al Illness Montgomery County, Pennsylvania www.nami.com

montco memo Montgomery County, PA Spring 2020 Volume XXXVIIII Issue 8

Also in this Issue

Meetings Calendar 2

Executive Director’s Letter 3

Helpful Tips for COVID-19 3

Crisis Support 3

Health Benefits of Coloring for Adults

4

PA Mental Health and Well-ness Conference Cancelled

4

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncer-tainty

5

NAMI Community Announcements

6

Positive Thinking Word Search

7

Tributes 7

Annual Recognition Awards Deadline Extended

Due to COVID-19 we are extending these deadlines to April 17th

Annual Recognition Award Click here for Annual Recognition Nomination form.

Maryella Hitt Advocacy Award

Presented to the individual/s or organization that exemplifies the true advocate for mental illness spirit.

The Peg Cochran Volunteer Award

Presented to the individual/s or organization that has displayed outstanding volunteer efforts for individuals with mental illness

and their families.

The Glenn Koons Recovery Award Presented to the individual/s or organization that exemplifies resiliency and

recovery, and overcoming the challenges of mental illness.

The Criminal Justice Award Presented in recognition of outstanding service in the realm of mental illness

and the criminal justice system.

The Carol Caruso Innovation Scholarship Click here for nominations and further details about the

Carol Caruso Innovation Scholarship

For consideration, nominations must be received by April 17, 2020

the montco memo is published quarterly by

NAMI MONTGOMERY COUNTY PA

Board of Directors

President Donna McNelis Vice President Tricia Malott Secretary Beth Milton Treasurer Sandy Leopold

Victoria Bright Neen Davis Julian DeLehman Colleen Duffy Jessica Fenchel Patrick Hanrahan Dawn Hogan Bruce Kind Mia Marcovici Ayana Walker Matt Wilcov Executive Director Abby Grasso Montco Memo Editor Kelly Ann Berry Development Coordinator Ellen Roberts Administrative Coordinator Elaina Borchelt Bookkeeper Kelly Ann Berry Outreach & Edu Coordinator Bernadette Selgrath

Support Group Facilitators

Coordinator Elaina Borchelt

Abington Presbyterian Church Gail Wagenheim Corinne Smith Lansdale Anne Magowan Beth Milton

Lower Providence Presbyterian Church Ann McFalls Heather Kearney

Pottstown Martha Edwards NAMI Connection Michael Solomon Jeannie Clearkin Jason Matlack Robert Singer Bruce Kind Corinne Schnee Samantha Overstreet

NAMI Montgomery County PA 100 W. Main Street, Suite 204

Lansdale, PA 19446 Phone: 215-361-7784 FAX: 215-361-7786

Email: office@namimontcopa.org Web page: www.namimontcopa.org

Letters to the Editor and other articles and contributions are welcome. Send them

to the NAMI Office or by Email to office@namimontcopa.org

NAMI Montgomery County PA is an approved Donor Choice Agency of the

United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey

United Way Agency Code # 5076

Meetings Calendar

Apr 6 May 4 June 1

NAMI Connection is a peer-run support group for individuals living with mental illness, which meets the 1st Monday of every month, except holidays, 6:15 PM. William Jeanes Memorial Library, 4051 Joshua Rd, Lafayette Hill, PA 19444

Apr 4 & 23 Apr 14 & 28 May 12 & 26 June 9 & 23

NAMI Connection is a peer-run support group for individuals living with mental illness, which meets the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month at 4:30 PM AND 2nd & 4th Thursday in April at 7:00 PM Grace Baptist Church of Blue Bell, 437 W Skippack Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422

Apr 4 & 18 May 2 & 16 June 6 & 20

NAMI Connection is a peer-run support group for individuals living with mental illness, meets monthly 1st & 3rd Saturday 10 AM -11:30 AM. NAMI Office 100 W. Main St., Suite 204, Lansdale, PA 19446

Apr 6 May 4 June 1

Lower Providence Family Support Group 1st Monday of every month except on holidays, 7:00 PM. Lower Providence Presbyterian Church, 3050 Ridge Pike, in Atrium, Eagleville, PA 19403

Apr 7 May 5 June 2

Lansdale Family Support Group 1st Tuesday of every month, 7:00 PM. St. John’s United Church of Christ, 500 W. Main Street (at Richardson Avenue), Lansdale PA 19446

May 14 June 11

Abington Family Support Group 2nd Thursday of every month, 7:30 PM. Abington Presbyterian Church, 1082 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001 APRIL MEETING IS CANCELLED - SEE BELOW FOR INFO*

Apr 13 May 11 June 8

Pottstown Family Support Group 2nd Monday of every month, 7:00-8:30PM. Creative Health Services, Consumers Library, 11 Robinson Street, Pottstown, PA 19464

May 13 June 10

Monthly Community Meeting 2nd Wednesday of every month. Please call the office at 215-361-7784 or visit www.namimontcopa.org as time and location varies. APRIL MEETING IS CANCELLED - SEE BELOW FOR INFO*

Apr 16 May 21 June 18

Montgomery County CSP (Community Support Program) 3rd Thursday of every month, 12:00-2:30 PM, Montgomery County Library, 1001 Powell St., Norristown, PA 19401

May 21 June 18

Board of Director’s Meeting 3rd Thursday of every month, 6:30 PM. NAMI Office, 100 W. Main St., Suite 204, Lansdale, PA APRIL MEETING IS CANCELLED-SEE BELOW FOR INFO*

Important Information about our Meetings during the COVID-19 Crisis

Our Membership Meeting is Postponed until further notice.

All support groups will be held online at least through 4/30/2020

or until the COVID-10 State of Emergency is lifted. Please be aware that the dates, times and locations of our

support groups may be different than listed above.

For the most current information, visit the support group information on

Facebook our website www.namimontcopa.org or go directly

to our calendar page: https://namimontcopa.org/calendar/

Spring 2020 Page 2

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My dear, courageous NAMI MontCo Friends, The last two weeks feel nothing short of surreal. Like a weird sci-fi movie that I am waiting to step out of. My “normal” has gone from passionate, energizing work and having fun with friends and family to social isolation, dai-ly walks and meditation, and trying to figure out how to work from home while schooling teenagers, being a short order cook, and finding focus in a an unfocused time. I am doing my best to embrace our “new normal.” At NAMI MontCo our “new normal” includes: offering only phone and virtual support (YES! Our NAMI Help-Line is open from 9 am to 3 pm Monday through Fri-day!), holding virtual Family and Connections Support Groups, offering Family to Family through Zoom Meet-ings, partnering with awesome partners to bring webi-nars to our members and community, and more. What hasn’t changed, and won’t, is our steadfast dedication to deliver our mission driven work to impact the lives of those impacted by mental illness. While at this moment we don’t have a clear, focused vision for our all of the events that were planned, we will work out details and reschedule events to bring awareness to mental health conditions in our community, break the stigma associat-ed with mental illness, and provide hope to our commu-nity. This year our NAMIWalk will be held “your way!” Look for more information on how to stomp out stigma in a creative way, while we celebrate mental health awareness on May 30th. We will continue to send

our information on virtual support groups and webinars as they are scheduled and look forward to connecting in person, soon. We are strong. We know resilience. We will get through this. My sweet Pop is going to be 93 this May. He con-sistently reminds all of us – his children and grandchil-dren - that everything happens for a reason. We are not always privileged enough to fully understand the circum-stances, but there is a lesson and beauty in every situa-tion, even the hard stuff. While I can’t quite “understand” our current situation and living in a pandemic, I put faith in the fact that living through this will create a stronger, more compassionate community. We will still educate, advocate, and support to improve the lives of those im-pacted by mental illness. We will be stronger together. If there is anything you need or have ideas of how we can support individuals and families in our “new normal,” don’t hesitate to contact me. Stay well and safe. My very best,

Abby Grasso

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Message from our Executive Director

Health Benefits of Coloring for Adults

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montco memo Volume XXXVIIII Issue 8

Think spending hours coloring is only a childhood pastime? Think again! The adult coloring book trend has spread nationwide, with some even popping up on bestseller lists. With the countless health benefits of coloring for adults, it might be time to pull out the crayons, colored pencils and markers! REDUCE STRESS AND ANXIETY Coloring has the ability to relax the fear center of your brain, the amygdala. It induces the same state as meditating by reducing the thoughts of a restless mind. This generates mindfulness and quietness, which allows your mind to get some rest after a long day at work.

IMPROVE MOTOR SKILLS AND VISION Coloring goes beyond being a fun activity for relaxation. It requires the two hemispheres of the brain to communicate. While logic helps us stay inside the lines, choosing colors generates a creative thought process. IMPROVE SLEEP We know we get a better night’s sleep when avoiding engaging with electronics at night, because exposure to the emitted light reduces your levels of the sleep hormone, melatonin. Coloring is a relaxing and electronic-free bedtime ritual that won’t disturb your level of melatonin. IMPROVE FOCUS Coloring requires you to focus, but not so much that it’s stressful. It opens up your frontal lobe, which controls organizing and problem solving, and allows you to put everything else aside and live in the moment, generating focus. You don’t have to be an expert artist to color! If you’re looking for an uplifting way to unwind after a stressful day at work, coloring will surely do the trick. Pick something that you like and color it however you like! If you think coloring books are just for kids, it’s time to experience the new world of adult coloring books. Beautiful, intricate and fun, adult coloring books are about to become your new favorite way to spend an afternoon. Head over to Amazon and check out the large selection of available coloring books designed for adults, and be sure to support NAMI Montgomery County PA through AmazonSmile !

The 2020 Pennsylvania Mental Health and Wellness Conference, scheduled to take place May 18-19 at The Penn Stater Hotel &

Conference Center in State College, has been cancelled due to the uncertainty regarding future developments and recommendations regarding COVID-19. We made this difficult decision because the

safety and health of our supporters, exhibitors, speakers, sponsors, and staff are our top priority.

The 2021 Pennsylvania Mental Health and Wellness Conference has already been schedule at the same location for

May 24-25, 2021. Save the date!

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Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty

Dr. Doreen Marshall, AFSP VP of Programs American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Human beings like certainty. We are hard-wired to want to know what is hap-

pening and we notice things that feel threatening to us. When things feel uncer-tain or when we don’t generally feel safe, it’s normal to feel stressed. This very reaction, while there to protect us, can cause all sorts of havoc when there is a sense of uncertainty and conflicting information around us.

A large part of anxiety comes from a sense of what we think we should be able to control, but can’t. Right now, many of us are worried about COVID-19, known as the “Coronavirus”. We may feel helpless about what will happen or what we can do to prevent further stress. The uncertainty might also connect to our uncertainty about other aspects of our lives, or remind us of past times when we didn’t feel safe and the immediate future was uncertain. In times like these, our mental health can suffer. We don’t always know it’s happening. You might feel more on edge than usual, angry, helpless or sad. You might notice that you are more frustrated with others or want to completely avoid any reminders of what is happening. For those of us who already struggle with our mental wellness, we might feel more de-pressed or less motivated to carry out our daily activities. It’s important to note that we are not helpless in light of current news events. We can always choose our response. If you are struggling, here are some things you can do to take care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty: 1. Separate what is in your control from what is not. There are things you can do, and it’s helpful to focus on those. Wash your hands. Remind others to wash theirs. Take your vitamins. Limit your consumption of news (Do you really need to know what is happening on a cruise ship you aren’t on?). 2. Do what helps you feel a sense of safety. This will be different for everyone, and it’s important not to com pare yourself to others. It’s ok if you’ve decided what makes you feel safe is to limit attendance of large social events, but make sure you separate when you are isolating based on potential for sickness versus isolating because it’s part of depression. 3. Get outside in nature–even if you are avoiding crowds. I took a walk yesterday afternoon in my neighbor hood with my daughter. The sun was shining, we got our dose of vitamin D, and it felt good to both get some fresh air and quality time together. Exercise also helps both your physical and mental health. 4. Challenge yourself to stay in the present. Perhaps your worry is compounding and you are not only thinking about what is currently happening, but also projecting into the future. When you find yourself worrying about something that hasn’t happened, gently bring yourself back to the present moment. Notice the sights, sounds, tastes and other sensory experiences in your immediate moment and name them. Engaging in mindfulness activities is one way to help stay grounded when things feel beyond your control. 5. Stay connected and reach out if you need more support. Talk to trusted friends about what you are feeling. If you are feeling particularly anxious or if you are struggling with your mental health, it’s ok to reach out to a mental health professional for support. You don’t have to be alone with your worry and it can be comforting to share what you are experiencing with those trained to help. We are in this together, and help is always available. If you’re feeling alone and struggling, you can also reach out to The Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 or National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. Source: https://afsp.org/taking-care-of-your-mental-health-in-the-face-of-uncertainty/

To learn more, visit www.votespa.com

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NAMI Community Announcements

NAMI is partnering with a new nonprofit organization called Tend to Hope which provides “Seeds of Hope Boxes” to individuals in mental health crisis facilities in Montgomery and Bucks Counties. The boxes are filled with quality self-care items and are designed to convey compassion from the community and inspire hope for the future.

If you would like to contribute to Tend to Hope’s mission, we will have a donation box set up in our Lansdale office.

Donations could include any of the following items:

toothpaste * toothbrushes * shampoo * conditioner * soap * shower gel * hairbrushes * chap stick * deodorant * very small stuffed animals * cozy socks * non-spiral jour-nals * adult coloring books * activity books * crayons * small board games * tactile

toys for stress reduction * small packets of sunflower seeds (symbols of hope) (All items must be new, sealed, or have tags attached, when appropriate.)

For more information on Tend to Hope, please visit their website: www.tendtohope.org

What Is the 2020 Census?The 2020 Census counts every

person living in the United

States and five U.S. territories.

The 2020 Census is underway and the most important thing you can do is respond online, by phone, or by mail when you receive your invitation. Responding now will minimize the need for the Census Bureau to send census takers out into communities to follow up.

Please check this page for regular updates: https://2020census.gov/en/what-is-2020-census.html

Participating in the census is required by law, even if you recently

completed another survey from the Census Bureau. A complete and accurate count is critical for you and your community, because the

results of the 2020 Census will affect community funding, congressional representation, and more.

Mental Health Advance Directives Training

Postponed Due to restrictions regarding COVID-19 the Mental Heath Advance Directives

Training has been postponed and we will announce the new date once it has been

rescheduled.

Emergency Food Map of Montgomery County Emergency Food Map of

Montgomery County now shows locations where

families with school-age children can pick up meals during the coronavirus

shutdown, as well as food pantries and soup kitchens across the county.

CLICK THE MAP

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TRIBUTES

The Tribute Fund is a special way to mark anniversaries, weddings and other special occasions, as well as to express sympathy for the loss of a loved one. Send your check to NAMI Montgomery County PA 100 W. Main Street, Suite 204, Lansdale, PA 19446. When designating NAMI in an obituary notice, please specify NAMI Montgomery County PA. Individual Donations: Leon Bakalian, Joseph Barrese, Theresa & Jeffrey Haverson, Laurel Hoffman, Gita Jani, Da-vid Kaufman, Diane Kolessar, Kathy Laws, Nellie Neve, James Sim, Corinne Smith, Christa Stebbing, Genevieve Sweet, Roselyn Wealth, Diane Wenzel; Cedarbrook Country Club, Giant Bags 4 My Cause Campaign, Facebook Donors, New Hanover Evangelical Lutheran Church, Souderton Area High School, Vietnam Veterans of America Inc. Donations in Tribute: In Memory of Sonia Richer: Celeste Veneri. In Memory of John "Zach" Allerton: Eileen MacMurtrie, Sue Nascimbeni. In Memory of Joseph Moran, Jr.: Julia Helms, Francis Higgins, Gregg Jewett, Melissa Kapur, Manuel Benavente Loayza, Alexandra Manak, Patrick Moran, Thomas Moran, Michael Quillen, Megan Tomko, Lisa Yates. Corporate Matching Donations: Aetna: Stephanie Davis; Bristol-Myers Squibb: Julia Helms: In Memory of Joe Moran; GSK: Rahul Shukla; Johnson & Johnson: Kirk Baumeister; Macy's: Monica Atlas; Prudential: Sally Preston; Thrivent Choice: Deborah L Majer; Travelers: Gregory Rowe.

Positive Thinking Word Search

APPRECIATED BLISS

ENERGY ENTHUSE GENUINE

HAPPY HEART KIND

LAUGH LOVE

PEACE POSITIVE RESPECT

SMILE SPIRITED SPLENDID SUCCESS

SUNNY THANKFUL VIBRANT

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PA

Dues are for one year and are Tax Deductible. Donations are welcome and are also Tax Deductible.

(Please print clearly)

NAME__________________________________________________________________________________

STREET ________________________________________________________________________________

CITY_______________________________________STATE_____ZIP______________________________

PHONE (H)__________________________________(C)_________________________________________

E-MAIL_________________________________________________________________________________

Annual Due: Household $60.00_____ Individual $40.00 _____ Open Door $5.00 ____ Donation $_____

What is the best way for us to contact you? Phone ______ Email ______ Snail Mail ______

Make check payable and return to: NAMI Montgomery County PA 100 W. Main Street, Suite 204 Lansdale, PA 19446 Or join or renew on our website: http://www.namimontcopa.org/join/

Double or triple the impact of your donation at no additional cost! Please check with your employer’s Human Resources Department to

see if your donation can be matched through a company matching gift program. NAMI Montgomery County PA is also an approved United Way Donor Choice Agency - Code #5076.

NAMI Montgomery County PA is open to all individuals subscribing to its purpose. All members receive NAMI newsletters and are automatically affiliated with NAMI PA and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI is a non-profit organization under Section 501(c)3 and all dues and donations are tax-deductible. Official registration and financial information

of NAMI PA Montgomery County may be obtained from the PA Department of State by calling toll free within PA 1.800.732.0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. The official registration and financial information of NAMI PA Montgomery County can be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania:

1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA 100 W. Main Street, Suite 204 Lansdale, PA 19446