ON MOVING ON

It hardly seems possible that I have been writing this column (my first I might add) for a year now.  Even more I can hardly believe that Barrington NAMI is one year old!  What an exciting year it has been for us all.

I have just returned from visiting my family in North Carolina and was really struck by the number of consumers from the mental health field in the airport, family members near by attending to their needs.  Sometimes having difficulty getting them to cooperate or helping them see the need for why they should.  I am always admiring of the families and partners and parents and spouses and others who continue to have the patience and persistence to do what is necessary and needed for their loved ones.  When someone’s brain is not able to function properly for whatever reason, life can become confusing, difficult, and demanding just performing tasks of every day living.  Like waiting for someone while they buy a bottle of water when the loved one wants to continue walking to the airplane in spite of the caretaker’s explanation of why they should wait.

In the past year I have written recommendations for you to help you through your difficult times and help you understand that you are not alone: Handling Crisis Situations, Holiday Suggestions, Reducing Stress using HALT, Focusing on Your Own Caretaking, Law of Attraction, Family Focused Treatment for Bipolar Disorder, Relaxation/Meditation, Handling Stress and Fatigue, and a List of Self Care Strategies.

Now it feels like time to move on in my life.  So this will be my last column for this newsletter.  I have taken on some new projects, as I mentioned in May.  And I find that my plate is too full and I need to make room for the new things in my life. 

In all my work as a Psychologist I find that the best way to teach others about any subject is to be a good role model.  Here I hope to role model for you all that it is okay to end something in order to begin something else.  This column has been a delight for me to write.  You will see me around our Barrington NAMI Chapter, and I will still be teaching a session for the Family to Family class.  I will also be looking for another professional who would like to take over this column.

Tip for the month:  Be a great role model! 

May God bless and help you all, watch over your loved one, and bring delight, love, and harmony to your lives. I am available by email or phone for any questions you might have.