Support Groups
NAMI Kenosha County offers FREE Support groups for individuals coping with a mental illness and their family and friends. We offer three different groups: Peer (Adolescent, Adult) and Family/Friends. We provide support for ADHD, Anxiety Disorder, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Dissociative Disorders, Eating Disorders, Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, and Schizophrenia. Click on the tabs below for more information or visit our Support page. For Spanish speaking folks in crisis situation, please call NAMI National Hotline @ 800-950-6264 to speak with someone in Spanish. NAMI Connections Peer Support Group - Bridges Every Saturday from 11-noon at Bridges Community Center (5718 7th Avenue, Kenosha, Wi. 53140) NAMI - Kenosha - City Our next regular bimonthly support groups will be on Thursdays October 11 & 25, November 8, and December 13 & 27 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on the corner of 88th St and 39th Ave at 6PM. There will be three groups - one group for Family & Friends, and two Peer groups for anyone coping with a mental illness (adults and adolescents). For more information call 262-652-3606 or email lzanin1953@gmail.com or jedeleo9010@gmail.com. NAMI - Kenosha - City Our next regular bimonthly support groups will be on Thursdays October 11 & 25, November 8, and December 13 & 27 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church on the corner of 88th St and 39th Ave at 6PM. There will be three groups - one group for Family & Friends, and two Peer groups for anyone coping with a mental illness (adults and adolescents). For more information call 262-652-3606 or email lzanin1953@gmail.com or jedeleo9010@gmail.com. NAMI - Kenosha - County Family & Friends Support Group will be held at the Kenosha County Center Building monthly:
NAMI/Active Minds Connections Peer Support Group for Students Listen, share, and relate to your peers struggling with mental illness Mondays 2-3pm on the 1st and 3rd Monday each month Public · Hosted by Active Minds at UW-Parkside Room MOLN 165 Active Minds is a student-led organization that meets weekly to change the conversation about mental health. We have guest speakers, awareness campaigns and fun! Facebook Event page: www.facebook.com/pg/parksideactiveminds/events/?ref=page_internal PTSD Support for Veterans Click below to learn about a new 12 Step program for Veterans with PTSD. 12_step_ptsd_program_for_veterans.pdf |
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SEPTEMBER
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Volunteers wanted! Take the plunge and get involved to help our community!
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NAMI NOW New stories and webinars! Click here for the stories below and much more!
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Seats are limited.
Enroll and select your preferred class location.
This is a FREE 12-week class for family members who are caring for or living with someone with mental illness.
We have two class locations:
Enroll and select your preferred class location.
This is a FREE 12-week class for family members who are caring for or living with someone with mental illness.
We have two class locations:
- COUNTY CLASS: Kenosha County Center (Highway 5o and Highway 45 )
- CITY CLASS: Kenosha County Job Center (8600 Sheridan Road)
STATE OF MENTAL HEALTH REPORT
For the fifth year in a row, Mental Health America (MHA) released its annual State of Mental Health Report, which ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on several mental health and access measures. This year, Minnesota came out on top overall with Nevada coming in 51st. The report also dives into addressing trauma in youth, and its long-term impact on performance and behavior in school.
MHA’s report also shines the spotlight on childhood trauma and its impact long-term, and releases data that shows how much trauma can impact youth in school. Trauma-impacted youth are more likely to be absent from school, find themselves removed from classrooms, or struggle with academics.
Click here to read the 2019 State of Mental Health in America Report and see how your state ranked for mental health care and access.
For the fifth year in a row, Mental Health America (MHA) released its annual State of Mental Health Report, which ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia based on several mental health and access measures. This year, Minnesota came out on top overall with Nevada coming in 51st. The report also dives into addressing trauma in youth, and its long-term impact on performance and behavior in school.
MHA’s report also shines the spotlight on childhood trauma and its impact long-term, and releases data that shows how much trauma can impact youth in school. Trauma-impacted youth are more likely to be absent from school, find themselves removed from classrooms, or struggle with academics.
Click here to read the 2019 State of Mental Health in America Report and see how your state ranked for mental health care and access.
Largest Brain Study of 62,454 Scans Identifies Drivers of Brain AgingS
Aug 22, 2018 | Original Story from IOS Press
In the largest known brain imaging study, scientists from Amen Clinics (Costa Mesa, CA), Google, John’s Hopkins University, University of California, Los Angeles and the University of California, San Francisco evaluated 62,454 brain SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) scans of more than 30,000 individuals from 9 months old to 105 years of age to investigate factors that accelerate brain aging.
The current study, which will appear in a forthcoming issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, used brain SPECT imaging to determine aging trajectories in the brain and which common brain disorders predict abnormally accelerated aging. It examined these functional neuroimaging scans from a large multi-site psychiatric clinic from patients who had many different psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/news/largest-brain-study-of-62454-scans-identifies-drivers-of-brain-aging-307956
Aug 22, 2018 | Original Story from IOS Press
In the largest known brain imaging study, scientists from Amen Clinics (Costa Mesa, CA), Google, John’s Hopkins University, University of California, Los Angeles and the University of California, San Francisco evaluated 62,454 brain SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) scans of more than 30,000 individuals from 9 months old to 105 years of age to investigate factors that accelerate brain aging.
The current study, which will appear in a forthcoming issue of the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, used brain SPECT imaging to determine aging trajectories in the brain and which common brain disorders predict abnormally accelerated aging. It examined these functional neuroimaging scans from a large multi-site psychiatric clinic from patients who had many different psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/news/largest-brain-study-of-62454-scans-identifies-drivers-of-brain-aging-307956
Report: 55 Wisconsin counties face psychiatrist shortages
More than three-quarters of Wisconsin counties have significant shortages of psychiatrists, according to a Thursday report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum. Fifty-five of 72 Wisconsin counties face a “significant shortage” of psychiatrists and 20 have no practicing psychiatrists at all. The dearth of psychiatrists in these areas, along with the high prevalence of mental illness and substance abuse in the state, likely contribute to a gap in which more than half of Wisconsin adults in need of services for a mental health disorder go without care.
wisconsin_shortages_of_psychiatrist_care_2018.pdf
Read more.
More than three-quarters of Wisconsin counties have significant shortages of psychiatrists, according to a Thursday report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum. Fifty-five of 72 Wisconsin counties face a “significant shortage” of psychiatrists and 20 have no practicing psychiatrists at all. The dearth of psychiatrists in these areas, along with the high prevalence of mental illness and substance abuse in the state, likely contribute to a gap in which more than half of Wisconsin adults in need of services for a mental health disorder go without care.
- 55 counties have less than one psychiatrist for every 10,000 residents, which the Department of Health Services defines as a “significant shortage.”The federal government defines shortages as one psychiatrist per 30,000 residents. Under that definition, half of the counties face shortages.
- 20 counties in the state, mostly located in northern Wisconsin, lack psychiatrists.
- Moreover, the state’s psychiatrist workforce is aging. The average psychiatrist is 50 years old, and 15 percent in the state are 65 or older.
wisconsin_shortages_of_psychiatrist_care_2018.pdf
Read more.
A Guide to the Voting Rights of People with Mental Disabilities
The Bazelon Center for Mental Health has issued a revised edition of it's guide to the voting rights of people with Mental Disabilities. This guide was jointly compiled with the National Disability Rights Network, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and the law firm of Schulte, Roth, and Zabel. Click the link to learn more.
www.bazelon.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/voting-rights-guide-2016.pdf
The Bazelon Center for Mental Health has issued a revised edition of it's guide to the voting rights of people with Mental Disabilities. This guide was jointly compiled with the National Disability Rights Network, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and the law firm of Schulte, Roth, and Zabel. Click the link to learn more.
www.bazelon.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/voting-rights-guide-2016.pdf
The Depression Calculator for Employers
Depression affects more than 16 million Americans and is the leading cause of disability worldwide, costing the U.S. economy $210.5 billion per year in absenteeism, reduced productivity and medical costs. The Depression Calculator for Employers uses a wealth of the latest research to model how depression impacts a company or organization, based on just a few key demographics. How much time and money is your company losing to depression, and how much can you recover? Start the calculator to find out. www.workplacementalhealth.org/depressioncalculator/
Depression affects more than 16 million Americans and is the leading cause of disability worldwide, costing the U.S. economy $210.5 billion per year in absenteeism, reduced productivity and medical costs. The Depression Calculator for Employers uses a wealth of the latest research to model how depression impacts a company or organization, based on just a few key demographics. How much time and money is your company losing to depression, and how much can you recover? Start the calculator to find out. www.workplacementalhealth.org/depressioncalculator/
NAMI's Ask the Expert Webinar: Caregiving for Adults with Mental Illness
Event Date & Time: Thursday 8 November 2018, 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM, (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US and Canada)
As a member or of NAMI, you have the opportunity to register in advance for NAMI's Ask the Expert Webinar! Advance registration is open ONLY to NAMI members and leaders, as a way to show thanks for your support and involvement.
The program is an overview of the challenges faced by more than 8 million Americans who care for adult relatives with mental health conditions. Families struggle to help relatives while navigating health care systems, mental health providers and community supports. Presenters will discuss barriers families encounter, review a guidebook for mental health caregivers and recommend public policy changes. Click here to learn more.
Event Date & Time: Thursday 8 November 2018, 04:00 PM - 05:30 PM, (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US and Canada)
As a member or of NAMI, you have the opportunity to register in advance for NAMI's Ask the Expert Webinar! Advance registration is open ONLY to NAMI members and leaders, as a way to show thanks for your support and involvement.
The program is an overview of the challenges faced by more than 8 million Americans who care for adult relatives with mental health conditions. Families struggle to help relatives while navigating health care systems, mental health providers and community supports. Presenters will discuss barriers families encounter, review a guidebook for mental health caregivers and recommend public policy changes. Click here to learn more.
The Link Between Dehydration and Depression
New studies show that dehydration could be to blame for your sagging mood. Learn more here.
New studies show that dehydration could be to blame for your sagging mood. Learn more here.
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NAMI Kenosha County kicks off MIAW with our annual fundraiser
All donations will remain in the county to support folks living with mental illness, promote mental health awareness and recovery, and fight stigma. Tenuta’s Delicatessen 3203 52nd St, Kenosha, WI 53144 October 5-7, 2018
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Employee mental health costs rise twice as fast as all other medical expenses
From CNBC, 9.27.2018. Read full story here
From CNBC, 9.27.2018. Read full story here
- The amount of money companies spend on the mental health of their employees has been rising rapidly.
- Employers plan to make mental health one of their top priorities in coming years, a new Willis Towers Watson survey finds.
- People with mental health conditions make six times as many emergency room visits as the overall population.
WI Statewide Sexual Assault Response Team
Attorney General Brad Schimel convened his Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and appointed a new co-chair and 16 new members. The Attorney General’s SART is comprised of a multidisciplinary group of professionals knowledgeable in the complex issues surrounding sexual assault. Our own NAMI Kenosha County Board member and secretary "Kelly Andrichik" is the head of the Kenosha County SART team and since January 2018.
Read the full press release here.
The state SART team meets in Madison every quarter. As part of the state SART, Kelly participates in 2 teams-
1. Tracking System-to create a tracking system statewide for all sexual assault kits (akin to a UPS tracking system) so that the victim knows where the kit is at all times throughout the reporting process
2. Legislation-to create legislation around how sex assaults are handled and how the evidence is handled accordingly so that we don’t create another backlog of untested sex assault kits.
"As more and more brave men and women come forward to share their traumatizing experiences of sexual assault, I want survivors to know that health care providers, law enforcement, prosecutors, and victims’ services in Wisconsin are working to provide the best care and support possible to survivors,” said Attorney General Schimel. “As a former sensitive crimes prosecutor, I knew when I was elected attorney general that there was more our state could do to create better outcomes for survivors. DOJ and the Sexual Assault Response Team have taken on a large effort to support survivors by improving system-wide response to sexual assault with a trauma- informed, victim-centered approach.”
Attorney General Brad Schimel convened his Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and appointed a new co-chair and 16 new members. The Attorney General’s SART is comprised of a multidisciplinary group of professionals knowledgeable in the complex issues surrounding sexual assault. Our own NAMI Kenosha County Board member and secretary "Kelly Andrichik" is the head of the Kenosha County SART team and since January 2018.
Read the full press release here.
The state SART team meets in Madison every quarter. As part of the state SART, Kelly participates in 2 teams-
1. Tracking System-to create a tracking system statewide for all sexual assault kits (akin to a UPS tracking system) so that the victim knows where the kit is at all times throughout the reporting process
2. Legislation-to create legislation around how sex assaults are handled and how the evidence is handled accordingly so that we don’t create another backlog of untested sex assault kits.
"As more and more brave men and women come forward to share their traumatizing experiences of sexual assault, I want survivors to know that health care providers, law enforcement, prosecutors, and victims’ services in Wisconsin are working to provide the best care and support possible to survivors,” said Attorney General Schimel. “As a former sensitive crimes prosecutor, I knew when I was elected attorney general that there was more our state could do to create better outcomes for survivors. DOJ and the Sexual Assault Response Team have taken on a large effort to support survivors by improving system-wide response to sexual assault with a trauma- informed, victim-centered approach.”
Report Grades States On Standards and Impact Of Involuntary Commitment Laws - 2018
The Treatment Advocacy Center released a study of commitment laws by state, assigning each a letter grade. Wisconsin achieved the highest combined score when judged by TAC, with 96 out of 100 points. Maryland received the lowest combined score, with 18 out of 100.
The Treatment Advocacy Center was formed was to seek passage of Assisted Outpatient Treatment laws and its report views involuntary commitment through that perspective. TAC’s report offers us an important snapshot of what states are currently doing and makes recommendations on what states could do better.
From TAC’s Executive Summary:
The United States is effectively running 50 different experiments, with no two states taking the same approach. As a result, whether or not an individual receives timely, appropriate treatment for an acute psychiatric crisis or chronic psychiatric disease is almost entirely dependent on what state he or she is in when the crisis arises.
Read more here.
The Treatment Advocacy Center released a study of commitment laws by state, assigning each a letter grade. Wisconsin achieved the highest combined score when judged by TAC, with 96 out of 100 points. Maryland received the lowest combined score, with 18 out of 100.
The Treatment Advocacy Center was formed was to seek passage of Assisted Outpatient Treatment laws and its report views involuntary commitment through that perspective. TAC’s report offers us an important snapshot of what states are currently doing and makes recommendations on what states could do better.
From TAC’s Executive Summary:
The United States is effectively running 50 different experiments, with no two states taking the same approach. As a result, whether or not an individual receives timely, appropriate treatment for an acute psychiatric crisis or chronic psychiatric disease is almost entirely dependent on what state he or she is in when the crisis arises.
Read more here.
Update on Federal Opioid Legislation and FY 2019 Budget - September 28, 2018
Congress has been busy this month advancing several priority items before it adjourns for the November elections. Below is an update on the opioid package and the fiscal year (FY) 2019 budget, and the impact of both pieces of legislation on mental health. Click here to learn more.
Congress has been busy this month advancing several priority items before it adjourns for the November elections. Below is an update on the opioid package and the fiscal year (FY) 2019 budget, and the impact of both pieces of legislation on mental health. Click here to learn more.
The First Digital Pill
The first digital pill will carry a price tag of $1,650 per month and soon be rolled out commercially to the first patients: people with mental illness covered by Medicaid, likely in regions including Florida and Virginia.
The pill, sold by the drug maker Otsuka as Abilify MyCite, is embedded with a sensor that can alert a patient’s physician or caregiver after it’s been swallowed. Approved last November by the Food and Drug Administration for patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, it’s a high-tech upgrade to the antipsychotic drug Abilify, which was first approved 16 years ago and has now gone generic. This is the first FDA approved drug-device combination product intended to track the ingestion of medicine.
ABILIFY MYCITE, a drug-device combination product comprised of aripiprazole tablets embedded with an Ingestible Event Marker (IEM) sensor intended to track drug ingestion, is indicated in adults for the:
https://www.otsuka-us.com/discover/articles-1208
The ABILIFY MYCITE® System
The first digital pill will carry a price tag of $1,650 per month and soon be rolled out commercially to the first patients: people with mental illness covered by Medicaid, likely in regions including Florida and Virginia.
The pill, sold by the drug maker Otsuka as Abilify MyCite, is embedded with a sensor that can alert a patient’s physician or caregiver after it’s been swallowed. Approved last November by the Food and Drug Administration for patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, it’s a high-tech upgrade to the antipsychotic drug Abilify, which was first approved 16 years ago and has now gone generic. This is the first FDA approved drug-device combination product intended to track the ingestion of medicine.
ABILIFY MYCITE, a drug-device combination product comprised of aripiprazole tablets embedded with an Ingestible Event Marker (IEM) sensor intended to track drug ingestion, is indicated in adults for the:
- Treatment of schizophrenia
- Treatment of bipolar I disorder as monotherapy and as adjunct to lithium or valproate for: Acute treatment of manic and mixed episodes
- Maintenance treatment
- Adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder
https://www.otsuka-us.com/discover/articles-1208
The ABILIFY MYCITE® System
Patient Advocates, Healthcare Groups sue Trump Administration to preserve insurance protections
Sept 14, 2018
Today, NAMI joined a lawsuit filed this morning in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to overturn the Administration’s recently-issued rule on short-term, limited-duration (STLD) insurance plans. The lead plaintiff is the Association for Community Affiliated Plans, joined by NAMI and the following organizations: AIDS United, American Psychiatric Association, Little Lobbyists, Mental Health America and National Partnership for Women & Families.
These plans are permitted to:
Sept 14, 2018
Today, NAMI joined a lawsuit filed this morning in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to overturn the Administration’s recently-issued rule on short-term, limited-duration (STLD) insurance plans. The lead plaintiff is the Association for Community Affiliated Plans, joined by NAMI and the following organizations: AIDS United, American Psychiatric Association, Little Lobbyists, Mental Health America and National Partnership for Women & Families.
These plans are permitted to:
- Deny coverage for any pre-existing condition like mental illness;
- Charge higher premiums for people with a history of mental health conditions; and
- Not cover mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
Crisis Interventions Partner Training (CIP)
October 29-30
WHERE: GATEWAY TECHNICAL COLLEGE, Kenosha, WI
HOW TO APPLY for CIP: https://www.namikenosha.org/cipcit.html
This CIP training is a 2-day educational class for non-law enforcement personnel. CIP training is encouraged for anyone who works with individuals with a mental illness, i.e. social workers, teachers, emergency room staff, security personnel, correctional officers and group home staff.
October 29-30
WHERE: GATEWAY TECHNICAL COLLEGE, Kenosha, WI
HOW TO APPLY for CIP: https://www.namikenosha.org/cipcit.html
This CIP training is a 2-day educational class for non-law enforcement personnel. CIP training is encouraged for anyone who works with individuals with a mental illness, i.e. social workers, teachers, emergency room staff, security personnel, correctional officers and group home staff.
"Horrific deaths, brutal treatment: Mental illness in America's jails," published by The Virginia Pilot.
In a nine-month investigation, reporter Gary Harki and several Marquette University students tracked the deaths of 404 inmates with mental illnesses since 2010 which reveals the brutal treatment many people suffer in our criminal justice system. The article, available here, includes disturbing images. Here are some of The Virginia Pilot's findings:
In a nine-month investigation, reporter Gary Harki and several Marquette University students tracked the deaths of 404 inmates with mental illnesses since 2010 which reveals the brutal treatment many people suffer in our criminal justice system. The article, available here, includes disturbing images. Here are some of The Virginia Pilot's findings:
- At least 33 times inmates' family or friends had warned the jails of their loved one's mental illnesses prior to their death.
- More than 178 inmates with a mental illness died by suicide while behind bars.
- In 70 cases staff at the jail subjected the prisoner to shock, pepper-spray, restraint, or some combination thereof.
- In more than half of the deaths, families sued either the facility or the medical provider.
- In more than 40 percent of deaths, The Virginian-Pilot found that inmates with mental illness were segregated from other inmates when they died.
Herpes Virus may lead to Bipolar disorder and Depression
Scientists have discovered the human herpesvirus HHV-6 in the neurons of people who lived with bipolar or severe depression. www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322752.php
Scientists have discovered the human herpesvirus HHV-6 in the neurons of people who lived with bipolar or severe depression. www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322752.php
Actor David Spade is honoring his sister-in-law, Kate Spade, with a $100,000 donation to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
The fashion world was stunned when news broke that the handbag designer had been found dead in her New York home in an apparent suicide June 5. Her husband of 24 years, Andy Spade – David Spade’s brother, revealed that Kate suffered from depression and anxiety for many years and was actively seeking help for her depression.“Kate was the most beautiful woman in the world,” Andy Spade told the New York Times. “She was the kindest person I’ve ever known and my best friend for 35 years. My daughter and I are devastated by her loss, and can’t even begin to fathom life without her. We are deeply heartbroken and miss her already.
David Spade made the donation in honor of Kate Spade to NAMI, a nationwide mental health advocacy group.“More people suffer from mental health issues than we may realize but no one should ever feel ashamed to reach out for support,” Spade told PEOPLE,following the donation. “If you or anyone you know is in need of help or guidance please contact the national suicide prevention hotline at 800-273-8255 or go to nami.org to learn more and help those who may be in need.”
The fashion world was stunned when news broke that the handbag designer had been found dead in her New York home in an apparent suicide June 5. Her husband of 24 years, Andy Spade – David Spade’s brother, revealed that Kate suffered from depression and anxiety for many years and was actively seeking help for her depression.“Kate was the most beautiful woman in the world,” Andy Spade told the New York Times. “She was the kindest person I’ve ever known and my best friend for 35 years. My daughter and I are devastated by her loss, and can’t even begin to fathom life without her. We are deeply heartbroken and miss her already.
David Spade made the donation in honor of Kate Spade to NAMI, a nationwide mental health advocacy group.“More people suffer from mental health issues than we may realize but no one should ever feel ashamed to reach out for support,” Spade told PEOPLE,following the donation. “If you or anyone you know is in need of help or guidance please contact the national suicide prevention hotline at 800-273-8255 or go to nami.org to learn more and help those who may be in need.”
This website is about “depression plus”: more than plain depression. Weirder or more “up and down” — but not manic. If that sounds like your experience, your depression might be in the middle of the Mood Spectrum: not bipolar, but not just depressed. More variable, more complex.
psycheducation.org/
Suicide rates are rising in most states, CDC reports
Suicide rates rose in all but one state between 1999 and 2016, with 25 states seeing increases of more than 30 percent, according to a new report released by the CDC. Here’s a look at the findings:
Suicide rates rose in all but one state between 1999 and 2016, with 25 states seeing increases of more than 30 percent, according to a new report released by the CDC. Here’s a look at the findings:
- There were nearly 45,000 suicides in the U.S. in 2016, more than double the number of homicides. Suicide was the second-leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 34.
- Between 2014 and 2016, the suicide rate was highest in Montana, at 29.2 suicide deaths per 100,000 people. The national average is 13.4 suicides per 100,000.
- Nevada was the only state that saw its suicide rate decline. It fell 1 percent between 1999 and 2016, but the state’s rate is still higher than the national average.
NAMI released a report, Mental Health Parity at Risk. The report, written by researchers at Georgetown University, highlights how badly health insurance plans treated people with mental illness before the Affordable Care Act (ACA). For the first time, comprehensive data has been gathered showing barriers and gaps in mental health and substance use coverage in the individual insurance market prior to the ACA. It highlights just how horrible things were for people with mental illness, and emphasizes the dangers of turning back the clock. You can learn more and read the report at nami.org/parityatrisk.
Schizophrenia Risk Genes and Mother's Pregnancy
The 108 genes linked to schizophrenia are expressed at particularly high levels in the placenta. The chance of developing the disease is three to seven times greater in people whose mother had a respiratory infection during pregnancy, which can cause inflammation in the placenta, and up to twice as great if the mother had pre-eclampsia, a difficult delivery, or diabetes, obesity, alcohol use, vaginal bleeding, maternal smoking, or preterm birth, all of which can also affect the placenta. The study also found higher levels in the placentas of male fetuses than female ones. That fits with the fact that more men than women develop schizophrenia, usually in young adulthood.
The activity of the schizophrenia genes is dialed up especially if the mother has pre-eclampsia or another pregnancy complication. Presumably, this reflects the placenta’s response to stress such that when it’s flooded with inflammatory molecules (the standard response to stress), “it turns on genes related to immune response.”
To read more click here: schizophrenia_risk_genes_arent_so_risky_if_mothers_pregnancy_was_healthy.pdf
The 108 genes linked to schizophrenia are expressed at particularly high levels in the placenta. The chance of developing the disease is three to seven times greater in people whose mother had a respiratory infection during pregnancy, which can cause inflammation in the placenta, and up to twice as great if the mother had pre-eclampsia, a difficult delivery, or diabetes, obesity, alcohol use, vaginal bleeding, maternal smoking, or preterm birth, all of which can also affect the placenta. The study also found higher levels in the placentas of male fetuses than female ones. That fits with the fact that more men than women develop schizophrenia, usually in young adulthood.
The activity of the schizophrenia genes is dialed up especially if the mother has pre-eclampsia or another pregnancy complication. Presumably, this reflects the placenta’s response to stress such that when it’s flooded with inflammatory molecules (the standard response to stress), “it turns on genes related to immune response.”
To read more click here: schizophrenia_risk_genes_arent_so_risky_if_mothers_pregnancy_was_healthy.pdf
This is Normal
"This is Normal" is a new podcast from USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. We talk to young people about their own mental health challenges — and how they got through them. Because talking about this stuff makes us all feel a little less alone.
Click here to watch videos from students about their own personal experiences.
"This is Normal" is a new podcast from USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. We talk to young people about their own mental health challenges — and how they got through them. Because talking about this stuff makes us all feel a little less alone.
Click here to watch videos from students about their own personal experiences.
Kids In Crisis
Kids in Crisis is USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin's groundbreaking series on youth mental health. It's been recognized by the Poynter Institute and MediaShift for its engaging approach, involving dozens of community events and countless reader submissions from videos to personal essays. The lead reporter received the Wisconsin Media Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Wisconsin ranks among the worst states for rates of youth depression, youth suicide, and shortages of care providers. At the same time, hope is abundant in the stories of youth with mental health challenges, their families and their allies.
Click here to access the Kids in Crisis Series featuring stories, videos, and personal testimonials.
Kids in Crisis is USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin's groundbreaking series on youth mental health. It's been recognized by the Poynter Institute and MediaShift for its engaging approach, involving dozens of community events and countless reader submissions from videos to personal essays. The lead reporter received the Wisconsin Media Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Wisconsin ranks among the worst states for rates of youth depression, youth suicide, and shortages of care providers. At the same time, hope is abundant in the stories of youth with mental health challenges, their families and their allies.
Click here to access the Kids in Crisis Series featuring stories, videos, and personal testimonials.
A Dangerous Son - HBO Documentary
One in 10 American children suffer from serious emotional disturbance and more than 17 million have experienced a psychiatric disorder. A Dangerous Son focuses on three families in crisis, each struggling with a child’s severe mental illness while desperately seeking treatment in the face of limited resources and support; exposing cracks in a system that fails too many families, with potentially devastating consequences for the child or for others.
www.hbo.com/documentaries/a-dangerous-son
One in 10 American children suffer from serious emotional disturbance and more than 17 million have experienced a psychiatric disorder. A Dangerous Son focuses on three families in crisis, each struggling with a child’s severe mental illness while desperately seeking treatment in the face of limited resources and support; exposing cracks in a system that fails too many families, with potentially devastating consequences for the child or for others.
www.hbo.com/documentaries/a-dangerous-son
Talulah Tattoo’s third annual Friday the 13th Fundraiser
All proceeds from this year's event were donated to NAMI Kenosha County! Pictured: John Rose receives the donation from Jen Parise, co-owner of Talulah Tattoo. |
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A Call to Action - DOC Rule 302
April 16, 2018
The Department of Corrections (DOC) is proposing to change its internal rule, DOC Rule 302, that governs classification and movement of people in prisons. By law, they had to take public comment on the rule, and many WISDOM people offered written and verbal comments, calling for some common sense changes that would help parole-eligible people and people eligible for "compassionate release."
The DOC ignored the comments and basically made their new rules harder for those people.
When the Administration tries to change rules, they are overseen by the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules. It is the only body the DOC is accountable to, other than the Governor. But, if the Co-Chairs, one from the Assembly, and one from the Senate, decline to look at the rule or to hold hearings, the new rules automatically become official policy: they are, essentially, the law.
The Co-Chairs of the Committee have chosen so far to ignore DOC Rule 302, and if they do nothing, it will become law on April 28. Click here to learn more and find out how you can help!
April 16, 2018
The Department of Corrections (DOC) is proposing to change its internal rule, DOC Rule 302, that governs classification and movement of people in prisons. By law, they had to take public comment on the rule, and many WISDOM people offered written and verbal comments, calling for some common sense changes that would help parole-eligible people and people eligible for "compassionate release."
The DOC ignored the comments and basically made their new rules harder for those people.
When the Administration tries to change rules, they are overseen by the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules. It is the only body the DOC is accountable to, other than the Governor. But, if the Co-Chairs, one from the Assembly, and one from the Senate, decline to look at the rule or to hold hearings, the new rules automatically become official policy: they are, essentially, the law.
The Co-Chairs of the Committee have chosen so far to ignore DOC Rule 302, and if they do nothing, it will become law on April 28. Click here to learn more and find out how you can help!
There’s a virus spreading across America. It harms the 1 in 5 Americans affected by mental health conditions. It shames them into silence. It prevents them from seeking help. And in some cases, it takes lives. What virus are we talking about? It’s stigma. Stigma against people with mental health conditions. But there’s good news. Stigma is 100% curable. Compassion, empathy and understanding are the antidote. Your voice can spread the cure. Join NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Together we can #CureStigma. http://www.curestigma.org
HuHot Cares
On March 7, 2018 NAMI Kenosha County participated in HuHot’s HuCares Program. The Mongolian Grill of Kenosha invited our nonprofit organization to share in the evening’s profits. Members of NAMI were also on hand to raise awareness of mental health issues. In the picture, Jack Rose, NAMI board member, accepts a check from Sean Hayes, assistant manager of HuHot.
On March 7, 2018 NAMI Kenosha County participated in HuHot’s HuCares Program. The Mongolian Grill of Kenosha invited our nonprofit organization to share in the evening’s profits. Members of NAMI were also on hand to raise awareness of mental health issues. In the picture, Jack Rose, NAMI board member, accepts a check from Sean Hayes, assistant manager of HuHot.
NEW Local DBT Class for Adults
Rogers Behavioral Health is now offering a specialized dialectical behavior therapy program for adults at our Kenosha location. Similar to the DBT program we offer for adolescents, within this group-based therapy, patients will learn practical life skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal skills to stabilize mood and behavior. DBT is effective in treating individuals who struggle with chronic suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-injury, as well as people who have trouble regulating their emotions.
This evidenced-based treatment for adults is a unique partial hospitalization program running Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am -2:30 pm. The program is estimated to last two to six weeks, and varies based on each patient’s individual needs.Like all Rogers treatment programs, our leaders developed the DBT program using medical expertise and insights gained from our excellent clinical outcomes. If you would like more information or have a client you feel would benefit from this program or any other programs in our Kenosha location, please call admissions at 262-942-4000 and ask for Jenna to set up an initial assessment, or make a referral online.
Rogers Behavioral Health is now offering a specialized dialectical behavior therapy program for adults at our Kenosha location. Similar to the DBT program we offer for adolescents, within this group-based therapy, patients will learn practical life skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal skills to stabilize mood and behavior. DBT is effective in treating individuals who struggle with chronic suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-injury, as well as people who have trouble regulating their emotions.
This evidenced-based treatment for adults is a unique partial hospitalization program running Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am -2:30 pm. The program is estimated to last two to six weeks, and varies based on each patient’s individual needs.Like all Rogers treatment programs, our leaders developed the DBT program using medical expertise and insights gained from our excellent clinical outcomes. If you would like more information or have a client you feel would benefit from this program or any other programs in our Kenosha location, please call admissions at 262-942-4000 and ask for Jenna to set up an initial assessment, or make a referral online.
Mass Shootings and Violence: NAMI Talking Points
It is important after tragedies happen to remember the tremendous impact they have on our communities— our parents, our children, our school professionals, our first responders--the mental health of our communities and our whole country. It’s also vital to recognize that the overwhelming majority of people with mental illness are not violent.
There are certain risk factors for violence including: a history of violence, substance abuse and untreated symptoms of psychosis, some evidence suggests. However, most people with mental illness will never become violent and mental illness does not cause most gun violence. Click here to learn more.
It is important after tragedies happen to remember the tremendous impact they have on our communities— our parents, our children, our school professionals, our first responders--the mental health of our communities and our whole country. It’s also vital to recognize that the overwhelming majority of people with mental illness are not violent.
There are certain risk factors for violence including: a history of violence, substance abuse and untreated symptoms of psychosis, some evidence suggests. However, most people with mental illness will never become violent and mental illness does not cause most gun violence. Click here to learn more.
Bridges On-Line T-Shirt fundraiser!
Please purchase a t-shirt to show your support for Bridges Community Center! All proceeds will go to our program! The shirt will be sent directly to your home. Thank you in advance for your support!
https://www.customink.com/fundraising/bridges-community-center-t-shirt-sale
Please purchase a t-shirt to show your support for Bridges Community Center! All proceeds will go to our program! The shirt will be sent directly to your home. Thank you in advance for your support!
https://www.customink.com/fundraising/bridges-community-center-t-shirt-sale
Children with PANS and PANDAS are often Misdiagnosed
All too often, children with PANS and PANDAS are misdiagnosed as having a psychiatric illness and may be treated solely with psychotropic drugs to manage their symptoms. Unfortunately, for PANS and PANDAS patients this does not address the root cause of the symptoms, which is an infection-triggered autoimmune condition.
To read more click here.
All too often, children with PANS and PANDAS are misdiagnosed as having a psychiatric illness and may be treated solely with psychotropic drugs to manage their symptoms. Unfortunately, for PANS and PANDAS patients this does not address the root cause of the symptoms, which is an infection-triggered autoimmune condition.
To read more click here.
From the The Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Fund
Nearly 6 million Americans have bipolar disorder, and most have probably wondered why. After more than a decade of studying over 1,100 of them in-depth, a University of Michigan team has an answer – or rather, several.
Click here to learn more.
Nearly 6 million Americans have bipolar disorder, and most have probably wondered why. After more than a decade of studying over 1,100 of them in-depth, a University of Michigan team has an answer – or rather, several.
Click here to learn more.
A Court of Refuge: Stories From The Bench Of America's First Mental Health Court by Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren
The story of America’s first Mental Health Court as told by its presiding judge, Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren – from its inception in 1997 to its implementation in over 400 courts across the nation.
Click here to learn more.
The story of America’s first Mental Health Court as told by its presiding judge, Judge Ginger Lerner-Wren – from its inception in 1997 to its implementation in over 400 courts across the nation.
Click here to learn more.
Kindness Comes Full Circle
by Carol J Slovachek
January 2018
Filled with both challenges and lessons, 2017 was just a tough year for me. In mid-May after more than twelve years of steady recovery from bipolar illness, I found myself in the throes of a full blown manic–psychotic episode. I was hospitalized three times over a three month period and pumped full of antipsychotic drugs. The road back to recovery was filled with negative side effects from the various medications. Read more click here.
by Carol J Slovachek
January 2018
Filled with both challenges and lessons, 2017 was just a tough year for me. In mid-May after more than twelve years of steady recovery from bipolar illness, I found myself in the throes of a full blown manic–psychotic episode. I was hospitalized three times over a three month period and pumped full of antipsychotic drugs. The road back to recovery was filled with negative side effects from the various medications. Read more click here.
In Our Own Voice Empowers Seven New Speakers at Mendota
By Carol J Slovachek
January 2018
This December, Certified Peer Specialist and State Trainer Maria Hanson and I joined forces to train seven new In Our Own Voice Presenters. Mendota is a state mental health facility that houses and aspires to rehabilitate individuals living with mental illness who have committed crimes and have received not guilty by reason of mental defect (NGR) verdicts.
From my own experience with the In Our Own Voice program I have come to realize the value of empowerment by giving a voice to those who live with mental illness. Read more click here.
By Carol J Slovachek
January 2018
This December, Certified Peer Specialist and State Trainer Maria Hanson and I joined forces to train seven new In Our Own Voice Presenters. Mendota is a state mental health facility that houses and aspires to rehabilitate individuals living with mental illness who have committed crimes and have received not guilty by reason of mental defect (NGR) verdicts.
From my own experience with the In Our Own Voice program I have come to realize the value of empowerment by giving a voice to those who live with mental illness. Read more click here.
Medicaid Work Requirements and Federal Budget Update
NAMI staff have been working with NAMI State Organizations and national coalitions to comment on provisions in Medicaid waiver proposals that could impact people with mental illness, such as work requirements.
CLICK here for more information
What can you do?
NAMI staff have been working with NAMI State Organizations and national coalitions to comment on provisions in Medicaid waiver proposals that could impact people with mental illness, such as work requirements.
CLICK here for more information
What can you do?
- Be on the lookout for Medicaid waiver applications in your state. Feel free to reach out to our team for help strategizing around comments and other responses.
- Use the attached Medicaid backgrounder to let your NAMI members and policymakers know about the role Medicaid plays in the lives of people with mental illness.
- Use the attached talking points on Medicaid work requirements in your conversations with state officials who may be considering changes to your state’s Medicaid program.
Seize The Awkward
Along with partners The Jed Foundation (JED) and the Ad Council, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the nation’s largest suicide prevention organization, launched a national groundbreaking ad campaign, “Seize The Awkward.” This campaign will work to empower teens and young adults to reach out and help a friend who may be struggling with their mental health.
Click here for more information.
Along with partners The Jed Foundation (JED) and the Ad Council, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the nation’s largest suicide prevention organization, launched a national groundbreaking ad campaign, “Seize The Awkward.” This campaign will work to empower teens and young adults to reach out and help a friend who may be struggling with their mental health.
Click here for more information.
Google Partners with NAMI to Increase Understanding of PTSD
NAMI is excited to partner with Google once again on a posttraumatic stress disorder screening questionnaire. This screening tool can be a crucial step toward getting a proper diagnosis and treatment for this condition.
When searching for "Posttraumatic Stress Disorder," “PTSD” or related queries on Google using your mobile phone, you will see a Knowledge Panel that gives you the option to tap “check if you may have PTSD.” This will bring you to PC-PTSD-5, a clinically validated screening questionnaire to assess your likelihood of having this condition. (Note: getting an in-person assessment is essential to a diagnosis of PTSD and this screening tool can give you important information to discuss with your doctor.)
Click here to go Google’s blog, where you can read more about this important new feature.
NAMI is excited to partner with Google once again on a posttraumatic stress disorder screening questionnaire. This screening tool can be a crucial step toward getting a proper diagnosis and treatment for this condition.
When searching for "Posttraumatic Stress Disorder," “PTSD” or related queries on Google using your mobile phone, you will see a Knowledge Panel that gives you the option to tap “check if you may have PTSD.” This will bring you to PC-PTSD-5, a clinically validated screening questionnaire to assess your likelihood of having this condition. (Note: getting an in-person assessment is essential to a diagnosis of PTSD and this screening tool can give you important information to discuss with your doctor.)
Click here to go Google’s blog, where you can read more about this important new feature.
The Family That Built An Empire of Pain
The Sackler dynasty’s ruthless marketing of painkillers has generated billions of dollars—and millions of addicts.
By Patrick Radden Keefe
Click here for Full Story
The Sackler dynasty’s ruthless marketing of painkillers has generated billions of dollars—and millions of addicts.
By Patrick Radden Keefe
Click here for Full Story
ADDICTION IS A FAMILY DISEASE,...and the whole family needs recovery.
Kenosha News, December 21, 2017
GUEST COMMENTARY by Guida Brown
CLICK here to read the entire eye opening article!
Kenosha News, December 21, 2017
GUEST COMMENTARY by Guida Brown
CLICK here to read the entire eye opening article!
Pawing For Recovery
NAMI Southwestern Illinois and Furry Friend Recovery make dogs a key part of NAMI Connections Recovery Support Group. Read more here.
NAMI Southwestern Illinois and Furry Friend Recovery make dogs a key part of NAMI Connections Recovery Support Group. Read more here.
SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
Do you have a passion for volunteering, supporting social causes, and fostering education and awareness in the Kenosha County community? Have you or a loved one experienced mental illness and want to make an impact as part of ongoing recovery? The NAMI Kenosha County Board is seeking additional members to help with supporting our mission to improve the quality of life through education, support, and advocacy. We promote recovery and fight stigma associated with mental illness.
Are you curious and interested? Submit an application here!
Do you have a passion for volunteering, supporting social causes, and fostering education and awareness in the Kenosha County community? Have you or a loved one experienced mental illness and want to make an impact as part of ongoing recovery? The NAMI Kenosha County Board is seeking additional members to help with supporting our mission to improve the quality of life through education, support, and advocacy. We promote recovery and fight stigma associated with mental illness.
Are you curious and interested? Submit an application here!
Help NAMI Wisconsin fight the holiday blues this year!
For many, the holidays are a time filled with love, family, food,and fond memories.
But for some, the holidays are associated with feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and unpleasant memories.
Whatever the case may be, know that we are in this together! CLICK here for resources.
For many, the holidays are a time filled with love, family, food,and fond memories.
But for some, the holidays are associated with feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and unpleasant memories.
Whatever the case may be, know that we are in this together! CLICK here for resources.