Shootings Stir Emotions, Call for Access to Affordable Care

By Molly McVoy, M.D.



The tragic shooting in Arizona has spurred many emotional headlines and provocative stories in the news. News stories have used the words “insane,” “coldblooded,” “bizarre,” “evil” and “troubled.”



Whenever tragedies such as this occur, emotions are stirred and people often look for clear answers. Unfortunately, tragedies like this do not have easy answers. Whether or not mental illness is involved in this case, this may be a moment to look at every way to reduce the risk of another tragedy such as this in the future.



Rep. Giffords



U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, currently in an Arizona hospital as a result of the shooting, is a friend to the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) and has served as co-chair of several fundraisers for NAMI in Southeast Arizona.



There are so many ways in which the mental health system in the United States is broken. Treatment is often hard to access and expensive. Consistent treatment is often nearly impossible for those with severe mental illness. Advocating for improved access to quality mental health care is critically important at a time like this.



In addition, it is also important to remember that the likelihood of violence from those who struggle with mental illness is very low. Most of the violence perpetrated in this country is by individuals without mental illness. Most individuals suffering from mental illness are not violent.



No matter the cause, a time like this calls for reflection and action: examining all the factors that can be changed to minimize the risk of something like this happening in the future.

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Posted in: coping,crisis,Molly McVoy MD,NAMI

National Family Caregivers Month

By Gariane Gunter, M.D.



November is National Family Caregivers Month and what a worthy group to stop and recognize. Those who are caregivers for family members or friends with mental illnesses need support and encouragement just as those caring for loved ones with other illnesses. There are many groups and resources available across the nation that are available to help. I would like to tell you about one of them.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a grassroots organization that was started in 1979. I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with them in my area and have seen firsthand the difference they make in the lives of those suffering from mental illnesses as well as their families. One special program they offer for family members is called Family-to-Family. The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a free 12-week course for family caregivers of individuals with severe brain disorders (mental illnesses). NAMI recognizes that family members of people with serious mental illnesses need information and support to cope with the considerable stresses they experience.



The Family to Family Education Program is a structured, peer-led, 12-week information and support self-help class for such individuals. Research shows reduced subjective burden and increased empowerment among graduates. Family-to-Family classes are offered in hundreds of communities across the country. You can find more information on this program as well as many other resources available in your area by visiting NAMI online at www.nami.org. There you can find a support group, connect online in NAMI's discussion groups, contact your state or local NAMI and more. Caregivers please take the time to take care of you this month.

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Posted in: caregivers,Gariane Phillips Gunter MD,mental illness,NAMI,parenting

Talking about Mental Health

By R. Scott Benson, M.D.

In May a few years ago I was asked to give a talk to the seniors who exercised at the mall in the early morning hours. The timing was right for a mental health talk, since May is Mental Health Month.



The focus of my talk was new understanding of the brain and changing thoughts on the cause and treatment of mental illness. The audience was attentive but asked few questions. But after the talk an elderly man approached to clarify some comments I had made about schizophrenia. He called his wife over and they shared the painful story of their adult son’s deterioration as he developed unmistakable signs of this tragic disease.



This couple had been told by the treatment team that their parenting had caused their son’s condition and they needed to leave him alone so that he could recover. And they had carried a burden of guilt for years, viewing themselves as somehow toxic. I was able to answer a few of their questions and then I was encouraged them to join other families involved with our local chapters of Mental Health America and the National Alliance on Mental Illness.



The positive impact of these brave families sharing their stories was reinforced in a new survey from the American Psychiatric Association. And the results of this survey are a cause for celebration telling us how far we have come. More than a third said that stigma has declined, and openness about personal experiences by friends, family and public figures was influential.



The internet has become a valued source of information and was cited by 75% of those surveyed as at least moderately influential in reducing stigma associated with mental illness.



In addition to HealthyMinds, what are the reliable sources of information that have been useful to you? Where have you heard patient and family stories that have reduced stigma in your community?

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Posted in: family,mental health,NAMI,parenting,R Scott Benson MD,schizophrenia,stigma

You are not Alone: Remembering the founder of NAMI, and Recognizing the importance of Support Systems

By Felicia K. Wong

I am a big fan of NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. In honor of the late Harriet Shetler, co-founder of NAMI, who passed away last week, I would like to encourage you to learn more about this wonderful organization.

Since its inception in 1979, NAMI has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI is a support, education, advocacy and research group. Over the past three decades, NAMI has established itself as the most formidable grassroots mental health advocacy organization in the country. NAMI recognizes that their greatest strength is the dedication of our grassroots leaders and members. On their  site, they state, “We are the families, friends and individuals that serve to strengthen communities across the country.”





If you, a friend, or family member, are affected by mental illness, please visit NAMI to learn more about the supports and services this organization offers. Support groups and organizations are important because they can provide emotional support, resources and helpful tools for people facing similar situations. Organizations like NAMI provide a voice for millions of Americans affected by mental illness and advocate to end discrimination, and to promote effective mental health services and supports.



Perhaps the most important thing that support systems can provide is a feeling that you are not alone.

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Posted in: getting help,NAMI