Shannon’s Story I’m thirty-three years old, a special education teacher, behavioral therapist, softball coach, volleyball coach, tennis player, and lover of poetry and rap and hip-hop. I live with comorbid, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Here is a summary of my life before I go into greater detail. I attended Columbia CentralContinue reading Young Adult Personal Stories Series
Nick’s Story I’m originally from California and am now a junior at the University of Michigan (U of M) studying Psychology and Neuroscience. Outside of school, I love to go on runs, spend time with my friends, and try out new coffee shops! Currently, I am on the executive board for Wolverine Support Network andContinue reading Young Adult Personal Stories Series
By Susan Todoroff and Bob Nassauer Washtenaw County Resources Washtenaw Community Mental Health Youth & Family Services Requests for services can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling Access at 734-544-3050 or 1-800-440-7548. Or Dial 2-1-1.Website: ewashtenaw.org Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES) Phone: 734-936-5900 Website: psych.med.umich.edu/patient-care/psychiatric-emergency-service/ St. Joseph Mercy Hospital AnnContinue reading Helpful Mental Health Resources for the Covid-19 Pandemic
Letting Go I had a lovely conversation with my daughter as I drove her to the Speedway gas station to get a vape refill, then to a friend’s house where she had left her bike the night before, because we didn’t want her riding it at night, especially stoned, which happens often these days. ThisContinue reading A NAMI Parent’s Essay
Washtenaw County clergy are invited to attend a virtual conference on mental health challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond. Prayer and Care: Mental Health Resources for Faith Communities will explore mental health conditions and how to access and make referrals to services at local clinics, agencies, and organizations such as NAMI. The conference willContinue reading Promoting Mental Health Through Prayer and Care
These are some of the books and workbooks that are used in NAMI Washtenaw’s Family-to-Family and Peer-to-Peer educational classes. Family-to-Family Bibliography Overcoming Depression (3rd Edition, 1997) by Demitri F. Popolos and Janice Popolos. Surviving Schizophrenia: A Family Manual (7th Edition, 2019), by E. Fuller Torrey, MD. Surviving Manic Depression: A Manual on Bipolar Disorder forContinue reading Family-to-Family and Peer-To-Peer Suggested Reading
By Linda Koopmann with Darlene Wetzel This interview was completed via email since we were unable to meet safely in person. The questions in bold italics were posed by Linda Koopmann, newsletter editor, and the responses are from Darlene Wetzel, NAMI WC’s Community Program Coordinator. We hope you enjoy learning about people like Darlene whoContinue reading Featured NAMI Washtenaw Staff Member Darlene Wetzel
Priscilla When I was growing up, my parents did their best to provide my brother and me with everything they didn’t have growing up. Despite wanting to stop generational traumas, my parents unintentionally perpetuated some. Without divulging too many details, I experienced several traumas during my childhood and adolescence that obstructed my self-esteem andContinue reading Young Adult Personal Stories Series
By Mark Creekmore New Opportunities for Mental Health Advocacy During the COVID-19 Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic has unsettled us all, and it has also created four new advocacy opportunities to make a difference for mental health. Mental Health Matters (MHM), NAMI Washtenaw County’s advocacy program, has divided into four subgroups, and we need yourContinue reading Focus on Advocacy
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health. But for those in jobs that are already demanding and stressful – like public safety and health care professionals – the toll can be even heavier. To help meet the needs of our frontline professionals, the NAMI FrontlineWellness initiative was developed in partnership withContinue reading New From NAMI National: NAMI Frontline Wellness
