NAMI Promotes Howard County Family-to-Family Program

By Carol L. Plotnick



"I wish I had known about the NAMI programs and support years ago," said a participant at a recent NAMI Howard County Family-to-Family program. "I felt so alone. I didn't know there was any support for me and my husband to help us cope with our son's condition."

This comment and many others are familiar to the staff and volunteers at NAMI Howard County. NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, adults and families affected by mental illness. When Howard County residents, their families or caregivers struggle with mental health issues, this organization is available to offer support, education and resource information to help ease their burdens.

One in five people are directly affected by mental illness, yet many do not receive treatment. A student in NAMI Howard County's Peer-to-Peer class said, "I didn't realize my constant sadness and lack of interest was an illness. I was so depressed and dispirited, but I thought everybody felt like that."

Mental illnesses are medical conditions that disrupt a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning. Mental illnesses include bipolar disorder (manic depression), major depression, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and severe anxiety disorders. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are medical conditions centered in the brain.

Kathy, the mother of a teenager, noted, "There were times when I thought my son should just try harder. Other times I felt guilty because I thought his illness was my fault. NAMI's programs have opened my eyes in a lot of ways. We're informed now, and things don't feel so hectic."

The programs at NAMI Howard County are offered free of charge and are open to anyone. Family-to-Family, Peer-to-Peer and NAMI Basics are three of the most popular programs. Instructors for all classes are trained volunteers.

During the 12-week Family-to-Family course, participants are helped to arrive at a better understanding of the severe mental illnesses their relatives face. Participants learn about treatments, medications, problems to expect and coping strategies.

Recovery is an important aspect for those who take the Peer-to-Peer class. The nine-week course is available for any person with a serious mental illness who is interested in establishing and maintaining wellness.

Laurie, a 25-year-old recent class graduate, not only appreciates meeting new friends, but she has acquired new skills. "I have learned tools and techniques to manage the day-to-day and long-term stresses of having a mental illness. In addition, I have gained greater insights into my disorder."

Children, too, are affected by mental illness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in 10 children struggle with mental health issues to the point that there is significant impairment in their day-to-day lives. NAMI Basics is a six-week course designed for parents and caregivers of children under the age of 18 who are experiencing mental health and emotional/behavioral concerns. The class includes practical insights on issues frequently faced by these families. There is no prerequisite that the child have a specific diagnosis.

All individuals and families coping with illness deserve and need support, including those with mental health concerns. NAMI support groups meet at various locations throughout Howard County on either a weekly or monthly basis. There are support groups for family members (including a group conducted in Spanish), parents of children and youth with mental health needs and individuals with a mental illness.

Operating from their Columbia headquarters, Susan Helsel (executive director), Vanita Leatherwood (director of communications) and Kristian McElroy (coordinator of recovery programs) wear many hats. The trio works closely with schools, faith communities, health care providers, law enforcement, social service agencies and other community groups in an effort to educate the public regarding mental health issues.

Two others who are central to the administration of programs include office assistant Chris Schafer and Sandra Kvarnstrand, the contact for those who speak Spanish.

Maintaining its grassroots conception, NAMI Howard County is aided by many volunteers who perform administrative work, oversee special projects and facilitate programs. The organization is funded via membership dues, donations, grants and fundraising events, such as the annual NAMIWALKS for the Mind of America. This event is a nationwide fundraising and mental health awareness program that is held in Maryland on the first Saturday in May.

"Mental illnesses are medical illnesses," said Susan Helsel, executive director. "For many of the individuals and families we serve - people calling our Help Line or taking classes - NAMI is the starting point for understanding, as well as treatment and recovery."

For more information about mental health and NAMI Howard County, call 410-772-9300 or visit www.nami.org/sites/namihowardcounty.



Carol L. Plotnick is a writer and NAMI Howard County volunteer living in Laurel. She writes the Laurel Community Volunteer Examiner column for Examiner.com and is the owner of Chrysalis Publications LLC. She can be reached at chrysalispublications@chrysalispublications.com.