Welcome to “The STOMP!”, the newsletter dedicated to stomping out stigma by providing education and raising awareness about mental health issues. |
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Independence and Self Determination:
What You Need to Know!
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 What is Self-Determination?
Self-Determination is a voluntary option that affords you greater choice, flexibility, and control over your supports and services through the use of an individual budget, a fiscal intermediary, and direct contracting with service providers.
Self-Determination is the philosophy that every individual should have real and effective options to live a full, meaningful, and productive life according to his or her values. People are encouraged to lead their own lives by putting them in control of their own budgets. Self-Determination empowers people to create meaningful lives in their communities and gives people the freedom to make their own choices.
Principles of Self-Determination
Freedom
To plan your life with the supports necessary for life.
Authority
In arr!anging resources and personnel (both formal and informal) to assist you in living in your community.
Support
To control a set sum of dollars in order to purchase supports as authorized in your plan of services and supported by your individual budget.
Responsibility
Of accepting a valued role in your community though employment, affiliations, and spiritual development and of being accountable for using public dollars in ways that are based on needs and that are life-enhancing.
Confirmation
Of the important leadership that self-advocates hold.
Source:
http://www.occmha.orgindex.phpoption=com_content&view=article&id=112&Itemid=174 |
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The Michigan Recovery Council defines Recovery in the following way:
"Recovery is choosing and reclaiming a life full of meaning purpose and one's sense of self. It is an ongoing personal and unique journey of hope, growth, resilience and wellness. In that journey, recovery builds relationships supporting a person's use of their strengths, talents and passions. Recovery is within each and every individual."
How do you define Recovery?
Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, or via E-mail to share your definition of Recovery and (with your permission) it may be featured in an upcoming edition of “THE STOMP!
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The Anti Stigma team is NEVER far away!! Find us on our website, Facebook and Twitter simply by clicking the links below!
www.cnsantistigmaprogram.org
 
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Defining Stigma
By: Dawn R. Wolfe
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 Stigma - noun
A mark of disgrace or infamy; a stain or reproach, as on one's reputation.
Medicine/Medical. A mental or physical mark that is characteristic of a defect or disease: the stigmata of leprosy. Synonyms: blot, blemish, tarnish.
Source – Dictionary.com
Whether we receive public or private treatment, virtually everyone who has ever received a mental illness diagnosis has experienced stigma. Sometimes that stigma comes from our own perceptions.
For years, for example, I was certain that the various incorrect diagnoses I received were printed in bright, pink, flashing neon in a sign hanging over my head.
And to be sure no one missed it, that sign was pointing straight down at me.
Stigma – It's Not Us, It's Our Culture
People who live with mental illness don't decide on our own that we are somehow "less than" others, however. We've been taught to feel that way by a culture that's afraid of anything different or outside of people's direct control.
If there are two things that characterize living with a mental illness, it's that our conditions can sometimes cause us to act in ways that others perceive as different. And we all know that even the most "recovered" of us sometimes have little to no direct control over how we feel.
It's one thing to get messages of stigma from the culture around us, or from friends, family, co-workers and acquaintances. It's another thing altogether to face stigma from the mental health professionals who are supposed to be our partners in recovery.
Stigma and Mental Health Professionals – Looking through Colored Glass
 After all, these are the people with the degrees – right? If they think that we are somehow defective, they must know what they're talking about – right?
Wrong. Mental health professionals are people, too – and as people they are exposed to the same cultural messages about mental illness as the rest of us.
The vast majority of mental health professionals are decent, caring human beings with a strong desire to help and a great deal of respect for the individuals they serve. However, most of them have never walked a step in our shoes. They have no lived experience of the issues and feelings we face every day.
The best they can do is the equivalent of looking at someone through a strongly-tinted glass. Yes, they can see us, but they see us as the color of the glass, not as our true selves.
The problem, of course, is that even the unconscious stigma that mental health professionals may have come to believe doesn't just diminish their view of the world. It makes it much harder for them to be real partners with us in our recovery work. And that's a situation where no one wins.
The Range of Stigma
Of course, some stigmatizing behavior is blatant and insulting. As one individual reported:
In the 1980s I began to experience panic attacks and could not leave my house. I was under a doctor's care and went on short-term disability. My condition did not improve for several years, and consequently I lost my job. I was told that I should 'just pull myself up by my bootstraps' and that 'my symptoms were just in my head.' This statement came from a trained mental health professional. I was devastated; the lack of support and understanding left me traumatized; it created further guilt and shame and stripped me of hope.
The mental health professional with whom this person consulted was obviously insulting and out of bounds. But what about the professional who sincerely believes that you will never "get better," whatever that means to you? Or the professional that says that you need to wait to work on your personal goals until all of your symptoms are completely under control?
While such professionals will say that they have our best interests at heart, the fact is that they are being held back by the stigma that our culture has taught them. Stigma can be a huge problem among mental health professionals, just like it is in the general public. In fact, a recent fact sheet released by a statewide anti-stigma committee says that "Mental health providers are among the top two groups by whom consumers report feeling the most stigmatized."
That's why Michigan's mental health system, in the form of this committee, has created an important tool to help professionals and people receiving services combat stigma together – The Anti-Stigma Toolkit.
For more information see the Michigan Recovery Center of Excellence website http://mirecovery.org
Source: www.mirecovery.org/definingstigma
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 A complete version of the Anti-Stigma Toolkit can be downloaded on the Michigan Recovery Center of Excellence website.
Additional resources are also available, along with some great articles and personal stories about Recovery.
Check it out!
http://www.mirecovery.org/Pages/ChallengeStigma/CombatingStigmaaToolkitforChange.aspx |
Save the Date!! Fourth Annual Stomp Out Stigma 5K!!
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 The CNS Anti Stigma team is excited to be planning our Fourth Annual Stomp Out Stigma 5K Run Walk!! The event, which has been wildly successful in past years, will be on Saturday, September 17, 2011. On that day, registration begins at 8:00, and the run will start at 9:00, with the walk starting once the runners have left. Be sure to register early!!
Before September 1, the entry fee is $20. September 1 and after,
the entry fee is $25.
You can register online by going to www.getmeregistered.com HERE and typing "stomp out stigma" in the search field.
Thanks to all of you, this event has been both fun and fruitful in its first three years. We can't wait to share it with you again this year!
For more information or sponsorship opportunities please contact Amy Yashinsky at 248-871-1403 or ayashinsky@cnsmi.org
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New Dates for Mental Health First Aid
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 Mental Health First Aid was such a success in 2010! We are excited to announce the upcoming dates for 2011! Mental Health First Aid is a two-day training. Training on both days will begin at 9:30 and end at 4:30.
2011 Mental Health First Aid Training Dates:
May 19-20—FULL!!
July 28-29—FULL!!
September 22-23—FULL!!
The cost of training will be $30/person and will cover instruction materials and lunch on both days.
What is Mental Health First Aid?
People who enroll in the Mental Health First Aid training learn a five-step action plan to help loved ones, colleagues, neighbors, and others cope with mental health problems. Similar to traditional First Aid and CPR, Mental Health First Aid is help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a crisis until professional treatment is obtained or the crisis resolves. Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based public education and prevention tool—it improves the public’s knowledge of mental health problems and connects people with care for their mental health.
Who should take Mental Health First Aid? Everybody!
Hospitals and Health Care Centers, School employees, Direct-care Home Staff, Families and Caring Citizens, Nurses, Policymakers, Faith Community Members, Law Enforcement/Justice, Mental Health Authority Employees
This program has been made possible by Community Network Services and
Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority
For more information about scheduling a training for your agency, group, or community, please contact Amy Yashinsky at 248-871-1403 or ayashinsky@cnsmi.org
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Recognizing and Coping with Stigma
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Stigma is when someone judges you based on a personal trait. Unfortunately, this is a common experience for people who have a mental health condition. Stigma may be obvious and direct, such as someone making a negative remark about your mental illness or your treatment. Or it may be subtle, such as someone assuming you could be unstable, violent or dangerous because you have a mental health condition. You may even judge yourself.
Some of the harmful effects of stigma can include:
- Lack of understanding by family, friends, colleagues or others you know
- Discrimination at work or school
- Difficulty finding housing
- Bullying, physical violence or harassment
- Health insurance that doesn't adequately cover your mental illness
- The belief that you will never be able to succeed at certain challenges or that you can't improve your situation
Here are some ways you can deal with stigma:
Get treatment. You may be reluctant to admit you have a condition that needs treatment. Don't let the fear of being "labeled" with a mental illness prevent you from seeking help. Treatment can provide relief by identifying what's wrong in concrete terms and reducing symptoms that interfere with your work and personal life.
Don't let stigma create self-doubt and shame. Stigma doesn't just come from others. You may have the mistaken belief that your condition is a sign of personal weakness, or that you should be able to control it without help. Seeking psychological counseling, educating yourself about your condition and connecting with others with mental illness can help you gain self-esteem and overcome destructive self-judgment.
Don't isolate yourself. If you have a mental illness, you may be reluctant to tell anyone about it. Have the courage to confide in your spouse, family members, friends, clergy or other members of your community. Reach out to people you trust for the compassion, support and understanding you need.
Don't equate yourself with your illness. You are not an illness. So instead of saying "I'm bipolar," say "I have bipolar disorder." Instead of calling yourself "a schizophrenic," call yourself "a person with schizophrenia." Don't say you "are depressed." Say you "have clinical depression."
Join a support group. Some local and national groups, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer local programs and Internet resources that help reduce stigma by educating people with mental illness, their family members and the general public. A number of state and federal agencies and programs also offer support for people who have mental health conditions. Examples include agencies such as Vocational Rehabilitation and Veterans Affairs (VA).
Get help at school. If you or your child has a mental illness that affects learning, find out what plans and programs might help. Discrimination against students because of a mental health condition is against the law, and educators at primary, secondary and college levels are required to accommodate students as best they can. Talk to teachers, professors or administrators about the best approach and available resources. If a teacher doesn't know about a student's disability, it can lead to discrimination, barriers to learning and poor grades.
Speak out against stigma. Express your opinions at events, in letters to the editor or on the Internet. It can help instill courage in others facing similar challenges and educate the public about mental illness.
Others' judgments almost always stem from a lack of understanding rather than information based on the facts. Learning to accept your condition and recognize what you need to do to treat it, seeking support, and helping educate others can make a big difference.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mental-health/MH00076
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Traveling Art Show Honors People with Disabilities
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Mark your July calendars and get a group together (with a driver) and head out to see "Creative Minds, Changing Minds," exhibition opening Friday, July 1 at the Novi Public Library and Novi Civic Center. The Show will be at the Novi Public buildings, 45255 W. Ten Mile Road, until Monday, July 18, when it will move to Crittenton Hospital, 1101 West University Drive, Rochester for exhibition until July 29.
Two paintings, "The Party," by Jennifer Leonard, from Holly and "Lovin the Happiness," by Sean Turner, also from Oakland County will be featured. The 36 artists whose work is represented in this statewide juried traveling art show are individuals of all ages who are living with a mental illness or a developmental disability. Each receives supports and services from their local Community Mental Health Agency in the state of Michigan. This venue in Oakland County is sponsored by the Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority and the Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards (MACMHB).
The goals of this two year exhibition are to help destigmatize mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance use issues by showcasing the multi-dimensionality of people who have disabilities and to highlight the recovery potential of the arts. It is estimated that there are 206,000 individuals with disabilities living in Oakland County; 17% of the population.
Oakland Coordinator for the exhibit, Jacqueline Castine says, "We know that not only does the creative process promote healing and recovery for people with brain diseases, we also know that the arts can help break through the stigma surrounding mental illness and developmental disabilities. The arts can be helpful to adults and children with disabilities to building new life skills and become more resilient."
Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority honors the City of Novi and Crittenton Hospital for their commitment to people with disabilities by offering barrier free accommodations and making space for this community service. For more information call Jacqueline Castine at (248) 975-9684 or visit www.occmha.org
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Monthly Footprints: July 2011
By: Malkia Maisha Newman
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We have reached another important milestone in the expansion of the CNS Anti-Stigma program. June 25, 2011  was our first opportunity to present at an international conference. We were honored to be a part of the 12th Annual Canadian Collaborative Mental Health Care Conference that was held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Being asked to speak at an international conference was humbling, to say the least, and it was also very exhilarating at the same time. One of the things that stood out the most in my mind is that people are basically the same all over the world and we all want the same things. We all want safe shelter, food, and companionship and it doesn't matter who we are or where we are, we all have these same needs and desires. I also found it interesting that the same struggles we have in Michigan — cuts to mental health budgets, large caseloads with limited staff to properly meet the needs that the consumers they serve have — are also common on a national and international level. The more we try to find how we're all so different the more it's proven that we're really the same!
Our workshop was very well received by those who attended and it is my hope that we will continue to expand our horizons to include more contacts with the international mental health community!
Along with the trip to Canada we had two great opportunities to present to peers and staff in New York City, first at the Institute of Community Living, an award-winning agency that is very successful in meeting the needs of people living with mental health challenges and developmental disabilities in the New York area. They were a very receptive audience that made us feel right at home, as well as contributed generously to our program. We appreciate them and hope to do other events with them in the future.
Next we had an opportunity to present at the 5th Annual Peer Specialist Conference at New York University. The atmosphere there was electric, and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing from the key note Speaker for the day, Dr. Pat Deegan who is one of the national leaders of the Peer Support Specialist Movement. I would love to be able to spend more time in New York where consumers/survivors there helped to change the face of mental health treatment in this country. Through their efforts we're moving toward a system that's striving to be more humane in the way that services are provided to people with mental health challenges. We have much to be grateful for to the consumers from New York that have helped to pave the way for us all.
Back on the home front we presented for the nurses of Baker College in Clinton Township, the staff of Training and Treatment Innovations in Oxford, and we presented at Action Speaks! Leadership Conference, the class project that completed our leadership experience with Leadership Oakland, sponsored by the "BEST CLASS", LOXXI of which I am very proud to say I'm a graduate.
This was a stellar ending to an epic month for our team! I can only imagine what next year will hold for us all!
To book a presentation or for more information please call or e-mail:
248-409-4227
mmaisha@cnsmi.org |
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The Anti-Stigma Program is planning two events in the near future that we are VERY excited about, and we hope that you will join us and spread the word!!
Veterans Mental Health Panel Discussion
Oakland County Commissioner Jim Nash will be our Master of Ceremonies for this important event that will include discussion of services available, special issues unique to veterans, and the personal experiences of those who have served our Country.
Date: Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Oakland County Commissioners Chambers Auditorium
1200 North Telegraph Road
County Service Center, Building 12 East
Pontiac, Michigan, 48341
RSVP: Kimberly Rider – krider@cnsmi.org or 248-871-1406
Youth Summit
Transform Pontiac Now (TPN), Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, Lighthouse of Oakland County, and the CNS Anti Stigma Program are partnering to bring Oakland County youth a day full of fun activities, interesting topics, and opportunities for self expression.
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
For more information: Malkia Maisha Newman – mmaisha@cnsmi.org or 248-409-4227
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Thank you for your support of the Stomp Out Stigma program. We hope that you have gained valuable information that can help in erasing stigma and look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events. If you have any comments or questions about The STOMP!, please contact us at ayashinky@cnsmi.org |
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In This Issue
Independence and Self Determination:
What You Need to Know!
Let's Talk Recovery
Connect With Us!
Defining Stigma
Recovery in Action
Save the Date!! Fourth Annual Stomp Out Stigma 5K!!
New Dates for Mental Health First Aid
Recognizing
and Coping with Stigma
Traveling Art Show Honors People with Disabilities
Monthly Footprints
Save The Date!!
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NEED Help in a CRISIS?
In Oakland County, MI:
Common Ground
Sanctuary
24 hr. Crisis Line
800-231-1127
National Hopeline Network
24 hour Crisis Center
800-784-2433
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Get a copy of our VIDEO!!
“Did You Know?”
 The video is filled with stories from people who have had a first hand knowledge of what it like to live with a mental illness and how stigma personally affects them. Designed to help promote awareness of
mental health issues, the film could be used at trainings, group meetings or in the classroom.
**$10.00 suggested donation
Contact: mmaisha@cnsmi.org
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Did You Know?
Stigma is when someone judges you based on a personal trait.
Self-Determination is the philosophy that every individual should have real and effective options to live a full, meaningful, and productive life according to his or her values.
A complete version of the Anti-Stigma Toolkit can be downloaded on the Michigan Recovery Center of Excellence website.
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Do you have a story or article
You would like to see in
The Stomp? Contact Amy Yashinsky at:
ayashinsky@cnsmi.org
Or call 248-409-4227 |
ANTI-STIGMA TEAM ACTIVITIES:
MDCH Consumer Conference
Date: Thursday July 28, 2011
Time: 7:30 am– 4:00 pm
Location: Kellogg Center,
55 South Harrison Rd.
East Lansing MI
Veterans Mental Health Panel Discussion
Date: Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: TBD
RSVP: Kimberly Rider – krider@cnsmi.org
or 248-871-1406
Youth Summit
Date: TBD
Location: TBD
For more information:
Malkia Maisha Newman – mmaisha@cnsmi.org
or 248-409-4227
CNS Annual Stomp Out Stigma 5k Run/Walk
Independence Oaks County Park
9501 Sashabaw Rd.
Clarkston, MI 48348
Saturday September 17,2011
For more information: Amy Yashinsky-
Email: ayashinsky@cnsmi.org
Or www.getmeregistered.com
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5th Annual Peer Specialist Conference of New York for the opportunity to be a part of their community for the day and present at the conference.
