January 2010

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's foremost grassroots mental health organization. We are dedicated to improving the lives of people living with serious brain disorders that cause mental illness and to improving the lives of their families. Founded in 1979, NAMI is active in all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico with over 1100 local chapters across the country. Our mission is one of education, support, self help, advocacy and research.

NAMI Barrington Area is a new NAMI chapter located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. We are a dedicated group of people serving Barrington and nearby suburbs hoping to help you or someone you love on the path to recovery from mental illness. Call us at 847-496-1415.

About NAMI Barrington area chapter

Barrington Area NAMI Movie Night

Please join us for When Medicine Got it Wrong- the groundbreaking story of loving parents who rocked the halls of psychiatry, changing how we understand schizophrenia.

Monday, January 18th at 7:00 p.m.

Barrington Village Hall, 200 South Hough Street

No charge - no reservation needed

In the 1970s, a small group of parents rebelled against then-popular psychiatric theories blaming schizophrenia on bad parenting. Their activism helped revolutionize treatment forever and their stories reveal the origins of the tragic state of mental health care today. Call Hugh at 847-215-4104 with any questions.

Family to Family Classes Starting

It's time to register for Family to Family, a series of 12 weekly classes structured to help you understand and support individuals with mental disorders while maintaining your own well being.

These NAMI classes are for family members, partners and friends of individuals with serious mental illness. "This course is a wonderful experience," said one student. "It balances basic education and skills-training with emotional support, self care and empowerment."

There is no cost to participate in a Family to Family class, you don't need to be a NAMI member, and it doesn't matter if you live in a particular chapter's area to attend a class. Just pick out a date and location that's convenient. Please note, however, that registration is necessary as class size is limited.

Barrington Area Chapter

In Barrington: Tuesdays, starting January 19, 6 - 9 p.m. Contact Maryrose at 847-496-1415 with questions or to register.

At Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights: Wednesdays, starting February 3, 6-9 p.m. Contact Maryrose at 847-496-1415 with questions or to register.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital Chapter

In Chicago at the Fourth Presbyterian Church: Monday nights starting January 25, 6 - 8:30 p.m. Call Barbara at 312-664-5141

January Events

Monday, January 18, 7:00p.m. NAMI Barrington Area presents the poignant documentary, When Medicine Got it Wrong. This is the groundbreaking story of loving parents who rocked the halls of psychiatry, changing how we understand schizophrenia. At the Barrington Village Hall at 200 Sough Hough St. No charge. No registration needed. Call Hugh at 847-215-4104 with any questions.

Tuesday, January 19, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. NAMI Barrington Area board meeting in the Barrington Area Library, Large Meeting Room B. Drop in and learn what's going on in the chapter!

Starting Tuesday, January 19, 6 - 9 p.m. and continuing for 12 weeks. NAMI Barrington Area presents Family to Family in Barrington. No charge. Reservations required. Contact Maryrose at 847-496-1415 with questions or to register.

Starting Monday, January 25, 6 - 8:30 p.m. and continuing for 12 weeks. NAMI Northwestern Memorial Hospital presents Family to Family in Chicago at the the Fourth Presbyterian Church. No charge. Reservations required. Call Barbara at 312-664-5141 with questions or to register.

Wednesday, January 27, 7:00p.m. NAMI NW Suburban's Annual Meeting. Election of Board Members will be held. Three board positions are open and more candidates are needed. Call 847-899-0195 for further information if you are interested in helping on the Board. Members who cannot make the meeting may vote by proxy on a form that will be mailed to you in December. At the Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health, 3350 Salt Creek Lane, Arlington Heights.

February Events

Beginning Wednesday, February 3, 6:00 - 9:00p.m. and continuing through April 21. NAMI Barrington Area presents Family to Family. At Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights. No charge. Reservations required. Contact Maryrose at 847-496-1415 with questions or to register.

Monday, February 15, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. NAMI Barrington Area board meeting in the Barrington Area Library, Large Meeting Room B. Drop in and learn what's going on in the chapter!

Area Support Groups

NAMI Barrington Area would like to invite you to our monthly support groups - for family, partners and friends of people with mental illnesses (or "consumers" of mental health services). This month we will offer one group on Wednesday, January 13 at the Barrington Area Library (call Mary at 847-381-6919 or Trowby at 847-382-6015 for information) and a second on Monday, January 25 at Northwest Community Hospital (call Mary 847-381-6919 or Elba 847-963-9330).

Support groups can be very helpful, especially for those going through a crisis. There are a number of groups meeting in our area for consumers as well as family members and friends. These include:

Every week in January, the NAMI Consumer Connections support group meets in multiple locations in the suburbs. For adults 18 and over with any type of mental illness. No charge/no registration: Mondays 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Alexian Center for Mental Health, 3350 Salt Creek Lane, Suite 114, in the large group room. Call Star at 847-899-0195 for details. OR 4:00-5:30 p.m. at the Beth Emet Synagogue, 1224 Dempster (Ridge and Dempster) in the lower level, Evanston. Call 847-716-2252 for details. Tuesdays 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Kenneth Young Center, 1001 Rohlwing, Elk Grove. Call Michelle at 224-653-9878 for information. Wednesdays 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Central DuPage Hospital Behavioral Health Services Building, 27W350 W High Lake Road in Winfield. Call 630-752-0066 for details. Thursdays 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Good Samaritan Hospital North Pavilion (Building 4), basement level in Cancer Care Conference Room in Downers Grove. Call 630-752-0066 for information. Fridays 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Alexian Brothers Behavioral Hospital, 1650 Moon Lake Blvd, Hoffman Estates. Call Carol at 847-352-6708 for details. Saturdays 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. at Lutheran General Hospital, 1775 Dempster, Room 1062, Park Ridge (call NAMI CCNS for details at 847-716-2252).

Every Monday, the Depression Bipolar Support Alliance support group meets in Arlington Heights from 7.30 to 9.00 p.m. It's open to people living with depression and bipolar disorder and their family and friends. No charge. Contact Leah at mrsn@comcast.net or (847) 541-7754 for information and location.

Every Monday, the RECOVERY Inc. self-help mental health support group (led by trained consumers using cognitive behavioral methods) meets at 7 p.m. at the National City Bank (rear entrance), 13300 S. Route 47 / Oak Creek Pkwy, Huntley, IL. For information call 815-338-5609, email m50@recovery-inc.org or visit www.recovery-inc.org

Every Thursday, the NAMI DuPage chapter's Peer Recovery support group meets from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Good Samaritan Hospital, 3815 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. (No charge, no reservation needed.) Call 630-752-0066 for information.

Every Saturday, the RECOVERY Inc. self-help mental health support group (led by trained consumers using cognitive behavioral methods) at 10a.m. at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 144 E.Palatine Road, Palatine. For information call 815-338-5609, email m50@recovery-inc.org or visit www.recovery-inc.org

Monday, January 4. NAMI CCNS "Care & Share" family support group meets from 7 - 8:30 p.m. the first Monday of the month at the Kenton-Knox Conference Center at Rush North Shore Medical Center, 9701 N. Knox, Skokie. No charge. No reservation needed. Call Jan Magoc at at 847-297-0396 for information.

Monday, January 4 and 18 . NAMI of Greater Chicago Consumer Support Group NAMI Greater Chicago consumer support group meets twice monthly (usually the 1st and 3rd Mondays), 2:30 - 4 p.m. at their offices, 1536 W. Chicago Ave, 1st Floor, Chicago. Call Betty at 312-563-0445 or visit their website for information or for other city and suburban support groups.

Monday, January 4 and 18 . NAMI of Greater Chicago Spanish Consumer Support Group meets the first and 3rd Monday of each month, 5:15 - 7 p.m. at their offices, 1536 W. Chicago Ave, 1st Floor, Chicago. Call the office to put your name on the list: 312-563-0445.

Wednesday, January 6 and 20. NAMI of Greater Chicago Spanish Family Support Group meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at 7 - 9 p.m. at their offices, 1536 W. Chicago Ave, 1st Floor, Chicago. Call 312-563-0445 to place name on support group list.

Thursday, January 7. NAMI McHenry County dual diagnosis family support group meets the first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the NAMI-McHenry County offices, 333 Commerce Drive, Suite 900A, Crystal Lake. Call 815-444-9991 for information.

Monday, January 11 and 25. The NAMI DuPage parents with children with a mental illness support group meets the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 7:30 pm at the NAMI office, 2100 Manchester Road, Bldg. B - Suite 900, Wheaton. (No charge, no reservation needed.) Call 630-752-0066 for information.

Tuesday, January 12 and 26. NAMI DuPage Chapter family support group meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the NAMI DuPage office, 2100 Manchester, Building B, Suite 925, Wheaton.(No charge, no reservation needed.) Phone 630.752.0066 or email: il@namidupage.org for information.

Wednesday, January 13. NAMI Barrington Area Chapter family support group, 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the Barrington Area Library, Large Meeting Room B. (No charge, no reservation needed.) Call Mary at 847-381-6919 or Trowby at 847-382-6015 for information for information.

Wednesday, January 13. NAMI Greater Chicago Family Support Group meets the 2nd Wednesday, 7 - 9 p.m. at their offices, 1536 W. Chicago Ave, 1st Floor, Chicago. Call 312-563-0445 or visit their website for information or for other city and suburban support groups.

Thursday, January 14. The NAMI Elk Grove Chapter family support group meets the 2nd Thursday of the month from 6:45- 8:45 p.m. at the Kenneth Young Center, 1001 Rohlwing Rd., Elk Grove. Family, friends, and recovered consumers are welcome Call Gina at 630 302 2530 for more information.

Thursday, January 14. The NAMI CCNS Basics Support Group for caregivers of children and adolescents with brain disorders meets the 2nd Thursday of the month (except August) from 7:30 - 9 p.m. at the Kenilworth Union Church, 211 Kenilworth Ave, Kenilworth. Call 847-716-2252 for more information.

Thursday, January 14. The NAMI Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Support Group for consumers and family members meets the 2nd Thursday of the month from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the NMH Feinberg Pavillion, Room 2-715, 257 E Huron Street, Chicago. For more information, please call 312-404-3038 or 773-275-1298.

Friday January 15. The NAMI CCNS Basics Support Group for caregivers of children and adolescents with brain disorders meets the 3rd Friday of the month (except August) from 9:30 - 11 a.m. at the Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette. Call 847-716-225 for more information.

Saturday, January 16. The NAMI DuPage Minds in Motion social group (18 - 20-something) meets the 3rd Saturday of the month. Visit NAMI DuPageor phone 630-752-0066 for location and time.

Wednesday, January 20. NAMI Northwest Suburban Chapter family support group meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Alexian Center for Mental Health, 3350 Salt Creek Lane, Suite 114, Arlington Heights. Call Star at 847-899-0195 for details.

Wednesday, January 20. NAMI Hanover Township family support group meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7 - 9 p.m. at Downey Hall, 250 S. Route 59, Bartlett, IL. Call 630-736-2823 for details.

Thursday, January 21. NAMI McHenry County Family Support and Education group meets the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the McHenry County Mental Health Board Building, 620 Dakota St., Crystal Lake. Call 815-444-9991 for information.

Thursday, January 21. NAMI-C.A.R.E. (Consumers Advocating Recovery through Empowerment), a peer-based, mutual support group program led by trained consumers for individuals facing the challenges of recovering from a serious mental illness. The group meets on the 3rd Thursday at the McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, following the 7:00 p.m. general support group.

Monday, January 25. NAMI Barrington Area Chapter family support group meets the 4th Monday of the month at 7 - 9 p.m. at Northwest Community Hospital Mental Health Network, 901 Kirchoff, Arlington Heights. call Mary 847-381-6919 or Elba 847-963-9330 for information.

Monday, January 25. The New Foundation Center (formerly Wilpower) family support group meets the 4th Monday of the month (except January) from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at 444 Frontage Road, Northfield, IL. Call Wendy Trafny at 847 386 3082 for information.

More support groups listed at the NAMI Illinois website and the NAMI Connection website.

Supporting Someone with Bipolar
Coping tips for family and friends

It can be very difficult to come to terms with a sibling's or parent's mental illness. If you are in that position, it may help to know there are many others who share your difficulty. Strange, unpredictable behaviors in a loved one can be devastating, and people often find that their anxiety can be high as they struggle with each episode of illness and worry about the future.

It seems impossible at first, but most siblings and adult children find that over time they do gain the knowledge and skills to cope with mental illness effectively. They have strengths they never knew they had, and they can meet situations they never even anticipated. A good start is to find out as much as possible about mental illness, by reading and talking to others going through some of the same issues.

An article from HealthPlace.com can help to start you on this process.

Teen Suicide Featured on NPR
An outstanding story on teen suicide ran on NPR at the end of November.

The story was divided in two parts. The first dealt with a cluster of teen suicides in Palo Alto California.The second dealt with the media, teen suicide, mental health and suicide prevention. They were both very interesting and offer a lot of useful information.

A poem by a Family to Family class member
Our thanks to Sheila for sharing her thoughts about Family to Family. Read her poem.

Homeless Shelter Crunch Worsens

"It's a lagging economic indicator of the harshest kind. Even as the recession begins to wane, a growing suburban homeless population may be facing a long cold winter, with little or no room at local emergency shelters."

Read the complete article in the Chicago Tribune. Or visit the Alliance to End Homelessness in Cook County website.

New Jersey Case Points to Illinois?

From the President's Desk - by Hugh Brady

Last July the New Jersey courts settled an important mental health case, and the terms of the settlement require the New Jersey Department of Human Services to release hundreds of people from the state psychiatric hospitals and to provide them with the services they need to live independent, integrated lives in the community.

According to the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, that settlement may actually save the State of New Jersey tens of millions of dollars, if not hundreds of millions, because the cost of providing people with mental illness permanent supportive housing is only about one quarter of the cost of warehousing them in nursing homes.

There is a very similar case working its way through federal courts in Illinois. Will it end in a similar, sensible requirement to provide decent services and housing?

Read more in From the President's Desk for January

Congress Increases Funding for Mental Health Programs

Legislative Update - by Hugh Brady

On December 13th the US Senate passed a $447 billion appropriations bill, and it's now on its way to the White House for President Obama's signature.

The bill affects funding levels of various mental health and substance use programs, and it includes a number of increases in mental health funding. Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Roland Burris voted for the bill; Representative Melissa Bean voted Yes, and Mark Kirk voted No. Read more about the bill.

Budget Woes at NAMI BA
Budget a problem not just in Springfield

NAMI BA's budget could use a bit of help. So far in 2009 contributions are down. As a result we have used up some of the reserves we kept from previous years. From January through November 2009 we took in $3865 in donations, but had expenditures of just over $6,200. Our costs are very low compared to the impact we have in the community - most of the work we do is done by unpaid volunteers - but nonetheless, we do need to balance our budget to keep operating.

Fortunately, the year is not over, and there is still time to make an end of year contribution. NAMI BA is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, so contributions are tax deductible.

If you'd like to help out, just make your check payable to NAMI Barrington Area, and mail it to us at PO Box 474, Barrington, IL 60010. Thank you.

Regional Affiliate Development Workshop Well Attended

The Regional Affiliate Development Workshop in Joliet was attended by NAMI BA Board members Hugh Brady, Maryrose Peters, Mary Holcomb, and Nora Stankiewicz. We were especially pleased that Steph Pestrak and Meredith Schlock, who are new to our affiliate, were able to attend with us! Welcome Steph and Meredith. Topics covered:

I. Marketing for membership including:

· Learning new marketing techniques

· Understanding basic marketing concepts

· Target marketing and referral sources

· Exploring marketing tactics

· Developing and refining your message

A Nami resource CD was provided with templates and samples for membership cards, newsletters, brochures and a welcome letter.

II. A slide presentation was shared called "Brains Can Get Sick". The presentation profiled teens with a large variety of different mental illness symptoms. The profiles deliberately avoided labeling the consumers with a specific diagnosis. The CD for this was passed out.

III. The NAMI Illinois Board of Directors is reorganizing to better support goals for improved communication through all levels of NAMI and affiliates. NAMI IL Board members have been invited to sign up and work with nearby affiliates to serve as a communication liaisons and resource to affiliates. Local affiliates Board members will be contacted by the IL Board of Directors beginning in mid to late January to serve as a resource to each affiliate leader for this effort.

IV. A 2010 training schedule has been published, accessible here.

Homeless Assistance Call Center Opens

In November the Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County officially opened its Homeless Assistance Call Center. Now, for the first time, all the homeless assistance agencies in the suburbs can be accessed through a single number: 877-426-6515

So if you or a person you know is homeless or is in danger of becoming homeless, call the Center and see what help they can provide. Many of the participating agencies also have services for people with mental illness.

Funding for the Center has been provided in part by federal economic stimulus dollars. And, thanks to the stimulus, many of the participating agencies also have additional funds available for homeless prevention and re-housing services.

Volunteers Needed

Do you really mean it when you say you want to help people with mental health issues?

If so, we can use your help at NAMI Barrington Area. I want to invite you to help us support and advocate for people with brain disorders, and in so doing, help yourself. Are you willing to lend a hand? It's a wonderful experience to be involved and make a difference!

There's so much we can accomplish, but only with more good people like you pitching in. Please call Maryrose at 847-496-1415.

Local Hospitals
With Mental Health Serivces

Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, Hoffman Estates 847-882-1600
Ecker Center 24 Hour Psychiatric Emergency Program at Sherman Hospital, Elgin 847-888-2211
Good Shepherd Hospital Barrington 847-381-9600
Northwest Community, Arlington Heights 847-618-4100

Community Mental Health Services

Alexian Brothers Center for Mental Health, Arlington Heights 847-952-7460
Ecker Center for Mental Health, St. Charles & Streamwood, Elgin 847-695-0484
Kenneth Young Center, Elk Grove 847-524-8800
Lake County Child and Adolescent Services 847-360-3160
Lake County Adult Behavioral Health Services 847-377-8180
Leyden Family Services, Franklin Park 847-451-0330

Other Helpful Resources

Thresholds (for rehabilitation help and housing)
New Foundation Center (formerly Wilpower - for rehabilitation help and housing)
Community links from the New Foundation Center
Alliance to End Homelessness in Cook County newsletter
St_Hubert_Job_Ministry
Government Benefits portal
Social Security Administration
Veterans Administration

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa & Associated Disorders

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
American Association of Suicidology

OCD Chicago for help with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
RX for Illinois or Partnership for Prescription Assistance for help with prescription drug costs.
NAMI Help Line (agency referrals): 800-950-NAMI (6264)
The DMH Warm Line offers peer support to mental health consumers and families (MF 8-5) 866-359-7953
Homeless Assistance Call Center: 877-426-6515

Please pass on this newsletter

We hope you'll pass this newsletter on to friends, family members or professionals who might get some useful information from it. Even though you don't know if your friend would need this valuable information and support, you never know who may have a co-worker or neighbor who would.

The best way to pass it on is to hit the 'forward email' button at the bottom. You can write a note when you forward it, and you may mention that if he or she enjoys it, to be sure to hit the 'join our mailing list' button in the left-hand column.

There's no need to worry if your friend lives in the area, as NAMI has chapters throughout the United States. It's a free newsletter. You don't have to be a member to receive it. No one will call, email or otherwise bother new subscribers.

Join NAMI

We hope you'll join NAMI and support our advocacy for the mentally ill. The cost is only $35 (adult and spouse) or $10 (for consumer). If this cost will create a financial hardship, we have a limited number of open door memberships available at a reduced fee.

If you don't wish to join right now, but you'd like to receive our free newsletter, simply use the "Join our mailing list" button in the blue column to the right. Membership form

Emergency Numbers

Local police/ambulance: 911
State police: 847-294-4400
Crisis team, Alexian Brothers, Hoffman Estates
(24 hour): 800-432-5005
Illinois state suicide line: 800-784-2433
Ecker Center 24-hour emergency program (Elgin) 847-888-2211
More emergency numbers