2014 NAMIWalk Registration  

  

Have your registered for the 2014 NAMIWalk yet? It is just over 3 months away! This year's event will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 10:00 AM at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts in Hamilton, OH.  Please visit www.namiwalks.org/butlercounty and register yourself as a Team Captain or individual walker for this year! It does help us out for planning purposes to have teams and individuals register in advance, so if you know you will be joining us, please go ahead and register!

You CAN use the same username and password from last year's walk site to register for this year.  If you have ANY difficulties, please don't hesitate to contact Alyssa Louagie at (513) 860-8387 or alouagie@nami-bc.org - she would be happy to help you through the registration process or troubleshoot for you!

If this is your first exposure to our annual event, you can view the 2013 NAMIWalk video here to find out what to expect!

The Value of Family-to-Family  

The following was shared by a Family-to-Family class participant after she had completed the class. For upcoming classes please visit www.nami-bc.org/our-programs  

When my son first started showing signs of mental illness, I searched the internet for answers. Then a counselor at the hospital recommended that we seek some family support. It was here that I found out about NAMI. My first contact with NAMI was at an educational meeting. It was a small group and the people were very welcoming. I decided to attend a NAMI Family-to-Family class in order to find out about resources and support options for my son.

At first, I thought that 12 weeks for 2 ½ hours each was a big commitment, but once I started, the time passed by so quickly. Still, there were lots of excuses to either not take the course or not complete it:

• I'm too tired from working all day - well, the facilitators have also worked all day and are committed to being there for 12 weeks. They must think it is worth their time.

• My favorite TV show is on during that time - you can record your show and watch it at any time (or maybe find it on the internet)

• I won't have time to get dinner beforehand - my group had a snack list, so you can have cookies and pretzels to hold you over until dinner. Some people even bring dinner.

• My family member is getting better, maybe this will just all go away - Many times as a family we take two steps forward and three steps back, so we need to continue the class to get a better understanding of the struggles of mental illness and be better prepared for the steps back.

The most important thing I want to share with you is why I benefited from taking the NAMI Family to Family class. It is why going 2 ½ hours for 12 weeks passed by so quickly.

1. This was the first place I was able to share my story and concerns in confidence with other families who understood and didn't make ignorant comments about mental illness or my situation; the first time I really felt I was not alone.

2. I came to realize over time that my dreams for my son had to be adjusted given his mental illness, and though it isn't easy, it helps to have support.

3. Learning facts about mental illness has shaped my new attitude about stigmas and people who struggle with various mental illnesses. I am more compassionate.

4. By taking the Family to Family class, many things began to click for me. Information from books, doctor visits, therapy sessions and hospital stays were all topics that we discussed in class that gave me a fact-based understanding of what it is like to have mental illness. Education stomps stigma and ignorance!

5. I learned that there are some things that I could control; my unconditional love for my son, my compassion and support for him, being an advocate, and accepting the new journey our family would take with mental illness.

6. Lastly, after taking the family to family class you can join the family support group to share your progress and struggles with mental illness. You don't have to go it alone anymore.

2014 NAMIWalk Kickoff Luncheon 

 

You are cordially invited to attend the

 

NAMI Butler County

 

9th Annual NAMIWalks

Free Kick-off Luncheon

For Team Captains and Walk Sponsors

 

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Registration at 11:45 a.m., Lunch begins at Noon

 

Courtyard by Marriott Hamilton

1 Riverfront Plaza

Hamilton, OH 45011

 

Information and materials will be distributed to help you:

• Organize and motivate a Walk team
• Learn about NAMI's online services
• Explore sponsorship opportunities

 

PLEASE RSVP by Friday, August 1, 2014 

(513) 860-8387 or info@nami-bc.org

Upcoming Education Meeting Speakers

Join us for our free Education Meetings the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM.  Meetings are held at the Mental Health Board office located at 5963 Boymel Drive in Fairfield.  All are welcome! 

Aug 21st:  

Julie Thomas, LISW-S,  Veteran's Administration Medical Center   

An Overview of Local VA Mental Health Services and the Dayton VA Medical Center 

Sept 18th:   Dr. Brett Dowdy, PsyD, Lindner Center of Hope

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing focuses on the motivational processes within an individual which can create change. Motivational Interviewing is now established as an evidence-based practice in the treatment of individuals with substance use disorders and some mental health disorders.    

Dr. Dowdy is an expert in motivational interviewing and works with adults and adolescents struggling with change. Dr. Dowdy is one of four Lindner Center of HOPE clinicians who have completed intensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Prior to joining the Lindner Center of HOPE, Dr. Dowdy served as a Clinical Administrator at Summit Behavioral Healthcare in Cincinnati, Ohio, directing an inpatient group therapy program.  Dr. Dowdy also served as a staff psychologist for Summit Behavioral Healthcare. He is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT).     

Book Review

Membership Update 

 We currently have 82 members as of June 30, 2014 and 1,109 people who receive our email communications. Remember, however, that your NAMI membership is a one-year membership, and therefore needs to be renewed each year. Please don't forget to renew your membership before it expires!  

Sign Up or Renew Online click "add to cart" and pay with PayPal!

Annual Membership Dues:

Individual ...........................................................................$35.00

Open Door (Hardship cases).................................................$3.00