(Editor’s note: What follows is a COLUMN submitted by Sun Day Staff Reporter Stew Cohen.)
A call for improvements in the world of mental health may seem a natural one after the recent mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton.
The reaction to mass shootings in general seem to be based on the status of gun control regulations and perceptions that mental illness leads to violent behavior. The responses are two-fold; tighten laws for access to guns and improve the mental health system.
Based on a Danish National Register study and a linking study in the U.S., the risk of being subjected to crime shows a very small, single digit connection to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. What the study shows is that people diagnosed with a mental illness are more often victims of violent crime and discrimination.
The mentally ill are victims of a stigma and because of its propagation, there are consequences. Organizations such as NAMI and National Institutes of Mental Health work hard to dispel myths because they recognize people in need of mental health counseling fear the stigma and may not seek professional help.
NAMI believes strongly in successful treatment and support leading people to live good quality lives.
The announcement of the fall lineup of programs by NAMI-McHenry County (National Alliance on Mental Illness) coincides with questions nationwide of what is being done to provide more hands on for those suffering from mental illness. Alex Campbell, NAMI-McHenry County executive director, put context to a call for more efforts nationwide on mental illness.
“NAMI’s mission is to provide support, education and advocacy for those who’ve been diagnosed with a mental health challenge and also to provide those same services for their families,” Campbell said.
One of the programs discussed in the kickoff is Youth Mental Health First Aid Training. This is an 8-hour training designed for teachers, school staff, and parents. Caregivers, neighbors, and health and human service workers are also encouraged to train and gain the tools to spot signs of youth in crisis. The training session is Saturday, September 28, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Main Stay Therapeutic Farm at 6919 Keystone Road, Richmond. NAMI-McHenry County has the responsibility for administrating the training and recruiting certified trainers to provide training throughout the county. Phyllis Seyler, NAMI-McHenry County program manager, is a trainer for the program.
“We had a period of time where there were a number of suicides in McHenry County putting more emphasis on this program. Sage Legacy Fund, Community Foundation for McHenry County, and Mental Health Resource League for McHenry County were generous in their reaction to the suicides,” she said.
Campbell noted these organizations allowed NAMI-McHenry County to provide training for the past year.
“You are trying to help people spot signs and intervene with professional resources before a young person gets to a serious point,” Seyler said.
The program designed for adults teaches a 5-step action plan that covers such topics as anxiety, depression, and substance use. Seyler explained that someone successfully trained is considered a mental health first aider.
“Similar to if you have ever taken CPR, you know if you spot someone who looks like they are having difficulty, you are going to go into action,” Seyler said.
The earlier the intervention the better chance they have of getting through the challenges they face successfully. If you can’t make the September 28 training session, Campbell suggests contacting NAMI-McHenry County and his staff will help coordinate a session.
Lachell Jeffries-Hanson is community outreach coordinator, responsible for public awareness of the new lineup of programs unveiled in August. She’s coordinated awareness efforts at local libraries, schools, fairs, and with local law enforcement. On August 13, NAMI-McHenry County was part of the 5th Annual Behavioral Health Resource Fair through the McHenry County Mental Health Board benefiting school professionals to help them learn about available resources and services in the community. Besides reading about (free) Youth Mental Health First Aid Training, the teachers and administrators read about Family-to-Family, (free) evidence based class for friends and family supporting someone with mental illness from September 17 to December 3 at NAMI’s office, 620 Dakota Street in Crystal Lake.
Wellness Recovery Action Plan, (Wrap), runs on Thursdays, September 19 through November 7 at NAMI’s office in Crystal Lake. WRAP is aimed at promoting recovery, finding possibilities and creating wellness with Wrap.
“It’s wrapping yourself with care for your mental health. If you are not well, you can’t take care of anyone else, especially someone with a mental health condition,” Jeffries-Hanson said.
For the rest of the Fall lineup, check the website namimchenrycounty.org.
