My NAMI Story 

The following is a letter written by a high school student explaining a donation she recently made to NAMI Butler County.

 

In a book I once read, it had a saying reoccurring throughout the book. It stated, "Down is inevitable, up is a choice." People become so consumed by what others think, it allows them to dictate how we live our lives. Then, without realizing it, we lose touch with who we really are.

 

In my life I've done many good things to cherish, but I also grew flaws. During my high school career, I was always concerned about what others thought and I became so consumed with their opinions that I didn't know who I was anymore. The mistakes I made began to outweigh my perspective on the good that life had to offer. I grew into dark times during my high school career. I had very low periods that were so emotionally draining that I couldn't find the strength to crawl out of bed in the morning. I began to release my hatred upon myself. I just hoped I would feel normal again; not better, just normal. I didn't understand why somebody like me who had all the resources in the world to be reasonably well, couldn't find happiness.

 

During the time I was being diagnosed as sick, I came across a video on YouTube with NAMI's national day of recognition for the mentally ill. I watched it and became comforted in the idea that I wasn't alone. I researched all of NAMI's work and became motivated to help them as I was helping myself in recovery. I began a fundraiser in my school as a chance to bring awareness towards mental illnesses. When I started to collect jars full of money, it occurred to me that people donated on behalf of knowing or being someone who suffered. I got comments by familiar faces I would pass in the hall; they wanted to help others see a better life because they knew how it felt to be hopeless. It turns out my school knew more about mental illness than I expected. I was told many people have been forming teams within my school and signing up for NAMI's local walk as a chance to give back, as a chance to help people who are struggling just like them.

 

Living well with a mental disorder takes work and it doesn't all happen at once. There will never be a day where a light bulb goes off and you say "you're cured." The reality is that you're not a bike that can go into the shop and get fixed immediately; you need ongoing maintenance. There will always be hard times during which you have work left to do. NAMI showed me that we owe it to ourselves to keep trying. I've grown to notice that there is life on the other side in times that seem so hopeless and helpless. There is life; surprising, wonderful, and unexpected life after diagnoses.

 

Ashley

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! 

May 21st: Sheri McCullah Casbeer, PCC-S, LICDC-CS, TRM,

Family Recovery from Mental Illness  

This two day training, offered during the day on Thursday, June 18th and Friday, June 19th will train individuals regarding how to respond to mental health situations. There is a maximum of 30 participants, so please register in advance by emailing info@nami-bc.org with your name and contact information.   

Launching Faith Outreach at NAMI Butler County  

By Denyce Peyton, Program Director 

In January 2014, our affiliate formed a committee to develop our mission, goals and strategic plan for Faith Outreach in Butler County. Several members have supported development of this outreach and we were fortunate to be able to convene a group of willing volunteers to participate as steering committee members.

Our mission statement follows:

"The mission of NAMI's faith outreach is to build relationships with the faith community of Butler County to improve the quality of life for families and individuals whose lives are impacted by mental health disorders."

Briefly, the objectives for Faith Outreach are:  

• We believe that spirituality is a vital part of the healing and wholeness of all people.
• NAMI has the means to educate the faith community regarding mental health disorders and their impact on families and individuals.
• NAMI is a resource for families and individuals whose lives are affected by mental illness, in the general community inclusive of faith communities

On March 28, 2015, seventeen volunteers met with us to participate in a four hour Faith Ambassador training session. We presented comprehensive information about NAMI's purpose in faith outreach, honoring the diversity of faith communities in Butler County, outreach and relationship strategies and the importance of recruiting and retaining active, willing volunteers to achieve success with this effort. Our approach was informal to encourage participation and feedback from attendees, and we feel we met this objective. Our interaction included question/answer, as well as role-play opportunities and meaningful discussion about faith and the healing/recovery process for individuals and families.

Faith Outreach is a new venture for NAMI Butler County and we recognize that we will learn as we go. We are excited about reaching this milestone in our planning and development and are encouraged by the willing participation our new "Faith Ambassadors" who joined us on March 28^th.

Without our dedicated volunteers, NAMI Butler County would not be successful in our education, outreach and advocacy efforts. We encourage all who are interested to join this meaningful outreach project and to recruit friends and family members to join us also! Please contact us at the NAMI office to volunteer. 

Book Reviews

Membership Update 

 We currently have 104 members as of March 31, 2014 and 1,194 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