Events & Resources October
NAMI’s First Book: “You Are Not Alone: NAMI’s Guide to Navigating Mental Health”
Written by Dr. Ken Duckworth, NAMI’s Chief Medical Officer, with the expertise of a leading psychiatrist and the empathy of a family member affected by mental illness, this comprehensive guide includes stories from more than 130 people who have been there — including people with mental illness and caregivers. They understand how challenging it can be to find the help you need, when you need it. Their stories are what makes this book different from your typical mental health guide.
“Some people do reach certain goals and milestones in their recovery that are very significant and important. But in my own life, it’s been phases of change and growth. And it requires a lot of humility to be strong enough to face it, to face the feedback and the truth about what vulnerabilities are still present, and what I still need to do to keep managing them,” stated Dr. Christine Yu Moutier, Chief Medical Officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in NAMI’s first book: “You Are Not Alone: NAMI’s Guide to Navigating Mental Health.”
“In this invaluable book, Dr. Duckworth amplifies the voices of real people who have dealt with mental illness, both doctors and patients. His crowd-sourced method will help people facing similar challenges feel connected to a vast community. If you read this book, you cannot feel alone in your struggles.”
– Andrew Solomon, author of “The Noonday Demon” And “Far from the Tree”
Order Your Copy of the Book Today
You may think you know NAMI’s story, but, if you buy this book, you may be surprised and will surely raise the profile of NAMI in our community.
MGH Center of Excellence Videos on Recovery & Peers
The Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Center of Excellence aims to improve the lives of people with mental health challenges through projects focused on physical, emotional, and social aspects of health. Three research videos are available here. The first two videos focus on parenting with mental health and/or substance misuse challenges and their adult children's perspectives. The third video touches on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Peer Specialists and other persons with lived experience.
#VOTE4MentalHealth
Vote4MentalHealth is a campaign led by NAMI to promote nonpartisan voter participation and elevate discussions about mental health policy during these election times. NAMI does not endorse any candidate nor is it seeking to influence your political affiliations or beliefs. This is an opportunity for you to understand how your vote impacts people with mental health conditions and their families. When you pledge to vote for mental health, you will receive information on where candidates stand on the issues you care about. vote4mentalhealth.org
Family-to-Family Courses Starting Soon
Sponsored by NAMI Central Middlesex Fall 2022
Tuesdays via Zoom, from 6:30 pm - 9 pm, starting October 25th
Register for this class here: RegistrationOctober2022 Phyllis&Sara
Questions? Contact the course teachers: Sara at (339) 223-3146, doddsara25@gmail.com or Phyllis at (978) 973-3995, phyllis.terrey100@gmail.comMondays via Zoom, from 6 pm - 8:30 pm, starting October 17th
Register for this class here: Registration October2022 Patti&Lindsay
Questions? Contact the course teachers: Lindsay at (781) 864-7003, linzbfar@gmail.com or Patti at (978) 621-1065, pjsardella56@gmail.comThe NAMI Massachusetts website offers additional information about the course and lists Family-to-Family class options as they are scheduled. Individuals are encouraged to register for a course based in their area. namimass.org/nami-family-to-family.
What's My Role? Helping Your Loved One Manage Depression Treatment
Webinar sponsored by Families for Depression Awareness
Thursday, October 6, 2022; 7- 8:30 pm
Treatment for depression often requires trying different options. Your loved one might not have the energy to endure the process alone when they are struggling to get out of bed, find the motivation to shower, or battle constant negative thoughts. As a caregiver with the right information and resources, you can help your loved one find effective treatment to get and stay well.
Register: www.familyaware.org/webinar/helping-manage-depression-treatment/
Youth Counseling Connection—For Lexington only
Drop-In Hours are Back: Every Wednesday from 3 - 4:30 pm
Our Drop-In center is officially reopening after the COVID hiatus! Currently, the center will be open on Wednesdays. During this time, youth or families can walk in and have immediate access to a therapist. This is a great resource for those who have had a hard time accessing services or for someone who wants to see what therapy is all about! Learn more: youthcounselingconnection.org/clinical-services
Virtual “In Our Own Voice” Presentation
Thursday, October 13, 2022; 5 – 6:30 pm. Please register here.
Virtual “Sharing Our Stories” Presentation
Wednesday, October 26, 2022; 5 – 6 pm. Learn more and register: namimass.org/nami-mass-sharing-our-stories/
Calendar
Refer to the Support Group page of our website to find contact details.
Thursday, October 6: Teen to Adult Parent Support Group (TTAPS), 7 – 8:30 pm
Monday, October 10: NAMI Central Middlesex Steering Committee Meeting, 7 pm
Contact us if you would like to participate: nami.cmsx@gmail.com
Tuesday, October 11: Family Support Group, Acton/Littleton, 7 – 8:30 pm
Tuesday, October 11: Family Support Group, Winchester, 6:45 – 8:45 pm
Thursday, October 13: Family Support Group, Burlington, 7:30 – 8:45 pm
Thursday, October 20: Teen to Adult Parent Support Group (TTAPS), 7 – 8:30 pm
Tuesday, October 25: Family Support Group, Acton/Littleton, 7 – 8:30 pm
Tuesday, October 25: Family Support Group, Bedford, 7:30 – 9 pm
Saturday, November 5: NAMI Mass Annual Convention, Westin Hotel, Waltham