Mind matters

With reporting by Chris La Pelusa

Over the past 40 years, Rose Hamann has filled many roles in the Recovery International Discovery Meetings for Mental Health. She began attending the group meetings in Chicago in 1971 as a member, by referral from her doctor, and in the intervening years has been an assistant group leader, volunteer, and for approximately the last 20 years, a group leader, both in Chicago and, for the last five years, in Huntley.

Recovery International uses their own method of “self help, mental health,” which is based on neuro-psychiatrist Dr. Abraham Low’s method of cognitive behavioral therapy, developed between 1920-1930.

“We start out [group meetings] reading from the literature from Dr. Abraham Low…” explains Hamann. “Then we give situations or events that give us the opportunity to practice the method. These [examples] are based on trivialities of everyday life. It’s basically the method, how we use it, and the mutual support…. So from the group you receive further spotting [help] and comments, and also what we call ‘endorsements’ as to how you’ve changed from before you’ve had any recovery training to work with.”

The weekly group meetings are open to anyone 18 years or older who has been diagnosed by their physician with a nervous disorder, including: depression, anxiety, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), agoraphobia, bipolar, schizophrenia, and other similar disorders such as panic.

“We’re anonymous,” says Hamann, “and we don’t say [our personal] diagnosis—just talk about symptoms. You don’t have to give your name; you can say you’re John Doe…. We don’t deal with legal issues or recommend medications. We don’t talk religion, politics.”

This pressure-free environment allows members to be able to relate to one another’s experiences, and the group focuses on the help gained from employing the method of cognitive behavioral therapy.

“We’re average people learning a new coping skill, a new way to think in order to take control of your lives,” says Hamann. “Basically, you find out you’re not alone; you’re not the only one suffering from these symptoms.”

Memberships are available from Recovery International for $30/year that allow you to receive a newsletter every other month, but this membership is not required to join the local group.

“Just show up,” says Hamann. “You can just sit and listen, [you’re] not required to participate.”

Hamann recommends that people attend a few meetings before making a final decision so that the concepts of cognitive behavioral therapy can be better understood before one rules it out as not for them. The group is free but they ask that people give voluntary contributions, a suggested $5 if one can afford it, to help sustain Recovery International and to pay for literature or room rent.

Hamann notes that a group such as this is of great help to individuals nowadays.

“The latest trend is patients helping patients, or consumers learning self-help rather than going through professionals, especially with the economy and budget cuts,” she says.

Meetings are held in the community room at PNC Bank on Rt. 47 every Monday at 7 p.m. Another local group meets

in Woodstock on Tuesday mornings, where Hamann also assists.

“It’s changed my life,” says Hamann. “It’s taught me how to cope, how to accept, how to be humble, how to be patient.”

For more information, visit Lowselfhelpsystems.org or contact Rose Hamann at 847-961-6295.

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