Premiering tonight at the Loft Theater for  one night only is the awarding winning documentary “Of Two Minds.”  The director will be available after the showing for questions and answers as well as a panel consisting of a local psychiatrist, a person living with Bipolar and a family member.  Sponsored in part by The Aurora Foundation of Southern Arizona.  The film begins at 7pm with Q and A afterwards.  A DVD of the film will also be available.  I’ll provide my “review” tomorrow.

 

OF TWO MINDS puts an authentic human face on bipolar, providing an intimate and stigma-busting look at those who live in its shadows – our parents and children, our friends and lovers… and ourselves ONE SHOW ONLY MAY 14TH AT 7 PM! LIVE PANEL Q&A AFTER THE FILM! Tickets & Info at: www.loftcinema.com/film/of-two-minds/

 

Mental Illnesses are not curable at this point, but they are recoverable and people can live healthy productive lives while managing their illness.  The Pima County Peer and Family Support Coalition is sponsoring a “Town Hall Meeting” to promote a bright future for our youth currently receiving behavioral health services. “Journeys of Peers and Families,”  an event to enlighten our community about the realities of mental health recovery, will engage attendees with real life stories from a panel of adults and youth currently in recovery.  Since recovery also depends on a support system,  family members of those with mental illnesses will also share their compelling  standpoint.

The evening begins at 6:00 pm and will be held at C.P.S.A, at 2502 N. Dodge, Suite 130 in Tucson. Light refreshments will be served  Reservations are requested to (520) 770-1197 and child care will be provided if required, so please request upon confirmation.

The event is supported by local non-profits, MiKid, HOPE, Inc., and CFSS.

(Below is the Proclamation making May Mental Health Awareness Month)

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Today, tens of millions of Americans are living with the burden of a mental health problem. They shoulder conditions like depression and anxiety, post-traumatic stress and bipolar disorder — debilitating illnesses that can strain every part of a person’s life. And even though help is out there, less than half of children and adults with diagnosable mental health problems receive treatment. During National Mental Health Awareness Month, we shine a light on these issues, stand with men and women in need, and redouble our efforts to address mental health problems in America.

For many, getting help starts with a conversation. People who believe they may be suffering from a mental health condition should talk about it with someone they trust and consult a health care provider. As a Nation, it is up to all of us to know the signs of mental health issues and lend a hand to those who are struggling. Shame and stigma too often leave people feeling like there is no place to turn. We need to make sure they know that asking for help is not a sign of weakness — it is a sign of strength. To find treatment services nearby, call 1-800-662-HELP. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers immediate assistance for all Americans, including service members and veterans, at 1-800-273-TALK.

Our commitment cannot end there. We must ensure people have access to the care they need — which is why the Affordable Care Act will expand mental health and substance use disorder benefits and Federal parity protections for 62 million Americans. For the first time, the health care law will prevent insurers from denying coverage because of a pre-existing condition. The Act already requires new health plans to cover recommended preventive services like depression screening and behavioral assessments for children at no extra cost to patients.

My Administration will keep building on those achievements. Earlier this year, I was proud to launch the BRAIN Initiative — a new partnership between government, scientists, and leaders in the private sector to invest in research that could unlock new treatments for mental illness and drive growth throughout our economy. We have made unprecedented commitments to improving mental health care for veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. And we have proposed new funding for mental health programs that will help teachers and other adults recognize the signs of mental illness in children, improve mental health outcomes for young people, and train 5,000 more mental health professionals to serve our youth.

Mental health problems remain a serious public health concern, but together, our Nation is making progress. This month, I encourage all Americans to advance this important work by raising awareness about mental health and lending strength to all who need it.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2013 as National Mental Health Awareness Month. I call upon citizens, government agencies, organizations, health care providers, and research institutions to raise mental health awareness and continue helping Americans live longer, healthier lives.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

BARACK OBAMA

Last Saturday I had the opportunity to participate in a panel that fielded questions and discussed the challenges of mental illness.  During the hour, struggles faced by a person living with mental illness  as well as the difficulties a care giver confronts while trying to support a person with a diagnosis were addressed.  Unlike many of the panel discussions I have participated in where we have spoken mostly to people currently involved in the mental health community, this group was much more diverse and consequently less informed about the illnesses, treatments, stigma and recovery.  It was a fascinating discussion and hopefully enlightening to those in attendance.

Afterwards, I was able to watch the Broadway Musical now playing at the Arizona Theater Company, “Next to Normal.”  The play exquisitely tells the story of a family’s struggle with mental illness.  In this case, the Mother is struggling with Bipolar Disorder and the rest of the family is  doing the best they can to cope with the unpredictable scenarios that are faced on a daily basis.  When Mom is feeling hypo-manic everything is great.  But, inevitably either the bottom falls out and Mom becomes horribly depressed or just as awful, Mom becomes manic and repercussions can be just as devastating. The Dad misses the exuberant young woman he first fell in love with. The teenage daughter feels un-noticed and at times unloved by an overwhelmed Dad and an ill Mom. As for the son, well……I’ll leave his story out of this blog as I wouldn’t want to spoil it for anyone going to see this play.

Suffice it to say that this dramatic musical tells a complicated, absorbing tale of life in a family with mental illness.  After all, when someone in the family have a serious illness, everyone is effected, no matter if it’s a physical illness or a mental illness.  The narrative, told almost exclusively with song, is compelling and realistic.  Having experienced mental illness in my family, it touched me as if  my best friend was sharing her family life with me.  The author has great insight  and the actors were amazing.

The first steps in changing attitudes about mental illness are awareness  and education. This production does an excellent job in demystifying the reality of mental illness.  One in four families are effected by mental illness and mainstream media, even  Broadway musicals, can have a huge impact on advancing that goal.

In addition to the silent auction and dinner, the evening will include a presentation ceremony and keynote speech from Dr. Jose Apud, Clinical Director of the Schizophrenia Research Program at the National Institutes of Mental Health.  Dr. Nicholas Breitborde will also provide an update on the new Epicenter (Early Psychosis Intervention Center) at the UPH South Campus.

The event was founded in 2007 in an effort by the Daniel Moreno Family to increase awareness about mental health recovery and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.  Ten local individuals have previously been selected to receive the Daniel Moreno Recovery Award.  The 2012 Recovery Award will be presented to Sarah Martin, the Advocate Award will be presented to Neal Cash, CPSA CEO/President, the Educator Award to Peter Likins, President Emeritus of the University of Arizona and Adreinne Sainz, LMSW, Clinician at La Frontera will receive the Direct Service Provider. More information about the recipients will be provided over the next month on this blog.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Aurora Foundation, a local non-profit dedicated to advancing disability justice and the newly formed Southern Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition.  For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit the website at: www.planetaurora.org

According to recent press releases, Brewer’s involvement in state politics started with her activism pushing better treatment and care for our state’s seriously mentally ill population.  Her son is diagnosed with a serious mental illness and has spent time in-patient at the Arizona State Mental Hospital.  As a Mom with a son who had a serious mental illness, I certainly can understand her motivation to try and make a difference.  Stigma continues to be pervasive and some still believe it’s the Mother’s fault when a mental illness presents itself.  Character flaws, laziness, and violent behavior automatically get labeled as mental illnesses when medical science knows that these illnesses are actual biological brain disorders that are treatable.  With proper medical treatment and support people have and do live in recovery.

Given all the positive news about the potential for recovery, why in the world has Govenor Brewer decided to not only distance herself from the issues, but supported drastic slashes to budgets that assist people with mental illness?  I understand that we need to cut our spending, but why cut spending for our state’s most vulnerable?  In the long run, as Gov. Brewer knows, we will end up spending more for emergency room visits, hospitalizations and incarcerations for ignored people living with a treatable mental illness.  With all the publicity and nation wide visability she has created over the last several months, it seems a shame to me that she hasn’t used the opportunity to advance anti-stigma and the value of  proper treatment to some of our states most vulnerable…….including her son.  Is the illegal immigraton bandwagon the only issue she can focus on now?

Some have struggled for years to find the right medication “cocktail” and now the rug is being pulled out from under them. They won’t be able to afford the newer, more effective drugs that can cost thousands of dollars a month and they won’t have a therapist or case manager monitoring their changes.  Many are the “working poor” who make just a few too many dollars to qualify for the the state’s medicaid system, AHCCCS;  also  in jeopardy of loosing millions.

Yes, it looks like it could get even worse since  Congress may not extend the states Medicaid assistance. Medicaid assistance from the federal government was voted against by the U.S. Senate last week.  Without it, Arizona’s health care budget falls further into the red.  In a letter to Arizona members of Congress, Governor Brewer complained that “(I)t has become clear that Congress does not have the will to assist states in addressing the very problem that it created.” Based on her combative attitude displayed recently all over the media, I will be surprised if any “Fed” will pay attention.

I guess you can tell I’m angry, but instead of complaining, I wish she would use the same “take charge” attitude towards our state’s health care system as she does toward our illegal immigration issues where no expense spared is the mantra.  We’re soon to be using our local city and state law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration laws.  Plus, there always seems to be more money to build more prisons to house the additional “illegal immigrants.”  What about using money to house and treat some of our state’s most vulnerable citizens?

The Obama administration launched a new health care reform website yesterday that provides information to the public on “the full range of public and private health insurance plans” that fits their specific circumstances. Mandated by the health reform law, the site will show users how their options “will change in coming years” as the law takes effect. – The Progress Report, July 1, 2010

An email came in from Linked in  today from a “certified mental health recovery educator” asking for input.  I signed on to Linked-in and this is what I found…

“If you were interviewing a mental health professional to see if their beliefs are congruent with those of the “Recovery Model” of mental health care, what top 3-5 questions would you ask?

I have a client who wants to locate someone in my area that is recovery-oriented, and I found myself explaining the Recovery Model as I know it today to the very first psychiatrist I called. I don’t have time to talk to everyone like that, so I am trying to narrow my interviews down to just a few questions. Recovery IS possible. People DO recover and can live long and product lives. Yeah peer support and boo institutions, people know what’s best for themselves and all of that. What would your top 3-5 questions be?”

Imagine my shock when I read the first response:

“I suspect you are thinking about Substance Abuse rather than mental illness or psychothopathology. There is no such concept as recovery. Treatment or cure may be possible but not recovery.”

WHAT? I’m not printing his name because I don’t want him to be overwhelmed with angry phone calls, but how can it be that a person who is currently involved in the mental health community hasn’t even heard about mental health recovery?  As one responder who is currently living a life in mental health recovery said, ” it’s heartbreaking to read the response……”

I have talked about recovery in previous posts, but I think it needs to be stressed again.  Recovery is possible and very real! I have met dozens of people over the last several years who are in mental health recovery……..one girl I remember had been told while in the throes of a particularly intense psychotic episode that she would remain institutionalized all of her life!  I am here to say, she is not only living independently, but she has a great job and a happy life!  And, her story is NOT unusual!

My family and I recognize people in our community every year that are in recovery with the Daniel Moreno Recovery Award.  It is named after my son who died by suicide after being diagnosed with schizophrenia five years prior. Recovery does not come easy, but it is a reality and is probable with the correct medication if needed, support and treatment. The big problem – only half of those with mental illness receive treatment, yet estimates as high as 80% of those that do get proper treatment do recover.

If you or someone you know is seeking treatment for a mental health issue, I suggest the first question you ask the provider is:  “Do you believe in mental health recovery?” I wouldn’t want you to work with someone that didn’t.

“Thinking outside the box” was a phrase heard repeatedly and for many attending that answer was not enough to calm their fears. For a population accustomed to difficulties  finding appropriate mental health care that particular phrase has become a mantra.

One question about how the non-title XIX residents will be covered if they are currently in the Arizona State Hospital was never answered.

Of major concern to me is the misguided thought by some in Phoenix that people that are currently taking some of the more expensive, newer anti-psychotics, mood stabilizers and anti-depressants  can now be administered some of the older, less expensive drugs to save money.  What he forgot to say when talking about the older, less expensive medications is that they don’t work for some people.  Hence the reason for being prescribed the newer, more effective medications. Plus, the newer medications don’t have some of the debilitating side effects  that the older medications cause.  (Although, I must admit all of these medications do have some sort of negative side effect)

Even when a certain medication is successfully treating some of the symptoms today,  next week, next month or next year it may loose it’s efficacy and a new medication will need to be introduced; most likely a newer drug.

The state’s crisis system which had up until recently seen some positive advances is now experiencing limited funding as well.   It was suggested at the meeting that family members “step up” to the plate and do what they can to cover the shortages like manning all night crisis phone lines, etc.  on a volunteer basis.  Hum…….I guess that might work if their loved one isn’t in a crisis because their newly prescribed medication is working!

Mark Stein from KOLD News 13 cut the ribbon and the walkers were off to the sounds of the Seven Pipers Scottish Society Bagpipe members.

Almost 100 volunteers assisted in organizing and implementing the huge event including NAMI Southern Arizona and NAMI Southeastern Arizona volunteers, members from local Kiwanis clubs, Rincon High School, Pima and Cochise Colleges.  Mental health provider services provided information and several local restaurants donated food and refreshments. The crowd was also entertained with Karaoke, Japanese Drummers and Folklorico Dancers. Over fifty local businesses and organizations proided sponsorships of cash and in-kind donations.

Local mental health providers CODAC and La Frontera had super size walking teams of over 300 particpants each.  Other huge teams were in attendance from University Physicians Healthcare, COPE, Intermountain, and the University of Arizona’s Health and Wellness Center.  Some teams walked in memory of a lost one or in recognition of a family member living with a mental illness.  Community College teams participated as did teams from local churches, law enforcement agencies including the Pima County Attorney’s office and the Veteran’s Administration Healthcare.

NAMIWalks Southern Arizona is the single largest fundraising event for the local NAMI affilliates in Tucson and Sierra Vista.  The event has enabled the organizations to increase the programs and services tenfold over the last four years.  NAMI services include educational classes, support groups, advocacy, Crisis Intervention Training, Speakers presentations and resource specialistists in English and in Spanish. Total donations for 2010 are down from last year, but participation is still growing increasing awareness and building the National Alliance on Mental Illness profile in our communities. One in four families are affected by mental illness and NAMI is here to support them. 

All services offered by the non-profit are totally free of charge.  Donations of support are still being accepted at the Walk website at www.nami.org/namiwalks/AZ/Tucson or by calling the office direct at 520-622-5582.

I don’t consider myself a “tax and spend” liberal, but if I had to choose one side I would definitely fall on the side of being a liberal because I believe we need to take care of our most vulnerable.  In this case, those vulnerable 310,000 people that fall below the national poverty level, but aren’t destitute enough to qualify.

Talk about insanity……as I have said before, these people will be forced to go to emergency rooms when they need care, or in the case of a person with a serious mental illness that can’t pay for their treatment something even worse could happen. Also, according to the article, with proposed cuts the state could be loosing 42,000 jobs!

Most of us are struggling in today’s economy, that’s a fact, but we are all in this together.  At least, I thought we were.  Yesterday two out of three local school districts lost their appeal to voters to approve budget over-rides.  If voters won’t approve a a very slight increase in property tax ($50 – $100 per year) to keep their school district’s head above water I’m not optimistic that they’ll vote to increase a “sin” tax for people that can’t afford health care.  Now, that’s a sin.