From the Desk of:
During the past few weeks, we have been busy planning and replanning our programs and services for the next six months. We, at NAMI CC&I, in March, anticipated a return to a certain amount of normalcy by this time. However, as we all know, that is not happening, making moving forward and planning a challenge for us, as it is for everyone.
We are especially concerned about children and young people as their lives have been uprooted at a crucial time in their physical and emotional development. With the help of Dr. James McGuire, we are developing an educational series based on the work of Dr. Bruce Perry who has spent 20 years studying brain development and the effects that events and environment have upon it. Dr. Perry also collaborates with Dr. Stuart Ablon, the Director of the Think:Kids (CPS) program at Massachusetts General Hospital. NAMI National has also made the six week Basics course for parents of children who are experiencing issues, on line and on demand. You will find several other child-related resources and links in the Newsletter.
We are here on a daily basis and are ready to take support calls and share resources. Do not hesitate to reach out. There are also some Family 2 Family classes being held via Zoom. If you are interested, reach out to Kim Lemmon, the Director of family Programs, to find a class that would work for you.
Stay safe and take time for self-care!
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COVID Talks
“I feel like I am in a prison” says an 81 year old woman living in an assisted living community.
“Feels like living in the Twilight Zone” says a 60 year old woman.
“I am so over this” says a 56 year old man.
“I wish I had known I wouldn’t have a job to go back to; I could have been looking for another one” says a 42 year old recently unemployed lending agent.
“It’s my constitutional right – I don’t have to wear a mask” says a 35 year old woman in the grocery store.
“We’re not worried about getting sick, we miss our friends” states a group of 28 year olds at the Pub.
“I am not learning anything in these online courses ” says a 20 year old college student.
“I miss my friends” says a 14 year old high school student.
“I just want to go to school” says a second grade child.
Have you heard similar statements from people you know, or while watching the news? The social and economic restrictions have people talking - talking about the negative impact to their daily routine, their livelihoods, family dynamics and relationships.
Talking is a way of coping. When we say how we feel, and are heard, we feel validated. When people disagree with or dismiss the way we are feeling, it can be hurtful. However, not talking about our feelings can lead to isolation, which can lead to unpleasant emotions such as depression and/or anxiety.
We have been talking here at the NAMI office about the benefits a “Talk COVID” Support Group that may offer people an opportunity to manage a way to think and feel during this difficult time. “Talk COVID” would be a monthly support group in a Zoom format where people can receive and offer support and validation during this period of time which will someday be an “interesting memory”.
If you find this idea interesting, and wish to participate in such a group, please email Kim Lemmon at klemmon@namicapecod.org
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NAMI Basics is an education program available free of charge for parents and other family caregivers who provide care for youth (age 22 or younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms. Since 2009, NAMI Basics has been offered in an in-person format by NAMI Affiliates in local communities. To meet increasing demand for more convenient access to the program, NAMI created an OnDemand version of NAMI Basics, which is offered online and available 24/7. Both NAMI Basics format options - in person and OnDemand - offer parents and caregivers the unique opportunity to quickly realize they're not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope.
Program Highlights Include
• Solving problems and communicating effectively
• How to take care of yourself and handle stress
• Accepting that mental health conditions are no one's fault
• Developing the confidence and stamina to support your child with compassion
• Advocating for your child's rights at school and in health care settings
• Learning about different types of mental health care professionals, available treatment options and therapies
• Preparing for and responding to crisis
• Gaining an overview of the public mental health care, school and juvenile justice systems
• Understanding the challenges and impact of mental health conditions on your entire family
• Brain biology and getting a diagnosis
Choose the option that works best for you. As a program, NAMI Basics can be helpful for a variety of families and households in need, on their own terms, based on their time availability. Attend in person or participate online with the new OnDemand option. Start your path to hope and recovery through NAMI Basics.
Learn more at NAMl.org/basics
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NAMI Support Group Schedule Update
For Family and Friends of People with Mental Illness
NOTE: ALL GROUPS ARE CURRENTLY MEETING IN ZOOM
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East Harwich
1st Thursday of month
St. Peter's Lutheran Church
310 Route 137
1/4 mile south of Rt. 6, Exit 11
6:00 – 7:00 PM
Contact: NAMI 508-778-4277
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Barnstable
3rd Tuesday of month
St. Mary's Episcopal Church
3055 Main St. (Rt. 6A)
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Contact:
NAMI 508-778-4277
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Falmouth
4th Monday of month
Gus Canty Recreation Center
790 Main St.
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Contact: Bill at
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Wellfleet
4th Tuesday of month
Wellfleet Preservation Hall
335 Main Street
6:00 – 7:30 pm
Contact: NAMI 508-778-4277
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Nantucket
2nd Tuesday of month
Sherbourne Commons
(Sherbourne House Room)
40 Sherbourne Commons Drive
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Contact: Suzanne at
508-221-6202
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Martha's Vineyard
1st Sunday of month
Island Wide Collaborative
Martha’s Vineyard Comm. Serv.
111 Edgartown Rd, Vineyard Haven
6:00 – 7:30 PM
Contact: Maryanne DelVecchio
at 860-690-4583
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Martha's Vineyard
2nd Tuesday of month
Island Wide Collaborative
Martha’s Vineyard Comm. Serv.
111 Edgartown Rd, Vineyard Haven
6:00-7:30 PM
Contact: Cecilia at
201-981-5123
ckbrennan@yahoo.com
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Support for Parents
Schizophrenia Diagnosis
MASHPEE
1st Tuesday of the month
400 Nathan Ellis Highway
Suite B 6:30 pm
Contact: Cliff at
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Family and Friends Supporting
Borderline Personality Disorder
Zoom Meeting
2nd Wednesday of month
Contact: Kim Lemmon
508-778-4277
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For People with Mental Illness
ORLEANS
Every Saturday
Federated Church of Orleans
162 Main Street, East Orleans
Outside Live: 4:30-6:00
Bring a beach chair & mask
Every Sunday
Via Zoom: 3:00 -4:30
Contact NAMI – 508-778-4277
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Ellen Carty
"My COVID NAMI Alternative Experience"
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The COVID pandemic disrupted many aspects of our lives as we knew them. It has been a time of discomfort, anxiety, financial challenges and I suspect affected many in ways that surprised us. I too had to make adjustments that caused me some angst and discomfort-but one thing I have learned is the more I embrace discomfort, the greater my comfort zone expands. As a clinician in the Cape Cod ED and a student in the post master’s psychiatric mental health program at UMASS Amherst, my summer clinicals were put on indefinite hold. I reached out to Julius Cyr, my state representative and an advocate for mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery to explore ways that I could both serve and learn during this time.
Within several days I had an interview with the amazing Cape and Island NAMI team. Jackie, Kim and Mary gave me an opportunity to become an observer, to learn and to take deeper dive into their work. I have also become more aware of the data that shows up to 80% of patients agreed that their mental health conditions had had a detrimental effect on their family. It can be a painful and traumatic time and can impact a family's financial and emotional components. When it comes to mental illness, the emotional and behavioral consequences for family members go largely ignored I have had the privilege to experience the mission of NAMI in a deep and meaningful way. The commitment to the families of those with mental illness is understated. My exposure to the on-demand Basics, participation in ZOOM support outreach for family and friends with mental illness and outreach to families by phone have been important as I look at my next steps.
As I move forward to my next steps, I have considered what this NAMI experience has meant for me both professionally and personally. I am adjusting my practice in the emergency department to advocate and for and include the NAMI resources available to families and staff. I will share this data with my colleagues and anyone who reaches out to me for support. And I will look at how I can continue to support the work of NAMI. And I thank the discomfort of a pandemic to stretch my comfort zone in ways I would not have imagined.
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Good morning NAMI Family,
Island photographer Michael Blanchard has released his 2021 calendar, which benefits NAMI MV. The photographs are beautiful, and Michael has written powerful motivations to go with each month. You'll also quotes from some familiar NAMI MV folks interspersed within the pages.
Throughout the next 6 months, Michael will be running ads to promote the calendar. He'd love to include some short personal accounts of how NAMI MV has helped families on Island. If you would be willing to share a few sentences on how NAMI MV has helped you and your family, we could include your endorsement in one of the ads.
Please email me with your endorsement (2-4 sentences), it you'd like to submit one.
Peace and hope,
Lisa Belcastro
NAMI MV Coordinator
508-776-3746
Lisa Belcastro
Stories of Faith, Hope, and Love on the Island of Martha's Vineyard
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FREE THERAPY ON NANTUCKET
With help from the Nantucket Emergency Relief Fund, National Alliance on Mental Illness is able to offer free appointments with mental health therapists for those who are uninsured or whose insurance is not accepted by private therapists.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Confidential William James Interface Help Line: 1-888-244-6843
NAMI CC&I Office: 1-508-778-4277
In these times of uncertainty, it is okay to not be okay.
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Cape Cod Children's Place Updates
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Parent Education Programs Via Zoom
"Raising Healthy Families: Positive Discipline"
- Runs from August 12-September 16th on Wednesdays from 6-7:30 pm
- 6 part series
- Lead by Cindy Horgan & Carol Biondi
"Nurturing Skills for Families"
- Runs from September 23rd-December 16th on Wednesdays from 6-7:30 pm
- 12 part series
- Lead by Cindy Horgan, Carol Biondi, and in partnership with The Family Nurturing Center
"Mindfulness for Self Care"
- Runs from August 25th-September 22nd on Tuesdays from 8:30-9:30 pm
- 4 part series
- Lead by Dan Schwartzman
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Parent/Child Activities
Mondays 9-9:45am
Mondays 10:30-11:15am
Fridays 9-9:45 am
- Circle time with Daniela
- Movement
- Stories
- Themed Play
To register and recieve zoom links to the above programs please email cbiondi@capecodchildrensplace.com
To find puppet shows with Mary Wilson follow the link provided below
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMG9X1_76kcmilH9h_rXbVg
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For Dennis, Yarmouth, and Barnstable Families
Providing...
- "Grow With Me" ongoing gardening program
- Incoming Kindergarten Kits
- Outdoor Tyke Hikes
To Register email
wilsonm@dy-regional.k.12.ma.us
or
barnstablecfce123@gmail.com
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Parent Advisory Council
Will be meeting via zoom on August 26th at 1:30 pm
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Sharing Kindness has added Grief related resources to their website to support children and adults who have been effected by loss of...
- Community Supports
- Employment
- Predictable Schedules
- Schooling
Resources provided include...
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Back to School Info
"Back-to-School-Guide"
https://onoursleeves.org/find-help/tools-for-you/back-to-school-guide?sc_camp=7F1FE890F2D542E79BDD299C1CE49244&utm_source=Foundation%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=On%20Our%20Sleeves
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Barnstable News Letter
"Caring for a Person Living With Dementia at Home"
"COVID-19: Supporting a Person with Dementia in Residential Care"
COMMUNITY AGENCIES AND THERAPISTS OFFERING TELEHEALTH SUPPORT
Telehealth and Suicide Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic
helpful utility links
food access and resources
Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund
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Mass Gov: "Wear A Mask In Public"
Main Key Points
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- It is important that individuals wear face coverings or masks in situations where they find that it is difficult to maintain social distancing (6 feet from others)
- Face coverings should cover both the nose and mouth
- When wearing masks made out of cloth make sure that...
- It fits snugly and comfortable against the side of your face
- When you wear a cloth mask, it should:
- Fits snugly but comfortably against the side of your face
- Be secured in some way via ear loops or ties
- Have more than one layer of fabric
- Allow you to breath without much restriction
- Be machine washable and dry able
- When putting on or taking off a mask you should not touch the front of the mask directly, rather use the ear loops/straps, and or ties
- Make sure your mask is cleaned regularly
For more information follow the link below
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NAMI CC&I | 5 Mark Lane, Hyannis, MA 02601 | (508)778-4277
www.namicapecod.org
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