JULY 2015

Issue VII Vol. IV

5205 Greenwood Ave. Ste 110 West Palm Beach, FL 33407

561-588-3477 www.namipbc.org

Sometimes life is just not fair. My 34 year old niece, Rachel, survived breast cancer, only to have the cancer reappear a short time later in her brain and spread throughout her body. From seeing the tears of her husband, to the profound sadness of reading “get well mommy” cards taped to her refrig-erator, to watching the family dog sitting patiently next to Rachel’s chair awaiting her return that I know will never happen, my niece’s illness is a trage-dy that defies all explanation. Even through the cha-os and shock of this painful experience, however, I couldn’t help but notice that the pattern of emo-tions Rachel’s terminal cancer created is remarkably similar to the pattern of emotions that my family experienced when my son developed a serious men-tal illness. When Rachel’s cancer returned, I saw the same stages of confusion, denial and “hope against hope” that I experienced when I first learned of my son’s illness. The physician who first diagnosed Rachel's unmistakable brain cancer was condemned for being sloppy and too quick to diagnose her ill-ness in much the same way that I was sure my son’s doctor just didn’t know my son well enough to diag-nose him with schizophrenia. I saw the periods of irrational anger, guilt and resentment, when more and more family resources were sacrificed for Ra-chel, who seemed unappreciative of the extraordi-nary efforts her family was making on her behalf, in much the same way that I secretly resented my son for not “snapping out of it” and not “really trying” to get well.

My wife and I said goodbye to Rachel this week-

end, knowing that we will never see her again. The past two years have finally brought us to a recogni-tion that Rachel’s illness is terminal and that her re-maining time on this earth is very limited. We

A Message From The President:

By Manuel Kushner

mourn the time before her illness struck, and look forward to one day understanding and accepting her cancer, much as we’ve come to accept and un-derstand our son’s mental illness. Perhaps when we reach the stage of understanding and ac-ceptance of our niece’s illness, greater balance can be restored to our lives and we can focus our efforts on advocacy and action for other families that have been affected by terminal illness. For the time being, however, we know we're not ready.

Through each step of this journey with my

niece and her family, I have been more prepared, more compassionate and more effective than I had been when I first faced my son’s onset of mental illness approximately five years ago. Through my own lived experiences, I now realize how critical education, support and communication with oth-ers who have traveled the same road, can be for individuals experiencing catastrophic life events. Rachel’s illness reminded me how unfair life can sometimes be and what an important role we can all have in helping others who are experi-encing tragedy. It also reminded me how fortu-nate I am to be alive and able to share my life with a phenomenal son, who happens to have a mental illness.

The Voice

We answered 198 phone calls 15 took part in NAMI Family-to-Family Ed

33 participated in NAMI Peer Council activities 42 attended NAMI/PBC Family Support Groups

169 attended NAMI Connection Groups Our staff and volunteers presented to

13 members of our community 35 attended the NAMI/PBC Young Adults Group

10 attended the NAMI/PBC Adolescent Support Groups

In May, NAMI/PBC served 515 individuals

WHAT ‘S NEW

Magellan Complete Care

Helping You Navigate The Healthcare System Magellan Complete Care is a Medicaid specialty plan focused on individuals living with serious mental illness.

NAMI Palm Beach County invites you to join us for Magellan Complete Care’s FREE informative presenta-tion on how they can help you or your loved ones. They will discuss: Benefits

Expanded benefits

What makes them different

Commitment to members

Who can enroll

Date: July 9, 2015

Time: 6:00-8:00pm

Location: Lantana County Library

4020 Lantana Rd, Lake Worth, FL

A health plan representative will be present with information. For more information or for accom-modation of persons with special needs at marketing events call 800-327-8613 or 800-424-1694 (TTY only).

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CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM

By Dorothy Kelleher

If you have a loved one in crisis and need the ser-

vices of a CIT officer, you should call 911 and give

the necessary information to the dispatcher, making

sure the dispatcher understands that you do need a

CIT officer sent to the scene. NAMI

and CIT work closely together in

providing this service.

On June 11, NAMI Palm Beach County presented the Parents and Teachers as Allies at the Annual Students Health and Wellness Conference at Park Vista High School. It was great to see all our provider friends at the resource fair!

SHOUT OUT to Legends 100.3, Dick Robinson

and Lorna O’Connell for inviting Liz and Lynsey

in to talk about mental illness and NAMI Palm

Beach County’s valuable free programs.

It’s Open Season!

SAVE THE DATE: NAMI GENERAL MEETING on Wednesday, July 22, 2015, 6:00-8:00PM

Unraveling the Medication Mystery: Side Effects of Psychiatric Medications

Presented by Molly Leach, Pharm.D

Location TBD—Watch for our website posting and email

IN THE NEWS

NAMI PBC Peer Council Corner

N.O.W. (NAMI On Wednesdays)

Wednesdays from 11:00am-4:00pm

The NAMI PBC Lake Work Office is now open for Drop Inn. Join us for Arts & Crafts, Book Club, Games, Speakers, Computer Training, Advocacy, Movies and more. Participation has been great, and the arts and crafts projects have included luminar-ies, picture frames and artificial flower arrange-ments.

Developmental experts say that, on average, a child through young adult should be able to stay focused on a task for two to five minutes times the year of their age. Many studies suggest that everyday play -- especially play that engages the brain and body -- accomplishes the goal of improving attention and concentration better than worksheets, video games, or punishments, but what are some factors that may be contributing to poor attention and concentration?

Nutrition and Sleep - Am I hungry or tired? To combat hunger or fatigue, give yourself a snack before you start work or any structured task. According to the Mayo Clinic, some smart choices include whole-grain pretzels, raw veggies dipped in fat-free dressing or hummus, yogurt, and peanut butter spread on a banana or apple. A good night's sleep is important as well, so make sure you are getting enough rest.

Is the Task Developmentally Appropriate? Children can tune out and stop paying attention when they think a task is too hard for them. They may need instructions broken into small steps. This is often the case when someone has a brain injury, with various mental health concerns or a neurocognitive disorder such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Sometimes even illustrat-ing a routine on paper and posting it on the wall can serve as one good visual reminder instead of constant missed verbal reminders.

Move It! Research has also shown that exercise can help us pay attention. A CDC and Prevention research review from 2010 revealed that elementary school children who took breaks from classwork to be active during the day could concentrate better on schoolwork. Other studies have reported that parents who make exercise a priority in their family life will have more physically active kids.

Limit Screen Time - Another way to encourage children to be more active is by limiting TV time. A 2011 study pub-lished in Pediatrics found that fast-paced cartoons short-ened the attention spans of 4-year-olds. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than one to two hours per day of total high-quality screen time, in-cluding TV, videos, computers, phones, and video games. (Kids under age 2 should not be exposed to any screen time). Instead of turning on the TV or handing over the smartphone, have them focus on other activities that will help increase attention spans. Children can read, work on a puzzle, help make dinner, build forts out of blocks and chairs, and help with household chores. Other Concerns - Mental health issues, such as depres-sion, anger, and anxiety, can make it difficult for anyone to focus, and we often need help learning how to cope with these feelings. Make sure you are seeking help to learn how to discuss these feelings in the healthiest way possible!

IMPROVING ATTENTION AND CONCENTRATION

Dr. Kelly Everson, Director

Take Me Out To The Ballgame

Roger Dean Stadium — Complimentary tickets for Friday, July 17. Contact Michael Garden or Chris Inirio no later than July 10.

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Contact the office for more information! 561-588-3477.

July Peer Council Meeting

Friday, July 31 at 4:30-7:00 pm NAMI/PBC, 1520 10th Avenue North, Suite D, Lake Worth—Pizza and refreshments will be served.

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Eat Better, Move More

Cooking Classes:

May - August 2015

Presented by

Lisa Aronson

Fitness Classes:

May - August 2015 Come get fit with

Olivia Greer

WHAT’S COMING UP and

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING

2015 NAMIWalks Palm Beach County NAMIWALKS.ORG/PALMBEACHCOUNTY

Saturday, November 14, 2015, John Prince Park, Lake Worth Visit the website today to register, make a donation, invite friends, become a sponsor, or to get additional details. Mark your calendars for the NAMIWalks KICK-OFF LUNCHEON to be held on Saturday, Septem-ber 19th from 12:00pm – 2:00pm.

The Sponsorship Campaign is well underway so if you know of a potential business partner for Sponsor-ship, now is the time to approach them. If you need materials, help or coaching, call Carol at the office 561-588-3477.

The Saturday, June 13th Walk Committee Meeting was well-attended at the Lake Worth office. Vacant Committee Chair positions were filled and a mock Sponsorship approach was demonstrated.

Our next Walk Committee Meeting at the Lake Worth office is scheduled for Saturday, July 18th from 10:30am -12:00pm. We are always in need of volunteers and this would be a great opportunity to bring along anyone that has an interest.

NAMI PBC is pleased to announce that it received a grant from The Royal Poinciana Chapel for this valuable program. Participants who attend a session of five nutrition cooking classes and five light fitness classes will receive a gift package consisting of a crock pot, a blender, a cookbook and hand weights. The grant funds three sessions of up to 8 participants. Sign up today by calling the NAMI office. Thank you Royal Poinciana Chapel!

IN THE NEWS

MONTHLY MEMBER TO MENTION: Chris Inirio

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Chris, our Administrative Assistant, handles the membership, social media and helps others around the

office in a multitude of ways. This July, he will have been with NAMI Palm Beach County for three years.

Many times during the day the Executive Director is popping into his office, “Chris, I need ….” He is always

more than willing to help.

In addition to his job duties, Chris also volunteers his time to

NAMI after hours doing whatever is needed: setting up for

Board meetings, General Meetings, assisting with the Young

Adults and Peer Council activities, fundraisers, even going out

for Hershey Pies when we need a chocolate break. He doesn’t

do it because he’s asked, he does it because he wants to.

Chris is typical of the NAMI “Framily” and we appreciate his

contributions!

UPCOMING EVENT

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ATTENTION AARP MEMBERS … CHECK IT OUT

Thank you to Max, a long-time NAMI supporter, for this info. Cheaper than Luminosity!

AARP created the Staying Sharp membership to help you keep your mind active and healthy so that you can

live in the moment today, and continue to shine for all of your tomorrows. The uniquely holistic approach ad-

dresses the five pillars of brain health, each an essential part of keeping your mind sharp.

Access to the Staying Sharp Challenge Challenge your brain in new

ways every day, and work to improve your cognitive ability with access to the Staying Sharp Chal-

lenge from BrainHQ: a collection of online brain exercises developed by neuroscientists specifically

for AARP members.

Staying Sharp Digital Newsletter Stay informed on the most recent findings from

experts you can trust, so you can be in-the-know and in control of your health with a subscription to

the Staying Sharp digital newsletter. With your subscription to the Staying Sharp digital newsletter

you'll get the latest research on brain health and guidance on what you can do today to keep your

brain healthy.

Staying Sharp Video Insights Series AARP gives you a series of short

innovative web videos that covers topics within the five pillars of brain health. The Staying Sharp

Video Insights Series brings you real science for real life.

Our first Qigong class at John Prince Park was

amazing! We have a broad age range 18 and

up and everyone felt the energy!

Susan Haynes Carabello, LMHC, from the

Golden Center, facilitated the class and she was

phenomenal. Under the shade of the Royal

Poinciana trees, a view of the lake and a nice

breeze, we were led through several Qigong

exercises to improve our mind, spirit and body.

Susan has graciously offered, and everyone

agreed, to meet every Sunday at the same time

and location, 10:30 am, right outside the en-

trance to John Prince Park at Lake Worth Road

and Lake Osborne Drive.

The larger the group the bigger the benefit!

Join us next Sunday.

NAMIHARMONY

Peer and Family Support Groups Call 561-588-3477 for more information

NAMI/PBC Connection Recovery Support Groups

Lake Worth (NAMI Office) 1520 10th Avenue N, Suite D Lake Worth, FL 33460 Saturdays 6:00-7:30pm

Delray Beach (Toole Building So. County Mental Health Center) 16158 S Military Trail, Delray Beach, FL 33484 Mondays 1:45-2:45pm & Wednesdays 10:15-11:30am

Jupiter (Southeast Behavioral Health Network) 140 Intracoastal Pointe Dr., Suite 208, Jupiter, FL 33477 Wednesdays 5:30-7:00pm

Hypoluxo (Amigos Group — Jeff Industries) 111 E Coast Avenue, Hypoluxo, FL 33462 Mondays 3:30-5:00pm

NAMI/PBC Young Adults Group 18-35 Year Olds

Lake Worth (NAMI Office) 1520 10th Avenue N, Suite D, Lake Worth, FL 33460 First 3 Fridays of the month 6:00-7:30pm

NAMI/PBC Adolescent Support Groups*

NAMI/PBC Family Support Groups

West Boca (West Boca Raton Library) 18685 State Road 7, Boca Raton, FL 33498 1st Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm

Boynton Beach/ Delray Beach (Hagen Ranch Library) 14350 Hagen Ranch Road, Delray Beach, FL 33446 2nd Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm

Jupiter (Southeast Behavioral Health) 140 Intracoastal Pointe Dr, Ste 208, Jupiter, FL 33477 3rd Thursday 6:30-8:00pm

Wellington (Wellington Library) 1951 Royal Fern Dr, Wellington, FL 33414 2nd Monday 6:30-8:30pm

Other Local Support Groups for Peers

Other Local Family Support Groups

GROUP MEETINGS

South County Mental Health Center Depression Bipolar Support Alliance 16158 S Military Trail, Delray Beach, FL 33484 1-877-858-7474 for directions ALL DISORDERS (Building E. — Toole Building) Wednesdays 7:00-9:00pm

Peer Place Support Center 2100 45th Street, Suite B12, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 561-712-0584 for directions and information DRA (Living in the Now) (12 Step Co-occurring) Sat. 10am Here & Now (12 Step) Saturday 11:00am-12:00pm Peer Support Mon-Fri 9:00am-4:00pm; Sat 9am-1pm

Fair Oaks Pavilion (Behind Delray Community Hospital) 5440 Linton Blvd, Ste 1010, Delray Beach, FL 33484 For directions and info: rossdolphins@bellsouth.net

Jupiter Fire Station No. 19 322 N. Central Boulevard, Jupiter, FL 33458 561-575-9787 for information Depression/Bipolar Thursdays 7:00-8:30pm

Holy Trinity Church 211 Trinity Place, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Nancy Drevich 561-499-6716 for information Depression/Bipolar Thursdays 7:00-8:30pm

West Boca Medical Education Center 21644 State Road 7, Boca Raton, FL 33428 For directions and info: Jason Spielman 954-217-1757 OCD 1st Thursday 7:30-9:00pm

Living Grace Group 1st Presbyterian Church Youth Bldg. 717 Prosperity Farms Rd, North Palm Beach, FL 33408 1st Tuesday 6:30pm, Contact Ken 561-379-5675,

Trauma Support Group Center for Trauma Counseling, Inc. 801 Lake Worth Road, Suite 101, Lake Worth, FL 33467 Tuesdays 6:30-8:00pm, Contact Helya 561-444-3914

Support for Eating Disorders and Dual Diagnosis Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness Office 1649 Forum Place #2, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Thursdays 6:30-8:00pm *18+ females, please

Family Grace Group First Presbyterian Church Youth Building 717 Prosperity Farms Road, North Palm Beach, FL 33408 1st Monday 6:30pm Jeni Ayers 561-309-5675 ayersjeni@gmail.com for more information

Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness Friends and Family Support Group Eating Disorder Alliance Office 1649 Forum Place #2, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 1st and 3rd Wednesday 7:00-8:30pm

West Palm Beach (NAMI Office)—ON HOLD 5205 Greenwood Ave, Ste 110, West Palm Bch, FL 33407 Grades 7-8: Tuesdays 5:30-6:30pm Grades 9-12: Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm

Lake Worth—ON HOLD 6801 Lake Worth Road, Suite 101, Lake Worth, FL 33467 Grades 7-8: Thursdays 5:30-6:30pm Grades 9-12: Thursdays 6:30-7:30pm

Jupiter 50 South US Highway 1, Suite 309, Jupiter, FL 33477 Grades 7-8: Mondays 5:30-6:30pm Grades 9-12: Mondays 6:30-7:30pm

Boca Raton 800 Meadows Road, Boca Raton, FL 33486 Grades 7-8: Tuesdays 5:30-6:30pm Grades 9-12: Tuesday 6:30-7:30pm

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Non-Profit Organization

US Postage Paid

West Palm Beach, FL

Permit No. 1327

National Alliance on Mental Illness of Palm Beach County

Mollie Wilmot Center—Palm Healthcare Pavilion

5205 Greenwood Avenue, Suite 110

West Palm Beach, FL 33407

Or Current Resident

NAMI Membership exists at 3 levels: Affiliate, State & National. NAMI is a 501(c)(3) non-

profit, charitable organization—contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Together, we can continue to fight for all those affected by mental illness. PLEASE NOTE: In

order for NAMI/PBC to receive your full donation, please send your donation to the NAMI/

PBC office. Thank you! FL SOLICITATION REGISTRATION NUMBER: CH6498 “A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SER-

VICES BY CALLING (800-435-7352) TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT

IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.”

Members are NAMI/PBC’s lifeblood; your member-ship helps us continue to

provide free outreach, support & education. In bringing mental health

issues to wider attention, we advocate for better

treatment. As our mem-bership base grows, our voice becomes stronger.

Respect, Compassion & Hope … NAMI Works!

I’d like to support NAMI PBC with a donation of: __ $25 __ $50 __ $100

other: $____

5205 Greenwood Ave., Suite 110, West Palm Beach, FL 33407

T: 561.588.3477 F: 561.588-3499

Email: info@namipbc.org Website: namipbc.org

I’d like to volunteer for NAMI/PBC’s 2015 Walk.

I wish to receive NAMI National’s solicitations.

Check here for renewal: Date:_______

Name:______________________________

Address:____________________________

City/St:_____________________________

Zip:_________....Phone:_______________

Email:______________________________

MEMBERSHIP: Regular $35 Open Door $3

SPONSORSHIP: Family $55 Professional $65 Corporate $250 Pay online through our secure PayPal at: namipbc.org