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Showing posts with label vocational. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vocational. Show all posts

Friday, September 5, 2008

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

OVERCOMING THE STIGMA OF MENTAL ILLNESS

Stigma begins by labeling someone.Stigma by definition is a mark of disgrace and shame.Stigma has 4 components:

-Labeling someone with a condition

-stereotyping people with that condition

-Creating a superior us group and a devalued them group resulting in loss of status in the community

-Discriminating against someone on the basis of their labor

A diagnosis is a label a label can offer reassurance that your condition has a medical cause and can steer you towards treatment labels arent all negative and dont all result in a stigma many illnesses today are gaining acceptance and empathy,like breast cancer today people talk about it and hold benefits for survivors advocates wear wrist bands and ribbons.People with breast cancer would never be ridiculed by people with mental illness still face ridicule.

Why does stigma of mental illness continue?
mental illness suggests its not a medical or physical illnessTo some mental refers to a problem caused by your own choices and actions.People may blame you and think its all in your head.People may think people with mental illness are weak or lazy they should just get over it.

In reality mental illness has very complex causes a mix of genetics,biology and life experiences,most of them are beyond your control.

Some mental health conditions have more stigma attached then others like schizophrenia has more stigma compared to depression.

Harmful effects of stigma

-pretending nothing is wrong

-refusing treatment

-rejection by family and friends

-difficulty finding housing or a job

Coping with stigma

-get treatment

-surround yourself with supportive people

-dont equate yourself with your illness

-share your own experience

-monitor the media

join a advocacy group

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER (G.A.D.)

Is an anxiety disorder characterized by excessive uncontrollable and often irrational worry,about everyday things which is disproportionate to the source of worry.The excess worry interferes with daily living like thinking the worst is gonna happen in health matters,money or familymatters.People with G.A.D.exhibit a variety of physical symptons like:fatigue,headache,nausea,muscle tension,difficult swallowing,trembling,insomnia,sweating,hot flashes.These symptons must be persistant for at least 6 months for a diagnosis.About 6.8 million american adults experience G.A.D.It affects twice as much women as men.About 2.8% of the adult population 18-54.

Some research shows G.A.D. may run in families and usually start at earlier age.Symptons may manifest slower than other anxiety disorders.

treatment may include antianxiety meds or/and antidepressants.

Behavioral therapy relaxation techniques

cognitive therapy teaches patients to react differently to the situations and bodily sensations that trigger anxiety symptoms.
more information on G.A.D. at the website http://www.mentalhealthchannel.net/gad/index.shtml

Monday, September 1, 2008

GRADING THE STATES

In 2006 nami (national alliance on mental illness)GRADING THE STATES:A REPORT ON AMERICAS MENTAL HEALTHCARE SYSTEM FOR SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESSES provided the first assessment in 15 years of publicly funded mental health services.The national average was a D.

New york was 1 of only 2 states that declined to respond to the survey.New york received the grade u for unresponsive.

In new york city and other urban centers the need for services far exceeds the supply.Contributing to criminal activity and homelessness.There are more people in rikers island than any psyciatric hospital in the country.

Ny spends 103.32 on each person for mental health spending.Ranking among the highest in the country.

Advocates agree ny has two many state hospitals 26.Decades of downsizing has created an anamaly there are two many hospitals and two few beds.There are only 4000 beds

Ny is one of a minority of states that still does not require mental health parity insurance.Timothys law a parity bill nearly passed in 2005 but stalled in the state senate.

On the positive side omh has developed a joint agreement with new york city to develop supportive housing.The plan will increase housing for 5,500 people with mental illness.These will be added to 31,000 already available.

Suicide numbers have been high in recent years so omh is investing in awareness,education and prevention.

per capita mental health spending 192.07 3rd in nation

per capita income 34,725 6th in nation

total mental health spending in millions 3,681 2nd in nation

suicide rank 49

If you want to participate in this years survey http://www.nami.org/mentalhealthservices includes version in spanish

Friday, August 29, 2008

your rights as an employee with a disability

The americans with disabilities act requires employers to treat workers with disabilities equal in every part of employment.People with disabilities cannot be discriminated against because of their disability.

2)Employers cannot ask any question on the application that would give them information about your disability.example they couldnt ask would you need accommodations to do this job.

3)You can tell them if you want about your disability but they cant ask

4)Once you are offered the job you can ask about special accommodations you need on your job.Your employer can ask you for a letter from your dr confirming you need accommodations.

5)You have the right to all benefits the other employees receive.You cannot be denied health insurance

for more information call the disability resource group at 770-451-2340 or visit the website at http://www.gaada.info/

When you tell others about your disability you should anticipate misunderstanding and not be thrown off by them.Have information ready to correct the misconception.Try not to get defensive but be sympathetic about others point of view.
For more information on the americans with disabilities act of 1990 write to the
equal employment opportunity commission
1801 L street
nw,washington dc 20507
phone 202-663-4900

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

supported employment services

Supported employment service is one part of capabilities inc.Capabilities inc is a non profit corporation that assists people with employment barriers to obtain their optimal vocational goals.Supported employment services is located at 1149 sullivan st in elmira ny.Vesid (vocational and educational services for individuals with disabilities)or cbvh(commision for the blind or visually handicap)has to refer people to supported employment services.Supported employment services is funded by state and county grants this means there is no cost to the consumer.The services are broken down into two phases:intensive and extended
Intensive services supplies a employment specialist.The goal is to find employment built around your needs and interests.creating resumes,assisting in completing applications,preparing for interviews,and developing basic job skills.Individuals can be in the intensive phase for up to 18 months then vesid will review the case and extend services as appropriate.Once you develop stability on the job the extended phase starts
Extended services assists you with maintaining employment and advancing in your career.