MHEP NEWSLETTER
MARCH 2005
Contents
2003 CONSUMER CONFERENCE Priority Survey Findings
The following information was obtained from conference attendees of the MHEP Annual Regional Conferences in the following cities:
City |
# of Attendees |
Buffalo |
151 |
Watertown |
93 |
Albany |
86 |
Binghamton |
98 |
New York City |
475 |
Long Island |
206 |
The following responses were recorded from the participants when asked "Out of the ten service priorities listed below select the three that are most important to you and rank them in order of importance"
Ranking 2003 |
Ranking 2002 |
Service Priority |
1 |
8 |
Providing more opportunities for getting into adequate housing. |
2 |
4 |
Improving medication and the willingness of the doctors to work with consumers to get the right medication. |
3 |
1 |
Increasing the opportunities and skills training programs necessary to getting and keeping a job. |
4 |
3 |
Providing more support and guidance to people being discharged from the hospital. |
5 |
2 |
Providing more support and training for setting up and operating peer run programs. |
6 |
6 |
Expanding existing services at the local level to provide more choices for consumer. |
7 |
5 |
Educating consumers about entitlements such as SSI, DDS, Food Stamps, Housing, etc. |
8 |
7 |
Providing training in self-help skills and the skills needed to set up and facilitate mutual support groups. |
9 |
9 |
Increasing and improving advocacy training programs. |
10 |
10 |
Increasing the effectiveness and availability of Case Management services. |
The listed information is based upon the completed MHEP 2003 Annual Conferences.
MHEP proudly announces the arrival of our new Coordinator of Support Services, David Gonzalez
David comes to MHEP from New York Works where he was an employment coordinator. Additionally, David has worked at Howie the Harp Center, Kings County Hospital, and other mental health agencies. His focus has always been to assure that the rights of people who use services are being upheld. David has done cutting edge work in the area of addressing the stigma associated with receiving a mental health diagnosis.
In his capacity as Coordinator of Support Services, David will offer advocacy support, mutual support group development, identify mental health systems change and offer various skill building trainings that will assist people to lead the independent life style that they are seeking. David is proficient in both English and Spanish and looks forward to being a resource to the Spanish speaking community.
The Board and Staff welcome David and look forward to a long and productive business relationship.
Medicaid Buy-In Program
- Are you currently working or would you like to work without losing your Medicaid benefits?
- Would you like to save more money and keep your benefits?
- Are you presently paying a spend-down and would rather pay a premium for healthcare coverage?
If you answered yes, the Medicaid Buy-In Program for Working People with Disabilities may be the choice for you!
If you are interested in having a Medicaid Buy-In Program presentation at your agency, please contact:
Susan Nathan,
MICA Peer Specialist 
Mental Health Empowerment Project, Inc.
116 Everett Rd., Suite 7
Albany, NY 12205
518-434-1393
800-643-7462
SAVE THIS DATE
Sunday, May 2, 2004 - 1 pm
PROTEST FOR FREEDOM, EQUALITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS
In front of the annual meeting of:
The American Psychiatric Association
Jacob Javits Convention Center
655 West 34th Street, New York City
Sponsored by:
Mental Patient's Liberation Alliance
MindFreedom Support Coalition International (Link to website )
More information as plans develop.
To receive further updates, join the
mailing list for these periodic announcements:
Link
for mailing list
The Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma (ADS Center)
The ADS Center helps people design, implement and operate programs that reduce discrimination and stigma associated with mental illnesses. With the most up-to-date research and information, the Center helps individuals, organizations and governments counter such discrimination and stigma in the community, in the workplace, and in the media.
This Web site offers a wealth of useful information related to stigma and discrimination associated with mental illnesses that describes what they are, what works to counter them, and what resources are available. Descriptions of innovative international, national and local anti-stigma/anti-discrimination initiatives and programs can assist you in identifying and implementing specific activities to build understanding and knowledge related to people with mental illnesses and to counter discrimination and stigma in communities, schools, and workplaces. Information on resources such as articles, fact sheets, brochures, books and research are provided on issue areas such as employment, housing, healthcare, the media and many more. Numerous resource organizations are listed to help landlords, employers, insurers, healthcare providers, educators, and others better understand mental illnesses, the people who have them, and their rights.
The ADS Center also provides hands-on assistance, helping to tailor campaigns and programs to the needs of states, local communities, healthcare providers, managed care organizations, advocates, family members, and mental health consumers. The Center also provides literature, speakers, and information on programs to address discrimination and stigma against people with mental illnesses.
The ADS Center is a program of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Mental Health Services, and operated by a contract with The Gallup Organization and the Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
ADS Center
1211 Chestnut Street, 11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107-4103
Voice: 1-800-540-0320 (English/Spanish)
DUAL-RECOVERY MUTUTAL SUPPORT GROUP
12-Step Support for Dual-Recovery
RESPECT- DIGNITY - CONFIDENTIALITY
Every Monday night 6:30-7:30pm
1218 Central Avenue-ACCAB offices
On the #1 or #55 Bus Line
Questions??? 434-1393 *JOIN US!
Independent group NOT affiliated with any program or agency
Job Opportunity
CHOICE of New Rochelle, Inc. is a not-for-profit agency providing advocacy, case management and homeless outreach to adult recipients of mental health services living in Westchester County.
Overview
Work one-on-one with clients to assist them in finding, accessing and utilizing community resources. Advocates see clients in our offices, but may accompany clients to other agencies. Extensive use of word processing and computerized databases.
Responsibilities
- Advocate on behalf of clients with social services agencies, the criminal justice system, creditors, etc.
- Provide clients with information on community resources
- Provide referrals and establish linkages between treatment, education, and vocational services
- Advise clients of benefit eligibility and assist in applications and recertification for DSS, SSA, food stamps, etc.
- Keep and submit statistical records and case notes
- Crisis intervention
- Teach daily living skills, including budgeting, use of public transportation
Qualifications
Self -starter with ability to work well with individuals in crisis. Must be well organized and able to meet deadlines. Must be able to establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients. Must have personal experience with mental health disability. Clean driver's license preferred.
Salary
Low to mid $20K, depending on experience, plus excellent medical, dental and long term disability benefits.
Application
Fax résumé to Linda White, Program Director 914.576.0178.
Job Opportunity
Overview
Full-time assistant to publisher of award-winning quarterly mental health newspaper in pleasant White Plains office. Serious inquires only.
Qualifications
- Administrative assistant skills
- Desktop publishing skills
- Fully proficient in PC/Windows XP, MS Publisher and MS Office applications, Photoshop, and Internet
- Excellent writing, organizational, phone and interpersonal skills
Requirements
Car required
Hours
Hours 9-5 M-F
Salary
Commensurate with experience.
Application
Call Mr. Minot at (914) 948-6699. Serious inquires only.
New Position
The Mental Health Empowerment Project, Inc. would like to take this opportunity to welcome Michael Smith to the position of Executive Director of the Resource Center.
Congratulations and Much Good Luck!
COMPLEMENTUM
Com . ple . men . tum, v.t., Lat.: to make whole
YOU MAY BE DEPRESSED! WHAT DO YOU DO NOW?
By Mary Ellen Copeland, M.S., M.A
When you are depressed it is often very hard to think clearly or make any decisions. It is also hard to think of anything to do to help yourself feel better. This brochure will help you take positive action in your own behalf.
Keep in Mind
Depression is not your fault.
Depression is a temporary condition. You will get well. You will feel happy again.
The best time to address depression is now, before it gets any worse.
It's up to you, with the help of your supporters, to take responsibility for getting better.
See Your Doctor
Depression is serious. You need to see a general physician as soon as possible-- don't wait longer than a few days. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you will feel better. You need an appointment with your physician for a complete physical examination to see if there is a medical condition that is causing or worsening your depression, to plan your treatment and for possible referral to a specialist. If you do not have a physician, contact a mental health organization in your area for a recommendation.
If any of the following apply to you, insist on an appointment within 24 hours or ask a friend or family member to do it for you (it's hard to do things for yourself when you are depressed).
- You feel absolutely hopeless and/or worthless.
- You feel like life is not worth living anymore.
- You think a lot about dying.
- You have thoughts of suicide.
- You have been making plans to end your life.
Ask a family member or friend to stay with you until it is time for your appointment. Make sure you keep the appointment.
When you see your doctor, take a complete listing of all medications and health care preparations you are using for any reason, and any unusual, uncomfortable or painful symptoms.
Self Help Techniques You Can Use to Help Yourself Feel Better
Tell a good friend or family member how you feel. Ask them if they have some time to listen to you. Tell them not to interrupt with any advice, criticism or judgments. Assure them that you can discuss what to do about the situation after you get done talking, but that just talking with no interruptions will help you feel better.
Your friends and family members may not know what to say. You can tell them to say any of the following:
"I'm sorry you are having such a hard time."
"What can I do to help?"
"Tell me how you feel."
"I'm here to listen."
"I love you."
"You are very special to me. I want you to get well."
"You will feel better. You will get well."
2. Get some exercise. Any movement, even slow movement will help you feel better-- climb the stairs, take a walk, sweep the floor.
3. Spend at least one half hour outdoors every day, even if it is cloudy or rainy.
4. Let as much light into your home or work place as possible--roll up the shades, turn on the lights.
5. Eat healthy food. Avoid sugar, caffeine, alcohol and heavily salted foods. If you don't feel like cooking, ask a family member or friend to cook for you, order take out, or buy a healthy frozen dinner.
6. If you are having lots of negative thoughts or obsessing about difficult issues and hard times, divert your attention away from these thoughts by doing something you really enjoy, something that makes you feel good--like working in your garden, watching a funny video, working on a craft project, playing with a small child or your pet, buying yourself a treat like a new CD or a magazine, reading a good book or watching a ball game.
7. Relax! Sit down in a comfortable chair, loosen any tight clothing and take several deep breaths. Starting with your toes, focus your attention on each part of your body and let it relax. When you have relaxed your whole body, notice how it feels. Then focus your attention on a favorite scene, like a warm day in spring or a walk at the ocean, for at least 10 minutes.
8. If you are having trouble sleeping, try some of the following suggestions: drink a glass of warm milk, eat some turkey and/or drink a cup of chamomile tea before going to bed before going to bed:
read a calming book
take a warm bath
avoid strenuous activity
avoid caffeine and nicotine-both are stimulants
listen to soothing music after you lie down
eat foods high in calcium like dairy products and leafy green vegetables
avoid sleeping late in the morning, get up at your usual time
9. Ask a family member, friend or co-worker to take over some or all of your responsibilities for several days--like child care, household chores, work-related tasks so you have time to do the things you need to to take care of yourself.
10. Keep your life as simple as possible. If it doesn't really need to be done, don't do it.
11. Avoid negative people who make you feel bad or irritated. Do not allow yourself to be abused in any way. Physical or emotional abuse can cause or worsen depression. If you are being physically or emotionally abused, ask your health care provider or a good friend to help you figure out what to do.
12. Avoid making any major decisions like career, relationship and housing changes until you feel better.
Things to Do After You Begin Feeling Better
1. Educate yourself about depression so that if you ever get depressed again, you and your supporters will know exactly what to do.
2. Become an effective advocate for yourself--figure out what you need and want for yourself, and then work toward it until you get it.
3. Develop and keep a strong support system of at least five supporters, people you feel comfortable with, trust and enjoy. If you don't have five supporters, make some new friends by joining a support group, attending community events, or taking an interesting course.
4. Write a plan to keep yourself well. Include lists of:
things you need to do every day to keep yourself well, like get a half hour of exercise and eat three healthy meals
things that may not need to be done every day, but if you miss them they will cause stress in your life, like buying groceries, paying bills or cleaning your home
events or situations that, if they come up, may make you feel worse, like a disagreement with a family member or loss of your job, and an action plan to follow if these events occur
early warning signs that you are starting to get depressed again, like feeling tired, sleeping too much, overeating, and dropping things, and an action plan to follow if they come up
signs that things are getting much worse, you really are depressed, like you can't get out of bed in the morning and you feel negative about everything, and an action plan to follow if this happens
Ask your health care providers, family members and friends for help in developing these plans.
SAVE THE DATES
Mental Health Empowerment Project's
2004 Annual Regional Conferences
9am-4pm
Keynote: Your Choices Within the Mental Health System
Presented by: Josh Koerner
General Session: An explanation of Personal Recovery Oriented Services
FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE
LUNCH INCLUDED
Seating is limited. Please call to reserve your space as soon as possible
To register call 518-434-1393 or 1-800-643-7462 with your name, agency name, if applicable, and number of people expected to attend.
April 13, 2004 - Watertown; Best Western Carriage House Inn
April 15, 2004 - Binghamton; Best Western Regency
May 25, 2004 - Staten Island; South Beach Psychiatric Center
May 27, 2004 - Long Island; Pilgrim Psychiatric Center
June 16, 2004 - Western NY Region-Location TBA
June 18, 2004 - Albany; Quality Inn
Mental Health Empowerment Project, Inc. 116 Everett Rd, Suite 7 Albany, NY 12205 Phone: 518-434-1393 or 1-800-MHEP-INC Fax: 518-434-3823
© 2003 Mental Health Empowerment Project, Inc. All rights reserved.
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