Schizophrenics Anonymous

1. Schizophrenics Anonymous Empowerment and RecoveryThrough Self-Help

2. Introductions • Linda Whitten, APRN, BC, FAPA • Bruce Black

3. Objectives • Identify at least three benefits of the Schizophrenics Anonymous self-help group. • Understand the appropriate professional and interpersonal roles of staff and group leaders involved in SA. • Initiate the steps to start an SA group implementing the Schizophrenics Anonymous self-help/empowerment format.

4. Joanne VerbanicFounder of Schizophrenics Anonymous • 1970 diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia • 1985 with Mental Health Association in Michigan Founded Schizophrenics Anonymous • Motivated to erase stigma “The stigma is harder to deal with than the illness itself.” • Spokesperson at Mental Health conferences, universities, schools, clubs, TV, radio in an effort to educate the public

5. Schizophrenics Anonymous • Self-help group for persons who have schizophrenia or a schizophrenia-related illness. • 1985 - 1 group • 2005 - more than 150 groups meeting throughout 31 states, as well as Australia, Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela.

6. Mission Statement The mission of Schizophrenics Anonymous is to add the element of self-help group support to the recovery process of people suffering from schizophrenia. We hope this will contribute to the sense of well being of SA members and help us cope with the difficulties imposed by our illness.

7. Purpose • To help restore dignity and sense of purpose for persons who are working for recovery from schizophrenia or related disorders. • To offer fellowship, positive support, and companionship in order to achieve good mental health. • To improve our own attitudes about our lives and our illness. • To provide members with latest information regarding schizophrenia. • To encourage members to take positive steps towards recovery from the illness.

8. Group Philosophy • Recovery oriented group • Six-step program • Recommends a set of attitudes and actions that will enhance chances of recovery • Supplemental to professional help • Emphasizes adhering to advice of mental health professionals, including taking prescribed medications and cooperation with necessary hospitalization

9. Schizophrenics Anonymous Six Principles • The only requirement for SA membership is the desire to recover from a schizophrenia related illness. • There are no dues for SA membership, although donations may be accepted to cover SA group expenses or special events. • Everything said at SA meetings is confidential. (Except in cases when a person is threatening harm to self or others.)

10. Six Principles, cont. • SA members should remain anonymous, except those who wish to work on special issues; SA members and leaders should place principles before personalities in all matters relating to our program. • Each group may establish its own meeting format, subject to approval by central SA leadership. • Decisions affecting SA as a whole are derived from the group consciousness of its own members; we rely on our Higher Power to work through this process.

11. Similarities and Differences with 12-Step Programs • Initially based on 12 Steps of AA • Self-help only—not advocacy or group therapy • Not billable to insurance • Not “behavior based”—can do everything “right” and still have schizophrenia • 6 Steps can be done in any order

12. Qualitative Findings: MSU Involvement in SA helps: • Increase understanding of schizophrenia and how to cope with it. • Promote change in how members feel about themselves. • Provide opportunities for participation in meaningful social roles. • Combat feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Deborah A. Salem, Thomas M. Reischl, & Katie Weaver Randall Department of Psychology Michigan State University April 20, 2000

13. Bruce’s Story • My own experiences with schizophrenia • How I came to SA

14. Starting an SA Group • Take the steps needed to do it right! • Prospective Group Leader or Staff Supporter requests information from NSF • NSF staff will assess your needs and provide free initial information, orientation/training and start-up assistance

15. Logistics for Starting SA Groups • Group leader, staff supporter/co-sponsor sign “Roles/Responsibilities” form • Obtain Group Start-up Package—$150 fee symbolizes two-way working relationship, with NSF lifetime commitment to technical assistance. • 25% discount for future materials—ex.: 10 of the $2.25 Blue Books cost only $16.90 with discount.

16. Identify a Core Organizing Group • Find one or two people with schizophrenia • Energetic, caring, “together” • Free enough of problems to focus on others as well as own recovery • Contact possible members • Decide on refreshments, contact possible donors

17. Share the Work from the Start • Find a suitable meeting place: • Community Mental Health Center • Religious Meeting Place • Library • Community College or University • Ask AA groups where they meet – they may offer you a space • Hospital Community Meeting Room • City Hall Chambers • Firehouse • Recreation Center • NO Bars

18. Considerations For Location • Public Transportation Accessibility • Near major routes • Consistent Availability • Independent from Facility Organization • Foster autonomy, empowerment and wellness model • Decrease Stigma

19. Spread the Word • Spread the word using SA poster, flyers, press releases • Newspapers • Newsletters • Gazettes • Free “Bulletin Board”, “Public Service” column • Local Service Providers • Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) • Ministers, Rabbis, Priests, Religious Leaders • Physicians • Nurses • Psychologists • Social Workers • Mental Health Providers

20. Post (With permission) Unemployment Offices Laundromats Convenience Stores (7-11) Day Treatment Centers Psychiatric Hospitals/Units Network Talk to everyone you know Attend meetings Mental Health Advocates Mental Health Workers Family Groups Conferences Speakers Request announcement of group information NAMI Spread the Word, cont.

21. NSF Resources • Larry A. is main contact for new groups-- first 6 months; 800 #, Group Leaders’ Circular, etc. • Regional “Group Leader Liaison” is assigned as a volunteer mentor for the group • NSF remains a resource for the life of the SA group: SA e-letter, Forum, etc. • Leadership Development Conference: July 6-9, 2005.

22. Schizophrenics Anonymous Meeting Format Flexible and adaptable based on time constraints and group wishes. Consult with National Schizophrenia Foundation to adapt to individual group needs. Refer to “Schizophrenics Anonymous Meeting Format” handout

23. Spicing up Meetings • Format Options: • Adding readings from the Blue Book, Affirmations, SA newsletters, etc. • See other ideas on Blue Book p. 6 and “Tips for Spicing Up your SA Meeting” sheet • Resources available through NSF: printed materials, newsletters, For People in Recovery/By People in Recovery, etc.

24. Picnic Holiday party Game night Restaurant Spectator sports Zoo Art exhibit Museum Bowling Social Activities

25. The Six Steps

26. Step 1 • I SURRENDER…I admit I need help. I can’t do it alone

27. Step 2 • I CHOOSE…I choose to be well. I take full responsibility for my choices and realize the choices I make directly influence the quality of my days.

28. Step 3 • I BELIEVE…I now come to believe that I have been provided with great inner resources and I will try to use these resources to help myself and others.

29. Step 4 • I FORGIVE…I forgive myself for all the mistakes I have made. I also forgive and release everyone who has injured or harmed me in any way.

30. Step 5 • I UNDERSTAND…I now understand that erroneous, self-defeating thinking contributes to my problems, failures, unhappiness and fears. I am ready to have my belief systems altered so my life can be transformed.

31. Step 6 • I DECIDE…I make a decision to turn my life over to the care of GOD, AS I UNDERSTAND HIM, surrendering my will and false beliefs. I ask to be changed in depth.

32. Roles of Group Leader & Staff Supporter • See handout on “Team Captain” and “Coach” roles • Turning leadership over to consumers— • It’s difficult to let go • It feels good when a group depends on us • Cultivating group independence is the most empowering way to help others

33. Roles of Group Leader & Staff Supporter, cont. • Nurturing leadership: • Acknowledge activity that shows evidence of responsibility in the group • Encourage all group members to acknowledge what they find helpful & what made them feel good about themselves or others • Have members who are willing to take turns leading the group

34. Roles of Group Leader & Staff Supporter • Remain in contact with the group as possible to help solve problems and encourage the use of SA Group Leader Liaison/Mentors

35. Important Dates to Remember • Mental Illness Awareness Week • First full week in October each year. • Schizophrenia Awareness Week • Last full week of May before Memorial Day • SA Leadership Development Conference • July 7-9, 2005

36. Schizophrenics Anonymous20th Anniversary Conference Mental Health System Transformation: The role of People with Schizophrenia • Hosted by the National Schizophrenia Foundation. Content will be appropriate for all stakeholders and consumers • Metro Detroit July 6-8, 2004 • More details will be found at www.nsfoundation.org as they become available. • Interested persons may also call the NSF offices and ask to be added to the conference mailing list

37. What role might YOU have with an SA group?

38. Objectives • Identify at least three benefits of the Schizophrenics Anonymous self-help group. • Understand the appropriate professional and interpersonal roles of staff and group leaders involved in SA. • Initiate the steps to start an SA group implementing the Schizophrenics Anonymous self-help/empowerment format.

39. Q & A • Don’t forget to complete an evaluation!

40. Schizophrenics Anonymous Central Office Contacts Schizophrenics Anonymous c/o National Schizophrenia Foundation 403 Seymour, Suite 202 Lansing, MI 48933 Phone (517) 485-7168 (800) 482-9534 (Consumer Line) Fax (517) 485-7180 E-mail: sareferrals@NSFoundation.org Website: www.nsfoundation.org