AN INTRODUCTION TO...

AN INTRODUCTION TO...

The National Alliance on Mental Illness had its beginning in 1979.

In the beginning NAMI began because of a need the families of people affected by mental health conditions were unable to find help, so they turned to each other. Together they created informal groups that met around kitchen tables offering support, sharing information and fighting for fair treatment. NAMI became a vision these first families saw the potential for organizing and working together to improve the lives for people living with mental health conditions and created a grassroots movement. Today NAMI has become the largest mental health organization to include people living with mental health conditions and their families. Today thousands of volunteers work selflessly for more equitable and effective treatment, access to services, freedom from stigma and a sustainable recovery for the more than 60 million Americans affect by mental illness.

Today the National Alliance on Mental Illness is - The tens of thousands individuals and families affected by mental health conditions involved with NAMI Affiliates in over 900 local communities supported by NAMI State Organizations representing nearly every state in the country led by the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Issues Surrounding Mental Illness Dealing with symptoms of mental illness is a challenge in itself, but people with mental illness and their family members often face other challenges as well, such as: Criminal Justice and Legal Problems. Unemployment. Discrimination. Housing Issues. Coping Challenges. Homelessness. Neglect and Mistreatment. Poor Medical Treatment.

NAMI is: One NAMI national office here in Arlington. NAMI State Organizations in most states. Over 900 local NAMI Affiliates working in individual communities throughout the United States.

NAMI s Mission: To build better lives for the millions affected by mental illness Education Support Awareness

Education NAMI Family-to-Family. NAMI Peer-to-Peer. NAMI Basics. NAMI Provider Education. NAMI Homefront

Support NAMI Connection Recovery Support Groups (for individuals living with mental illness). NAMI Family Support Groups. NAMI Basics (families of young children). NAMI Information HelpLine.

Awareness Presentations: NAMI In Our Own Voice. NAMI Ending the Silence NAMI Parents and Teachers As Allies Events: NAMIWalks Mental Illness Awareness Weekfirst full week in October. National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month- July Mental Health Month- May

Advocacy Federal Legislative Affairs. State Policy. Law and Criminal Justice Action Center. Child and Adolescent Action Center. Multicultural Action Center.

Research NAMI advocates for increased research funding to develop improved treatments that may one day cure mental illnesses. NAMI advocates for social research to improve the quality of public mental health services and public attitudes toward mental illness. NAMI Scientific Research Award is an annual endowment honoring a research leader for advancing scientific research which supports NAMI Mission.

Terms Terms with which you may not be familiar: Mental Illness Sometimes used interchangeably with mental health condition. NAMI sees mental illnesses as medical condition affecting one s thinking, feeling and ability to relate to others. Consumers Sometimes used to describe those who are consumers of mental health care services. Note: We avoid this label and refer instead to people (or individuals) who live with a mental health condition. The Mentally Ill A phrase NAMI avoids. People affected by mental health conditions are not labeled by their illness. Stigma Defined as a mark of shame or discredit. People with mental health conditions often face negative, inaccurate and hurtful stereotypes of mental illness both public and personal.

Mental Illness Mental illnesses are medical disorders of the brain that affect one s thinking, feeling and ability to relate to others. These difficulties cannot be overcome through will power and are not dependent upon a person s character or intelligence. Mental illness is not the result of personal weakness or poor upbringing. NAMI provides support and advocacy for people affected by all mental illnesses. In this presentation, however, we will focus on the six most common mental illnesses.

Mental Illness Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a mental illness that affects 2.4 million American adults over the age of 18. Some of the symptoms of schizophrenia include: Delusions personal beliefs not based in reality, such as believing one is being persecuted or conspired against, or believing that aliens are controlling their thoughts. Hallucinations feeling, hearing or seeing things that don't exist, such as hearing imaginary voices. The disease may cause one to withdraw from other people and everyday activities and retreat into a separate reality.

Mental Illness Bipolar Disorder Known as manic depression or bipolar illness, bipolar disorder affects 2.6 million adults in the U.S. Bipolar disorder is characterized by a cycle of extreme shifts in mood. These two moods are known as mania and depression: Mania a feeling of euphoria which often makes the individual irritable and their behavior unpredictable. Depression may include prolonged sadness, loss of energy and an inability to concentrate.

Mental Illness Major Depression Major depression is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is a medical condition which affects 6.7 percent of adults and 11.2 percent of children aged 13-18 in a given year. The main symptoms of major depression include: Persistent sad or irritable mood. Difficulty thinking or concentrating. Loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment. Symptoms of major depression interfere with the ability to work, study, sleep, eat and enjoy once pleasurable activities.

Mental Illness Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an illness that causes people to have unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and to repeat certain behaviors (compulsions) over and over again. It is found in 1 percent of the adult population. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder People with OCD have patterns of behavior that get in the way of their daily lives. Most people with OCD know that their obsessions and compulsions make no sense, but they cannot ignore or stop them.

Mental Illness People with panic disorder suffer from a "fear of fear." 2.7 percent of the adult population experience panic attacks intense feelings of terror that strike suddenly and are incapacitating. Panic Disorder They may genuinely believe they are having a heart attack or stroke, losing their mind or near death. Attacks can occur at any time, even during non-dream sleep. While most attacks average a couple of minutes, occasionally they can go on for up to 10 minutes. In rare cases they can last an hour or more.

Mental Illness PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can occur after someone experiences a traumatic event that caused intense fear, helplessness or horror. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder People with PTSD continually reexperience images or feelings from the traumatic event. They avoid individuals, thoughts or situations associated with the event and may show excessive emotions.

Mental Illness Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) features emotional dysregulation as a primary symptom. BPD is characterized by intense and stormy relationships, low selfesteem, self-sabotaging acts, mood fluctuations and impulsivity. These symptoms can make personal, social and employment relationships difficult. BPD is estimated to affect 1-2 percent of Americans. Females are diagnosed with BPD more frequently than males. Borderline Personality Disorder

Mental Illness NAMI also advocates on behalf of persons who live with mental illnesses, including: Autism Spectrum Disorders. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD). Substance Abuse Disorders. Eating Disorders. Schizoaffective Disorder. Tourette's Syndrome. Other Mental Health Conditions.

Our Volunteers NAMI has been built through the dedicated contributions of countless volunteers. NAMI volunteers are our greatest asset; their dedication and energy are immeasurable. NAMI s mission can only be carried out with the ongoing help of our determined volunteers.

All of our successes and accomplishments are possible because of the support of people like you. Everyone has something special to offer, and your help contributes in some way to improving the quality of life of the 60 million American adults affected by mental illness. Our Volunteers

Our Volunteers Thank you for volunteering your services to NAMI. We welcome you and hope your stay with us is long and fulfilling!