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"Because I know my story of suicide grief has helped other people who have felt the same."
Kevin Smith

Erase the Stigma Conference

August 24-25, 2012

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, IL

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ERASE THE STIGMA CONFERENCE
CONVERSATION CIRCLES SUMMARY  

1. How do you learn what resources are available?
a) Resource guides, 211, internet, technology, etc.
b) Faith based and natural networks
c) Word of mouth, counselors, school nurse, pharmacists, doctors, support groups, etc.

2. How do you access appropriate resources for your situation?
a) Network before a crisis occurs. Have a plan and contacts available.
b) Ask, ask, ask, questions and don’t stop. Advocate and be assertive.
c) Educate yourself. Attend conferences, workshops, support groups

3. How do you recognize and monitor the effects of medication?
a) Journal and document sleep, hygiene, symptoms, side effects of self, peers, and family members.
b) Educate yourself on the medications, benefits and side effects
c) Develop a relationship with your local pharmacist and prescriber. Discuss the medications with them.

4. How do you support vs. enable a person with mental illness?
a) Educate yourself on the illness and diagnosis. Set clear boundaries.
b) Use the “green light / red light” with your loved one. Recognize the cues and assist your loved one in becoming their own advocate.
c) Allow natural consequences to occur

5. What self- care practices work for you?
a) Take time for yourself and do something that you enjoy. Make a list and do this on a regular basis.
b) Educate yourself. Attend support groups.
c) Live a healthy lifestyle

6. What stigma have you experienced regarding mental illness?
a) Lack of visibility and access to resources (insurance, support and treatment)
b) Hurtful, derogatory remarks based on ignorance and fear
c) Isolation and distance from those in need of support to those who provide support

7. What can we do to erase the stigma of mental illness?
a) Educate others early in life through school, faith based communities, utilize existing programs (SOS, video’s, people sharing stories). Share successes.
b) Tell your own story in a trusted place (ensure that you have permission of friends and loved ones involved). Encourage others to come forward for “me too” conversations.
c) Participate in support groups. Educate yourself and look for teachable moments where mental illness can be discussed and “normalized”.

8. How do we deal with the initial impact of a mental illness?
a) Create a network of support and attend a support group
b) Prayer
c) Educate yourself

9. How do we balance family life when mental illness hits home?
a) Take care of yourself (mind, body, spirit)
b) Communication between siblings and also between parents & children. Learn about communication processes. Be honest. Hold family meetings.
c) Attend a support group

10. How can listening support a person with mental illness?
a) Establish a process for building healthy positive relationships (Listening, Empathy, Agreement or agree to disagree, Partnership “LEAP”)
b) Listening builds trust, confidence, affirmation, validation, feeling worthwhile, gives freedom
c) Provides opportunity to be heard and to tell their story. This can help the person hear and internalize which can lead to personal problem solving.

The Statewide Independent Living Council of Illinois (SILC) created a Consumer Stipend Program to enable persons with disabilities and their family members to attend conferences related to disability issues that they otherwise would be unable to attend due to financial constraints.  To download the application go to: http://www.silcofillinois.org/stipendapplication.pdf

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