MHEP NEWSLETTER

March 2005

Contents

MHEP Wins SAMHSA Statewide Consumer Network Grant

The Mental Health Empowerment Project, Inc. (MHEP) was one of nineteen recipients of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Statewide Consumer Network Grant. MHEP proposes to engage in a consensus building process to create a statewide coalition of existing peer networking groups, peer-run initiatives, and mutual-aid groups to identify and promote the needs of mental health consumers. The coalitions are expected to share skills on a peer-group-to-peer-group level and address consumer concerns that impact the mental health system at local, state and federal level in a way that transforms the paradigm of mental health services into a recovery-oriented one.

To achieve these ambitious goals MHEP is developing a committee to try to help establish a New York City Peer Networking Group (NYC PNG). The first meeting for this group was held on February 17th via teleconference. One of the other projects in the works is the awarding of mini-grants to established peer networking groups. These grants are to be used for the building of networking membership or increasing the skills and knowledge that help improve the operation of the peer networking group and the enhancing of groups networking abilities. MHEP will also be hosting a day long gathering of peer networking groups and peer-run initiatives throughout New York State to start the consensus building to identify and promote the needs and concerns of mental health consumers across the state.

If you live in the New York City area and would like to become involved with the planning of the NYC PNG or for more information about any of the initiatives please feel free to contact us at any of the numbers above.

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NYS Peer Initiatives Invited To Present The Whitepaper In Washington

Mental Health Empowerment Project is pleased to announce that our Commissioner of Mental Health in New York State, Sharon Carpinello, RN, Ph.D., has had the vision and insight to see the importance of the inclusion of the NYS “White Paper: Infusing Recovery-Based Principles Into Mental Health Services” into the core of the delivery of mental health services throughout NYS. Additionally, an invitation was received from Katherine Power the Director of SAMHSA to present this important document to the Staff of SAMHSA. David Gonzalez will be bringing together a small group of his peers to participate in this unprecedented occasion. Over 10,000 individuals that have used mental health services in NYS were able to participate in one way or another in the development of this cutting-edge document. Keep reading our newsletters as we will do a follow up article to let you know the results of this meeting.

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month

In November of 2004, several advocates across the state walked 122 miles in support of Timothy's Law. The walk went from Warwick, NY, to Albany, NY, and culminated in a rally of more than 600 individuals gathered for Mental Health Parity.

This year, two advocates involved in the Walk for Timothy's Law in Memory of Robin Jane Desrats, Ann Berardinelli of Families with Bi-Polar Children, and Ali Zimmerman, an employee of Independent Living, Inc., are planning an annual Walk for Mental Heath during May is Mental Health Month.

During the week of May 14th through the 20th, they will be getting walkers from each county to participate in a relay-type walk from the four corners of the state converging on Albany on the 20th.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Ann or Alexandra - e-mail the Walk Committee, or call Ann at (845) 566-0810 or Ali at (845) 703-1042 and they will connect you with the agency coordinating the walk in your region.

Albany walkers, please contact Joan Cullen by email or 518-432-0333, ext. 10.

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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) today announced the launch of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK. The national hotline is part of the National Suicide Prevention Initiative (NSPI)-a collaborative effort led by SAMHSA that incorporates the best practices and research findings in suicide prevention and intervention with the goal of reducing the incidence of suicide nationwide. In addition to the national hotline, a new website is being launched at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

In the United States, suicide currently is the 11th leading cause of death among all age groups, accounting for approximately 30,000 deaths annually. More than 100 crisis centers in 39 states currently participate in the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. SAMHSA is committed to working with state and local organizations, such as the Mental Health Association of New York City, the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, and community crisis centers, to expand the availability of suicide prevention and intervention services.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is funded by a 3-year $6.6 million grant from SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services, which has been awarded to the Mental Health Association of New York City and its partners-the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, Columbia University and Rutgers University. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a network of local crisis centers located in communities across the country that are committed to suicide prevention. Callers to the hotline will receive suicide prevention counseling from trained staff at the closest certified crisis center in the network. A nation-wide public education campaign to raise awareness about suicide and the national hotline is under development

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CMHS Consumer/Survivor Subcommittee

The Subcommittee on Consumer/Survivor Issues was formed in August 2000 to report to the CMHS National Advisory Council (NAC) on the specific needs, issues and concerns of mental health consumers/survivors from the consumer/survivor perspective, and to advise and make recommendations to the NAC. (A complete list of the Subcommittee’s recommendations to the NAC can be accessed here.) The Subcommittee consists of members of the NAC and expert consultants.

Anyone interested in serving on the Subcommittee on Consumer/Survivor Issues should submit a resume and a statement of interest to CMHS Consumer Affairs Specialist Chris Marshall:

Email: Click here

or

Chris Marshall, SAMHSA
1 Choke Cherry Road, Suite 6-1071
Rockville, MD 20857

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POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Director Of Housing For Bronx And Brooklyn

Essential Functions:

Qualifications:

Send or fax resume and cover letter to:

Marilyn Rickman
Baltic Street Mental Health Board
250 Baltic Street , Brooklyn, NY 11201

Fax (718) 222-1116

Email: Click here

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Director of Consumer Initiatives and Education

The Yale School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry seeks to appoint a Director of Consumer Initiatives and Education at the Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC) of New Haven, Connecticut.

Responsibilities include developing and maintaining a comprehensive range of peer support, education, advocacy, and other consumer-focused, consumer-driven, and consumer-delivered services that empower individuals in recovery and their families while fostering self-respect, dignity, and self-determination. The Director of Consumer Initiatives and Education serves CMHC while taking a lead role in coordinating associated programs and services in the Community Service Network (CSN), a collaboration of community based behavioral health agencies.

An ideal candidate will have personal knowledge of psychiatric disability; excellent organization, communication, and supervision skills, and a demonstrated ability to initiate and manage multiple projects. Advanced computer skills and bi-lingual fluency (English/Spanish) preferred.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply online at www.yale.edu/hronline/.

You may also contact Kyle Pederson at kyle.pedersen@yale.edu for further information or assistance.

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Peer Specialist Training & Support

Full-time position

November 2004

Overall Goal: To increase the availability and quality of peer support and self-help meetings in Massachusetts led by and for people with mental health disabilities or dual mental health and substance use recovery. To increase geographic and multicultural /cross-disability access.

Compensation: $29,000 - 32,000 with health and 3 weeks vacation

Qualifications:

197 Ashmont Street
Dorchester, MA 02124

1-617-929-4111 or 1-877-769-7693

Email: Click here

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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

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).

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

  1. 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. 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
  5. Ask your health care providers, family members and friends for help in developing these plans.
    • 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
  6. 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.
  7. Keep your life as simple as possible. If it doesn't really need to be done, don't do it.
  8. 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.
  9. Avoid making any major decisions like career, relationship and housing changes until you feel better.

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SAVE THE DATES

2005 World Mental Health Conference

September 4 – 8, 2005
Cairo, Egypt

“EQUITY AND MENTAL HEALTH”
Center for Mental Health Services Application for Financial Support

Application deadline: May 16, 2005

The Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), within the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), through a contract with AFYA, Inc. (AFYA), is providing financial support to consumers of mental health services who wish too participate in the annual biennial conference sponsored by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). The purpose of the scholarships is to foster transformation of mental health care to focus on recovery.

Please note: To be eligible for this scholarship, a completed application and letter of recommendation must be received by May 16, 2005.

Conference information available is at:

http://www.medical-design.net/mentalhealth2005

or by calling 1-703-838-7543.

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Mental Health Alternatives to Solitary Confinement

MHASC Legislative Day
March 14th, 2005
Albany, NY

REGISTER FOR A SEAT ON THE BUS TODAY!
Call Sean at (212) 780-1400, ext. 793

Buses will leave New York City from:

Howie the Harp Advocacy Center: 2090 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd (corner of 125th Street) B, D, A, C, 1, 9 trains to 125th St.
Bus departs at 6:45 a.m.

FEGS: 3600 Jerome Ave, Bronx ( 212th Street) 4 train to Woodlawn Ave.
Bus departs at 7:15 a.m.

Union Square Toys 'R Us: Union Square East ( 14th Street) N, R, Q, W, 4, 5, 6, L trains to 14th Street.
Bus departs at 7:00 a.m.

On March 14th, the Mental Health Alternatives to Solitary Confinement coalition will be hosting a Legislative Day/Rally in Albany, NY. Please join us to end the placement of psychiatrically disabled prisoners into solitary confinement or SHU.

On March 14th, you will have the opportunity to: " Attend a Press Conference

** Breakfast to be provided on the bus**

**Bagged lunch to be provided at the Rally**

BOOT THE SHU!

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May Festival 05

Presented by Step by Step Clubhouse

HELP COMBAT STIGMA !

May 21 & 22, 2005

Vorhees Park, Fulton, New York

We are currently looking for performers and artists who would like to participate in May festival. We would like either a video or audio tape of consumers performances to see what their talent is.

If any mental health organization would like to set up a table to provide information on their program/organization that relate to mental health, or who has a product to sell, such as arts and crafts, please contact Colleen Brown at (315) 592-5598 or e-mail at for more information. There is no cost to set up information tables. We do ask for a donation if you are selling items at May festival.

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1st - East Coast “Non-Pharma” Conference

JULY 22, 23, 24, 2005

V.O.I.C.E., Inc. and Safe Harbor are Holding a “Non-Pharma” Conference at the Best Western Hotel in Amsterdam, NY.

Plan to explore and learn about non-pharmacological approaches to dealing with mental and physical health concerns. Learn how they can be implemented by the health care practitioner as well as the common person.

Contact VOICE for more information. If you would like to be on a mailing list for future information on this conference as it becomes available, respond to

Phone: 518-773-3531 or 518-661-7236

Fax: 518-773-3524

Email: Click here

   OR

Email: Click here

VOICE
57 E. Fulton St.
Gloversville, NY 12078

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Howie the Harp Peer Advocacy Center
2090 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd., 12th Floor
New York, New York 10027

February and March Orientation Schedule:

Applicants interested in applying to the following programs must attend an orientation session:

The orientation session will cover all programs. Two orientation sessions are scheduled each month. If you are interested in attending the Peer Specialist Training Program, you should attend an orientation session in January, February, or March.

To register, call 212-865-0775

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Using WRAP & Peer Support
with Shery Mead and Heather McDonald

March 14 - 18, 2005 in Brattleboro, Vermont

Peer support programs all over the country are including WRAP groups as part of their program. At a recent meeting in Washington, program directors reported on the positive effects of this connection for both personal and group recovery. To make that connection possible for more and more centers and groups, and to do it in a way that truly supports relationship building, wellness and recovery, Sherry Mead and Mary Ellen Copeland have written a manual: WRAP and Peer Support Manual: Personal, Group and Program Development (the text for the training). This training will be based on this manual and related work.

This training is important for:

The training goals are to help participants understand how WRAP might change when using this model of peer support and to help them develop the skills necessary to teach WRAP and peer support. It is strongly recommended that people have an understanding of the basics of WRAP before attending this training.

Contact the Copeland Center to discuss your qualifications. Registration: sign up at www.copelandcenter.com or call 602-636-4445.

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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

Click here to email us.

 

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