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PA, CUMBERLAND and

PERRY COUNTIES NEWS

P. 1 - Upcoming Programs P. 2 - Support meeting schedules

and Board Roster P. 3 - Profile of Steve Zwierzyna,

Solicitation for study partici-pants

P. 4 - Directions to STAR; Notice of OCD support meeting; Tips for MH wellness

P. 5 - Dr. Torrey’s article about re-search

P. 6 - NAMI Helpline article; Notices for Hoss’s fundraiser and MH Walk

P.7- Report about Families’ strug-gles.

P.8—9 Bonus pages for email recipients

April 21st - Carlisle Support Mtg with

Speaker about Supportive

employment

April 26th - NAMI C/P board mtg

April 29th - MH Awareness Walk in

Carlisle

May 1st - NAMI fundraiser at Hoss’s

May 5th—West Shore Support Mtg

May 6th - Wellness Conference in

Chambersburg

May 19th - Carlisle Support Mtg.

APRIL MEETING

NAMI PA of CUMBERLAND and PERRY COUNTIES

THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016 at S.T.A.R.

253 Penrose Place, Carlisle, Pa. [See page 4 for directions]

7:00 —7:50 PM Speaker about Employment Support at STAR

8:00—9:00 Support Meeting

P.O. Box 527 Carlisle, PA 17013

http://www.namipacp.org

namipacp.info@gmail.com

Message line number:

240-8715

One of he most vexing problems facing individuals with a mental illness is finding work that will provide meaning and income for the individual. First there is the deter-mination that one is ready to work, and on what terms. Then there are the challenges of seeking and successfully obtaining the employment. There are many questions that must be dealt with in this process. Do I disclose my condition? Do I seek an accom-modation? How do I explain holes in my work history? How do I prepare a resume? How should I present myself at an interview? What is the employer looking for?

Annie Oyler is an Employment Specialist who works at STAR and helps individuals transition to some, and sometimes full, employment. Ms Oyler will speak at our Sup-port Meeting this Thursday starting at 7 PM. If you are interested in learning about the help that is available at STAR, you should come to this week’s meeting.

Though the Mental Health Association of the Capital Region has ceased operations, the MHA in Franklin County is increasing its activities. They support Franklin—Fulton Counties CSP that will hold a Wellness Conference in Chambersburg on May 6th. Presentations will be made on the following topics: Movement Therapy, Music Thera-py, Art Therapy, Digging into Your Wellness, Loving Your Home, Taking Care of You, Weight Management, Physical and Mental Health and Your Pharmacy & Medication Management. This conference will be at the King Street Church, 162 E. King Street, Chambersburg, PA from 9 AM to 2 PM. Registration is due by May 2nd. A flyer and registration form will be distributed with this newsletter by email Those who do not receive this newsletter by email should call the MHA of Franklin and Fulton Counties at 264-4301. There will be a $5.00 fee for lunch for those who attend but do not live or work in Franklin or Fulton Counties.

Duplication and distribution of this Newsletter is made possible by the MH/IDD Board of Cumberland/Perry Counties

Inside this issue: April 21st—Annie Oyler at Carlisle Support Meeting

May 6th—Wellness Conference in Chambersburg

NAMI is the largest nationwide, grassroots membership organization devoted to improving the lives of those affected, directly and indirectly, by serious mental illness. NAMI is comprised of family members, friends and consumers.

Volume XIX, Issue 4 April 2016

Calendar:

Contact Us:

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NAMI Pa. Cumberland/

Perry Counties

P.O. Box 527

Carlisle, PA 17013

http://www.namipacp.org

Message line number:

240-8715

Officers:

President:

Kelli Murphy-Godfrey 717-478-1021 (for messages)

kmurphygodfrey@gmail.com

Vice President:

Thom Fager

Treasurer: Stephen

Zwierzyna

Secretary: Kathleen

Zwierzyna

Board of Directors:

Laryssa Gaughen

William McHenry

Maureen Ross

Sarah Roley

Publisher:

NAMI Pa. Cumberland/ Perry

Counties

Editor: Taylor P. Andrews

243-0123 or 243-1645

April 2016 Vol. XIX No. 4

What: Support Group Meeting When: Meets 3rd Thursday of each month Location: STAR (253 Penrose Place Carlisle, PA 17013) Time: 7:00 pm up to 8:30 pm there will occasionally be an edu-

cational program. When there is an education program it shall run from 7:00 PM until 7:50 PM, and the support meeting shall follow at 8:00 until 9:00 PM

April 21, 2016 7:00 to 7:50 PM—Annie Oyler, Employment Specialist from STAR will

discuss employment support at STAR

8:00 to 9:00 PM—Support Meeting

WEST SHORE SUPPORT GROUP

Meets at 6:30 PM on the 1st Thursday of each month at St. Timothy’s Lutheran

Church, 4200 Carlisle Pike, Camp Hill, PA. There may be an education program 1x

per quarter. Call Hazel at 737-8864 for information.

May 5, 2016

6:30 to 8:00 PM—Support Meeting

support

DAUPHIN COUNTY SUPPORT GROUP [Assoc with NAMI PA Dauphin County]

Meets at 7:00 on the 3rd Monday of each month at the Epiphany Lutheran Church

at 1100 Colonial Rd., Harrisburg, PA. Contact Marge Chapman at 574-0055 for more

information.

May 16, 2016

6:30 to 8:00 PM—Support Meeting

$35.00 For an individual

Membership includes membership in NAMI [national] and NAMI PA, and Subscriptions to The Advocate,

The Alliance, and NAMI PA C/P News.

$35.00 For a Family

Same price as an individual. A family consists of two people living at the same address. A family has one

vote, and will receive one copy of subscriptions.

$3 - $35.00 For “Open Door” membership

Anybody can opt to join as an open door member. Dues are any amount that can be afforded. This

option is available so that membership is not denied due to financial hardship. Open door members are

regular members with all the privileges and powers of membership including all subscriptions.

$50.00 For Professional Membership

A Professional member shows support for the mission and goals of the organization. Upon request, NAMI

PA C/P will provide multiple copies of our newsletter for the waiting room of Professional Members.

Make Payment to: NAMI PA C/P

Send Payment to: NAMI PA C/P , Box 527, Carlisle, Pa 17013

JOIN NOW TO BECOME PART OF THE NAMI FAMILY

Memberships submitted now will extend to the end of 2016

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MEET STEPHEN ZWIERZYNA TREASURER AND BOARD MEMBER OF NAMI PA C/P

As someone who has a family member with schizophrenia, I’ve witnessed up close the impact mental illness has on people. That’s why I fully believe in the hard work NAMI does to sup-port individuals, family members, and communities struggling with the effects of mental illness. Those of us on the board of NAMI PA, Cumberland and Perry Counties are working to make a meaningful impact in the local area.

I, like many others I’m sure, dream of the day when mental illnesses, all illnesses in fact, are cured by advances in medicine and technology. But I’ve come to learn that I mustn’t let my belief in a better future blind me to the struggles families like my own are experiencing here and now. Through NAMI, I can offer my time and skills, to help make a difference today.

I’ve been treasurer of NAMI PA, Cumberland and Perry Coun-ties since October of 2011. I felt qualified for this position be-cause I earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance at Penn State Harrisburg and I work as an accountant for the Pennsylvania State government. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and work-ing with many talented and caring people on this board.

Our current board is energetic and eager to continue serving Cumberland and Perry Counties as best as it can. Some of the

things we are focusing on are im-proving on our new website, grow-ing our fundraising, and increasing awareness of the services NAMI offers, all while maintaining the quality of our educational and sup-port offerings.

If you are reading this and are not yet a member of NAMI PA, Cumber-land and Perry Counties, please use the form found within this news-letter to become a member today. Also, I encourage everyone to take a

look at NAMI’s 2015 Annual Report, found at www.nami.org, to see the great work NAMI accomplished last year at the national level. Lastly, feel free to contact the board with questions and/or comments at namipacp.info@gmail.com or (717) 240-8715.

Stephen Zwierzyna, Treasurer of NAMI PA, Cumberland and Perry Counties

RESEARCH STUDY SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

I’m a research coordinator at the VA Boston Healthcare System working on a genetics study related to schizophrenia. Our study is

designed to help determine the specific gene or sequence of genes responsible for this debilitating disorder. Once found, this

information can then be used to develop better ways of detecting and treating this illness, and to hopefully one day find a cure.

I’m hoping that you can help us ‘get the word out’ about this important study.

We are searching for families with a history of schizophrenia and related disorders, that is, at least three (3) members of the

extended family must have each been diagnosed with one of the following:

• Schizophrenia • Schizoaffective disorder • Schizotypal personality disorder • Bipolar disorder with psychotic features

Family members can come from multiple generations, including siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc. They must live

in the U.S., be over 18 years old and be willing to participate in the study. While our research team is based at the VA Medical

Center in Brockton, Massachusetts, family members do not have to be veterans and they can be located anywhere in the conti-

nental U.S.

The study itself is very simple: it consists of a clinical interview and donating a blood sample, which our research assistant con-

ducts right in the family member’s home. Once completed, each participant receives a check for $130.00.

Those who are interested and believe they can help with this study should contact:

Paul Nelson, M.Ed. Clinical Research Coordinator, VA Boston Healthcare System 940 Belmont St., Brockton, MA 02301 845-981-9514 Info Hotline paul.nelson2@va.gov

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8 Things to Do Every Day to Enhance Mental Health

Is it possible to enhance mental health when living with mental illness can be stressful in so many ways every single day? Mental illness affects someone's whole being—thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sometimes, it can be hard to just get out of bed. Or, it can be hard to calm down and focus. Other chal-lenges abound. Each person is uniquely affected by his/her specific mental illness, yet there are things that everyone can do daily to take charge and create true wellbe-ing. These eight things you can do every day help the physical aspects of the brain and body as well as thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 1. Take 10 slow, deep breaths. (Or blow bubbles)

Repeat throughout the day.

2. March or jog in place. Do jumping jacks. Or pushups. Just move to stimulate both your body

DIRECTIONS TO S.T.A.R.

From I-81:

Take Hanover St. Exit and turn towards town, [Rt. 34 North]:

At the major intersection at Noble Blvd, turn left on Noble

Blvd.

Proceed straight ahead at the first Stop sign at West St.;

Turn right after the gas station on Penrose Pl.;

The Penrose Plaza is immediately on your left;

STAR is the last store front on the right end of the

Plaza. From Downtown Carlisle:

Take Hanover St. out of town [Rt. 34 South].

At the major intersection at Noble Blvd, turn right on Noble

Blvd.

Proceed straight ahead at the first Stop sign at West St.

Turn right after the gas station on your right;

The Penrose Plaza is immediately on your left;

STAR is the last store front on the right end of the Plaza.

OCD SUPPORT GROUP

ENCOURAGING, INFORMATIVE, MEETINGS FOR PERSONS WITH OCD AND THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS

Third Monday of each month - 6:30 p.m. ‘til 8:00 p.m.

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2000 Chestnut St., Camp Hill, PA 17011

PROFESSIONALLY FACILITATED - FREE OF CHARGE

(this is not a NAMI group)

and brain.

3. Create a daily goal, and list little steps you need to take to accomplish it.

4. Embark on a stroll, inside or outside, and inten-tionally notice positive things around you.

5. Acknowledge the awful things you're dealing with and take note of how you're surviving. What can you do more of to keep getting through the tough stuff?

6. Practice noticing your thoughts. Identify, chal-lenge, and replace the unhealthy ones. Repeat, because doing this takes practice.

7. Color or draw.

8. Do at least one thing you love every day.

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DR TORREY ON THE SCHIZOPHRENIA RESEARCH CRYSTAL BALL

(Apr. 7, 2016) E. Fuller Torrey, MD, founder of the Treatment Advocacy Center, began his career as a psychiatrist more than 40 years ago. At the closing session of the 2016 Schizophrenia International Research Society Conference in Florence, Italy, he paused from his continuing work long enough to peer into the crystal ball of mental illness research and share some reflec-tions on the future.

Joined by three other research pioneers in a session called, “Second chance: What would senior schizophrenia researchers do if they could start over again?” Torrey shared views of both the field and where he would focus if he were starting now.

The Outlook for Research

Psychiatry and neurology will merge into one field. “It’s not that the neurologists want it, it's just logical. There's only one national health institute studying the heart; it makes sense for there to be one institute studying the brain. Schizophrenia and bipolar will be considered as brain diseases in the same way multiple sclerosis and Park-inson’s are.”

Schizophrenia will be recognized as a “network disease.” “It’s not a disease of just one part of the brain but of the connections among the parts of the brain, including the ones that have evolved most recently.”

Genes will play a relatively small role in the etiology of schizophrenia. “Schizophrenia is not a genetic disease; it’s a disease with probably several hundred predisposing genes. For the last 50 years, we have been looking for bad mothers and bad genes. There are predisposing mothers and predisposing genes, but neither bad mothers nor bad genes cause schiz-ophrenia. We constantly mistake familial associations for genetic causes.”

We will learn that the majority of cases of schizophrenia are infectious in origin, with the transmission taking place in childhood.

If He Were Starting Over

If he were starting out today, Torrey said, he would conduct longitudinal studies beginning in childhood, continue collecting brains for research and study the role of infectious agents in serious mental illness.

He described four project areas begging for answers to “Why?”

Schizophrenia and rheumatoid arthritis The two diseases occur in about 1% of the population but have a known negative association: the 1% that develops one disease typically doesn’t develop the other. Both con-ditions became prominent in the early 1800s, are associat-

ed with the same chromosome and occur most com-monly in individu-als raised in urban households they share with do-mestic cats. A drug commonly used to treat rheumatoid ar-thritis significantly improves symptoms of schizophrenia.

Schizophrenia in immigrant populations The schizophrenia rate is higher among first- and second-generation immigrants than in the native populations where they relocate.

Schizophrenia clusters among childhood playmates A high prevalence of schizophrenia among children who grow up together suggests that something infectious is at work.

Variable prevalence in different locations Considerable differences in the incidence of psychosis exist between western countries and between urban and rural areas. Big northern European cities like London and Amster-dam have a much higher incidence of schizophrenia than is found in Southern European countries like Italy and Spain.

Game Changers

Close to 200 years of research experience was reflected in the panel, which also included Sir Robin Murray, MD, of the Insti-tute of Psychiatry at King’s College in London; Eve Johnstone, MD, of the University of Edinburgh; and William Carpenter, MD, of the University of Maryland. All four started in the world of the "schizophrenogenic" mother, said Mark Weiser, MD, of the University of Tel Aviv, who summed up the panel.

“These are the people who made the breakthrough to seeing schizophrenia as a brain disease,” he said.

“All of us are disappointed we are not further ahead,” Torrey said in conclusion. “At the same time, schizophrenia is the most fascinating, intriguing disease” with much ground left to be bro-ken by the scientists who follow.

The Office of Research and Public Affairs is reporting daily from the Schizophrenia International Research Society Conference.

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"How do I afford medication?" NAMI HelpLine Provides Answers By NAMI HelpLine | Mar. 02, 2016

The NAMI HelpLine handles requests for information on mental health conditions, treatment options, local NAMI programs, recovery strategies, resource referral and support. Last year over 50,000 people contacted the HelpLine and received this essential service from NAMI staff members, trained volunteers and interns. You can reach the NAMI HelpLine at 800-950-6264, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., ET, or by writing to in-fo@nami.org. We also have a list of other frequently asked questions. The posts below are adapted from emails that people have sent requesting information and support from the HelpLine. My son is on a medication that is $535 a month. He has a $3,000 deductible. It took years to find the right medications that really help, and now it’s almost impossible to pay for his prescriptions. Are there any programs to assist with the cost of medicine? Thank you for your help. – Judy

Dear Judy, Thank you for contacting NAMI, the National Alliance on Men-tal Illness. We understand how expensive the cost of medication can be and we’ll do our best to help. No one should be denied essential medication and wellness. NAMI has information on getting help paying for medications, and there are other options for helping to make your son’s prescriptions more affordable. RX Hope can act as your advocate in receiving eligibility for low-cost/free prescriptions. You may visit RX Hope online at https://www.rxhope.com and search for your medications through their Patient & Caregiver portal. Try checking out the websites for NeedyMeds [www.needymeds.org] or the Partnership for Prescription Assis-tance [https://www.pparx.org] for additional information on prescription assistance options. NeedyMeds also provides a helpline that can be reached at 800-503-6897.

The Assistance Fund provides monetary assistance for co-pays, deductibles, premiums and other medical expenses. Visit The Assistance Fund online, or reach out to them by phone at 1-855-845-3663.

(Continued on page 7)

NAMI PA C/P FUND RAISER

Treat yourselves to dinner out at Hoss’s Steak and Sea and

support a worthy cause.

Held during Mental Health Awareness Month,

Sunday, May 1st, 2016

From 11 am to 10 pm

With two of Hoss’s Steak and Sea locations to choose from:

Hoss’s, Carlisle

1151 Harrisburg Pike (Across from Rutter’s)

Hoss’s, Mechanicsburg 61 Gettysburg Pike

(Next to Stauffer’s of Kissel Hill in Upper Allen Township)

Please show Hoss’s Community Night Logo in this newsletter

to cashier after dinner so that a portion of profits go to

support Nami PA C/P.

Group #31885

Help us help other families in their loved one’s recovery.

TAKE A WALK FOR RECOVERY

AT THE 2016 MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WALK

Cumberland/Perry Community Support Program is pleased to announce this year's Mental Health Aware-ness Walk, which will be held on Friday, April 29th, 2016 from 10 AM to 2 PM to kick off this year's celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month. The theme for this year's Mental Health Awareness Walk is "Who We Are: The Beauty of Recovery". We invite everyone to join us, and please spread the word about our TENTH ANNUAL Mental Health Aware-ness Walk to everyone in your networks. Please R.S.V.P. by calling the Cumberland/Perry Commu-nity Support Program office at 717-254-6060 or by e-mailing cspcp@cspcp.org. Gather at LeTort Park on East Pomfret Street in Carlisle at 10 AM. Walk to the Square for remarks at Noon, and return to LeTort Park for a cook out.

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and in its family classes and support groups,” said NAMI Execu-tive Director Mary Giliberti. “It reveals a glaring gap in support for caregivers that is one more example of the inequality be-tween mental illness and other health conditions. The report provides an agenda for action by policymakers and they should act quickly to provide caregivers with needed parity in access to mental health care and to provide for their overall needs.” The report and related materials can be found at www.caregiving.org/mentalhealth. Highlights – On Pins & Needles: Caregivers of Adults with Mental Illness:

8.4 million Americans care for an adult with an emotional or men-

tal health issue (from Caregiving in the U.S. 2015, National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP Public Policy Institute).

Caregivers have typically provided care for an average of 8.7 years,

in contrast to caregivers of an adult for any condition or illness who typically provide care for 4 years on average.

The majority of people receiving care (58%) are between the ages

of 18-39 and it is often a parent taking on care of the adult child (45%).

The main conditions requiring care are bipolar disorder (25%),

schizophrenia (25%), depression (22%), and anxiety (11%).

A majority of caregivers (55%) reported that they were included

less than they felt they should have been in care conversations with their loved one’s providers.

Caregivers indicated that the most helpful policies or programs

would be mental health service coverage parity (31%), care navigator (30%), and caregiver education (15%).

About half of mental health caregivers reported that their loved

one was sent home “too early or too quickly” from the emergency room, hospital, or other facility after a mental health crisis situation (49%).

Nearly half (49%) of caregivers said that their loved one is finan-

cially dependent on family and friends. Nearly half (48%) of caregivers said it was difficult to talk with

others about their loved one’s mental or emotional health issues.

New Report Finds Families Struggle Over a Decade to Get Help for Mental Illness

WASHINGTON, DC—Feb. 23, 2016—At least 8.4 million Ameri-cans are providing care to an adult with an emotional or men-tal health issue, and nearly three quarters report that caregiv-ing causes high emotional stress, finds a new study from the National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with Mental Health America and the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The study, On Pins & Needles: Caregivers of Adults with Mental Illness, identifies startling inadequacies in the U.S. health care system in meeting the needs of families who manage moderate-to-serious mental illness. Four in 10 caregivers struggled to find an accurate diagnosis for their loved one. Families whose loved one had found an accurate diagnosis reported that it took 11.8 years, on average, to get there. Treatment is also an issue. A majority of caregivers found that it was difficult to find the right drug and dose, and fewer than four in ten caregivers (37%) reported that their loved one’s medication was effective in providing the help they need. Care-givers noted several barriers to accessing health care services and long-term services and supports, including day programs, peer support, case managers, in-patient treatment centers, and low availability of services in rural areas. “Mental illness is a condition that affects the whole family,” explained Gail Gibson Hunt, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving. “These findings illustrate that gaps in the healthcare system can impact a family caregiver as well. Caregivers noted that they felt isolated by the stigma of mental illness. They reported high levels of emotional stress and wor-ried that their loved one would self-harm. It’s time to bring these families out of the darkness and get them help.” In addition to identifying common challenges facing caregivers of people with mental illness, the study offers a number of so-lutions to help families struggling with mental illness. Providing greater access to high-quality healthcare services and assis-tance with care coordination are two of the suggestions offered. Healthcare providers should examine ways to include caregivers as part of the care team, improve access and reim-bursement for medications, and provide education, the authors suggest. “We often forget that caregivers themselves are enduring trau-ma, anxiety, and depression as they work on behalf of a loved one,” explains Paul Gionfriddo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mental Health America, a partner on the study. “Surveys like this help us to focus not only on the inadequacies in our system of services and supports for people with mental health conditions, but also on the inadequacies of the support we give to those who care for them.” “The study confirms what NAMI hears every day on its Helpline

Another organization that may be helpful is Need Help Paying Bills. Their website at http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/provides infor-mation on state and local assistance programs. Please visit their web-site and click on your state through the State & local programs tab on the left to see a list of programs your son may qualify for.

Medicaid is a public state and federal combined health insurance pro-gram, which provides health insurance coverage to low-income chil-dren and adults who meet certain eligibility criteria. Eligibility for Medi-caid varies in every state, but it may be helpful to see if your son quali-fies. Medicaid generally covers the cost of prescription medications for those who are eligible. We always encourage people to contact their local NAMI for infor-mation about resources in your community. - The NAMI HelpLine

(Continued from page 6)

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Food for Thought (and Feelings)

Does food affect our thoughts and feelings, our mental wellbe-ing? Researchers are currently studying this question. The gen-eral answer is yes, there is a connection between nutrition and mental health. Many questions are still under investigation. Of course a healthy diet helps increase mental health and wellbeing, but what, specifically, is meant by a healthy diet? How do certain nutrients (and which ones?) affect the brain itself to improve our emotions and help the way we think about the world around us? Improving Mental Health Through Nutrition

While universally agreed-upon answers to the questions about nutrition and mental health have yet to be locked in, we can still consider our nutrition to be food for thought and feelings. Our diet and nutrition do affect our mental health. Tips for increasing mental health through nutrition include:

Replace sodas, sports drinks, and sugary juices with water. Add lemons, oranges, or frozen berries for flavor and vitamins.

Make healthy eating convenient and easy. Stock your cup-boards with nuts, whole grain crackers, and dried fruits and your fridge with cut-up veggies and fruits.

Choose healthy foods that you actually like. Forcing down things you hate won't work.

Let yourself have occasional treats. Pleasure is important for mental health, too. The brain needs proper nutrition to function well, so in being intentional about your diet, you're feeding you. Is Your Food Making You Anxious?

Posted to HealthyPLace on February 5, 2015 by Tanya J. Peter-

son, MS, NCC

You’ve just had yet another stressful day and you’re anxious.

Your mind is reeling as it ruminates over the myriad of blun-

ders, problems, and challenging interactions. Anxiety rages, and

“what-ifs” and worries are spinning out of control. Your stom-

ach churns; your head pounds. You throw your things onto a

table or couch and head right for the kitchen. Do you rummage

for healthy food or do you do what a vast majority of us do–

seek out the junk food? Is your food making your anxious? It’s

no surprise that, when stressed and anxious, many of us turn to

food. Comfort food, after all, is part of the human experience.

Because of how the body digests and uses it, food has the po-

tential to nourish, warm, improve mood, increase energy, or

calm. That’s why we instinctively are drawn to food when anx-

ious or otherwise upset.

When we’re anxious, life can be hard to swallow; therefore, we

want tasty foods that slide down easily. There is an irony to this,

however. Many of us turn to food to decrease anxiety, but in

doing so, we often inadvertently increase our anxiety.

Turning to Food to Decrease Anxiety

Let’s face it. Sometimes a Hostess cupcake just sounds better

than a stalk of celery. Doritos are so much easier to crunch

down than raw carrots. Anxiety doesn’t exactly put us in the

mood to cook. Fast food, fried foods, processed foods, sweets,

sodas, coffee drinks, alcohol–things laden with high fructose

corn syrup, partially hydrogenated oils/trans fats, refined sug-

ars, caffeine, and the like, are easy to obtain and often delightful

to eat and drink. We turn to them because we think they’ll make

our anxiety decrease.

Unfortunately, food has an effect on our brains long after it

leaves our mouth. It’s becoming well known that diet contrib-

utes to things like diabetes, heart disease, and even some can-

cers. It’s also being shown that certain foods, while they don’t

cause anxiety, they certainly contribute to and perpetuate it.

Why Some Foods Contribute to Anxiety

The above-mentioned foods and drinks wreak havoc on the

(Continued on page 9)

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body and brain.

Many have little nutritional content, so we starve despite

consuming calories.

These foods can be hard to digest, so our body becomes

bogged down in trying to process them; it’s an unneces-

sary drain on our energy.

Alcohol, coffee, and sodas are dehydrating; and dehydra-

tion has a very negative effect on the brain.

These processed and otherwise unhealthy foods can

throw our hormonal balance out of whack, contributing

greatly to anxiety.

Caffeine causes jitteriness and magnifies anxiety that is

already present.

Refined sugars break down quickly; not only do they flood

our system, but they spike the presence of the stress hor-

mone cortisol.

After the sugar spike comes a crash, and with it comes

anxiety and irritability.

Many of these effects cause the very same physical symp-

toms associated with anxiety, so rather than comforting us

and helping us feel better, we actually end up feeling

worse.

(Continued from page 8) It’s Still Okay to Eat When You’re Anxious — Food Good for Anxiety

Wanting comfort food is a normal human desire. When we’re

conscious of what we’re doing, not only is it okay to eat comfort

foods, it’s healthy and helpful. For all of the negative impact

foods can have on our anxiety, other foods have the exact oppo-

site effect (Nutrition Therapy for Anxiety). Foods can be nourish-

ing and provide important nutrients we need to combat anxiety.

Foods high in vitamin B, for example, have been shown to

soothe anxiety. Protein-rich foods are beneficial as well. Whole

grains and other natural “whole” foods are other excellent

choices for well-being.

Stock your cupboards and refrigerator with nuts, whole-grain

breads and crackers, lean meats, eggs, fresh fruits, and vegeta-

bles, brown or wild rice, oatmeal, healthy cereal, and the like.

There are also recipes for natural, whole-grain desserts that are

great substitutes for Hostess.

Food doesn’t cause anxiety, nor does it act alone to eradicate it.

However, it most definitely does impact our physical and emo-

tional symptoms of anxiety. Intentionally choosing what we eat

and sticking to an anxiety-friendly diet can help diminish anxie-

ty. That is a cause for a healthy celebration.

NAMI Cumberland and Perry Counties

Needs

Individuals who will become active with NAMI as

Teachers [Family to Family or Peer to Peer or other signature programs]

Support Group facilitators

Speakers for Speakers’ Bureau

Board Members

Program coordinators

Event Planners

If you are interested you should contact one of the Board Members or Officers listed on Page 2

Step Up and make our Community even stronger.

10

Place

Stamp

Here

NAMI PA

CUMBERLAND and PERRY COUNTIES Enclosed is my membership or my tax deductible donation (check or money order)

Payable to NAMI PA C/P - mail to PO Box 527, Carlisle, Pa. 17013

___Individual membership [$35] ___Family membership [$35] ___Open Door [3$] ___Professional membership [$50]

___ New member or ____Renewal

NAME:_____________________________________________________________________________________ Date__________

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