A Publication of Community Mental Health for Central Michigan

Visit us online at www.cmhcm.org June 2008

A WORD FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

When Martin Luther King Jr. Unfortunately, the media delivered his now famous “I often reinforces stigma held Have A Dream” speech, he by the public. addressed racial discrimination in the United We hear much about States and his dream of recovery and system hope for a better world. He transformation in the delivered his speech as a delivery of mental health part of the March on services, but all of these Washington in August of efforts can be seriously compromised by stigma. In 1963. It is cited as a Linda Kaufmann, ACSW LMSW defining moment in civil this newsletter you will hear Executive Director rights history. Much of what of additional he said was and is true “walks” (marches) and healthy, productive lives about discrimination for any sharing experiences as ways and progress in their path reason! to address discrimination to recovery. and highlight anti-stigma Individuals who have a activities. One small area of mental illness have also understanding is the experienced discrimination. The Substance Abuse and importance of using person- The discrimination and Mental Health Services first language. People with stigma have very real Agency at the national level mental illness are people impacts. Stigma can inhibit has sponsored an anti- first. For example, using someone from seeking stigma campaign entitled “person with schizophrenia” treatment that could aid “Mental Illness: What a instead of “a schizophrenic” them in their recovery. Difference A Friend Makes” is a way to focus on the Stigma can have substantial to encourage young adults person, not the illness. effect on self-esteem and to support their friends who Individuals with mental feelings of being are living with mental health illness are complex persons, disempowered. problems. There are the same as everyone else, additional anti-stigma and using their illness to Individuals with mental campaigns in many areas. describe them is not

illness experience stigma productive and seriously and discrimination in The solution lies in education and society’s misses the value each NEWS & VIEWS seeking housing and person offers to our employment, in schools, ability to recognize that mental health issues are communities. their community, and even sometimes from the mental similar to physical health issues. With today’s “Mental illness is nothing to health system itself. In be ashamed of, but stigma addition, stigma frequently treatments and understanding of mental and bias shame us all.” influences people as they nd illness we expect individuals Bill Clinton, 42 U.S. interact with persons with President 1993-2001. mental illness. with mental illness to lead Page 2 NEWS & VIEWS

Walk a Mile in My Shoes - Mt. Pleasant

illnesses and that making fun function in society.” of someone who is struggling Michael House shared Walk participants make the is not funny. that he was an alcoholic public aware of mental health issues 3. To make legislators aware since 1984 and his bipolar of issues important to mental illness went undiagnosed A group of 40 people health consumers. Current because people attributed his connected with Community funding for community behavior to alcoholism. He Mental Health for Central mental health should not be explained that he self Michigan (CMHCM) reduced and legislation medicated with alcohol but it participated in the Walk a needs to be passed that is “is only a temporary fix. It Mile in My Shoes event in Mt. helpful to persons with only lasts a few hours.” He Pleasant on Friday, May 16, mental illnesses. Studebaker nearly drank himself to death 2008. The group walked stressed to the crowd, “Your and finally three and a half from Island Park to the voice matters!” years ago he quit. He is Korean War Memorial near Scott Covach, a involved with community the downtown area. The participant, said, “this walk mental health and no longer walk that started at 10 a.m. makes people aware that we self-medicates. He has a had three main purposes are people too. Just because job, bought a new house, says Joel Studebaker, we are disabled doesn’t obtained a driver’s license, Clubhouse Manager of the mean we are unabled.” and today he lives a normal Summit Clubhouse in Mt. Frank Leineke, another life. Pleasant. participant, explains At the end of the rally 1. To make the community awareness is not only for the Joel Studebaker encouraged aware of the struggles general public with healthy the participants to, “keep persons with mental illness minds, but it is for people building on recovery. face everyday. Studebaker who might be suffering from Continue your route to said the stigma that persons depression or other mental recovery. Lean on supports. with mental illness are illnesses and are afraid to Call a professional. Do violent is unfounded. They come forward for help. whatever you can” to are, “no more violent than Leineke says, “Help is continue on the road to the general population,” and available at 301 Crapo,” the recovery. are more likely to be the mental health clinic in Mt. “victims of violence.” Pleasant. Through this help, Written by Mark Oliver 2. To show that people make Leineke explains, “People fun of persons with mental can return to work and NEWS & VIEWS Page 3

Walk a Mile in My Shoes - Lansing Nineteen people representing the six counties that comprise Community Mental Health for Central Michigan made the trek down to Lansing for the Walk a Mile in My Shoes event on May 14, 2008. Every county in the state of Michigan was represented at the event that was held on the steps of the capitol. Each county was given an opportunity to make a statement about mental health issues at an open microphone. Each statement was followed by a “Walk a Mile in My Shoes!” cheer from the crowd. The weather was uncooperative with periodic outbursts of rain, but it did not discourage the hundreds of people gathered before the capitol. The rally was held to make law makers aware of mental health issues when passing legislation. Crowd and Weather at rally Dwane Hight, a Peer Support Specialist and one of the walkers from CMHCM, commented, “What blew me away was that even with the miserable weather people stayed to the very end.” He added, “Anything we can do to draw attention to stigma can’t hurt and hopefully it will help.” Elsie Gorman, a member of the Consumer Action Committee that meets in Mt. Pleasant, was impressed by the enthusiasm of the rally participants. “The rain didn’t dampen people’s spirits. I appreciated what each person said from each county. Stigma stinks! People lose everything they have before getting help because of stigma. It’s easier to turn heads before stepping in and doing something.” Written by Mark Oliver

Consumer Action Committee Seeks Grant to Eliminate Stigma

for programs, events, and battling stigma gives people activities dealing with stigma. hope. It is hoped that it can have a Kathie Swan, Deputy big impact on the public Director for Services and the through the possible use of current chair of the CAC, TV, billboard, movie, and read a statement about other advertising. Another stigma authored by Coleen Bryon Buetler and Aaron suggestion was to invite Jasper, a consumer advocate Young attend the CAC meet- celebrity guest speakers who working out of Lansing, ing to discuss applying for have battled the stigma of “Stigma is the number one Stigma Grant mental illness themselves barrier to recovery and The Consumer Action and have them speak on the receiving mental health care. Committee (CAC) is applying issue to the public or make a Stigma has many forms and for a grant that would fund video documentary with exists widely in both the efforts to battle and testimonies of consumers of system and the community. overcome stigma. The grant mental health and their The best way to combat and matching funds totaling experiences with stigma. stigma is through $275,000 over a three year Although nothing is set in interpersonal connections. period would be used to pay concrete, just the process of (continued on page 4) Page 4 NEWS & VIEWS

( continued from page 3) In other words, hearing the voices and stories of individuals who have directly experi- enced mental health problems is the best way to change and alter people’s attitudes about mental illness.” Webster’s Dictionary defines stigma as “a mark of disgrace or discredit.” That pretty much says it all. If you are disgraced and discredited not for what you have done but for who you are, that hurts and goes to the core of who you are because there is nothing you have done wrong. People’s attitudes are hard to change, but we shall overcome, and we will do it with the character and grace that is in each and every consumer of mental health services.

Written by Mark Oliver

Stomp Out Stigma at CMU and in

the Community

Emily Parsons started an organization called Active Minds on the campus of Central Michigan University (CMU) in Emily Parsons Stomps Out November of 2007. It is affiliated with the national Active Stigma at Central Michigan Minds organization whose purpose is to develop and support University student-run mental health awareness, education, and advocacy groups on college campuses. Parsons says, “I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder three years ago, but showed severe symptoms of depression and mania for the year prior to the diagnosis. Mental illness is a constant battle.” Parsons helped organize the stomp out stigma 5K run / 2 mile walk on April 6, 2008, on the campus of CMU. Parson’s explains the event was not to raise money but awareness of mental health issues at CMU and in the community. About 130 people participated in the event ranging in ages from 4 to 68 years old. In their efforts to stomp out stigma, Active Minds hopes to spread mental health information to make people aware of mental illness and to understand it is okay to seek help. This will also help to create an open environment for people to discuss mental illness. Parsons says, “I started the group to help people understand mental illness. It is still a taboo subject and I’m not afraid to change that. Active Minds is unlike any other group on campus. We are a mental health awareness group that encourages members to come from the community as well as students, faculty, and staff. Mental illness affects all kinds of people, so our members are from different fields and majors.” One student at CMU who joined Active Minds says, “Having been diagnosed with a mental illness, I felt isolated at CMU. I joined Active Minds to work with people on a mission that I believe in: Promoting awareness of mental illness on campus and dispelling the stigma that surrounds it.” Written by Mark Oliver NEWS & VIEWS Page 5

Give a Ray of Hope when Sharing Information about Mental Illness

Eric Hipple, former many people do not seek help sadness she felt, but it was Detroit Lions quarterback, because of the stigma of about the positive things her spoke at the Stomp Out mental illness, but if brother had done with his life. Stigma run and walk event information about mental Perhaps this message is a ray held on April 6, 2008, the illness is made available to of hope in the lives of people campus of Central Michigan everyone, it could combat who are depressed and feel University. The event was stigma. If people know they have nothing to offer. hosted by Active Minds—a mental illness is not a There is something positive mental health awareness and weakness, that it is like a about their lives and that advocacy group on the physical illness, they will be makes life worth living. campus of CMU. more likely to seek help. Hipple stated, that Once people get the Written by Mark Oliver while attending Utah State, he information they need, they slept all day and couldn’t get can act on it. “This is what out of bed and even missed team work is all about,” Hipple final exams. He says he was says, “working together to fortunate that he had football spread information.” “Don’t coaches who helped him deal be afraid to speak out,” he with his depression. Many explains, make information people, he said, do not have available at a hand’s touch, anyone to help them. make it so people can pick up In 2000, Hipple’s son a pamphlet, and make it so started showing many of the people can confide in each same symptoms of depression other and help each other. and eventually his son became Hipple is optimistic Former Lions quarterback, Eric so depressed he took his own about the future. He explains Hipple, talks about the life. Hipple went on to say that the University of Michigan importance of sharing that if you see someone who has a Depression Center for is acting differently—if they the treatment of mental seem sad and their eyes are illnesses and he sees down — don’t be afraid to ask depression centers becoming them how they are doing. as common as cancer

Allow them to open up and treatment centers or centers share what’s going on. “It for other physical illnesses. just might save someone’s Hipple read a poem his life,” Hipple emphasized. daughter had written about Part of Hipple’s her brother. The poem talked message was the sharing of about how she felt when she information about mental looks at his picture. The poem illness. He explained that was not only about the Page 6 NEWS & VIEWS Short Story Contest Winner

Give Me Shelter Arts and Education held a short story contest and received st over 30 submissions. Three judges consisting of a consumer, CMHCM staff 1 member, and a community educator rated the submissions. It was a joy to see such creativity and we thank everyone for their submission. This year’s Place first place goes to Tabatha Scott for her short story titled “Stranded Within Myself.”

Stranded Within Myself

It’s late, too late to be out in these woods. Yet, I find myself stranded in the large forest that I have never adventured in. The darkness of the night overwhelms everything around me. It must be a New Moon tonight for it is pitch black, with no strands of light. I can’t see where I’m going or where I have come from. Hope runs through my veins, please let me be on the path that I started on. Creatures of the night call out, but I can’t understand what they want. They know I do not belong here, for this sacred place is somewhere I will never belong. Their glinting eyes follow me in anger and confusion. If only they could guide me through this nightmare of a forest. I would surely never disturb their peace again. I clutch my thin sweater closer to me as I walk through the obstacles of the unfamiliar place. Fallen trees, broken branches, even homes of small critters block my way. I try not to harm any of these things, in fear that something in the forest will change for the worse. I focus on simply getting out. The musky scent of the night makes me more tired though. My muscles grow weak, and I feel like I need to lie down. The eyes won’t let me though; they want me to keep moving, to get out. So I trudge on the broken path, hoping to have enough power in me to get out. Why did I end up here in the first place? I just wanted to know what could possibly be in the forest, but it seemed to engulf me. To tear me away from the world I once knew. Everything is so different, and I don’t know how to handle it. Maybe if the sun hadn’t set so long ago, I would have been able to find refuge. Now it is impossible to find anything properly, including the path I should be on. The non-existent light enforces my helplessness. My hair blows with the soft wind that breaks through the barriers of the trees. I shiver slightly before I trip over a fallen branch. Every inch if my aching, throbbing body becomes en- gulfed by the dirt and soil of the forest ground. A soft groan escapes my lips before I slowly get up and wipe my trembling hands on my pants. It’s not much help though, since my pants are already covered in dirt and mud from the forest floor. A stray tear runs down my filthy face. I wonder why no one has come to look for me, why I have to be completely alone in this forest. I ponder several other morbid thoughts as I walk on. After a few hours of walking, my knees began to buckle. I need to rest if I plan on getting out of here at all. My body quivers before collapsing to the ground in exhaustion. Sobs rise into my throat, but I choke them back. Crying simply isn’t an option right now, I need to stay strong. I force myself to sit up and lean against an old tree. The bark seems to mold perfectly to my shape and I soon relax my muscles as I wonder why I left camp in the first place. (continued) NEWS & VIEWS Page 7

(Stranded Within Myself continued)

Closing my tired eyes together tightly, I force back the tears once again. Where was everyone else right now? Had they even noticed, or cared that I was missing? Possibly they thought I had decided to come home, after all I had told them I didn’t want to go camping tonight. Hope rushes through me; they would call my house tomorrow right? Everyone would then realize I was gone and look for me. Crunching sounds come nearer to me. I look up to see a dog lay next to me. It barks and licks my filthy hand before getting back up to run somewhere. My body aches for me to run after the dog, but my heart says to stay. That everything will be okay. I try to stand up anyways, but my body fails me. All of the muscles are completely numb, so I stay sitting, hoping. Harsh reality is starting to set in now. Just as I’m about to abandon any hope of being rescued I hear a distant call. My name! Someone is calling my name! Beams of light zoom through the trees and bushes. I try to yell in response but my voice fails me. I tremble with relief as the person gets closer. I recognize the voice of my best friend. My heart soars as my voice creaks into my throat for a moment. I scream slightly, my voice cracking. They hear and rush to me; I know now that everything will be okay.

Written by Tabatha Scott

New Customer Service Coordinator

Sophie Roweton has been named the Customer Service Coordinator and will transition to her new position during the month of June. Sophie brings to this position 13 years of experience as Recipient Rights Advisor and her legal background that will be an asset in developing customer services. She will be responsible for assuring compliance with customer service standards and regulations. Additionally, she will assist individuals in accessing CMH services and benefits, as well as oversee customer/consumer complaints and appeals. Sophie will provide training and education on customer service topics for staff and promote an atmosphere that is welcoming. Welcome Sophie!

Sophie can be reached at (989) 772-5938 or (800) 317-0708 MISSION STATEMENT

To provide and support a wide range of mental health solutions to help the members of our communities gain control over their lives, achieve dignity and respect, realize their potential, and become full participants in community life.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CLARE COUNTY GLADWIN COUNTY ISABELLA COUNTY MECOSTA COUNTY MIDLAND COUNTY OSCEOLA COUNTY

LYNN GRIM TERRY WALTERS DAVID LING KEVIN COURTNEY BILL WATERMAN LISA ATHERDEN JOSEPH PHILLIPS CYNTHIA KUSHNER BRUCE ROSCOE CONSTANCE GIBSON DOUGLAS WARD ROGER FABER KERIN SCANLON DUANE LEHMAN HEATHER DEOGRACIA

Easy Access to Services

Customer Service 1.800.317.0708 or 989.772.5938 24 Hour CRISIS Telephone Convenient Office Locations and Hours

Clare County Midland County Mecosta County

789 North Clare Avenue Outpatient Services 500 South Third Street Harrison, MI 48625 3611 N. Saginaw Road Big Rapids, MI 49307 989.539.2141 Midland, MI 48640 231.796.5825 989.773.2890 TDD 989.631.2320 989.773.2890 TDD

989.631.0870 TDD Children’s and Family Services New Journey Clubhouse Isabella County

301 South Crapo Street 220 W Ellsworth St, 4th Floor 405B South Third Street Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 Midland, MI 48640 Big Rapids, MI 49307 989.631.2323 231.592.4654 989.772.5938 989.773.2890 TDD GMS Arts Education Osceola County

The Summit Club House 2716 South Jefferson Road 4473 South 220th Avenue

120 South Pine Street Midland, Michigan 48640 PO Box 32 Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 989.631.2493 Reed City, Michigan 49677 989.775.3501 231.832.2247

989.773.2890 TDD

Gladwin County Administrative Offices 655 East Cedar Street Gladwin, MI 48624 301 South Crapo Street All offices offer evening 989.426.9295 Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 hours by appointment 989.631.0870 TDD 989.772.5938 989.773.2890 TDD Accredited by:

Joint Commission On Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations

CMHCM receives financial support from the Michigan Department of Community Health.