December 2016 Bulletin 
 
From the President's Desk:  

On December 1st we heard the wonderful news that H.R 34 was passed by the Senate and will now go to President Obama's desk
for a final signature into law.
Mary Giliberti, NAMI's Chief Executive Officer, is quoted as saying, "This is a pivotal milestone on the road to mental health
reform. By passing H.R 34, the House and Senate have shown that they consider fixing our nation's broken health system
to be a national priority."
As I complete my presidency, I know that NAMI Four Seasons will continue working hard in our local community to advocate, support and educate and help promote this new legislation. It has been an honor to work with the board and our volunteers and I will continue
 to support NAMI Four Seasons from afar as my husband and I embark on a new phase of our lives; traveling and enjoying the
USA.
The holidays are upon us and unfortunately for most of us, the
stress that comes with it.
NAMI North Carolina has some ideas of how to alleviate some of
the stress:
1) It can be very beneficial to write your thoughts down in a
notebook or journal. Journaling has been shown to be healing.
It can evoke mindfulness as you are in the moment when you
journal. It can also spark creativity.
2) Simply going for a walk can reduce stress. Walking can boost endorphins (the happy chemicals) in your brain and reduce
anxiety. It can also increase relaxation.
3) Another way to reduce stress is to take a bath. Bathing helps
your mood. It also is proven to help ease muscle pain. A bath
before bed helps to get a good night's sleep.
4) You may want to take a break from watching the News.
Negative news can impact our stress level. Getting a steady
stream of news from social media is also not advised.
5) There are many benefits to listening to music. Music can reduce stress and anxiety. It can relieve symptoms of depression. Music
can elevate your mood. It also can improve sleep quality.
These stress reducing ideas are small samples to get you thinking. Anything healthy that makes you feel better can help with stress
relief!

 
Adrienne Brady
NAMI Four Seasons Board President 
 
Click the box below to visit our website:

Announcement!
NEW SUPPORT GROUP 
For persons living with mental illness 
 
The name of the support group for people living with mental illness
is: "Connection." The group will meet on the second Thursday of
each month at 6:30 - 8pm at the:  

First United Congregational Church of Christ (FUCC)
1735 5th Ave West
Hendersonville, NC 28739
 
(Park in large lot & enter through side door to Parlor room)

A 90-minute support group facilitated by two (2) trained volunteers
who live with mental illness.

The group begins Thursday, January 12, 2017

For more information contact: Lisa Wilt: (888) 955-6264
NAMI Informational Forums

Beginning in March 2017, our Informational Forums will include:

PTSD  (which is not just a military problem)
 
Eating Disorders, Therapy Pets & Autism

There will be four informational programs in Hendersonville for 2017. The meetings will be held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6pm.  
 

Dates and location to be announced. 

Education

 

FAMILY-TO-FAMILY CLASS
HENDERSON COUNTY
 
Classes begin February 27th and end April 6th 2017
Mondays and Thursdays 6pm to 8:30pm-Henderson County
Advanced registration required:
Call Charlie Moreland: (828)-768-4895
 
The 12-session Family-to-Family Course provides participants with vital Information, insight and understanding of their mentally ill loved one(s) that many describe as life changing.
The classes are extremely informative and can help a person to understand and empathize with their loved one. They provide information on medications, new treatment modalities, handling crises, communication techniques, self-care and more.
Class size is limited so don't delay!

ADVOCACY
North Carolina Legislative Breakfast on Mental Health
Raleigh, NC

Saturday, January 28, 2017
8am -11:30am

A large gathering from across the state to meet with members of the NC General Assembly and local elected officials. This year's event will focus on mental health issues from pre-natal care to adult services, and should be a great educational opportunity.
We have two (2) board members who will be going, any other interested members please call:

Lisa Wilt: (888) 955-6264
 
SUPPORT GROUPS

Henderson & Polk Counties:
 
Grace Lutheran Church
1245 Sixth Avenue West
Hendersonville, NC 28791
 
Fourth Saturday of every month at 10:00 a.m.

A support group for friends and family members who have a loved one with a mental illness.

THERE WILL BE NOT BE A FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP ON CHRISTMAS EVE, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2016.

The next Family Support Group is on:
Saturday, January 28, 2017

For More Information: 
888-955-6264
 


In Memorium
 
Mr. Joseph "Joe" Gernoske, age 78, died Sunday,  
November 20, 2016 at his home. Joe was a long time NAMI Four Seasons m ember. Among many things, Joe assisted with the NAMI Four Seas ons Family Support Group held at Grace Lutheran Church. He was also the Founding Board Chairperson of THRIVE in 2006.
Donations in Joe's memory may be sent to:
THRIVE
522 Kanuga Road
Hendersonville, NC 28729

Joe's Memorial Service was held on Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Hendersonville, NC.


NAMI Four Seasons is a grassroots affiliate of NAMI National and NAMI North Carolina serving
Henderson and Polk Counties. Our mission is to provide support, education and advocacy for families affected by mental illness in our local communities, and to advocate for quality of life without stigma or discrimination. For more information visit our website:
www.namifourseasons.org

Nami Four Seasons | PO Box 2108 | Hendersonville | NC | 28793-2108