A DIFFICULT PASSAGE

from Kathryn Wyeth

For most teenagers, turning 18 or 21 years old is a milestone of accomplishment and hope, ushering in the start of an advanced education or a career. But for young adults with mental health conditions (such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, major depressive or anxiety disorders, or conduct disorder) the transition from adolescence to adulthood can be much more difficult. The dangers of ending up jobless, homeless or even in jail loom large.

More than 3 million young adults aged 18 to 21 have been diagnosed with a serious mental health condition. Almost 70 percent of high school students with identified mental health needs have vocational or employment goals, but more than half of these end up dropping out of high school, and only 5 percent to 20 percent enter postsecondary education, according to a soon-to-be published national study of youth in 500 school districts.

Young people with mental health needs who want to work or to utilize vocational training after high school are much more likely than students with other disabilities (such as physical impairments) to be disappointed in their dreams

Connecting Tags; economics, Recovery, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

Vermont Recovery

from Kathryn Wyeth

This is a place for simple and useful information for mental health workers and individuals diagnosed with a psychiatric disability.

-Peace unto you and be well-

Connecting Tags; Recovery, rights, stigma, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

Empowerment Day

from Gerald Butler

May 22, 2007

Peer Support & Empowerment

Day

The second annual ‘Empowerment Day’ is upon us already, and the air is alive with positive vibrations. The real fun is in the prep work, as I am finding that my brothers and sisters in Recovery have a lot to offer. Last year, I made suggestions to consumer panelists and presenters as to what they should do. This year I am asking for three things: 1) Remember where they came from and how they got to where they are today, and pay it forward. 2) Out of 365 days, these 7 hours are dedicated solely to the Consumer, therefore I ask presenters to speak from the heart, Peer to Peer. If a non consumer does not get it, they can always ask a consumer to explain. 3) Although we are going to learn new things and have fun, I ask presenters to dig deep down in his/her heart and soul, and give the best they have, and be true to those to whom the day is dedicated, consumers.

When an IDDT & Peer Support conference, (slated for the 23d of this month) did not occur, we were left with broken hearts and frustration. Then Veda Sharp (Detroit-Wayne County CMH/ Interim Director) marshaled the troops, saying, “Lets do Empowerment Day’ It’s amazing what a bunch of folks can do in a pinch, particularly when everyone tables their other issues and pulls together as a team. But since this day is all about ‘Consumers’ we would like to use this opportunity to pay homage to “Consumers who fought the odds, and took a step forward in their Recovery”. So we are asking, Clubhouses, Drop In Centers, and anyone else in the community to send nominations for Certificate of Achievement Awards to ssoftley@co.wayne.mi.us . We are not looking for those who have created a new scientific process, but for those who have made their daily lives a little better.

In thinking about this years ‘Empowerment Day’ I knew that somehow consumers had to be more involved in the entire event. I also realized some administrators needed to actually see how capable consumers can be when left on own. My being a musician, it seemed logical that I would choose music to apply Peer Support. I first met Lamasa (keyboard) and Clifford (bass) Pace at Go-Getters a few years ago, and have seen them perform a few times over the last two years. The thing that impressed me the most was Lamasa’s enthusiasm, and pure love for music. Since childhood she has entertained one constant wish, to play in a band. My being a horn player, I could not show her the chord work necessary for her to be able to see her dream come true. However, my Peer Support training kicked in and I knew I had to find a musician who was not only capable, but sensitive enough to assure her passion would remain high. Barry Broden, a guitarist at the Agency has done a great job giving her both. In fact it was he who discovered that Lamasa sees music chords in colors: IE Key of C= red, Key of D=blue. I am hoping to encourage her to tell a bit of her story while performing at the event.

Yes, the ‘Freedom Train’ has left the station and is gathering momentum as more consumers get on board almost daily. Since it has a positive effect on at least 90% of the consumers who take the course, I envision this: in the not to distant future, the feds will examine the top ten treatment/recovery programs in the Country. The common denominator will be Peer Support. Thus, acceptable or not, it would behoove everyone in this field to at least be aware of what Peer Support is and what it is not. We are merely the front line troops, the grunts, helping to usher in a brand new age of treatment/recovery in America. Our practices and principles are ages old and cut to the very core of human nature, “the more we sincerely help others, the better we feel about ourselves”. The better we feel about ourselves, the more successful we are in recovery. Hope to see you on the 15^th.

Gerald Butler

CPSS/ Advocate

Connecting Tags; Recovery, peer, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

Empowerment Day, June 15th

from Gerald Butler

In conjunction with

Detroit Wayne County Community Mental Health

Present the second annual

Date- June 15^th

Place- Samaritan Center/ 5555 E. Conner

Time- 9:00 AM. Until 3:30 PM.

This year’s theme will be

Peer Support & Empowerment

No one begins a journey, without HOPE of being able to see it through. The ‘Peer Support Movement’ is the latest tool in recovery: and by utilizing it in conjunction the many other tools, consumers fare better in recovery. Thus, this ‘Empowerment Day’ will be devoted to clarifying the role of the Peer in system transformation the main attraction as far as fun will be the consumer band called

“Recovery”.

Reports from Mother's Day Protest of Electroshock in Ireland, Toronto and Montreal

The first ever public demonstration against electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) in Cork, Ireland took place on Sunday, 13 May 2007 at Daunt Square.

Organised by MindFreedom Ireland, who campaign for a non-violent revolution in the mental health system, the demonstration was in solidarity with similar demonstrations in Montreal and Toronto Canada which also took place on Sunday, May 13th. For background information on the Toronto protest including news conference and poster click here.

Clearly, Frankly, Unabashedly Disabled

From C Lejuste

WHEN Josh Blue won NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” last season, he did so with riffs like this:

“My right arm does a lot of crazy stuff. Like the other day, I thought someone had stolen my wallet.”

It’s funny only if you know that Mr. Blue has cerebral palsy.

The public image of people with disabilities has often hinged on the heroic or the tragic. But Mr. Blue, 28, represents the broader portrait of disability now infusing television and film. This new, sometimes confrontational stance reflects the higher expectations among many members of the disabled population that they be treated as people who happen to have a disability, rather than as people defined by disability.

Call for more Support for Veterans

from K Wyeth

Online petition to VA Secretary Nicholson to increase mental
health staffing

In response to a recent report that thirty percent of Vet Centers
stated that they needed more staff, the Iraq and Afghanistan
Veterans of America has been hosting an online petition to
Veterans Administration Secretary Nicholson, calling for
improvements to mental health care funding for returning veterans.

http://www2.iava.org/dia/organizationsORG/OpTruth/petition.jsp?petition_
KEY=420

To read more about the mental health concerns facing returning
vets, go to:
www.iava.org/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=2414

Connecting Tags; veterans, Recovery, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

Register for Alternatives 2007

from K Wyeth

"Spanning the Recovery Movement: Consumer Control and Choice.

The St. Louis Arch is a national monument that symbolizes our
accomplishments in the past and our great hope for the future. With its
structurally sound architecture and precise mathematical construction,
it stands as a testament to the ability of the human mind to overcome
tremendous obstacles and emerge with beauty and wonder. It spans the
horizon as a tribute to those who have gone before and as a sign of what
is to come. The recovery movement symbolizes both the triumph of the
past and the anticipation of the future. The movement stands as a
reminder for consumers, survivors, and ex-patients that we can emerge
with beauty and wonder. Both those who have gone before and those who
will follow after are witnesses to the expansive power and promise of
innovative change."

http://www.alternatives2007.org/registration.html

Scholarship applications are due May 25th. See the Registration page to
download an application.

Connecting Tags; Recovery, education, peer, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

Up Date on Spend Down

There is a group of people in Michigan trying to reduce the impact that spend down has on personal income. I'm on the group, and thought I would provide an update on our progress.

Spend down is money that you have to pay each month for medical costs in order to qualify for Medicaid. The spend down is created if your income goes over the limits for Medicaid eligibility. Once you have incurred bills equal to your spend down, you are eligible for Medicaid for the rest of the month. Spend down is calculated every month.

I bet it already sounds awful, right?

Unless you are eligible for SSI, your spend down is your unearned income minus about $500.00. Living on $500.00 is not possible.

Now it really sounds awful.....

If you go to work and earn additional money, hal of it counts toward your spend down. It's like getting paid half of minimum wage for a minimum wage job.

I guess you can see why we are trying to change the rulkes for spend down.

Goal One: Make all earned income exempt from spend down.
Goal Two: Make the fall back income level (now around $500/month) the same as the SSI level (nearly $900/month).

As we get closer to these goals, I'll update you here in The Recovering Life.

Aging Committee To Examine The Future Of Medicare And Chronic Care Wednesday, USA

U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) will chair a Special Committee on Aging hearing titled, "The Future of Medicare: Recognizing the Need for Chronic Care Coordination," on Wednesday, May 9, 2007, at 3:00 p.m.

The purpose of this hearing is to examine the need for care coordination for Medicare beneficiaries who suffer from multiple chronic illnesses. Approximately 78 percent of the Medicare population have one or more chronic conditions and 63 percent have two or more chronic conditions. This hearing will address chronic care related to the Medicare fee-for-service program. More than 85 percent of beneficiaries continue to rely on the traditional program for their health care services. Currently, the traditional Medicare program does not provide incentives for physicians to coordinate chronic conditions resulting in a fragmented system of care, more frequent visits to the doctor, and higher health care costs.

Connecting Tags; Medicare, LTC, choice, community-based, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

Investigation of Ashley's "Treatment"

Although not a Recovery item, and important response to using people with disabilities.

To the disability community nationwide:

As many of you know, the Washington Protection and Advocacy System (soon to be Disability Rights Washington - DRW), opened an investigation in January 2007 into the "Ashley Treatment" interventions and the role of Seattle's Children's Hospital. Today, we are releasing the findings of that investigation.

The view the full report, complete with appendix items, please visit our website www.DisabilityRightsWA.org .

You should know:

1. Children's Hospital violated Washington state law in performing the hysterectomy portion of the "Ashley Treatment " which resulted in the violation of Ashley's constitutional and common law rights;

2. The Hospital has acknowledged the violation and accepted full responsibility;

3. The Hospital has entered into an enforceable, written five (5) year agreement with WPAS to take corrective action and other proactive steps; and

4, We have included a list of next steps in the Executive Summary that we hope will be a part of a nationwide collaborative effort of the disability community that will result in Ashley being the last person to receive "treatment" named for her.

Seattle Children's Hospital acknowledged the following in our five (5) year, enforceable agreement:

"Children’s has received and reviewed the WPAS report on Ashley and the treatment she received. In general, Children’s accepts the WPAS report. Specifically, Children’s agrees with the finding in the report that Ashley’s sterilization proceeded without a court order in violation of Washington State law, resulting in violation of Ashley’s constitutional and common law rights. Children’s deeply regrets its failure to assure court review and a court order prior to allowing performance of the sterilization and is dedicated to assuring full compliance with the law in any future case."

Some of you may think having a court order is a procedural matter easily overcome. That is not the case. We encourage you to carefully read the legal requirements section of our report to gain a full understanding of this critical safeguard of the rights of children for whom this treatment may be proposed.

If you are wondering about the applicable law in your state the first appendix section includes contacts from many states who have agreed to share their knowledge of the law in their states.

Let us know if you have any questions.

Mark Stroh, Executive Director

Washington Protection & Advocacy System*

315 - 5th Ave South, Suite 850

Seattle, WA 98104

mstroh@wpas-rights.org

ph: (206) 324-1521 / 800-562-2702

tty: (206) 957-0728

fax: (206) 957-0729

Connecting Tags; rights, youth, LTC, choice, advocacy, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

Study Finds Dual Eligibles Denied Access To Psychiatric Drugs Under Medicare Part D, Other Problems

"Medication Access and Continuity: The Experiences of Dual-Eligible Psychiatric Patients During the First 4 Months of the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit," American Journal of Psychiatry: For the study, Joyce West of the American Psychiatric Institute for Research and Education and colleagues examined access to psychiatric medications under Medicare Part D for dual eligibles -- beneficiaries who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid -- and found that some experience significant problems receiving drugs. More than 30% of dual eligibles were denied medication refills, more than 22% had interrupted or discontinued access to medication and many beneficiaries had their medications changed regardless of whether their condition was stable. The authors concluded that these access difficulties led to suicide, hospitalizations and homelessness, prompting mental health advocates, such as the American Psychiatric Association, to push for the drug plans to follow CMS guidelines (American Psychiatric Association release, 5/1).

Connecting Tags; Medicare, Recovery, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

The origins of Empowerment Day

by Gerald Butler

One day in October of 05, Darryl Cornwell and I had just left the recently opened Highland Park Clubhouse where upon he commented on how enthusiastic I get whenever I am around other consumers. After a few minutes, he asked ‘If you could do one thing for consumers, what would it be? My answer, “My dream is for consumers to have one day a year where they are honored for their struggles in recovery. No politics, no bosses, no fear of being debased, simply a day in their honor”. Over the next few weeks Darryl continued to ask me for more details, even though I kept assuring him it would never happen. The next thing I know I am sitting in front of Marilyn Snowden (Director-Detroit East) telling her my dream in detail. I was pleasantly surprised when she said she would make my dream come true, luckily, I didn’t tell her that it would never happen.

Even though the Peer Support Movement teaches us the value of having hope and self-confidence, I found myself ready to call it off when ever even minor issue arose. I went many times to Ms. Snowden with these concerns, fully expecting her to say it could not be done. It turned out that either she has anticipated the problem and handled it, or she would make a phone call and solve what I deemed a disaster. What she mostly did was gave me HOPE, and like the child with a new toy, I wanted to show my newfound hope to other consumers. So ‘Visions’ began visiting clubhouses during which time we found it better to go not to take something, but just going to listen to consumers. The more I listened, the more I realized our only difference was that I was lucky enough to have gotten some good support.

Folks from all over Wayne County and the Sate came out to support ‘Empowerment Day’. I now know that had I not had a sense of self-esteem and hope, it simply would not have occurred. That sense of self worth is a direct result of the Peer Support Movement, through which our experiences become valuable as we utilize them to help others. When we help others, we feel better about ourselves. The better we fell about ourselves the more positive we become about our recovery.

Next MindFreedom International Free Internet Radio -- Listen and

Neil Gong on "Madness, College & Asian Americans: Create
Community in Response to the Virginia Tech Tragedy."

[PLUS at BOTTOM: News about MindFreedom Virginia... Electroshock
protest in Montreal, Toronto, Ireland... Oregon activism...]

Neil Gong has important insights on what our society can learn from
the Virginia Tech tragedy. Neil is a community organizer on college
campuses supporting students who are diagnosed with psychiatric
disabilities.

Neil's studies include how mental health issues impact Asian American
communities.

You may listen and phone in LIVE to this Internet radio show *this*
Wednesday, 9 May at 4 pm ET at http://prncomm.net. Host is David Oaks.

Evidence-Based Review of Peer Support

BACKGROUND/RATIONALE: Serious mental illness (SMI) is the second most costly medical disorder treated in the VHA. Despite these expenditures, clinical outcomes for these patients are often poor due to a combination of low quality care and severe cognitive and functional impairments. While these problems are multifaceted, studies outside the VHA have shown that the use of different types of peer support-those with SMI in recovery providing assistance and role modeling to other with SMI-can often improve and augment public care. This is because peer support addresses factors that contribute to poor outcomes at the patient level. They reduce social isolation and also facilitate patient involvement in the community-based service and supports. They also address outcomes at the system level by increasing patient access and moving services toward a recovery orientation.

Connecting Tags; Recovery, peer, social production, community-based, choice, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

Youths Describe Obstacles On Their Road to Recovery

Listen to us. Don’t talk down to us. Make us a part of the healing process, and give us choices in our treatment.

This was just some of the heartfelt advice given by a group of young people with mental illness to 200 attendees who gathered at the 17th Annual Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy held last month in Atlanta. Psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health and educational administrators, parents, and mental health advocates were among those who attended the symposium. As they sat onstage facing 200 attendees at the symposium, "Youth in Crisis—Uniting for Action," the youths related eerily similar stories of alienation, being bullied, powerlessness, repeated suicide attempts, and an endless parade of doctors, therapists, and medications.

Connecting Tags; Recovery, youth, peer, stigma, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

YOUTH VOICES: Speaking Out About Recovery

"When I was 15, I attempted suicide," said Lorrin McGinnis. "My mom was devastated, and a lot of my friends felt hurt. As a result, I decided about a week later that, okay, I can't live for myself right now because I'm not happy, but I'm going to try to live for other people. I was trying to make the biggest impact I could in other people's lives because I felt like I couldn't do that in my own life. The ironic part is that, by doing that, it really helped me. I found purpose in my own life."

Now age 20 and studying for a degree in social work, Ms. McGinnis is a youth coordinator at Utah Allies for Families in Ogden, UT.

Connecting Tags; Recovery, youth, Recovery, peer, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

Good News

by Gerald Butler

May 3, 2007

First, I must get the bad news out of the way: Due to budgetary issues, the ‘Peer Support and Co-Occurring’ conference slated for the 23^rd of this month has been rescheduled until sometime in September. I would like to offer both thanks and apologies to those who have been working with ‘Visions’ over the last year to make it possible. The good news is “Empowerment Day’ is scheduled for June 15^th, and since the only major changes will be the absence of the State folks, we already have the majority of the program in place. This year’s theme will be ‘Peer Support and Consumer Empowerment’. Matrix Theater is a group of folks with MI, DD, SA, and/or any other issue that causes people to have to depend on the system for help. The actually act out their experiences in recovery with plays and skits, and hopefully they will come and share the day with us.

It is no secret that Case Managers fear Peer Supporters are after their jobs, when in reality nothing can be further from the truth. With Case Managers averaging a caseload of about 90 consumers, logic dictates it is impossible for them to give each one of us the time and effort required for us to have a good start on our recovery journey. Since Case Managers and Peer Supporters are like the front line troops, the closer we work together, the better the outcomes for all involved. On June 15^th, we are asking Case Managers to attend and ask questions. We need them to have a clear understanding of exactly what role Peer Supporters play in System Transformation When the relationship is working correctly, Case Managers, as opposed to running around putting out fires, become free enough to devote time and effort to those myriad issues necessary for a consumer to do well in recovery.

Since the first Peer Supporter training in Michigan, Dr. Harriet Green has shown high interest and support for the movement. Over the past year, she has studied the peer support manual from a clinician’s point of view. Dr Green fells it is vital we know where we are in our journey of recovery, and will be speaking on the “Stages of Change”. No one begins a task with out hope of completing it, and unless we have hope of recovery, there is no need for us to participate in the process. Sherri Rushman will be sharing her thoughts on ‘Hope Givers, Hope Receivers’, and personally, I feel energized each time I hear her speak. Throughout the day, consumers will be speaking and giving recovery stories, and we will have fun, meet new friends, and learn new things. The only folks missing will be those who bought the Peer Movement to Michigan, Pam Werner, and Irene Kazieczko. That would make it a perfect day.

Again, sorry for the inconvenience the date change has caused anyone, but hopefully we will make up for on June 15^th. Looking forward to having you come and share this day of recovery with us.

Connecting Tags; Recovery, peer, community-based, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

The Advocacy Network of Maine

In keeping with the vision, values and philosophy of a consumer-driven system of care, we endorse the definition of recovery expressed by the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health:

“Recovery refers to the process in which people are able to live, work, learn, and participate fully in their communities. For some individuals, recovery is the ability to live a fulfilling and productive life despite a disability. For others, recovery implies the reduction or complete remission of symptoms. Science has shown that having hope plays an integral role in an individual’s recovery.”

GOALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In a Transformed Mental Health System …

Connecting Tags; Recovery, peer, social production, fan-the-flame, copower, prosynergy

MindFreedom News

Youth Psychiatric Survivors Speak Out on MFI Free Internet Radio!

The next two MindFreedom Internet Radio Shows -- broadcast live and
free on the web -- will feature youth psychiatric survivors
reflecting on the Virginia Tech tragedy. You may phone in live with
your questions and comments.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, 2 May 2007, at 4 pm ET, you may hear Martin
Rafferty, a 20 year old psychiatric survivor activist and MindFreedom
Youth Outreach Coordinator, as a guest on the show. Host is David Oaks.

The next week, Wednesday, 9 May 2007, guest will be Neil Gong of the
Icarus Project. Neil is a psychiatric survivor college campus
organizer at New York University. Hear from the point of view of a
college student who is working to raise these issues with other
students.

As always, you may call in LIVE with your comments and questions.

HOW TO HEAR SHOW LIVE: Just click on http://prncomm.net/ to hear the
show live, Wednesdays at 4 pm ET. To call in, listen for the toll
free number in the USA or a special number for outside the USA. Or e-
mail at any time to radio@mindfreedom.org and your comment may be
read on the air.

CHALLENGING STIGMA CONFERENCE

The Guidance Center will host a conference for members of the Downriver faith community Saturday, June 2^nd: "Challenging Stigma - Promoting a Realistic, Strengths-Based View of People with Mental Illness." The event, which will feature information about current trends in community-based support, materials from the national anti-stigma campaign ("What a difference a friend makes)" and a panel of mental health consumers, will be held at the Center for Excellence at 13111 Allen Road in Southgate from 8 am to 4 pm. If you are interested in helping to promote a better understanding of mental illness and challenge the stigma associated with mental illness in your community, please contact Rich Casteels at (734) 785-7705 extension 7123 or rcasteels@guidance-center.org.