StrengthofUs.org and Beyond: Meeting the Needs of Young Adults

1. StrengthofUs.org and Beyond: Meeting the Needs of Young Adults Dana Markey Program Manager NAMI Child and Adolescent Action Center July 8th, 2011 2011 NAMI Convention

2. Objectives • Learn about resources available to effectively address the needs of young adults living with mental health conditions. • Find out how to use social networking and social media to reach out to these young adults in their communities. • Hear from young adults living with mental health conditions about what resources and supports are needed to better address their unique needs.

3. The Facts How many young adults aged 18-24 live with a serious mental health condition? A. 858,000 B. 1.6 million C. 2.4 million D. 4.2 million The GAO estimates that at least 2.4 million young adults aged 18 through 26—or 6.5 percent of the 37 million non-institutionalized young adults in that age range—had a serious mental health condition in 2006.

4. The Facts Compared to their peers, young adults with mental health conditions have… • Significantly lower rates of high school graduation (64% versus 83%) and continuation into postsecondary education. (32% versus 51%). • Higher rates of unemployment and homelessness. • Increased involvement with the juvenile justice and foster care systems.

5. Challenges • Qualifying for adult programs that provide access to mental health services. • Navigating multiple programs and delivery systems. • Finding age-appropriate, relevant services and supports tailored to their unique needs. • Straddling the child and adult mental health systems.

6. CHILD SYSTEM ADULT SYSTEM Housing Vocational Rehabilitation Substance Abuse Adult Mental Health Child Mental Health Juvenile Justice Criminal Justice Medicaid Medicaid Education Child Welfare Labor 18-21 Yrs. Birth Death AGE       

7. Hope • Research on young adults • - http://labs.umassmed.edu/transitionsRTC • - www.pathwaysrtc.pdx.edu • - www.nami.org/beginnings (see Issue 18) • Voices of young adults • - advisory councils • - peer mentors • - advocacy • New resources • - www.StrengthofUs.org • - http://tip.fmhi.usf.edu • - http://nnyt.fmhi.usf.edu With the right services and supports, young adults with mental health conditions can and do live happy, productive and fulfilling lives.

8. Success Stories • A. experienced psychosis and severe depression, which led to several suicide attempts, before discovering a healthy outlet in writing and filmmaking. With a combination of art therapy and traditional and nontraditional interventions, he was able to manage his bipolar disorder and is now working for the Peace Corps in Kazakhstan. • After spending nine years with debilitating anxiety and time-consuming OCD that forced her to drop out of high school, C. was finally connected to effective services and supports, including therapy and peer counseling groups. With her anxiety under control, she was able to pursue post-secondary education and is now a student at Harvard. • W. was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and received treatment after delusional thoughts and psychosis led to an encounter with police. Less that a year later, he took charge of his life and re-enrolled in the University of Las Vegas where he is now helping others living with mental and physical disabilities.

9. StrengthofUs.org • A social networking website and online resource center uniquely designed for young adults. They can… • create a profile; • view and write blogs; • post messages and • content; • join discussion groups; • instant message; • find hope, support and • strength; • and much more.

10. This site is so well named and such a phenomenal idea in my opinion. What better person to understand you than someone that experiences the same emotions and problems that you face every day. I am so thankful for the new friendships and feel more relieved than I ever have. I read the messages that I've received and the discussions we have. This is the ear I've needed for so long.

11. StrengthofUs.org • The site also offers a variety of resources on issues that are important to young adults, including:

12. I think you will be surprised at the amount of support you can receive via this great site. I was able to find mood tracking and mood triggers worksheets, a wellness achievement plan and plenty of other things to help me get my life in the exact place I want it to be.

13. Promotional Video

14. StrengthofUs.org We have many exciting plans to expand and enhance the site in 2012, including: • Assemble an ongoing young adult expert advisory group. • Redesign website. • Host expert video chats. • Increase social media. • Provide customized tools. • Create promotional materials. • Additional content (e.g., military).

15. Next Steps • We want to take things to the next level… • This is where you all come in!

16. Next Steps • How can programs be better geared toward young adults? • Involve young adults in the planning process as the primary decision makers. • Host focus groups. • Conduct surveys (SurveyMonkey.com). • Assemble expert advisory groups. • Identify the issues most important to young adults (check out our StrengthofUs.org survey). • Adapt existing resources and support groups to address their identified needs.

17. Focus Groups • Hold meetings outside of normal business hours. • Show that their contributions are making a difference. • Use images and key messages. • Be open and honest about the process. • Invite 8-10 people; no more than two hours. • Provide incentives and other opportunities. • Have young adults be facilitators.

18. Surveys • Simple, short and quick. • Young adult review. • Additional comments. • Survey results. • Confidentiality. • More information: If you want to know what we think, just ask by Youthsafe, 2004.

19. Key Components What are some key components to effective programs for young adults? • Acknowledge cultural practices (e.g., Use internet and text message to facilitate communication). • Focus on strengths, goals and dreams. • Develop capacities and skills for adulthood (social, work, organizational, college, relationships). • Include social network. • Address challenges and provide support (med side effects, disclosure, daily struggles). • Empower young adults. • Provide hope – relatable role models and mentors. • Ensure its relevant, accessible and worthwhile. • Motivate.

20. Issues • Transportation • What to expect • Side effects • Relationships/social skills • Employment • Finances/Benefits • Suicidal thoughts • Coping skills • Transitions • Additional issues?

21. Outreach How can we reach young adults? • Social networking websites (FaceBook ads, Meetup, YouTube, etc.). • Colleague mental health organizations. • NAMI on Campus and other school groups and disability resource centers. • GLBT groups. • Local clubhouses. • Service providers. • Foster care and independent living programs. • Any other potential partners?

22. Use StrengthofUs.org How can StrengthofUs.org support state/local efforts? • Download SoU resources. • Create a SofU group. • Promote your programs. • Post local resources. • Join www.facebook.com/strengthofus • Review NAMI’s survey report. • - Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, Fall 2011

23. YA Programs

24. Contact Dana Markey Email: danac@nami.org Phone Number: (703) 600-1117