General Health/Mental Health Information medicinenet.com - General Health Guide http://www.socialsecurity.gov – Social Security

Here’s What Jerseyville Did for MIAW by Shelly Holmes

For Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), Mavis S., Sue S, and I set up a table in front of Prescription Shop in downtown Jerseyville. We set up our tables near the front door with information pertaining to NAMI. Several people walked by without looking at us, but oth-ers stopped and asked questions. The people were very curi-ous as to what NAMI was all about and why were we doing it here in Jerseyville. As we discussed NAMI and why we had started the sup-port groups, the people started asking more questions, which was really great. We need to do more to reach out to our community. NAMI has great support groups that are confidential and secure in the fact that everyone is treated the same and no one will disrespect anyone in our groups. We know now that we have to take NAMI to the people because their either shy, afraid of what others will say, or just don't trust people. Rain or shine we will be there for anyone who needs to talk; we will support the people of Jerseyville and the sur-rounding areas. If pounding the pavement is what we have to do then we will do it. Instead of waiting for the people to come to our support groups, we will go to the people. Please continue to support your local NAMI meetings, NAMI Connections support group and our Special Night group at the Jerseyville Church of the Nazarene. We would be lost without you.

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Jerseyville Special Nights by Shelly Holmes

On December 12th, this night we would be reading from the book, Marley and Me. Later we would write a tribute to someone or something in our lives. There were seven people in attendance tonight, five men and two ladies. It was a cold evening but the hot cocoa was warming things up for us along with the snacks. As Heidi began to read I let my mind drift back to child-hood days and a tan & white cocker spaniel named Trapper who was more ornery than any other dog I knew. Watching the men around the table I saw different reac-tions to the story. I feel that men are really hard to read be-cause they don't like people thinking of them as a sissy. Some were restless, others we're nervous while others were bored. I think that the men that were nervous because they would be reading out loud and that really bothered them. Then it was my turn to read from the story and I was very nervous too. For some reason, I am usually never nervous about reading. I read about the disposition of the animal called Marley and how much of a terror he was for everyone else. I could-n't help but think back to a little cocker spaniel that would drive me absolutely nuts. But reading the story wasn't all we would be doing on this night, we would be writing a memoir, a tribute to some-one or something that made a difference in our lives or had touched our lives in some way. As each of us began to write, the room became still, si-lent for a few moments as if they we're drifting back through time to their childhood. Some had smiles on their faces while others just looked deep in thought. The difference we may make in someone's life may not be seen right at that moment, but in the future days of our lives. So the next time a child asks you a question, just an-swer the best that you can and maybe you'll make the differ-ence in his or her life. Next month is memoir night. We will be reading an ex-cerpt from A.J. Jacob called The Guinea Pig Diaries. The excerpt is called To Sir With Love. This would be a great night to come out and enjoy the simple things in life. Hope to see you there.

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News from

Jerseyville

Moving????

PLEASE contact the NAMI Madison County Office if you are moving or have already moved. Either call (618) 798-9788 or send an e-mail to namimadisoncty@sbcglobal.net with your new home address, phone number and your e-mail address.

COLOR PROVIDED BY…

...Metro Document Center of Illinois

NAMI would like to thank Brian Cox and Glen Hoyt of the Metro Document Center of IL for their generous donation of the color printing of our January newsletter. They have been loyal supporters of NAMI and we are grateful for their generosity. The Metro Document Center is located at 1355 North Bluff Road, Suite A, in Collinsville, Illinois.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS NAMI Business Meeting …………………….……………..Jan 12 Madison County 708 Board Mtg, Edwardsville, 4:30PM..…Jan 13 Madison County Board Mtg, Edwardsville, 5:00PM……….Jan 20 Continuum of Care Meeting, Woodriver..….……....…....... Jan 21 NAMI National Conference, Washington, D.C…....…Jun 30-Jul 3 NAMI Walk for Mental Health…………………….……Sep TBA NAMI IL Educational Conference, Peoria, IL………… Oct 15-17

For information on any of the above events, contact the NAMI Office at 618-798-9788.

For Family Support Group and NAMI Connection Meet-ings, see back page of this newsletter and pick a location and day that best fits your schedule and area.

NAMI Madison County Project Leaders

Pam Conley……………..….…Consumer Council Member AJ French……………………………... IOOV Coordinator Mary Gauen………………..………………….. Webmaster Matt Gauen…………NAMI Madison County Llama Artist Sandy Giger………………..…………… Newsletter Editor Tom Johnson………..………………….....CIT Coordinator Carol Morrow and Lynn Piggot……….Newsletter Mailing Diane Pisko …………………..……….. Newsletter Labels Jane Roennigke………..… …………….PIAT Coordinator Pat Rudloff………….…..…...Support Groups Coordinator.

Rita Watters & Pat Rudloff……....Walk for Mental Health

If you would like to help any of these members, please call the NAMI Office at 618-798-9788.

OTHER LOCAL MEETINGS

NAMI CUPFUL: 4th Saturday of each month, 2:00-4:00PM, 1505 Market Ave., East St. Louis. Call Pamela Perry, Central Comprehensive Mental Health, at 618-274-0881 (work) or 314-868-8031 (home) for more information.

ST. LOUIS OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER SUPPORT GROUP: 3rd Saturday of each month, 10:00AM, St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, McAuley Room South, 615 S. New Ballas Rd., Von Gontard Conference Center. Speakers start at 10:00AM and support groups meet from 11:00AM till noon. For more information, call 314-842-7228, ext. 3.

DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) MEET-ING: Every Monday 7:00-8:30PM, O.C. Anderson Hospital, Maryville, IL, next to the cafeteria on Lower Level B. Contact: Diane at 618-667-8781 or by e-mail at dbsamc@yahoo.com for more information.

“With Hope in Mind” Support Group: for family members or caregivers; meets the 4th Tuesday of each month from 7:00-8:30PM at Christian Hospital Northeast (CNE), 11133 Dunn Road, St. Louis, MO, Room 2100. For more informa-tion contact Larry Daniels at 314-830-4642 or 314-660-9093.

Karla Smith Foundation Support Group for family and friends of persons with mental illness: 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., Peace Chapel, 10101 W. Main St., Belleville. For more information call Tom or Fran Smith at 888-KSF-HOPE or ksf@karlasmithfoundation.org.

Karla Smith Foundation Suicide Survivor Support Group: 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., Peace Chapel, 10101 W. Main St., Belleville. For more information call Tom or Fran Smith at 888-KSF-HOPE or ksf@karlasmithfoundation.org.

Southwestern Tourette Syndrome Support Group of TSA Illinois: 2nd Monday of each month, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., Copper Creek Christian Church, 2184 Vadalabene, Maryville. Child care available. For more information contact Amy Shirley at 618-656-2135 or amyshirley72@hotmail.com.

“It's About Us", Community Counseling Center, 2615 Ed-wards Street, Alton, Wednesday 3-4PM, for consumers only, must be 18. Call Katie at 618-550-4231 or Dan at 618-550-2671.

Caring and Sharing for Consumers, 2nd and 4th Wednes-days, 6:45PM – 8:00PM, Jerseyville Public Library, 105 N. Liberty, Jerseyville, IL, contact the NAMI Office at 618-798-9788.

Special Night (social gathering) for Consumers and Friends, 2nd Saturday, 4 – 6 PM, Church of the Nazarene, 285 Maple Summit Road, Jerseyville, IL. For more information contact Shelly Holmes at 618-498-5476.

DEADLINE for the February 2010 issue of newslet-ter is January 15, 2010. Please e-mail your article to Sandy at skgiger@hotmail.com on or before due date.

WOW!!!!! This color copy of our newsletter is

really cool! Thanks Metro Document

Center of IL.

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Applications are being accepted for HUD rent-assisted apartments at Community Court, Hempel House and Yakubian Apartments in Alton. To qualify, you must be between the ages of 18-62 with a maximum income of $23,050 and have a chronic mental illness. Please call (618) 465-0120.for

337 E. Ferguson Ave. Wood River, IL 62095 Phone (618) 251-4073

Behavioral Health Alternatives provides Mental Health Case Management Services, which includes but is not limited to: Individual Therapy; Group Therapy; Medication Monitoring and Training; and Representative Payee Services. Call (618) 251-4073 for more information.

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS!!

Tell them you’ve seen their ad in our newsletter.

PICTURE YOUR BUSINESS

CARD RIGHT HERE!!

♦ Place your single business-card size ad here for $50.00 per year.

♦ Get a double size ad for $100.00 per year. Contact the NAMI Madison County Office at (618)798-9788.

♦ Your ad will run monthly in the newslet-ter which is received by approximately 300 people.

♦ The e-newsletter is also e-mailed to an approximate additional 100 recipients.

♦ The newsletter is posted to our website and therefore can also be seen worldwide.

Thank you To Chestnut Health Systems in Granite City and Community

Counseling Center in Alton who each month alternate printing this newsletter as a service to NAMI.

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Depression and Anxiety: Exercise Eases Symptoms

Depression symptoms often improve with exercise. Here are some realistic tips to help you get started and stay motivated. You have anxiety or depression — and exercise seems like the last thing you want to do. But once you get moti-vated, exercise can make a big difference. Exercise helps prevent and improve a number of health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis. Research on anxiety, depression and exercise shows that the psychological and physical benefits of ex-ercise can also help reduce anxiety and improve mood. The links between anxiety, depression and exercise aren't entirely clear — but working out can definitely help you relax and make you feel better. Exercise may also help keep anxiety and depression from coming back once you're feeling better. How does exercise help depression and anxiety? Exercise probably helps ease depression in a number of ways, which may include:

• Releasing feel-good brain chemicals that may ease depression (neurotransmitters and endor-phins)

• Reducing immune system chemicals that can worsen depression

• Increasing body temperature, which may have calming effects

Exercise has many psychological and emotional benefits too. It can help you:

• Gain confidence. Meeting exercise goals or chal-lenges, even small ones, can boost your self-confidence. Getting in shape can also make you feel better about your appearance.

• Take your mind off worries. Exercise is a distrac-tion that can get you away from the cycle of nega-tive thoughts that feed anxiety and depression.

• Get more social interaction. Exercise may give you the chance to meet or socialize with others. Just exchanging a friendly smile or greeting as you walk around your neighborhood can help your mood.

• Cope in a healthy way. Doing something positive to manage anxiety or depression is a healthy cop-ing strategy. Trying to feel better by drinking al-cohol, dwelling on how badly you feel, or hoping anxiety or depression will go away on their own can lead to worsening symptoms.

• Don't think of exercise as a chore. How do I get started — and stay motivated? Starting and sticking with an exercise routine can be a challenge. Here are some steps that can help. Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program to make sure it's safe for you.

• Identify what you enjoy doing. Do what you en-joy to help you stick with it.

• Get your mental health provider's support. Talk to your doctor or other mental health provider for guidance and support.

• Set reasonable goals. Tailor your plan to your own needs and abilities rather than trying to meet unrealistic guidelines that you're unlikely to meet.

• If exercise is just another "should" in your life that you don't think you're living up to, you'll as-sociate it with failure. Look at your exercise as one of the tools to help you get better.

• Address your barriers. Figure out what's stopping you from exercising. If you think about what's stopping you from exercising, you can probably find an alternative solution.

• Prepare for setbacks and obstacles. Give yourself credit for every step in the right direction, no mat-ter how small. If you skip exercise one day, that doesn't mean you can't maintain an exercise rou-tine and may as well quit. Just try again the next day.

Do I need to see my doctor? Talk to your doctor to make sure you know which ac-tivities, how much exercise and what intensity level is OK for you. Your doctor will consider any medications you take and health conditions you have. He or she may also have some good advice about getting started and staying motivated. If you exercise regularly but anxiety or depression symptoms still interfere with your daily living, see your doctor or other mental health provider. Exercise is a great way to ease symptoms of anxiety or depression, but it isn't a substitute for psychotherapy, medications or other treat-ment. (Source Mayo Clinic Staff)

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NAMI 2010 National Convention

Registration for NAMI's 2010 National Convention is open. Although June, 2010, might seem far off, it's never too early to make plans to attend this very special event. The 2010 National Convention will be held June 30-July 3 at the completely renovated Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. It's scheduled to end the day before Independence Day so you can join your NAMI family and tens of thousands of Americans in the incredible Fourth of July celebration in our Nation's Capitol - or get home in time to enjoy the celebration in your own home town. For more information, a preliminary convention schedule, hotel reservation information, and a convention registra-tion form, visit the Convention Web site. And remember - you'll save big bucks the earlier you register. Convention e-newsletter is now available. Click here to read about the exciting program plans for NAMI's 2010 National Convention in Washington, DC.

NAMI Illinois Educational Training in Peoria, IL February 5-7, 2010

Greetings from NAMI Illinois… On February 5-7, 2009, NAMI Illinois will be providing a comprehensive education program training in Peoria, IL. We encourage NAMI members interested to please email our office or call for an application. Space is limited so get your applications in ASAP!

************ NAMI Family-to-Family Teachers The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a free, 12-week course for family members of individuals with severe mental illnesses.

• The course is taught by trained family members. • All instruction and course materials are free to class

participants. • Over 115,000 family members have graduated

from this national program Teacher Recruitment Teacher trainees will learn the fundamentals of teaching the Family-to-Family Education Program. This intensive training session is open to NAMI Illinois family members who are interested in serving as a Family-to-Family Educa-tor for their affiliate. Trained family members will teach in two-person Co-Leader "teams." Their primary responsibility is to teach the 12-week Family-to-Family Education Program to other family members in their area. Family-to-Family Educators will also serve as key participants in the planning process involved in outreach for the course, enlisting other affiliate members to assist with organization, publicity, hospitality, etc. Being a Family Educator Co-Leader means making a considerable time commitment to the cause for at least two years. People who like to teach, who have good communica-tion skills and who welcome the mission to help other fami-lies in a big way make wonderful Family Educators. They also need to be willing to dig in a bit and master the basic biology of the major mental illnesses and the medications used in treating them. Other than this, one's own lived ex-perience as a family member, and wanting to teach other families, are the best and most important qualifications for the job.

************ NAMI Family Support Group Facilitators As one of NAMI's central missions, support groups are the backbone of grassroots outreach to family members coping with the stresses of serious and persistent brain dis-orders. Facilitator Recruitment The NAMI Family Support Group facilitator training represents a long-held goal-to provide a support group model which will deliver constructive, compassionate assis-tance to people in need.

In a rapidly changing world of advances in medications and treatments, NAMI support groups now attract families wanting more than basic sharing and mutual commisera-tion. They want to take something away from the group experience which is of practical, immediate relevance to their needs, and they want to view going to a support group as a place where positive things happen. Most of all, they want a group which is open, fluid and receptive, rather than a "closed corporation" serving long-established group pat-terns of association. The NAMI Support Group model is designed to furnish the fundamental structures and group processes which will enable facilitators to run meetings which are both empa-thetic and upbeat. This training is open to NAMI Illinois members inter-ested in facilitating Family Support Groups.

************ NAMI In Our Own Voice Presenters In Our Own Voice (IOOV) is a 90 minute interactive public recovery education program presented by trained individuals living with mental illness to lay audiences, pro-fessionals and others about the reality of living with mental illness and the high potential for recovery. This program also helps to diminish the stigma surrounding those with mental illness. Presenter Recruitment "In Our Own Voice" is a premiere education program which trains persons with mental illnesses to speak to com-munity audiences about their experiences with brain disor-ders, treatment and recovery. Presentations must be done by a team of two NAMI Illinois members who are trained presenters. Presenters receive a $30 stipend from their af-filiate for each presentation. "In Our Own Voice" is a practical tool to educate and increase awareness about the true nature of brain disorders, commonly known as mental illnesses. This presentation covers issues frequently faced by those dealing with severe mental illnesses:

• Dark Days • Acceptance • Treatment • Coping Strategies • Successes, Hopes, and Dreams

Presenters should be comfortable in speaking to audi-ences about their individual recovery story in all 5 of the above areas. This training is open to NAMI Illinois members inter-ested in becoming In Our Own Voice presenters.

************ NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group Facilitators The NAMI Connection official brochure says of the pro-gram: "NAMI Connection is a recovery support group for

(Continued on Page 8, See NAMI IL Training) 7

(NAMI IL Training, Continued from Page 7)

people living with mental illness that is expanding in com-munities throughout the country. These groups provide a place that offers respect, understanding, encouragement and hope. Each group:

• Meets weekly for 90 minutes • Is offered free of charge • Follows a flexible structure without an educational

format • Does not recommend or endorse any medications or

other medical therapies..." Trainees should be in solid recovery and willing to com-mit to facilitating and maintaining, for at least one year, a Connection Group in their community. All Trainees must be NAMI Illinois members! If they have past leadership or Peer Support experience, that is ic-ing on the cake. Facilitator Recruitment NAMI Illinois is relying on Affiliate Presidents and Champions to pre-screen the Trainees. If a person wants to be a Connection Facilitator, they should contact their affiliate president. They can also contact NAMI Illinois at (800) 346-4572. Connection Facilitator Training can be stressful! The training is challenging. It is an intensive three-day weekend of eight-hour days. All potential trainees will be screened by NAMI Illinois following the pre-screening by the affili-ate. In the course of Connection meetings, it sometimes hap-pens that people express safety concerns. Please be aware that Connection members may at times indicate that they are a threat to themselves or others. Connection Facilitators must be well enough to face these indications of stress while maintaining their own recovery and mental health. Facilita-tors are trained in how to use the Connection leadership tools to help keep everyone safe. Ongoing Facilitator sup-port is available. The Training consists of lectures, book work, group dis-cussions and role-playing in front of smaller breakout groups... sometimes Trainees feel like they aren't "getting it" and even like they won't "pass" the Training. The Trainers know this and can provide a certain degree of emotional support. There are scheduled breaks for meals and snacks and relaxation-for this very reason. Each evening is free and unscheduled so everyone can go to bed early. Trainees and Trainers alike must be dedicated to maintaining good health practices, getting enough nour-ishing food and sleep, avoiding substances of abuse, using medication as prescribed, and not engaging in "courting" or sexual relationships during the event. Meals and snacks will be provided. Individual hotel rooms to all Trainers and Trainees will be provided if the training is not within driving distance to their homes.

For those who complete the Training and receive certifi cation as NAMI Connection Facilitators-well, they will know they earned it!

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NAMI Holiday Party

by Holiday Party Chairperson, Cindy Hall WOW!!! What a blast we had at the NAMI Holiday Party. Despite the weather and a new location, every-one showed up ready to celebrate. We had plenty of great food from Cygan & Delaney Catering in High-land, Illinois. Wonderful gifts were picked out by all in attendance. Thank you to the board for such nice donations. Songs were sung accompanied by piano and desserts were plentiful. Again thank you to the NAMI Board and Leaders for your donations. NAMI Madison County did another great job hosting a party that no one can beat!

Gifts were delivered to Community Counseling Center, Chestnut, and Alton Mental Health Center that were donated by party-goers that night.

We hope to see more of you next year. Until then, have a wonderful and healthful new year.

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Social Security Holds Disability

Hearing on Compassionate Allowances and Schizophrenia

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security hosted the agency’s fifth public hearing on Compassionate

Allowances. Commissioner Astrue was joined by Philip Wang, M.D., Dr. P.H., National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, and Social Security executives. They heard testimony from some of the nation’s leading experts on schizophrenia about possible methods of identi-fying and implementing Compassionate Allowances for young adults with schizophrenia. “Schizophrenia is a devastating disease that affects more than two million Americans, primarily individuals in their teens and twenties,” said Commissioner Astrue. “The onset of schizophrenia has life-changing consequences, which can include unemployment and homelessness. This hearing will help us to potentially identify the most severe cases and con-sider bringing them under our Compassionate Allowances umbrella.” In October 2008, Social Security launched Compassion-ate Allowances to expedite the processing of disability claims for applicants with medical conditions so severe that their conditions by definition meet Social Security's stan-dards. To learn more and to view a web cast of the hearing, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances. “Our Compassionate Allowances and Quick Disability Determination processes are making a real difference by ensuring that Americans with devastating disabilities quickly receive the benefits they need,” Commissioner As-true said. “This fiscal year, we expect to fast-track about 150,000 cases and we plan to add more diseases and impair-ments to these expedited processes in the coming months.”

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Vets and Families Cope with Post-Traumatic Stress by Edward T. Creagan, M.D., Mayo Clinic

Over the years I've written about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among veterans, and I've been moved by the powerful comments posted by vets about their experiences. The number of veterans dealing with these issues is stag-gering. A 2008 study found that one in five vets returning from Iraq and Afghanistan experience symptoms of PTSD or major depression. Sadly the study also found that many of these service members do not seek treatment for psycho-logical illnesses because they fear it will harm their careers. Untreated, PTSD and depression can lead to cascading prob-lems, such as drug use, marital problems, unemployment and even suicide. Veterans don't have to "go it alone" — our colleagues in Veterans Affairs (VA) have marshaled resources to help service members and their families. The VA Web site has information and resources about coping with PTSD. There's also a toll-free hotline veterans can call for help with PTSD at 1-800-273-8255. The message is clear: We need to take care of ourselves and seek help when we need it. The resources are out there. This is true for veterans and for anyone else suffering with PTSD or depression.

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NAMI Illinois 2010

Educational Conference

October 15-17, 2010

Mark your calendar and make plans today to join us at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center, 100 Con-ference Center Drive, in Peoria, Illinois 61611. A block of rooms has been set aside at the rate of $99 per night (this rate does not include tax). Each room is a comfortable two-room suite with separate living rooms and bedrooms. You’ll also find your room equipped with high-speed Internet access, a sofa sleeper, two flat TVs, wet bar, microwave, and a refrigerator. Overnight guests receive a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast every morning. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly at (309) 694-0200 prior to the cut-off date of Sep-tember 23, 2010. Be sure to mention you are attending the NAMI Illinois Conference to receive this reduced rate. Af-ter September 23rd additional reservations are subject to availability and rate change.

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NAMI Madison County Gateway Regional Medical Center 2100 Madison Ave, 4th Floor Granite City, IL 62040

TO:

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NAMI Board Meetings

• Second Tuesday of each month in GRANITE

CITY at Gateway Regional Medical Center in the Conference Room through the Cafeteria on the Lower Level, 7:00PM.

The Board welcomes all members and advocates!! Bring your ideas!

FAMILY SUPPORT

GROUP

NAMI Support Group Locations

GRANITE CITY ♦ First Tuesday of each month, Family Members and

Consumer Support Group in the NAMI Office, 4th floor at Gateway Regional Medical Center, Granite City, IL 62040, 7:00 - 8:30 PM. Contact Pat Rudloff at 618-656-6781.

ALTON ♦ First Tuesday of each month, NAMI Family Support

Group at Saint Clare's Hospital, 915 East 5th Street in the Heritage Room, Alton, IL 62002, 7:00 - 8:30PM. Contact Pat Rudloff at 618-656-6781.

LITCHFIELD ♦ Third Tuesday of each month, a support meeting for

Family Members and Consumers at The Christian Church of Litchfield, 131 Yaeger Lake Trail, Litchfield, IL 62056, 7:00 - 8:30PM. Contact Pat Rudloff at 618-656-6781.

EDWARDSVILLE ♦ Fourth Tuesday of each month, NAMI Family Mem-

bers Support Group at First Baptist Church, 534 St. Louis St., Edwardsville, IL 62025, use church parking lot entrance, 7:00 - 8:30PM. Contact Pat Rudloff at 618-656-6781.

BELLEVILLE ♦ Third Thursday of each month, a support group for

Family Members and Consumers at the PSOP Bldg, 204 N. Church St, Belleville, IL, 7:00PM - 8:30PM. Contact Ron Szewczuk at 618-476-1771

NAMI Connection Locations for Consumers

MARYVILLE ♦ Every Thursday, NAMI Connection Group at First

Baptist Church, 7110 State Route 162, 2nd Fl., Room 244, Maryville, IL 62062, 6:30 - 8:00PM. Contact Diane Pisko at 618-667-8781 for more information..

JERSEYVILLE ♦ Every Thursday, NAMI Connection Group at Tri-

County Counseling Center, 220 E. County Road, Jerseyville, IL 62052, 7:00-8:30PM. Contact Shelly Holmes at 618-498-5476.

For inclement weather or questions regarding any of the above meetings, call the contact person for that particular meeting or call the NAMI Office at 618-798-9788.