Thank you Serenity Light Recovery for your generous support of NAMIFest 2016!

If you are passionate about making

mental health a priority, love

volunteering to help those affected by

mental health conditions, are

organized and driven or have great

attributes that would benefit our

board, then we want YOU!

Please send an email to our Executive Director, Allyn Nault at

namigc@namigulfcoast.org explaining why you would like to

run for a position on NAMI Gulf Coast’s Executive Board.

NAMI Gulf Coast Members will be voting on their

representatives at our Joint Support Meeting on May 8th at St.

Michael’s Episcopal Church.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST!

April 2017 The Official Newsletter of NAMI Gulf Coast

Wed, 4/5/17 Day Program NAMI GC Office - Alvin Fri, 4/14/17 OFFICE CLOSED NAMI GC Office - Alvin Wed. 4/26/17 Newsletter Folding NAMI GC Office - Alvin Mon. 5/8/17 Joint Support Meeting St. Michael’s - La Marque Sat. 5/13/17 NAMI GC Crawfish Boil Runge Park - Santa Fe

Inside this issue:

Calendar:

CONTACT US!

281-585-3100

888-554-2264

409-944-4328

namigc@namigulfcoast.org

www.namigulfcoast.org

PO Box 4096 Alvin, TX 77512

2206 N Gordon Alvin, TX 77511

6th Fl. Shearn Moody Plaza

Galveston, TX 77550

The Voice for Mental Illness in Galveston and Brazoria Counties!

Page 2 - Upcoming Events; Monthly Support Groups, and Conference Call. Page 3 - NEW Day Program for Individuals @ NAMI GC Office, every Wednesday Page 4 - 5 Tips to Help Manage Anxiety By: Ava McClendon Page 5 - Second Chance Thrift Shop April 2017 Ad and Sales

Reathea Alexander

Bill & Judy Biggs

National Alliance on Mental Illness

U P C O M I N G

E V E N T S

Page 2

ALVIN FAMILY GROUP

Every Monday of the Month

10-11:30AM

NAMI GC, 2206 N. Gordon, Alvin

ALVIN INDIVIDUAL GROUP 3rd Thurs Every Month

Thursday, 4/20/17 4-5:30PM

Westover Cove, 2200 Mustang, Alvin

LAKE JACKSON FAMILY & INDIVIDUAL GROUP

2nd Thurs Every Month

Thursday, 4/13/17 6-7:30PM

CHI St. Luke’s Health Care

100 Medical Drive, Lake Jackson

LA MARQUE FAMILY & INDIVIDUAL GROUP

2nd Mon Every Month

Monday, 4/10/17 6-7:30PM

St. Michael's Episcopal Church

1601 Lake Road, La Marque

GALVESTON FAMILY & INDIVIDUAL GROUP

1st Tues Every Month

Tuesday, 4/4/17 6-7:30PM

Moody Methodist Church

2803 53rd Street, Galveston

Conference Call

Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 6:00pm

Can’t make it to a support group this month? Don’t want

to drive at night? Then join our call!

Topic: Mindfulness and Improving Mental Health

Dial In Number: (641) 715-3570 Access Code: 453534

New Support

Group Times New Alvin

Day Group

Joint Chapter Meeting Join all of our NAMI GC families and individuals

Monday May 8th at 5:30pm St. Michael’s Episcopal Church 1601 Lake Rd La Marque, TX

Dinner at 5:30pm Board Member Nominations & Voting at 6:00pm

Movie Short Stairway to Light following voting Oscar Winning Best Short Subject, One Reel

Discussion following Movie Short

» Call our office with questions 281-585-3100 «

National Alliance on Mental Illness Page 3

D A Y

P R O G R A M

Every Wednesday from

11:00am—2:00pm

NAMI GC Office 2206 N Gordon

Alvin, Texas

Crafts ● Movies ● Lunch

Fellowship ● Gardening

Classes ● Events ● Music ● Fun

No Cost!

Transportation Available! Meet at the Alvin HEB at 10:45am for

pick up!

Call 281-585-3100 with questions

Page 4

5 Tips to Help Manage Anxiety

Ava McClendon

Patty’s scream in the night startled her husband. But this wasn’t the first time. She didn’t always scream; sometimes

she tossed and turned. Other times she was restless and on edge. The family could affirm that many times she was

highly agitated. Patty’s anxiety also included physical spasms: sometimes her eye would twitch; her stomach ached and contracted.

Patty, a 42 year old mom in Texas, voluntarily admits that often her generalized anxiety disorder made her

feel like she wanted to crawl out of her skin. The slightest noise could activate and elevate her stress level. These

symptoms weren’t constant, but when they were at their worst, it made coping with life extremely difficult.

Simple anxiety can be a normal problem that comes and goes without much disturbance. However, the American

Psychiatric Association explains it this way: “Anxiety disorders differ from normal feelings of nervousness or

anxiousness and involve excessive fear. “ Life can feel out of control. However, even the most serious generalized anxiety disorders can be

managed. The following 5 tips may help to cope with this disorder.

1. Talk about it.

Seeing a therapist regularly allows people to talk about their anxiety. Even talking out loud with a trusted friend may provide

guidance about whether the anxiety is normal stress or a disorder that interferes with quality of life. When discussing fears and worries, a

pattern will likely emerge. For example, people may notice that many of their fears are focused on money or a particular relationship from

the past. Keeping a jot list of any observations can be valuable. When confiding in a friend, ask for a listening ear only, not a solution to the

problem. Remember this person is a friend, not a professional. The National Institute of Mental Health reminds us that “talking with a

trusted friend or member of the clergy can provide support, but it is not necessarily a

sufficient alternative to care from an expert clinician.”

2. Try relaxation techniques.

Meditation and deep breathing are a couple of trusted strategies that will help the body to physically loosen and let go of much

anxiety. Working puzzles and playing low stress games can serve as a mental distraction in a way that diverts the mind from worry and

anxiety. Reading inspiring quotes from successful people can provide a valuable means of redirecting thoughts and feelings away from

anxiety.

There’s an app for that. All of these techniques and more can be found in the free app for your phone titled Virtual Hope Box.

3. Make plans.

Having calendars with too many open spaces allows more time for the mind to fret and worry. This permits the anxiety to grow and become

overwhelming. Without overdoing it, try adding quality items to your calendar: exercise, go out for lunch, browse through a book store or

stroll through the park. These activities provide even more success when a friend or two are included in the plans. It’s not unusual for social

isolation to accompany anxiety. According to the article, “How lsolation and Loneliness Hurt Anxiety,” many people believe that being alone

will help reduce one’s stress and anxiety. The studies cited by the author show this is simply not the case. (Ribordy, 1980). Having people in

one’s life can lift spirits and provide both joy and laughter. Clearly, choosing these friends carefully can make a very real

difference.

4. Take action.

Sometimes it helps to move past the worrying and actually do something about the problem. For instance, if money seems to be a frequent

focus of anxiety, think of one or two small steps to take to improve a financial situation. Instead of eating out 4-5 times a week, consider

treating yourself only once or twice. This may seem too small to matter, but it can go a long way to soothe anxious feelings. Psychologist

Athena Patelis agrees that taking action allows the mind to let go of the anxiety that could easily become

obsessive and compulsive (2017).

5. Discuss it with a doctor

A doctor will be able to determine if medication is needed or if the dosage should be adjusted. “Medication does not cure anxiety disorders

but often relieves symptoms,” states the website for the National Institute of Mental Health.

The jot list created earlier will come in handy while discussing the problem with a doctor. Being able to give specific examples of your

personal anxiety issues will help the doctor make a more accurate diagnosis.

For those who live with anxiety disorder, a cure may be impossible. However, finding a few coping strategies can make a noticeable

improvement in quality of life. Take a deep breath and go out for laughs with friends.

Author Ava McClendon is a freelance writer, a retired English professor, and a volunteer at NAMI Gulf Coast.

National Alliance on Mental Illness

T H R I F T

S H O P

Page 5

2206 N Gordon, Alvin, TX

281-585-3100

Hours: Tues-Fri 10am-3pm

.

Tuesdays– 50 % OFF Boutique

Clothes, Purses & Shoes

Wednesdays—$10.00 Fill a Bag

Thursdays—1/2 OFF Reg-Priced

Jeans, Purses & Shoes

Fridays—$.50 Clothes

APRIL SPECIALS!!

April 11-13

ALL Easter Items

will be 50% OFF!!

GREEN TAGS 1/2 OFF!!

The SHOP will be

CLOSED on

Friday, April 14

in observance of

GOOD FRIDAY!!

HOP, HOP, HOP

to the THRIFT SHOP

for

Spring Savings

all month long!

2017 Board of Directors President: Irene Stone Vice President: TBD Treasurer: Dean Price Secretary: Mary Ferree Board Members: Andrea Hazlitt Eddie Karbowski Carla Sanchez Reathea Alexander Nancy Meadows Shawn Lewis Tricia Garza Regina Lewis Executive Director: Allyn Nault Emeritus: Carolyn Karbowski Staff: Allyn Nault Executive Director namigc@namigulfcoast.org Jan Melis Director of Education & Support jmelis@namigulfcoast.org Amber Torres Director of Finance & Development development@namigulfcoast.org Alicia Karbowski 2nd Chance Thrift Shop Manager namigcresale@namigulfcoast.org Kyle Funderburk Director of Administration admin@namigulfcoast.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness

It is the mission of NAMI Gulf Coast to provide support, education, and

service advocacy for families and individuals affected by mental illness.

Eliminating the stigma of mental illness is the primary goal for NAMI Gulf

Coast. The hope is that one day mental illness will be treated with the same

compassion and understanding as any other illness.

April 2017

P.O. Box 4096

Alvin, TX 77512

281-585-3100

409-944-4328

1-888-554-2264

www.namigulfcoast.org

NON-PROFIT ORG

U S POSTAGE

PAID

Friendswood, TX

Permit #4096

OR CURRENT RESIDENT