Support Groups
NAMI - Kenosha - City Our next regular bimonthly support groups will be on Thursdays June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26, August 9 & 23, September 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 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. Peer Support Group - Bridges Every Saturday from 11-noon at Bridges Community Center (5718 7th Avenue, Kenosha, Wi. 53140) NAMI - Kenosha - County Family & Friends Support Group will be held at the Kenosha County Center Building monthly on the second Thursday. The next support group is Thursday June 14, July 12, August 9, and September 13 from 9 am - 10:30 am.For more information call 262-652-3606 or email lzanin1953@gmail.com or jedeleo9010@gmail.com. For Spanish speaking folks in crisis situation, please call NAMI National Hotline @ 800-950-6264 to speak with someone in Spanish. Alcohol and Drug Addiction Support Click here to learn about local support groups and Narcan. 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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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.
The 3nd Annual Stop Heroin in Kenosha BBQ will be held August 25 from 1pm until 6pm at Simmons Island Pavilion in Kenosha. (date change)
Come join us for a free community BBQ to spread the message of HOPE, the message the we DO RECOVER, to spread the awareness of the heroin epidemic that is sweeping across our community and to learn about resources available in our community. There will be food, nonalcoholic beverages, Speakers, Community Resources, and fun for all ages.
3rd_annual_stop_heroin_in_kenosha.jpg
Come join us for a free community BBQ to spread the message of HOPE, the message the we DO RECOVER, to spread the awareness of the heroin epidemic that is sweeping across our community and to learn about resources available in our community. There will be food, nonalcoholic beverages, Speakers, Community Resources, and fun for all ages.
3rd_annual_stop_heroin_in_kenosha.jpg
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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Rally For Recovery - click here for more information.
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.
Just Live - Annual Labor Day of Love Music Festival
Sunday - Labor Day 9/2/2018, New Munster Ball Park
A bluegrass music event held by a community of family, friends, and local businesses coming together to help fund, promote awareness, and implement educational programs about suicide, depression, and mental illness.
Sunday - Labor Day 9/2/2018, New Munster Ball Park
A bluegrass music event held by a community of family, friends, and local businesses coming together to help fund, promote awareness, and implement educational programs about suicide, depression, and mental illness.
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.