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Final Paper

Audrey Smith

ETHS 2430

April 23, 2017

Salt Lake Community College

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MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

How can we stay healthy? When people think of ways that we can stay healthy, it is

typical that people think of techniques such as having a maintained diet, exercising regularly, and

getting a decent amount of sleep. It is so important for our bodies to be healthy though many

people dont realize that mental health is a huge part of it as well. Without mental health, we

cant be healthy. Just like any part of the body can get sick, the human brain can as well. But

what is mental health? Mental health conditions go beyond these emotional reactions to specific

situations. They are medical condition that cause changes in how we think and feel in our mood.

(NAMI, 2017). These changes can alter someones life creating daily challenges such as having

a difficult time interacting or relating with others.

RESEARCH AND SUPPORT REASON FOR CHANGE

Latinos are no different when it comes to prevalence of mental health conditions when

compared to the rest of the population (NAMI, 2017). Though, people have different

experiences and worries, and cope with these conditions differently. Anyone can develop a

mental health problem. It is important to receive that help and support from your family and

community. Getting help is a way to strengthen yourself, and those who love you.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a nation-wide organization dedicated

to serving those with mental illnesses, and their families. Their company overview states that

though peer support and education, NAMI increases understanding and reduces stigma

surrounding mental illness. NAMI has affiliates across the state serving nearly every county in

Utah (NAMI, 2017).

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STRATEGIES BRINGING ABOUT NEEDED CHANGE

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Across the country, thousands of trained NAMI volunteers bring peer-led programs to a

wide variety of community settings, from churches to schools to NAMI Affiliates. With the

unique understanding of people with lived experience, these programs and support groups

provide outstanding free education, skills training, and support (NAMI, 2017). On their website,

under find support, you can find the following information on the difference programs and

education classes that NAMI has to offer.

Education Classes:

NAMI Basics

NAMI Basics is a class for parents and other family caregivers of children and adolescents who

have either been diagnosed with a mental health condition or who are experiencing symptoms

but have not yet been diagnosed. This course is also available in Spanish.

NAMI Family-to-Family

NAMI Family-to-Family is a class for families, partners and friends of individuals with mental

illness. The course is designed to facilitate a better understanding of mental illness, increase

coping skills and empower participants to become advocates for their family members. This

program was designated as an evidence-based program by SAMHSA. The course is also

available in Spanish.

NAMI Homefront

NAMI Homefront is a class for families, partners and friends of military service members and

veterans experiencing a mental health challenge. The course is designed specifically to help these
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families understand those challenges and improve the ability of participants to support their

service member or veteran.

NAMI Peer-to-Peer

NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a recovery education course open to anyone experiencing a mental health

challenge. The course is designed to encourage growth, healing and recovery among participants.

This program is also available in Spanish.

NAMI Provider Education

NAMI Provider Education is a class for line staff at facilities providing mental health treatment

services. The NAMI Provider Education class is designed to expand the participants' compassion

for the individuals and their families and to promote a collaborative model of care.
Presentations:

NAMI Ending the Silence

NAMI Ending the Silence is an in-school presentation designed to teach middle and high school

students about the signs and symptoms of mental illness, how to recognize the early warning

signs and the importance of acknowledging those warning signs.

NAMI In Our Own Voice

NAMI In Our Own Voice is a presentation for the general public to promote awareness of mental

illness and the possibility of recovery. This program is also available in Spanish.

NAMI Parents & Teachers as Allies

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NAMI Parents & Teachers as Allies is a presentation for teachers and other school personnel to

raise their awareness about mental illness and help them recognize the early warning signs and

the importance of early intervention.

NAMI Compartiendo Esperanza

NAMI Compartiendo Esperanza is a bilingual presentation for Latino communities designed to

promote mental health awareness, explore signs and symptoms of mental health conditions and

highlight how and where to find help.

NAMI Sharing Hope

NAMI Sharing Hope is a presentation for African American communities designed to promote

mental health awareness, explore signs and symptoms of mental health conditions and highlight

how and where to find help.

Support Groups:

NAMI Connection

NAMI Connection is a weekly or monthly support group for people living with a mental health

condition. This program is also available in Spanish.

NAMI Family Support Group

NAMI Family Support Group is a weekly or monthly support group for family members,

partners and friends of individuals living with a mental illness.

Outreach & Advocacy:

NAMI Smarts for Advocacy

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NAMI Smarts for Advocacy is a hands-on advocacy training program that helps people living

with mental illness, friends and family transform their passion and lived experience into skillful

grassroots advocacy.

THE COST OF THE PROGRAM

NAMI is a non-profit organization, and their programs, presentations, and support groups

are completely free. Though, if someone wants to see a medical professional to meet with, and

struggles with the lack of health insurance, they can still receive help! It is often that Latinos do

not have health insurance, because a significant number of Latinos work low-wage jobs or are

self-employed. There is a program called The Affordable Care Act, which makes it easier and

more affordable for people to get insured.

AREAS AND/OR PEOPLE OF RESISTANCE

The client, the counselor and/or program, and the environment all have the ability of

enhancing resistance. Often people do not want to change or get help, because they are simply in

denial that they are in need of help and support. If they dont want to go to a support group, an

education class or presentation, they are unmotivated, and enhancing resistance. It is important

that the counselor or program follows their mission and goals, and takes the client where they are

needed to. The clients social environment also plays in effect in enhancing their resistance

such as changes in their living situations, family, and friends, or even lack of support.

INTERVIEW
I was able to interview Cameron who is a helpline coordinator for NAMI. He was able to

give me some great information on what their organization is all about, and what they have to

offer. He notified me that NAMI is run by individuals and family members of those affected by

mental health conditions. Though, they are not mental health care professionals, and cant offer
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professional expertise, they do have a toll-free helpline, and programs. Cameron gave me great

information:
Our organization is the nations largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to

building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Specifically, we:

Educate: Our education programs ensure hundreds of thousands of families, individuals

and educators get the support and information they need.

Advocate: NAMI shapes national public policy for people with mental illness and their

families and provides volunteer leaders with the tools, resources and skills necessary to

save mental health in all states.

Listen: Our toll-free NAMI HelpLine allows us to respond personally to hundreds of

thousands of requests each year, providing free referral, information and supporta

much-needed lifeline for many.

Lead: Public awareness events and activities, including Mental Illness Awareness Week

and NAMI Walks, successfully fight stigma and encourage understanding.

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References
NAMI. (n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2017, from https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Diverse-

Communities/Latino-Mental-Health