The Iris. Results are in... Family to Family classes make lives better for the families and loved ones! From the President's Desk

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1 The Iris Support, Education, Advocacy Advocating for people and improving lives right here in our local community Vol 33 No 7 July 2015 Editor, Ann Akland NAMI Wake Contact Information: (919) aakland@nami-wake.org From the President's Desk by Gerry Akland Results are in... Family to Family classes make lives better for the families and loved ones! In 2014, NAMI Wake County started an effort to measure the value of our education programs. In particular, the Board of Directors wanted to learn more about the people taking our classes and whether they benefited from taking them. We formulated this into the following 3 goals: 1. Determine more about the participants taking the class and their expectations 2. Measure effectiveness of our teaching and teaching methods; and 3. Measure the effectiveness of the education program. Several members of the Board designed the three questionnaires, one each for administration at three different phases of the education period to ensure that we could encompass the three primary goals and performance measures. The first one was for the first class, designed primarily to learn more about the participants, and their current knowledge of mental illness. The second, administered immediately following the last class, was to measure the program and teaching and to get our first measures of performance. And the third questionnaire was to measure the longer term effectiveness of the program, mailed to the class attendees 6 months (or more) after taking the class. The questionnaires were administered to attendees of 3 different educational programs in 2014: NAMI Family to Family, NAMI Basics, and Family Connections. Thus far, we have focused our efforts on the four NAMI Family to Family classes held in 2014, and we will collect and summarize the results for the other two programs later. Although this is still a work in progress, the results are amazing. They document that all the hard work of our volunteer teachers and the dedication of those who are taking our Family to Family classes make lives better for the families and their loved ones. This is the cornerstone of NAMI Wake County s mission. continued on page 2

2 NAMI Wake County The Iris Page 2 continued from page 2 The preliminary results thus far are summarized below: Sixty-seven students signed up for the classes. Thirtyfour volunteered to complete the questionnaire. Participant characteristics (Goal 1): (1) about half were over 60 years old; (2) 25 (74%) were female; (3) 25 (74%) had the person with mental illness who lived with them; (4) 32 (94%) had a stressful relationship with their loved one and most indicated that the stress extended to other family members; (5) 12 (35%) reported poor communication ability with their loved one; and, (6) their primary expectation for taking the class was to learn more about mental illness so that they could better relate to their loved one. Last Class Questionnaire (N=33) Note that 52 students completed the class. Teaching methods and effectiveness (Goal 2): (1) 30 participants (91%) reported that the class was excellent, with 3 others reporting that the class was good; (2) 32 participants (97%) thought that the class exceeded their expectations; (3) All 33 participants thought that the class was helpful to them; (4) 27 (82%) reported learning and using new skills; (5) 31 (94%) thought that they were now more confident with new understanding about mental illness; ( 6) 16 indicated that their situation at home was less stressful and more acceptable; (7) 29 reported better communication with their family members and loved one; and, (8) All 33 reported the excellence of the teachers. After Class Mailed Questionnaire (N=16) Note that 52 students were mailed the questionnaire, which is a 31% response rate. We are attempting to increase this response rate with follow-up calls and s. Effectiveness of the program (Goal 3): (1) Most impressive to us is that 8 families of the 10 (80%) who had a loved one living with them, reported that the knowledge gained from Family to Family continues to help the love one in his/her recovery; ( 2) All indicated good to very good understanding of Mental Illness; (3) All indicated being more confident to handle the situations that emerge (empowerment); ( 4) 15 (94%) indicated that their emotional state had improved (lower anxiety); (5) 10 indicated that they practice their skills, including coping skills, frequently; (6) 11 (69%) reported that their living situation was more manageable; ( 7) 8 of 15 indicated that the relationship with their loved one is acceptable, and 5 others indicated that their relationship is improving; and, (8) 14 (88%) reported that the course content continues to be useful in their daily lives, months after taking the course. Although this is still a work in progress, the results are amazing. They document that all the hard work of our volunteer teachers and the dedication of those who are taking our Family to Family classes make lives better for the families and their loved ones. This is the cornerstone of NAMI Wake s mission. Hopefully we can reach even more people especially those who are younger and maybe more men.

3 NAMI Wake County The Iris Page 3 You Can Make a Difference. by Andrea Chase Take a moment to consider what it is like to receive a mental health diagnosis. Each of us may respond differently. Some of us may experience shock, disbelief, relief and perhaps grief. Now imagine what it would be like to live in a community where your neighbors are educated about major mental illnesses. What if your neighbors understood untreated symptoms of borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder and major depression? What if your neighbors were supportive of you and your family and offered words of empathy instead of isolation when you or someone you know is diagnosed with schizophrenia, panic disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder? What if your family took the time to learn about your diagnosis and the latest treatment options? How would living in that community change your ability to seek and receive treatment? increase coping skills and empower participants to become advocates for their friends and family members. This program was designated as an evidence-based program by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In order to reach more families, NAMI Wake County needs your help. We are recruiting Volunteer Family-to- Family Teachers. Prospective teachers must be at least 18 years old and a family member (parents, siblings, adult children, spouses or partners of individuals who have lived with mental illness). Teachers are asked to co-lead at least one course (12 sessions) per year. Bilingual volunteers are encouraged to apply to support De Familia-a-Familia program as well. The rewards for this investment of your time are immeasurable. Training is provided. The next training will be held August 21-23, For more information, contact Andrea Chase. At NAMI Wake County, we believe it is possible to achieve this level of understanding through support and education. NAMI Family-to-Family is one of several education programs for families, partners and friends of individuals living with mental illness. The course is designed to facilitate a better understanding of mental illness, NAMIWakeF2F@gmail.com Call: Visit: Family-to-Family Join the NAMI Wake County teaching team and be a part of the solution to creating an educated community here in the Wake County area. You can make a difference. Family to Family NEXT CLASS: Now accepting names for waiting list. A free, 12 session education program for friends, family members, partners and significant others of individuals living with mental illness. The course is designed to facilitate a better understanding of mental illness, increase coping skills and empower participants to become advocates for their family members. Illnesses covered include: Major Depression Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression) Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder Borderline Personality Disorder Panic Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Co-occurring Brain and

4 NAMI Wake County The Iris Page 4 July 27 NAMI Wake Education Meeting Dialetical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Speaker: Dr. Mareah Steketee, one of the area s top DBT experts. She completed post graduate fellowships in neuropsychology at both Duke and UNC where she also held faculty appointments. She is presently with HRC Behavioral Health & Psychology. Topics: General Overview of DBT and How it Helps Triangle area DBT resources Family Connections for DBT Class (presented by Ann Akland) Questions and Answers Reception following presentation: People will have an opportunity to connect with Triangle area DBT providers who have been invited to attend and provide information about their practices and DBT groups. Location: Highland United Methodist Church, 2nd Floor Conference Rm, 1901 Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC How Dialetical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Helps our Family DBT was originally developed to treat chronically suicidal individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), and it is now recognized as the gold standard psychological treatment for this population. In addition, research has shown that it is effective in treating a wide range of other disorders such as substance use disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders. DBT skills are widely applicable. There is substantial data and clinical experience suggesting that DBT skills are effective for improving other relationships where there is no clinical diagnosis, for example for couples or in the workplace. DBT therapy has made a big difference for my daughter, Kristen, and for our family. I asked Kristen to contribute her experiences for this article. This is what she had to say: Imagine being incinerated by a fire you cannot extinguish. This is what consumes me every waking moment. My fire burns from the inside, ignited by my raw emotions. Unfortunately there are no medications available to relieve my symptoms. The most effective treatment is DBT (dialectical behavior therapy.) I have been in DBT treatment for years now. I am miles and miles from where I d like to be, yet I have also progressed many miles from where I started. But what is DBT? You might ask. In a nutshell it s all about choices. I don t have to be a victim of my emotions. Learning skills and using them takes a lot of time and a lot of work, effort and willingness. It is recommended that we start working skills on simple things that involve very little negative emotion. Then, in times of emotional crisis, skills will be easier to find. I am a burner meaning I burn myself. I don t do it for attention rather because it relieves the emotional pain for a second. I have scars now that will be there the rest of my life. Prior to DBT I burned myself multiple times a day. It has now been six months since I harmed myself. It isn t even the first thing I think of in times of distress thanks to DBT. This is one of many things I learned in DBT that have helped me. My parents have also learned some basic DBT skills. They find it useful in their own lives and especially in helping understand me better and preventing many potential crisis situations. I hope I am in DBT for the remainder of my life. I ll keep fighting for those extra miles of peace.

5 NAMI Wake County The Iris Page 5 Holly Hill Partial Hospital Program If you missed our June Education Meeting, you missed a great opportunity to learn about a program that is an alternative to inpatient hospitalization for many people. Some of our NAMI Wake County support group leaders had been hearing stories of success from people who had participated in the outpatient partial hospital program (PHP) at Holly Hill Hospital in Raleigh. For that reason, we invited Dr. Sam Pittman, the Director of Holly Hill Hospital s outpatient programs and Amanda Johanson, Director of Business Development to tell us about the program. The PHP is an outpatient program available to adults ages 18 and over. It is designed for those who need more support than traditional, once a week therapy, in treating mental health concerns. Specializing in depressive, anxiety, bipolar and personality disorders, the PHP provides patients with 5 day a week access to a psychiatrist, registered nurse and therapist. The program is from 8:45am 2:15pm, Monday through Friday and allows patients the freedom to receive intensive medication management and therapeutic services, while being able to return home during nights and weekends. The backbone of the program is psychotherapy groups based upon Dialetical Behavior Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. These groups allow patients to work on problems simultaneously, receive support and feedback from others with similar problems, and provide real life examples of other patients behaviors, all within a safe setting for patients to try out new behaviors. Group therapy topics include: Coping Skills Anger Management Family Dynamics Spirituality Healthy Lifestyles Communication Skills Stress Trigger Identification & Response Grief & Loss Stress Management Crisis Management Skills Trauma Recovery Relaxation Therapy Planning for Success If you or a loved one is struggling and needs intensive support during the day, the Holly Hill PHP may be a good option to discuss with your psychiatrist. You may also schedule a free intake assessment: Monday-Friday Evenings and Weekends 8:00am to 5:00pm At present, Holly Hill only accepts private insurance and self-pay. You may discuss coverage of your particular insurance with Holly Hill staff by calling the above number. Exciting Progress--UNC Healthcare is building an additional 12 inpatient beds on the Wakebrook campus. That will make 28 inpatient hospital beds paid for and operated by UNC in Raleigh. Thank you UNC!

6 NAMI Wake County The Iris Page 6 NAMI Wake July Education Meeting July 27th from 7-8:30 pm Highland United Methodist Church 1901 Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC (conference room on 2nd floor by church offices) Reception following presentation. You are invited to learn how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can benefit you and others in your life from one of the Triangle s top experts, Dr. Mareah Steketee. Resource information will be available as well as other DBT therapists representing multiple provider agencies and practices. NAMI Wake Support Groups & Classes PEOPLE LIVING WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS Wake County Affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Wake) is offering free peer support groups where people facing difficulties have a safe place to voice their concerns and explore options for making positive changes in their lives with others who have similar experiences. No matter what your diagnosis or issues, join one of our Free Groups. No need to call. Just come by and participate when you can. Try different groups to find one you like best. Connections Support Groups: 1) Highland United Methodist Church, 1901 Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC, Rm 206, 7-8:30, First 3 Mondays of each month. 2) Garner United Methodist Church, Senior Center, 201 Methodist Drive, Garner, NC., NOTE: This group is on vacation. We will be making an announcement when the sessions continue. In the meantime, contact Heather Scott for information. hscott919@gmail.com FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS Family & friends of individuals living with any mental illnesses: Highland United Methodist Church, 1901 Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC., Rooms 202 & 204, 7-8:30 p.m. on the first three Mondays of each month. Wake Forest United Methodist Church, 905 S. Main St., Wake Forest, NC, 7-8:30 pm, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. Garner United Methodist Church, Senior Center, 201 Methodist BASICS is an education program for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illnesses. The NAMI Basics course is taught by trained teachers who are the parent or other caregivers of individuals who developed the symptoms of mental illness prior to the age 1) Northside Community Church, 621 N. First Avenue, Knightdale, NC, Meetings every Thursday,, 7-8:30, For more information contact Lisa Piratzky, lhpiratzky@gmail.com. Wake Forest United Methodist Church, 905 S. Main St., Wake Forest, NC, 7-8:30 pm, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month. For more information contact Gordon Gogola (gogolags@ hotmail.com), phone (919) Stress & Depression Support Groups: 1) St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 1005 Wilbon Road, Fuquay Varina, NC. Meetings every Monday, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Contact Arline O Hara arlineohara@gmail.com for more information. 2) Wake County Human Services, 220 Swinburne St., Raleigh, NC, Every Friday: 2-3 pm, Rm 1151, -Contact Gerry Akland, gakland@nc.rr.com, for more information. Drive, Garner, NC., NOTE: This group is organizing and is expected to begin in the Fall. We will be making an announcement when the sessions begin For more information contact Gordon Gogola (gogolags@ hotmail.com), phone (919) Christ the King Lutheran Church, Rm 101, 600 Walnut Street, Cary, NC. This group is on vacation. We will be making an announcement when the sessions continue. In the meantime, contact Judy Dehavilland for more information: judydehavi@ msn.com. of 13 years. The course consists of six classes, each lasting for 2 ½ hours. Classes are scheduled once 15 people sign up for the waiting list. All instruction materials are FREE to participants. Please contact Shea Cleveland at shea.cleveland@ frcofraleigh.org, or to register and for more information. Les Girls Social Group - Dutch Treat Luncheon Saturday, July 25, 12:00 Noon, Golden Corral, 6129 Glenwood Ave. This is a social opportunity for people living with mental illness and family members. Everyone is invited--not just girls--guys are welcome! Lunch is Dutch-treat.

7 NAMI Wake County The Iris Page 7 Don t forget that you still have time to be entered into our drawings for a free NAMI tote bag and $50 Visa Gift Card! When you help spread the word about the wonderful things NAMI Wake County does and how membership helps us sustain our mission, you are helping to make a difference. When a new member joins, and notes that he or she was referred by you (this is required), YOUR NAME WILL BE ENTERED INTO OUR DRAWING! We know that our members get it - now help others GET IT too! Just give potential members a copy of the this page of our newsletter and ask them to add a note with the completed form saying you referred them to NAMI Wake County. Name: Address: City: Zip: Home Phone: Work: Mobile: 1: 2: Preference for receipt of Iris Newsletter: notification: USPS Mail: (Check all that apply) I am a mental health professional Family member Individual Living with Mental Illness Friend NAMI Wake County is a 501(c)(3) organization and donations and dues are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Make checks out to NAMI Wake County and mail with the form to NAMI Wake County, PO Box 12562, Raleigh, NC NAMI ID ID No. Regular Membership (all household members): $35.00 Open Door (What you can afford -$3.00 or more): $ Donation: $ Tote Bag: $5.00 each = Total $ Shipping: Flat fee for USPS Priority Mail $5.00 $ (Shipping fee is for 1 to 4 bags) Total: $ How many members are in the household? You may pay by mail using check or money order, or by credit card by completing the information below or pay online by going to Credit Card Type: Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card Number: NAME on Card: Security NO. on Reverse: expiration: Signature: May we share your with NAMl NC? Are you interested in volunteering? NAMI is a three level organization. When you join NAMI Wake County WE PAY your dues to NAMI North Carolina and NAMI (national). NAMI Wake Board of Directors 2015 Gerry Akland President Amanda Johanson Ann Akland Past President Louise Jordan Andrea Chase President, Elect Mary O Neal Ellen Betts Clemmer Secretary Paul Robitaille Treasurer Dorothy Clift William Stanley Judith DeHavilland Christine Taylor Tom Hadley Membership Secretary Anju Verma Crystal Farrow ex officio Sarah Weathersby

8 NAMI Wake County P.O. Box Raleigh, NC Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Raleigh, NC NAMI Wake County July2015 The mental health organization you can count on if you live in Apex, Cary, Fuquay Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Morrisville, Raleigh, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Wendell, Zebulon. We also appreciate our members & donors outside Wake County. Advocating for people and improving lives right here in our local community NAMI Wake County is your local, nonprofit mental health organization providing support groups, classes, educational seminars, links to services, and advocacy for issues that matter to people in Wake County and nearby communities. We are an affiliate of NAMI & NAMI NC. All of our funding comes from the generous contributions made directly to NAMI Wake County by our donors, sponsors, and members. We appreciate and count on your financial and volunteer support to continue to provide our free services to people who count on us. It s confusing when both NAMI NC and NAMI Wake County are both located in Raleigh. So, we hope you will take a few minutes to understand how we different. First, we understand and care passionately about how national, state, and local policies are impacting people in our local community, and we do all that we can to represent you. We organize and teach free classes and offer support groups throughout the county thanks to a committed group of dedicated volunteers. When you donate to NAMI and NAMI NC, none of the funds are shared with NAMI Wake County so we hope you will think of us when you donate. Our office is staffed part-time and is located in downtown Raleigh at First Presbyterian Church. You can reach us anytime by calling To donate or volunteer, visit our website: or mail your donation to NAMI Wake County, PO Box 12562, Raleigh, NC We appreciate your support! You can also find us on Facebook & Meetup.com.