NAMI Southeast Wisconsin

Please share with anyone impacted by mental health struggles. We have a number of free classes coming up for parents of adolescents (NAMI Basics and Compassion Resilience Training), and individuals with mental illness (Peer to Peer) as well as ongoing in-person and virtual support groups for parents, family members, peers, and survivors of su***de. If you have any questions about the right group or class for you, call the main office at 262-524-8886.

This is a really comprehensive guide to understanding and managing a mental health crisis. Save, print, and share. https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Publications-Reports/Guides/Navigating-a-Mental-Health-Crisis/Navigating-A-Mental-Health-Crisis?utm_source=website&utm_medium=cta&utm_campaign=crisisguide

Mental health friends and champions…Save the date for Blue Jean Bingo: Shattering Stigma! May 3, 2024 at the Harley Davidson Garage. We can’t wait! We’ll be sharing more information soon.

MKE Lifestyle Reporter Nan Bialek shines a light on a challenging topic: Su***de Prevention myths and facts in this month's issue. Executive Director Mary Madden shares her thoughts in the piece as well (Hint: Talking about su***de does not put the idea in someone's head). Read on for important information and resources...

Su***de Prevention This article discusses su***de. If you or someone you know is thinking about su***de or is in crisis, help is available 24/7 every day of the year. Call or text

Questions often arise about the link between gun violence and mental illness. On Thursday January 18 at 3PM-4:30 PM Central Time, NAMI is offering a free webinar: Ask the Expert: An Evidence-Based Conversation on Violence and Mental Illness to provide context and data around this issue as well as share violence prevention interventions. Guest presenter is Eric Elbogen, Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Duke University School of Medicine.

More information/To Register:

NAMI Ask the Expert: An Evidence-Based Conversation on Violence and Mental Illness | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness Join us as we review the topic of violence and mental illness from an evidence-based framework.

Today, we reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and a life marked by immense suffering and incredible resilience. But also hope, determination and commitment. Never give up hope💚

Parents, your struggling child needs you. But maybe you don't know how to help, or think that they will "grow out of it". A new NAMI Basics virtual class for parents of kids 18 and under is now open for registration!

A randomized clinical effectiveness trial led by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin, demonstrated that NAMI Basics improved parent and caregiver activation and engagement, in addition to decreasing their children’s symptoms. In 6 sessions, you will develop a clearer understanding of what your child is going through and what they need from you in order to thrive. And it's free! Contact [email protected] to register or to learn more.

We're going to spend less time worrying and more time focusing on little improvements each day...What else should we add?

FYI: Our offices will be closed today due to weather. We will also be closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Day. We look forward to seeing you all again on Tuesday, January 16th! Stay safe and cozy - and remember that you are not alone!

Are you passionate about supporting and empowering other parents and caregivers?

Become trained to be a paid facilitator of the Compassion Resilience Toolkit!
This free 2-day, virtual, training is designed for community partners interested in offering Compassion Resilience Toolkit (CRT) to parents and family caregivers of adolescents in Wisconsin. Facilitators will learn how to teach others skills and supports that build strength and compassion as well as ways for parents and caregivers to manage daily stresses while empowering their children to do the same.

*Participants who complete the two-day training and then teach an 8-week course will receive a stipend.

January 22 & 24, 2024
Training is VIRTUAL from 9am-1pm on BOTH Jan. 22 and Jan. 24

Find out more about the Compassion Resilience Toolkit HERE:
https://eliminatestigma.org/compassion-resilience-toolkit/parents-and-caregivers/what-is-compassion-resilience/

To register, contact Angela at [email protected]

As the demand increases for more mental health support, so does the need for more teachers, support group leaders, and lived experience presenters willing to share their mental health journey.

Give back to your community by sharing your story, your expertise, or your time to NAMI Southeast Wisconsin's mission. Learn and share positive habits and helpful coping skills this year. See information below for upcoming opportunities to spread mental health awareness.

COMPASSION RESILIENCE: The Compassion Resilience Toolkit is designed to teach parents and caregivers the skills and supports that build strength and empathy as well as ways to manage daily stresses and avoid burnout while empowering their loved ones to do the same.

ENDING THE SILENCE: a 50-minute presentation for middle and high school students in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties. Young adult presenters living in recovery will share statistics, accurate medical information, and resources with teens in order to reduce stigma and help teens find support.

IN OUR OWN VOICE: Change attitudes, assumptions and ideas about people with mental illness. The 90-minute presentation provides two personal perspectives of mental health conditions, as leaders with lived experience talk openly about what it's like to live in recovery.

CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM (CIT): a one-week training for law enforcement and first responders to help them better understand and navigate a mental health crisis. Presenters with mental illness, family members or professionals are invited to share their experiences in the hopes of improving safety and outcomes in high-stress situations.

Visit our website for more info: https://namisoutheastwi.org/

We are here to provide you with the help you deserve this year.

FREE, compassionate and relevant support is available to everyone and every neighborhood in the communities we serve of Milwaukee, Waukesha and Jefferson Counties.

Support groups for those living with mental illness HERE: https://namisoutheastwi.org/support-and-education/support/peer-support-groups/

Support groups for family & friends of loved ones with mental illness HERE: https://namisoutheastwi.org/support-and-education/support/family-support-groups/

What does HELP look like for you?

The hope for a better future for you and your loved ones begins this year.

View the information below about our FREE education for parents, caregivers, and family members. We also offer paid opportunities to mentor other caregivers. Let us help you become the best version of yourself in 2024!

FREE mental health education for family and loved ones of those living with mental health conditions can be found HERE: https://namisoutheastwi.org/support-and-education/mental-health-education/family-to-family/

FREE mental health education for parents & caregivers of youth living with mental health conditions can be found HERE: https://namisoutheastwi.org/support-and-education/mental-health-education/nami-basics/

What does HOPE look like for you?

Grateful for each of you and how you have supported mental health in our communities. Thank you for being part of our community of care💚

If you are caring for a child experiencing mental health, emotional, or behavioral difficulties, then you deserve to learn tools and skills that will help you and your family. This free class is essential information on brain development, working with schools to get the support your child needs, and what to do when challenging behaviors arise- especially helpful to have these tools before you are in crisis. Gain skills, support and validation from others who have walked in your shoes.

Presented in conjunction with the Wauwatosa Health Department.

DATES: Saturdays, January 6- February 10, 2024
TIME: 9:00-11:30AM
LOCATION:
Wauwatosa Public Library (Firefly Room)
7635 W. North Ave.

Or meet VIRTUALLY!
DATES: Saturdays, February 24- March 30, 2024
TIME: 9:00-11:30am
LOCATION: Link available upon registration

To register contact Adrianne at [email protected] or 414-326-3461. For more information about NAMI Basics, click here: https://namisoutheastwi.org/support-and-education/mental-health-education/nami-basics/

We are so grateful for everyone who participated in or contributed to this year’s Lake Country Days, an annual fundraiser that raises awareness of su***de prevention. We are proud to know people like Tim and Cansas Steidl and their family who have donated proceeds from this event that they have championed from the beginning!

***deprevention ***depreventionawareness

The NAMI Southeast Wisconsin offices will be closed beginning December 25 and will reopen on January 2. Even though our offices are closed, help is still available.

Whether you are struggling with mental illness or simply feeling lonely and down, NAMI offers free, relevant, accessible resources. If you are in a mental health crisis, please contact 988 to get the support that you deserve.

Do you have a loved one living with a mental health condition?

NAMI Family-to-Family is a free 8-session education program for family, friends and significant others of adults experiencing mental health symptoms. Learn from other parents, caregivers, family and friends who have walked in your shoes. Join this non-judgmental space that promotes compassion, pro-tips and healing. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of your peers.

Pre-registration is required. If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact Denise Fischer at [email protected] or at 262-409-2743. For more information on Family-to-Family, click here: https://namisoutheastwi.org/support-and-education/mental-health-education/family-to-family/

DATES: Saturdays, January 6-February 24, 2024
TIMES: 9:00-11:30am
LOCATION:
Redeemer United Church of Christ
W220N4915 Town Line Rd
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

If you need support, call, text, or chat with . 988 provides support & resources reflective of all communities and their own needs.

You can reach a specialized LGBTQI+ affirming counseling by texting Q to 988 or pressing 3 when calling. 988lifeline.org/help-yourself/lgbtq/

We loaded lots of toys and goodies on our sleigh this season!
Our holiday elves had the opportunity to share a little joy, a little cheer and some holiday gifts with great organizations in our communities who support those living with mental illness.

We are tremendously grateful for:
Our Space, Inc.
Guest House of Milwaukee
Grand Avenue Club
Lueder House
Friendships Unlimited
Spring City Corner Clubhouse
Waukesha County Health & Human Services

Did you know that December 21st is not only the first official day of winter and the longest night of the year, but also National Homeless Persons' Memorial Day? On this day, we remember those who have died during the year while unhoused, unsheltered, living in shelters, transitional housing, or other uninhabitable places and spaces, and without a place to call home.

Unfortunately, mental illness is very commonly a cause or a contributing factor to homelessness. The NAMI SEWI PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) team, and other homeless providers remember those we have lost over the year. All of those lost had a name. A story. They were fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, friends. They were cared for and loved. For more information or to recognize someone you have lost:
https://nationalhomeless.org/homeless-persons-memorial-day/

A season focused so much on family and joy can be tough for those who have no family and are struggling to find anything to be joyful about. The hustle and bustle can be overwhelming. For others, it can feel insurmountable. Here are some tips on how to care for yourself during this holiday season:

https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/December-2021/How-to-Prioritize-Self-Care-During-the-Holidays

Thank you SO much to the Captain John D. Mason Veteran Peer Outreach Program for promoting our upcoming Family-to-Family class!

Are you interested in learning how to save lives through a nationally-accredited training? Explore the myths and facts of su***de and mental health and equip yourself with knowledge to help anyone at risk of su***de through QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer.) Su***de Prevention Training.

NAMI Southeast Wisconsin is offering this class for FREE on the following Fridays from 12:00-1:30pm:
January 19, 2024
March 8, 2024
May 17, 2024

Pre-registration is REQUIRED by 5pm the day prior to the training. If you have any questions or would like to register, please contact Sunnie at [email protected]. A zoom link will be emailed to you upon registration.

For more information on QPR, please visit their website: https://qprinstitute.com/

Presented by: NAMI Southeast Wisconsin in partnership with Waukesha County Su***de Prevention Initiative with support from Lake Country Days

***deprevention

During the holidays, everything comes out of the closet. They can be hard times and fun times all at once. With a to-do list a mile long, there is anxiety that you won’t get everything done. Aside from the hustle and bustle, you may experience having loved ones blow up or shut down. When entire families gather together, feelings may get hurt over simplest things that were said or done. Remember that gifts are fleeting, but memories last.

Give yourself the gift of time to de-stress before the holidays. To make space for yourself to breathe in a compassionate and encouraging atmosphere. All are welcome at our support groups.

Please consider joining others who can relate to your experience!

Support groups for YOU:

Every Saturday: Connection Peer Support from 10:00am-11:30am at the GESU Church Parish Center (1210 W. Michigan St. Milwaukee)

12/21: Peer Support Group from 6:30-8:00pm at Thirst Church in Oconomowoc (1260 Brown St.)

Support groups for FAMILY & LOVED ONES of those living with mental health conditions:

12/20: Parent Peer Group from 6:30-8:30pm - Virtual

12/21: Family Support Group from 6:30-7:30pm at Thirst Church in Oconomowoc (1260 Brown St.)

12/26: Survivors Helping Survivors from 7:00-8:00pm - Virtual

12/27: Family Support Group from 6:30-8:00pm - Virtual

For more information, please visit our website: https://namisoutheastwi.org/support-and-education/support/

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Are you looking for help in supporting your loved one living with mental illness? NAMI SEWI provides FREE, accessible education for parents, caregivers and loved ones.

NAMI BASICS:
If you are caring for a child experiencing mental health, emotional, or behavioral difficulties, then you deserve to learn tools and skills that will help you and your family. This free class is essential information on brain development, working with schools to get the support your child needs, and what to do when challenging behaviors arise- especially helpful to have these tools before you are in crisis.

Presented in conjunction with the Wauwatosa Health Department.

DATES: Saturdays, January 6- February 10, 2024
TIME: 9:00-11:30AM
LOCATION:
Wauwatosa Public Library (Firefly Room)
7635 W. North Ave.

To register contact Adrianne at [email protected] or 414-326-3461.

NAMI FAMILY-TO-FAMILY:
Family-to-family is one of NAMI's longest running and most impactful programs for those who care about someone with mental illness. Participants share that not only did their relationship with their loved one improve, but their own stress was reduced.

DATES: Saturdays, January 6-February 24, 2024
TIME: 9:00am-11:30am
LOCATION:
Redeemer United Church of Christ
W220N4915 Town Line Rd. Menomonee Falls

To register contact Denise at [email protected] or 262-409-2743.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

💚 💚 🧠

FYI! Buy One, Get One copies of "You Are Not Alone" during the month of December *ONLY*!

Did you know that each time you purchase NAMI's nationally best-selling book, “You Are Not Alone: The NAMI Guide to Navigating Mental Health,” during the month of December, you can also gift one to a person or organization of your choice FOR FREE?

Simply upload your receipt here and indicate where you’d like them to send your complimentary copy: https://woobox.com/j6qifx

Purchase a copy of "You Are Not Alone" here: https://nami.org/Support-Education/Publications-Reports/You-Are-Not-Alone

Last but not least...Day 12 of our 12 Days of Support. This one may be our most important: We will never give up hope.

How simple, but so hard to remember when it feels like things are falling apart all around you. Hope is more than just positive thinking. It is the will, determination, and sense of empowerment that allows us to reach our goals. People who are hopeful
• Are more likely to attain their goals
• Do better academically
• Choose healthier lifestyle habits
• Cope with and recover better from illness
• Experience higher life satisfaction
• Have a stronger sense of meaning and purpose

Hope is a choice and we have agency over that choice. So have hope. Never give up hope and consider how to be a light of hope for others💚

A terrific new resource from 988 for those who are deaf and hard of hearing 💚
https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/for-deaf-hard-of-hearing/?fbclid=IwAR29UvRmVMfsy2yaVEcRbMHufQUIKO3dQYizM290ekDC17I37B6uWs-_dPc

Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Hearing Loss Our network of crisis centers offers many services for people who are deaf and hard of hearing, including veterans.