MENTAL HEALTH GROUPS Aletia Bennett HSP 305 Human Services Professionals and Small Group Systems Summer 2013 James Lucal, PH. D

“ ” THERE IS HELP OUT THERE There are groups for individuals and families that suffer with mental health issues

THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THIS DISEASE Not just the individuals but everyone who cares about them

WHAT IS AVAILABLE. There are a variety of organizations that offer support groups for consumers, their family members and friends. Some support groups are peer-led, while others may be led by a mental health professional. Some organizations now offer on-line support groups, discussion boards, and blogs as additional ways to connect with others in similar situations. These can be helpful additions to in-person support groups and can be especially helpful if there are no groups in your area.

KNOWING WE ARE NOT ALONE MAKES A DIFFERENCE When people get together there is hope

IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VALUE OF CONNECTING WITH OTHERS AND OTHER HELPFUL WELLNESS TOOLS

SUPPORT GROUPS CAN HELP PEOPLE FEEL CONNECTED AND PROVIDE SUPPORT There are many types of support groups available

THERE ARE MANY RESOURCES AVAILABLE includes peer-run organizations throughout the United States that offer a variety of supportive services and activities. Directory of consumer- driven services If you want to learn more about the value of connecting with others and other helpful wellness tools Live your life well offers information including descriptions of community treatment services, support groups, and other community services Network of care From finding information and descriptions of services to tools and activities that are available

KNOWING WHAT TO LOOK FOR IS THE FIRST STEP There is hope and support for those affected by mental illness

“ ” YOU ARE NOT ALONE Whether you are seeking help for yourself Or you are affected by mental illness by someone you care about knowing you are not alone can make a difference

MENTAL ILLNESS IS A UNIVERSAL AFFLICTION It happens to people everywhere

NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE Locally Mental health America can find support groups in your area Local self-help group clearing houses is a starting point to find every type of self-help group available Depression recovery groups offer on-line group support and coaching Globally Recovery International There are over 600 weekly Meetings around the world International Society for Mental Health Members can get to know one another on an informal basis Offers online support boards and groups

THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE TO HELP

FIGURING OUT WHAT TYPE OF HELP IS NEEDED Sometimes not knowing what the problem is can be frustrating and immobilizing for the individual and those that care about them

WHAT IS MENTAL ILLNESS? A mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person's thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning

MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES COME IN MANY FORMS

PUTTING THE PUZZLE TOGETHER

WHAT IS NORMAL WHAT IS NOT Understanding what's considered normal mental health can be tricky. See how feelings, thoughts and behaviors determine mental health and how to recognize if you or a loved one needs help. Sometimes the answer is clear, but often the distinction between mental health and mental illness isn't so obvious. Mental health conditions are judged not to be due to a physical disorder and are diagnosed and treated based on signs and symptoms Signs and symptoms can affect your: Behavior, Feelings and Thinking

GETTING THE PROPER DIAGNOSIS IS CRUCIAL There are mental health diagnostic materials There are different types of mental health professionals who diagnose conditions

MENTAL HEALTH DIAGNOSTIC MATERIALS The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual The Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual

WHO DIAGNOSES MENTAL ILLNESS? Psychiatrists Psychologists Psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP) Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurses Master’s level social workers Licensed Professional Counselors

WHAT THEIR QUALIFICATIONS ARE Psychiatrists provide medical and psychiatric evaluations. Psychiatrists are physicians with either a doctor of medicine (M.D.) degree or doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) degree, who also has at least four additional years of specialized study and training in psychiatry Psychologists have has a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Psy.D. or Ed.D.) in clinical, educational, counseling or research psychology. Psychologists are also licensed by individual states to practice psychology. They can provide psychological testing, evaluations Psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNP) have a four-year college degree in nursing (BSN) and also complete an approved masters of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP). PMHNPs are licensed by individual states and in some states are required to practice under the supervision of a psychiatrist. PMHNPs provide a wide range of services to adults, children, adolescents and their families including assessment and diagnosis, Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse – Psychiatric/mental health nurses may have various degrees ranging from associate's (R.N.) to bachelor's (B.S.N.) to master's (M.S.N. or A.P.R.N) to doctoral (D.N.Sc., Ph.D.). Depending on their level of education and licensing, they provide a broad range of psychiatric and medical services, including the assessment Master’s level social workers are able to provide assessment Licensed Professional Counselors – Licensed professional counselors have a master's degree (M.A. or M.S.) in psychology, counseling or other mental health related fields and typically have two years of supervised post-graduate experience. They may provide services that include assessment and diagnosis of mental health conditions

FIVE AXIS AND TYPES OF MENTAL DISORDERS Axis I: Clinical Disorders Axis II: Personality Disorders and Mental Retardation Axis III: General Medical Condition: Listed here are general medical (physical) concerns that may have a bearing on understanding the client's mental disorder, or in the management of the client's mental disorder. Axis IV: Psychosocial and Environmental Problems Axis V: Global Assessment of Functioning: This is a number from that reflects the caregiver's judgment of the overt level of functioning.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT GROUP FOR THE CORRECT MENTAL DISORDER

FINDING THE RIGHT SUPPORT GROUP Look online Contact a local mental health facility Call a mental health organization Contact the department of social and health services Call a treatment facility Ask in your community Contact a human services professional Ask a mental health professional

THERE ARE SPECIALIZED SUPPORT GROUPS AVAILABLE Co-dependence anonymous Dual diagnosis Of Oregon Depression And Bipolar Suppport allience Child and adolescence Bipolar foundation Self mutilators anonymous Sidran Institute Among other support groups offers groups dealing with self- injury

NOW THAT YOU HAVE FOUND THE RIGHT MENTAL HEALTH GROUP

PARTICIPATION IS THE KEY Attend groups consistently Communicate with the group Ask for clarification on issues you do not understand Ask for insights Ask for help with issues when needed Bond with the members

YOU MIGHT WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN MORE THAN ONE SUPPORT GROUP

“ ” SUPPORT IS THE KEY It is O.K. to want help Everyone needs support and help sometimes

REFERENCES Retrieved: July 24, NAMI | Mental Health Professionals Reviewed by Ken Duckworth, M.D., (May 2013) Mental Health Professionals: Who They Are and How to Find One Retrieved: July 24, DSM- Psych Central Grohol, J.M., Psy. D. (July 15, 2013) Mental Disorders: Symptoms and Treatments of Mental Disorders Retrieved: July 24, Common Mental Health Diagnoses: Psychoanalytic Perspectives

REFERENCES Retrieved: July 24, 2013 ‎ What is mental illness? Retrieved: July 24, Explanation of a 5 Axis Diagnosis Retrieved: July 24, DSM - American Psychiatric Association

REFERENCES Retrieved July 24, Mental health: What's normal, what's not Retrieved: July 23, Welcome to the International Society for Mental Health Online! Retrieved: July 23, Looking for a support Group try Recovery International

REFERENCES Retrieved: July 22, American Self-help Group Clearing house: Self-help Group Sourcebook Online Retrieved: July 22, Trilogy Integrated Resources LLC/ NACCHO/ NACO Retrieved: July 22, Depression Recovery Groups: A Brighter Outlook Retrieved: July 22, NAMI - The National Alliance on Mental Illness: NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group

REFERENCES Retrieved: July 23, psychosocial-support.html Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Retrieved: July 23, Retrieved: July 22, HOW DO I FIND A LOCAL SUPPORT GROUP?