Schizophrenics Anonymous

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Schizophrenics Anonymous

• Empowerment
• and RecoveryThrough Self-Help

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Introductions

• Linda Whitten, APRN, BC, FAPA
• Bruce Black

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.)

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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.

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Similarities and Differences with 12-Step
Programs

• Initially based on 12 Steps of AA
• Self-help onlynot advocacy or group therapy
• Not billable to insurance
• Not behavior basedcan do everything right
  and still have schizophrenia
• 6 Steps can be done in any order

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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

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Bruces Story

• My own experiences with schizophrenia
• How I came to SA

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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

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Logistics for Starting SA Groups

• Group leader, staff supporter/co-sponsor sign
  Roles/Responsibilities form
• Obtain Group Start-up Package150 fee symbolizes
  two-way working relationship, with NSF lifetime
  commitment to technical assistance.
• 25 discount for future materialsex. 10 of the
  2.25 Blue Books cost only 16.90 with discount.

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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

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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

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Considerations For Location

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

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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

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Spread the Word, cont.

• 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

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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.

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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

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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.

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Social Activities

• Picnic
• Holiday party
• Game night
• Restaurant
• Spectator sports

• Zoo
• Art exhibit
• Museum
• Bowling

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The Six Steps
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Step 1

• I SURRENDERI admit I need help. I cant do it
  alone

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Step 2

• I CHOOSEI choose to be well. I take full
  responsibility for my choices and realize the
  choices I make directly influence the quality of
  my days.

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Step 3

• I BELIEVEI 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.

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Step 4

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

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Step 5

• I UNDERSTANDI 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.

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Step 6

• I DECIDEI 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.

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Roles of Group Leader Staff Supporter

• See handout on Team Captain and Coach roles
• Turning leadership over to consumers
• Its difficult to let go
• It feels good when a group depends on us
• Cultivating group independence is the most
  empowering way to help others

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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

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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

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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

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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

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What role might YOU have with an SA group?
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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.

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Q A

• Dont forget to complete an evaluation!

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Schizophrenics Anonymous Central Office Contacts

• Schizophrenics Anonymous
• c/o National Schizophrenia Foundation
• 403 Seymour, Suite 202
• Lansing, MI 48933
• Phone [phone]
• [phone] (Consumer Line)
• Fax [phone]
• E-mail sareferrals_at_NSFoundation.org
• Website www.nsfoundation.org