pa, bucks county · heather houser tms technician, care coordinator thursday, june 15, 2017 at 7:00...

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PA, Bucks County Please Welcome our Newest Board Members The NAMI Bucks County Board of Directors is pleased to welcome our newest board members, Kellie Brunton, Dave Benincasa, Bonnie MacDonald and Joanne Murray elected at our April, 2017 membership meeting. We welcome our new Board members and look forward to working together in fulfilling our NAMI Bucks County Mission. We also say goodbye to three departing Board members, Dr. David Abel, Michael Rooney and James Skoutelas. We thank them for their service. The Official Newsletter of NAMI Bucks County Volume : 13 Issue 3 Newsletter Summer 2017 Our Mission To improve the lives of the citizens of Bucks County who suffer from a serious mental illness or, as family members and caregivers, share the burden of these devastating illnesses. Our mission is accomplished through programs designed to support, educate and advocate for individuals with a mental illness and their family members. We strive to educate the public about the true nature of mental illnesses and combat the stigma and discrimination often faced by people with these serious brain disorders. Our programs educate individuals with mental illness to better understand their illness, stressors, and how to live in recovery. We help families to understand and be supportive of loved ones with mental illness. We also advocate for training of teachers, law enforcement, and first responders to recognize and respond appropriately to individuals with mental illness. TREATMENT RESISTANT DEPRESSION Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) David Side, Care Coordinator Supervisor, Quakertown House, & Heather Houser TMS Technician, Care Coordinator Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. Abington Memorial Health Center, Warminster Campus (Formerly Warminster Hospital) Main Conference Room (Ground Floor) 225 Newtown Rd., Warminster, PA 18974 Call 1-866-399-NAMI (6264) for further information Please join us on June 15, 2017. Our speakers will be David Side, Care Coordinator Supervisor, Quakertown House, and Tracy Semmel, TMS Technician, Customer Service Support. They will speak about Treatment Resistant Depression, Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) If you or a loved one is challenged by depression, dTMS may be the right choice for you. Get your questions answered about this safe, convenient and effective treatment offered right here at our Recovery Center. Safe, effective, clinically proven to help those with Depression FDA-cleared, non-invasive and non-medication treatment Stimulates brain structures 20 minutes per day 5 days/week for 4-6 weeks Medicare & most other insurances accepted Learn how dTMS works and who can be treated. Inside this issue: Announcements: 2 Contributions 3 Support Groups 3 & 4 Help Wanted 4 ETS 4 Poetry/Stories 5 Brain Stimulation 6 Stride 7,8 & 9 13 Reasons 10 & 11 Calendar 11

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Page 1: PA, Bucks County · Heather Houser TMS Technician, Care Coordinator Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. ... Charles Bechtel Secretary VACANT Treasurer Fred Korn Dave Benincasa Kellie

PA, Bucks County

Please Welcome our Newest Board Members

The NAMI Bucks County Board of Directors is pleased to welcome our newest board members, Kellie Brunton, Dave Benincasa, Bonnie MacDonald and Joanne Murray elected at our April, 2017 membership meeting. We welcome our new Board members and look forward to working together in fulfilling our NAMI Bucks County Mission. We also say goodbye to three departing Board members, Dr. David Abel, Michael Rooney and James Skoutelas. We thank them for their service.

The Official Newsletter of NAMI Bucks County Volume : 13 Issue 3 Newsletter Summer 2017

Our Mission To improve the lives of the citizens of Bucks County who suffer from a serious mental illness or, as family members and caregivers, share the burden of these devastating illnesses.

Our mission is accomplished through programs designed to support, educate and advocate for individuals with a mental illness and their family members. We strive to educate the public about the true nature of mental illnesses and combat the stigma and discrimination often faced by people with these serious brain disorders.

Our programs educate individuals with mental illness to better understand their illness, stressors, and how to live in recovery. We help families to understand and be supportive of loved ones with mental illness. We also advocate for training of teachers, law enforcement, and first responders to recognize and respond appropriately to individuals with mental illness.

Announcements: 2

Contributions 3

Support Groups 3 & 4

Presenters Needed 4 4a

Poetry 5

10 Ways to Advocate 6

Stride Volunteers 6

Movement 7

Political Storm 8

Ending the Silence 9

Stride for MHA 10

Calendar 11

TREATMENT RESISTANT DEPRESSION Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

(dTMS)

David Side, Care Coordinator Supervisor, Quakertown House, & Heather Houser TMS Technician,

Care Coordinator

Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 7:00 P.M.

Abington Memorial Health Center, Warminster Campus (Formerly Warminster Hospital)

Main Conference Room (Ground Floor) 225 Newtown Rd., Warminster, PA 18974

Call 1-866-399-NAMI (6264) for further information

Please join us on June 15, 2017. Our speakers will be David Side, Care Coordinator Supervisor, Quakertown House, and Tracy Semmel, TMS Technician, Customer Service Support. They will speak about Treatment Resistant Depression, Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS) If you or a loved one is challenged by depression, dTMS may be the right choice for you. Get your questions answered about this safe, convenient and effective treatment offered right here at our Recovery Center. • Safe, effective, clinically proven to help those with Depression • FDA-cleared, non-invasive and non-medication treatment • Stimulates brain structures • 20 minutes per day 5 days/week for 4-6 weeks • Medicare & most other insurances accepted Learn how dTMS works and who can be treated. Inside this issue:

Announcements: 2

Contributions 3

Support Groups 3 & 4

Help Wanted 4

ETS 4

Poetry/Stories 5

Brain Stimulation 6

Stride 7,8 & 9

13 Reasons 10 & 11

Calendar 11

Page 2: PA, Bucks County · Heather Houser TMS Technician, Care Coordinator Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. ... Charles Bechtel Secretary VACANT Treasurer Fred Korn Dave Benincasa Kellie

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NAMI of PA, Bucks County Chapter

Executive Director Debbie Moritz

Board of Directors: President Kathleen Campbell Vice President Charles Bechtel Secretary VACANT Treasurer Fred Korn Dave Benincasa Kellie Brunton Dennie Baker Heidi Hughes Raighne Kirk Bonnie MacDonald Joanne Murray Deb Ryan

P.O. Box 355

Warrington, PA 18976-0355 Phone: 215-442-5637

Fax: 215-442-5638 Help Line: 1-866-399-6264

9:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. E-mail [email protected]

Web Site [email protected]

NAMI Bucks County Newsletter

Letters, News Articles, and Announcements are welcome.

Deadline for articles for our Fall 2017 issue is July 20, 2107

Send to above address or by e-mail [email protected]

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Announcements NAMI of Bucks County is part of United Way Donor Choice Program

Donors can designate a gift to NAMI of Bucks County via a Donor Choice during United Way’s Annual Campaign. Our organization code is #14632 and is only valid for the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania. PLEASE NOTE: BE SURE TO USE THIS NUMBER IF YOU WANT YOUR DONATION TO BENEFIT THE NAMI BUCKS COUNTY, PA CHAPTER.

Designate NAMI Bucks to Receive Donations through EBAY Giving Works

Sellers on EBAY can now designate all or a portion of the proceeds from an EBAY sale to benefit NAMI of Bucks County. When listing your item, go to the Sell Your Item form on EBAY. In the "Pictures & Details" section, click the "Add" link in the area titled "Donate percentage of sale." Choose your organization “NAMI of PA, Bucks County Chapter” to receive the proceeds or a portion of the proceeds.

WE ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS

Renew your Membership or Make a Donation to NAMI of Bucks County

You can become a new member, renew your current membership and/or make a donation to NAMI with your credit card, through the mail, or telephone. Visit our website at [email protected] for details or call Debbie at 1-866-399-NAMI (6264) for an application. NOTE: Since renewals are handled on a quarterly basis, you will be notified when your current membership is due to expire. Please do not renew your membership until you receive notice. If paying by check, we would appreciate if you would note in the memo section of your check whether it is a donation, membership renewal or both. We appreciate your help.

Visit us on Facebook & Twitter

NAMI Bucks now has a Facebook page. Please visit us, join in the conversation and stay up to date on the latest news. NAMI of PA, Bucks County Chapter, Twitter NAMI PA Bucks County @NAMIBUCKS,

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Thank You for Your Contribution

We want to thank the following who have been so generous: $1 to $25 Lewis & Elaine Abel In Memory of Mildred Roseus Donna & Warren Dallas Paula Kidd Susan Melso Michael Louis Reid $26 to $50 Johnson & Johnson For Kelly Davies

$51 to $100 Sheila & Peter Aseltine Caroline Charney In Memory of Derek White Bernadette Dyer Robert Lanning $101 to $250 Newtown Middle School $251 to $500 Mr. & Mrs. Mark Eliot Petty

$1,000 to $1,500 Norman Raab Foundation On behalf of Artic Club Shafer Middle School All the NAMI Bucks County Volunteers

Your continuing contributions are important in sustaining our advocacy. NAMI welcomes and appreciates any amount that people can afford. Keep in mind when making your donation that many companies will match employee gifts. If you have not already contributed, please do so by sending your tax deductible donation to: NAMI of Bucks County, P.O. Box 355, Warrington, PA 18976-0355

NAMI CONNECTION IS NOW MEETING WEEKLY!

NAMI Bucks County will be expanding our Connection Support group beginning in April, 2017. Groups will now be held weekly on Tuesday evenings. NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is open to all

adults with mental illness, regardless of diagnosis. The NAMI Connection group offers a casual and relaxed approach to sharing the challenges and successes of coping with mental illness. Each group:

• Meets weekly for 90 minutes • Is offered free of charge • Follows a flexible structure without an educational format

• Does not recommend or endorse any medications or other medical therapies

Connection group meets every Tuesday at 6:30 pm at the NAMI Office, 600 Louis Drive, Suite 106, Warminster, PA 18974. For more information, please call 1-866-NAMI(6264).

Family to Family Support Group

Our Family support groups continue to run twice a month. Our Central Bucks group meets at the Doylestown Mennonite Church at 590 N. Broad Street, Doylestown, PA 18901 at 7:00 PM. This group will meet on

the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Our Newtown group continues to meet on the first and third Monday at The Crossing Community Church at 80 Silver Lake Rd., Newtown, PA at 7:30 – 8:30 PM. Registration is NOT required for either group.

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NAMI CAN / MY Life Too

NAMI CAN/My Life Too support group offers a support group for parents or caregivers of youth involved in the My Life Program and any parent or caregiver of a child/adolescent up to age 23 needing support. MY LIFE TOO is a group providing support, education and resources for parents, caregivers and other adult supporters of all youth and those who have experience with mental health,

developmental disabilities, substance abuse, foster care or juvenile justice issues. Meetings will be scheduled concurrently with the My-Life BUCKS meetings. The group will meet at the Abington Memorial Health Center, Warminster Campus (Formerly Warminster Hospital. Group meets at 5:30. For more information, please call 1-866-399-NAMI(6264), or email [email protected]

DATES FOR 2017 June 8 July 13 Aug 10 Sept 14 Oct 12 Nov 9

MY LIFE Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future Empowerment (MY LIFE)

(MY LIFE) is made up of youth between the ages of 13 and 23 who have experience with the following issues:

Mental health.

Substance abuse.

Juvenile justice.

Foster care.

MY LIFE is helping to improve mental health, substance abuse, foster care and juvenile justice systems. It gives youth the chance to become leaders in their communities. The group will meet at the Abington Memorial Health Center, Warminster Campus, (Formerly Warminster

Hospital) 225 Newtown Rd., Warminster, PA. Group meets at 5:30. On the second Thursday of the month CAN/MY Life Too. For more information, please contact Emily Ferris, [email protected].

Young Adult Ending the Silence Presenters Needed

With the addition of our “Ending the Silence” Coordinator, the program continues to grow as does our need for young adult presenters. This program educates middle/high school students about Mental Illnesses, how to be supportive of a family member, friend

or even themselves. Part of the presentation includes young adults that speak about what school was like for them when they were dealing with mental health challenges. What helped them, what didn’t help and what could have helped. We offer training and

support with sharing your lived experience. If you are interested in becoming a youth presenter, or would like more information, please call Laurie Pepe at 215-913-0479 or email at [email protected]

NAMI Ending the Silence Receives Philanthropy Grant

On May 31st the Ending the Silence team received a grant for $1300 from the Philanthropy Arctic Club at Shafer Middle School. The team was interviewed by the students along with several other Bucks County non-profit organizations. The Norman RAAB foundation designated their $5,000 grant be awarded to only four non-profits whose focus was education.

Mr. and Mrs. RAAB attended the award breakfast and acknowledged

each organization for their contribution to the community. Vicki

Hellerick, Rohan Sharma and Laurie Pepe accepted the award and thanked the students for choosing NAMI Bucks Ending the Silence. NAMI has been invited by the principal, Erin Conlon and Kathleen McLaughlin to present the program next year.

Page 5: PA, Bucks County · Heather Houser TMS Technician, Care Coordinator Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. ... Charles Bechtel Secretary VACANT Treasurer Fred Korn Dave Benincasa Kellie

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2017 NAMI Stride Emily Plewes

It was an all inspiring morning on May 13 2017 as the

rain was pouring down in Doylestown PA where NAMI

Stride was taking place at Fonthill Park.

Bruce Gordon from Fox News emceed this year’s event.

Speakers such as Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Laurie

Pepe, Debbie Moritz, Alan Hartl CEO of Lenape Valley

Foundation, NAMI Man, and other Ending the Silence

speakers spoke of hopes, dreams, passions, and recovery.

Prior to the speakers the Wellspring Clubhouse chorus

sang several songs of hope to help spread the joy and

awareness. The crowd, too, sang along.

Lenape was this year’s Platinum Sponsor. The Stride

was to raise money for the Ending the Silence program

and all the good it has done. The young adult Ending the

Silence helped to raise hope and awareness on mental

health.

The event had many fun things to do. People loved the

photo booth, and the fact that they could put on silly hats

to take their picture. It was a fun thing to take away from

this great event. People gathered around to hear the others

tell their stories. Resources from many sponsors were

available to get people connected. Food was available.

The walk did not take place because of the downpour. It

did not stop this crowd of people from gathering, and

having a good time. This was the 3rd year for the Stride.

It brings together a community of people and allows them

to shine. Even though it was a gray day the people lit up

the park. It made the day not dull, but radiant with

everyone’s individual beauty.

Give us your Poems, Stories, Anecdotes, Articles

We’d like to include your poems, personal stories, anecdotes and articles in the Chapter Newsletter. Send them to: NAMI of Bucks County, P.O. Box 355, Warrington, PA 18976-0355 or send by e-mail to [email protected]

Sam's Journal Entry February 15, 2017

Don't stop me.

Don't tell me you know that.

Don't tell me you have heard it

before.

This is how I visit the good.

This is how I keep the positive

here.

This is important to me.

I have seen a lot, lived a lot,

suffered, loved, grieved,

rejoiced, stumbled and

stumbled some more.

I must let this out.

I must share.

I must mull it over.

Mostly I am alone.

And when there is someone

listening, I want to be heard.

That's all. That's all. Hear me.

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ECT, TMS and Other Brain Stimulation Therapies When treatments such as medication and therapy aren’t able to relieve the symptoms of depression or another mental health condition, there are other options available. A psychiatrist might suggest electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or other forms of brain stimulation. Brain stimulation therapies involve stimulating or touching the brain directly with electricity, magnets or implants. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) ECT is a procedure where controlled electric currents are passed through the brain while the person is under general anesthesia. This results in a brief, controlled seizure that affects neurons and chemicals in the brain. It is most often used to treat severe depression and depression with psychosis that has not responded to medications. In some cases of treatment resistant bipolar disorder, ECT may be considered as a treatment option. Once called electroshock therapy, ECT still has many negative associations. When it was first used in the 1940s, it was very primitive. The reality today is different. People are asleep during the procedure and wake up 5-10 minutes after it has finished. They are able to resume normal activity in about an hour. Most people have four to six treatments before major improvement is seen. This is followed by additional treatments and in some cases “maintenance ECT” on a less frequent basis, such as once a month or once a year. Side effects of ECT may include: Physical effects, such as

headaches, muscle pain, nausea Confusion following treatment,

which may last a few minutes or hours

Memory loss, which can range from forgetting conversations or events right before and after a treatment, forgetting things from

weeks or months before treatment, and less commonly, from years before

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) TMS is a procedure that creates magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve symptoms of depression. With TMS, a large electromagnetic coil is placed on a person’s forehead and short pulses are directed into an area of the brain believed to control moods. The doctor performing the treatment will determine the amount of magnetic energy needed during the first treatment session. TMS treatments will last about 40 minutes. Unlike ECT, TMS does not require the use of anesthesia and person will remain awake during the treatment. Several sessions generally are required over a period of weeks. TMS should not be used to treat anyone experiencing depression with psychosis or bipolar disorder or having a high risk of suicide. It also cannot be used if a person has a pacemaker or any metal objects in their head. Side effects of TMS are usually mild and may include: Muscle contractions or tingling in

the face or the jaw Headache or light-headedness Seizures, if a person has a history

of seizures Other Brain Stimulation Therapies ECT and TMS are the most widely used brain stimulation therapies, but there are two other options available. However, they have not been widely studied and their effectiveness remains unclear. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) VNS uses a pulse generator, about the size of a stopwatch, placed in the upper left side of the chest to stimulate the vagus nerve, which carries messages to parts of the brain that control mood and sleep, with electrical

impulses. VNS can be used to treat depression, as well as other medical conditions including epilepsy. The FDA has approved VNS for treating hard-to-treat depression, depression that hasn’t improved after trying four different medications or ECT. However, VNS is controversial and rarely used. Side effects of VNS may include: Voice changes or hoarseness Cough or sore throat Difficulty swallowing Neck pain Discomfort in the area where the

generator is located Breathing problems when

exercising Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Originally developed to reduce tremors from Parkinson’s disease, the FDA approved DBS for use in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). DBS is currently being studied as treatment for Tourette’s syndrome and major depression. The use of DBS for mental health, however, is largely experimental and its safety and effectiveness are unknown. In deep brain stimulation involves two electrodes put surgically directly in the brain and a pulse generator put in a person’s chest. There are possible side effects from either the surgery or stimulation. Over several months, adjustments to the electrodes may help. Mood swings Speech problems Breathing problems Insomnia Infection Bleeding in the brain Stroke

- See more at: https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Treatment/ECT,-TMS-and-Other-Brain-Stimulation-Therapies#sthash.AmSkAOzj.dpuf

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NO Washout for NAMI Bucks County’s Annual Stride

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By DeDe Myers NO Washout for NAMI Bucks County’s Annual Stride Doylestown PA--On Saturday May 13, 2017, despite heavy rainfall, 130 plus supporters of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Bucks County turned out for its annual fundraiser. Huddled under a large tent on the beautiful grounds of Font Hill Park in Doylestown, PA, supporters, family members, and persons living with a mental illness applauded the work of NAMI Bucks County.

The event’s goal was to raise funds for “Ending the Silence”, a NAMI program geared to middle and high school students.

Bruce Gordon, General Assignment

Reporter for Fox 29 News in Philadelphia was the master of ceremony and Wellspring Choir provided the musical entertainment. Pennsylvania Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick joined the event to tell them of his continued support for maintaining health insurance, including Medicaid, for people living with a mental illness. Since many people with a mental illness rely

on Medicaid for health insurance, Congress’ support is very critical.

But the highlight of the day came from three twenty-somethings, Rohan, Vicki, and Sarah, accompanied by her therapy dog. Each of them grew up in Bucks County and live with a mental illness. They told the audience a brief story of discovering their mental illness, getting treatment, and their efforts to recover. Their mental health challenges include bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic

Ribbon Cutting – Vicki Hellerick, ETS Presenter, Laurie Pepe, ETS Coordinator, Kathleen Campbell, NAMI President, Alan Hartl, CEO Lenape Valley Foundation,

Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Rohan Sharma, NAMI MAN & ETS Presenter, Bruce Gordon, Fox 29 & Debbie Moritz, NAMI Executive Director

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stress disorder (PTSD). All three are presenters for the Ending the Silence program that reached 4,000 Bucks County students just this year. Evaluations of the program frequently

report that students are most impressed with the speakers’ willingness to speak candidly of their own experience. NAMI Bucks County had a fundraising goal of $10,000 for a matching grant of another $10,000. It reached $11,000.00. Platinum and Gold Sponsors included: Lenape Valley Foundation, Magellan Health Services and Benjamin Obdyke, We are eagerly looking forward to planning next year’s event. If you couldn’t make it and would still like to

make a donation, please visit our website at www.namibuckstride.org We are looking forward to the 4th annual Stride for Mental Health Awareness. If you are interested in volunteering on the planning committee for next year, please contact our office at 215-442-5637 Thank you to all our wonderful sponsor, donors and volunteers. We couldn’t have done it without all of your help and support!!!

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Netflix 13 Reasons Why: What Viewers Should Consider

JED Foundation April 24, 2017 Recently, Netflix released Thirteen Reasons Why (13RY), a series based on the book by Jay Asher originally published in 2007. The series is a fictional story that is meant to be a cautionary tale. It tells the story of a high school student who experiences a series of terrible events-many of which are perpetrated by her classmates and friends. Hannah has died by suicide but before she died, she made a series of tapes explaining what each person in her circle has done to hurt her. Each episode tells one part of the story focused on a painful event and interaction. The show has been highly watched by young people and has received lots of media attention. Because the show takes up issues related to suicide and sexual assault, there have been strong (and strongly mixed) reactions from many viewers along with several professional and advocacy groups. On the one hand, the series has potentially focused attention on and created an avenue for productive discussions around the meaning of friendship, how friends might support each other, the risks of mistreatment and assault and the issue of youth suicide. On the other hand, the depiction and circumstances of the suicide have raised concerns because there are several elements in the story that are inconsistent with safe messaging guidelines around handling portrayals of suicide in media and works of fiction. What to do? In light of the feedback about this show, on the day of its release, JED partnered with Suicide Awareness Voices of America (SAVE) to develop Talking Points to help clinicians and mental health professionals discuss the show with parents, young people and the media.

Netflix was supportive of the distribution of the Talking Points and posted them along with crisis services and a link to additional information about young adult mental health on the official 13RY resource website. Netflix also filmed Beyond The Reasons as a tool to help parents and teens frame the conversation and encourage them to speak up and seek help. The show is rated TV MA and there are trigger warning cards prior to three of the episodes. Here’s what we suggest young viewers and parents consider:

Make a considered and thoughtful decision about whether or not you choose to watch the show. If you have experienced significant depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts or behaviors in the past, this show may be risky for you to watch.

If you choose to watch the show and are finding yourself distraught, depressed, or having thoughts of suicide or are having trouble sleeping, stop watching it and let a parent, trusted adult or counselor know. You can also text start to 741- 741 for confidential, professional help 24/7.

For those who choose to watch the show, consider watching it with others and taking breaks between episodes instead of binge-watching. It would be especially good to watch with parents or other trusted adults. Discuss what you are seeing and experiencing along the way.

This show does provide an opportunity to explore and discuss the meaning of friendship and how we make choices when we or friends are having troubles or are struggling. Viewers should consider how they might have made different choices from those made by characters in the story.

Whether you choose to watch this show or not, we should all work to be caring of and vigilant about our family

members, friends and ourselves. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or showing signs indicating a possible suicidal crisis get them (or yourself) to help. Support from trusted friends and family, and professional mental health care when it is needed, save lives every day. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, text 741741 or call 800-273-TALK (8255) Why does this matter? It has become increasingly clear that the way suicide is described and depicted in the media can actually raise the risk of “copycat” behavior in a small portion of those seeing or hearing these depictions. Reports or shows that include or describe details of the death (such as how and where it happened) or details about the person who died (which of course would be included in a show or story) or that describe the suicide in a way that appears heroic, romantic or based on simple events or causes, can raise risk for some. Also, language that conveys that suicide is a common, typical or reasonable response to events is problematic. And finally, depictions that suggest that suicide is a way to get back at others or alternatively to get attention or be recalled lovingly are also potentially concerning. See: Action Alliance Framework for Successful Messaging Encouragingly, there is also some information about the kinds of depictions of suicide that might actually lower risk. These would include depictions which show people who are struggling being helped and supported by friends and professionals, treatment for mental health problems being effective and stories of people overcoming suicidal challenges.

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Netflix 13 Reasons Why: What Viewers Should Consider (Cont’d) Unfortunately, several of these problems are present in 13RY. The suicide is graphically depicted, the young woman who dies is memorialized in unhelpful ways, the suicide seemingly results directly from the misdeeds perpetrated against her by others and Hannah is portrayed as a long suffering victim who, by her death, is taking vengeance on those who have wronged her. Further, there

are fewer occasions in which more positive and protective messages are communicated. Friends often mistreat each other and most adults are often oblivious to the suffering and misbehavior around them. The school counselor seriously and tragically bungles Hannah’s attempt to reach out for help rather than providing needed support and follow up.

Given these concerns, we encourage young people to consider whether watching the series is the right choice for them, and we encourage parents and educators to familiarize themselves with our Talking Points and prepare to discuss the series with the young people in their lives who are watching.

June 8 & 22, July13 & 27, August 10 & 24, September 14 & 28, 2017 2nd & 4th Thursday 7:00 – 8:30 Doylestown, PA

NAMI FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP Doylestown Mennonite Church 590 N. Broad St. Doylestown, PA 18901

June 19, July 3 & 17, August 7 & 21, September 18, 2017 1ST & 3rd Monday 7:30 - 9:00 pm Newtown, PA

NAMI FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP - Lower Bucks – Crossing Community Church 80 Silver Lake Rd., Newtown, PA 18940

June 8, July 13, August 10 & September 14, 2017 - 5:30 P.M. Warminster, PA

NAMI – CAN/My Life Too – Parent Support Group Abington Memorial Health Center, Warminster Campus, (Formerly Warminster Hospital) 225 Newtown Rd., Warminster, PA. For more information, please call 1-866-399-6264

June 8, July 13, August 10 & September 14, 2017 - 5:30 P.M. Warminster, PA

MY LIFE – Magellan Youth Leadership Inspiring Future Empowerment Abington Memorial Health Center, Warminster Campus, (Formerly Warminster Hospital) 225 Newtown Rd., Warminster, PA. For more information, please call Emily Ferris at 215-504-3960 or [email protected] www.facebook.com/MYLIFEyouth

Every Tuesday 6:30 PM NAMI Bucks Office Warminster, PA 18974

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group Support group for adults with mental illness, regardless of diagnosis. Voice and Vision Office at 600 Louis Drive, Suite 106, Warminster, PA 18974. 1-866-NAMI(6264).

June 15, 2017 7:00 PM Abington Health Center, Warminster Campus (Formerly Warminster Hospital)

NAMI Bucks Forum Abington Memorial Health Center, Warminster Campus (Formerly Warminster Hospital) Main Conference Room (Ground Floor) 225 Newtown Rd., Warminster, PA 18974 Topic: TREATMENT RESISTANT DEPRESSION Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS)

Coming Events / Dates to Remember:

Page 12: PA, Bucks County · Heather Houser TMS Technician, Care Coordinator Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. ... Charles Bechtel Secretary VACANT Treasurer Fred Korn Dave Benincasa Kellie

PA, Bucks County

Bucks County Chapter

PO Box 355

Warrington, PA 18976-0355

LET US HAVE YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS

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