NAMI to celebrate 40th anniversary at Savage event

The stigma and shame that persists around mental illness is something Savage Mayor Janet Williams really wants to change.

Williams, whose son lives with mental health challenges, is passionate not just because of her personal tie. It's something she knows needs to shift in society.

"It's been my mission for 20 years," she said, referring to the range of mental health issues that range from depression and anxiety to bipolar and schizophrenia. "It does bear out that people are living with this. They aren't talking about it. They don't know what to do."

To address - and heal - these silent but persistent problems, an event is coming to Savage to raise awareness about mental health issues and what people can do about them. The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, has a Minnesota chapter called NAMI Minnesota. Its executive director, Sue Abderholden, will give a presentation from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Savage City Hall on Monday. The event is free and open to the public.

This particular event is part of a 40-city tour in Minnesota recognizing the 40th anniversary of an organization that provides support, education and advocacy around mental health. While it doesn't directly offer counseling services, it often hosts local classes, workshops and events that help people better understand - and connect around - mental health concerns.

Foundation of services

Abderholden said in an interview that she's proud of the foundation that the organization has built. She said there is less of a stigma around mental health than there used to be, but there's still progress to be made. People, for example, worry about others' perceptions if they talk about their own mental health experience. Perceptions such as competence or level of violence, or even judgments such as "crazy," are concerns for people, she said.

She also said more people need access to mental health services and treatment.

"We have more services than ever before," Abderholden said. "The problem is, because of lack of funding and insurance discrimination, and because more people are seeking treatment, not everyone can get services when and where they need them."

Williams also has extensive involvement on this front. She and her husband teach a class to educate people on mental illnesses, medical services and other information. They do this once per year, she said.

She's also on the governor's mental health task force and she's on the Scott County Mental Health Local Advisory Council, among other ways she promotes this cause.

Education is everything, she said.

"Someone has to advocate for these people," Williams said.

What people can do

Cari Jaurez, a parent educator for NAMI, gave a presentation on Nov. 16 at Savage City Hall. The presentation informed attendees about NAMI and about mental health crisis planning for families.

In between sharing information, including recognizing and planning for a mental health crisis, Jaurez discussed her own experiences as a parent who has children that live with mental health concerns. She talked about how tough it can be as a parent to know whether a child with mental health concerns is being "dramatic" or if they are sharing the truth. She said she always errs on the side of caution and would take a child to the hospital if they showed any signs of feeling suicidal.

"I don't want to make that mistake," she said.

So what can a person actually do if they or someone they know has a mental health challenge?

Williams said there are some things to be aware of when promoting good mental health. Mental illness can be hereditary, so knowing your genetic risk is important. Abuse and trauma can also trigger a mental health problem, she said, which is another piece to be aware of.

People can also address another stigma problem when someone has a mental health problem within their family or neighborhood, Abderholden said. She said if someone knows a person who is hospitalized because of a mental health issue, there are a number of steps they can take. They can call, send greeting cards, support community programs and even talk about mental illness itself. All of these things are helpful, she said.

Williams knows mental health challenges are widespread and involves not just families but also community members at many levels. For example, she said, an estimated 40 percent of police calls are related to mental health concerns. Often someone has been drinking alcohol or taking drugs to self-medicate when they need to be professionally treated.

"It's pretty profound," Williams said.