NCSS Here for You: Trauma Informed Care

Host Joe Halko presents with members of the Trauma Informed Care Implementation Team to discuss our participation in  this nation wide initiative. We have started implementing the national model which leads to safer environments, addressing staff self-care, providing trauma sensitive services, and avoiding re-traumatization of those that we serve.

The Importance of Employment In Recovery

Two examples of success

The NCSS Community Rehabilitation and Treatment (CRT) Employment Services Team encourages everyone receiving services to consider the role employment can have in their recovery and wellness.  The Team actively supports consumers to identify, develop, and achieve their individual employment goals. 

Employment is often a large part of a person’s self-identity.  Working can be infinitely beneficial to an individual with a severe and persistent mental illness.  Working for a competitive wage in the community provides individuals with financial security and structure, as well as a sense of belonging and purpose.

Working is an important aspect of recovery and can improve quality of life, financial resources, natural supports and self-esteem.  Consumers who work may experience fewer symptoms.

The CRT Supported Employment team offers employment services to anyone that they serve who identifies a desire to work.  Two such individuals are Geoffrey Mclam and Isaac Gagne.  They are making a contribution through their employment while enjoying many of the life experiences and interests that we all do.  

Now at the age of 42, Geoffrey Mclam, has over seven years of restaurant experience.

He also has achieved certifications in Medical Transcriptions and as a Legal Assistant.  As a member of the National Guard from 1996-2002 Geoff also attended Burlington College and Johnson State during the 90’s.

Geoff often informs people that he uses a ‘wellness toolbox’ whenever he experiences stress or symptoms.  The wellness skills toolbox includes walking, spending time outside, writing poetry, writing music and singing, attending Peer Support, hanging out with friends, and challenging his negative thoughts.

In his spare time Geoff enjoys writing and drama.  He’s created articles and poetry that have been published.  Articles have appeared in Counterpoint, a peer-run journal by Vermont Psychiatric Survivors and his poetry appears on Poetry.com.  As a member of the NCSS drama group Geoff recently took part in a Night of the Arts production at the Bliss Auditorium.  

A former case manager of Geoff’s says the following, “Geoff is an incredible example of someone who takes personal responsibility for his wellness and it’s reflected in his life. He is involved in his community, volunteering for the Democratic party in the last election, having his poetry published in the newspaper Counterpoint, attending church, and participating in the local Peer Support movement. He is an avid newspaper reader and keeps himself abreast of current affairs. He is thoughtful and intelligent and would be a huge asset in any position he was hired.”

Isaac Gagne is 30 years old and was recently hired full-time by a contracted cleaning company at a large major pharmaceutical manufacturer.  In the past, he has also worked at Ben and Jerry’s as well as at an egg farm in Highgate.  Isaac enjoys work as a way to keep busy.  He is also very proud of the fact that he works for all of his income therefore, not receiving assistance from programs that are available to him.

A 2000 graduate of MVU Isaac has served in the National Guard and is active in the Franklin County Knights of Columbus.  Isaac is a huge Boston Bruins hockey fan and enjoys basketball as well.  He participates in a basketball group and counts Michael Jordan as one of his favorite players of all-time. 

 

Brady Therrien, NCSS Employment Training Specialist, noted, “I’ve worked with Isaac for over two years. He is a positive and hard working guy who puts family first and is such an asset to his community.  Isaac donates his time to the local Knights of Columbus chapter and takes care of his little cousins with no questions asked.  Isaac’s work ethic is second to none and any manager’s job is made easier with Isaac on their team.”

The NCSS Community Rehabilitation and Treatment (CRT) Employment Services Team plays a key role for individuals during each phase of the process from when someone is considering entering the workforce, to actively pursuing a job, and finally when employed.  

When an individual is considering entering the workforce the team provides employment services to anyone interested in employment regardless of diagnosis, living situation, substance use, work history, or any other circumstance.  They may request Supported Employment at any time.

The team meets with the individual regularly to develop an employment goal that is based on their unique preferences, talents, abilities and experiences.  The individual is encouraged to look for a job that they want.

During the period when someone is looking for work the team helps people diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness find competitive jobs in the community that fit their individual needs, talents and interests.  They also discuss how to talk to potential employers about illness-related topics.

In addition, the team offers individualized supports with job searches; resumes, cover letters, applications, and assistance with the interview process; employer contact and the development of reasonable accommodations.

Once an individual has been employed the team provides on-going follow-up that is available for as long as necessary.  The team can also collaborate with employers in the community, family members and other service providers.  Among the other support that is provided is to encourage the individual to look for advancement opportunities and support through training and continuing education.

Geoffrey and Isaac are two examples of how the CRT Employment Services Team assists individuals to reach their potential.  By providing individualized job placement and follow-along supports to individuals in permanent jobs which can also lead to continued vocational growth and development individuals in the program can make a positive contribution to employers and the local community.

For more information about the NCSS Community Rehabilitation and Treatment (CRT) Employment Services Team and the numerous programs and services offered log onto www.ncssinc.org. 

What Causes Depression?

What causes Depression?

Depression has no single cause and often involves the interaction of many diverse biological, psychological, and social factors. People may become depressed when something very distressing has happened and they feel powerless to control the situation. Depression is believed to be caused by changes in natural brain chemicals. These chemicals send messages from one nerve cell to another. When a person becomes depressed, the brain has fewer of these chemical messengers. Many antidepressant medications work by changing the activity of these chemicals in the brain.

For more information NCSS offers Mental Health First Aid Training to the community.  Visit ncssinc.org where the schedule will be listed under Upcoming Events on the homepage. 

Why Is It That Some People Cause Self-Inflicted Injuries

Dr. Ted J. Mable, NCSS Executive Director

Why do people engage in non-suicidal self-injury?

Non-suicidal self-injury is relatively common in young people. A survey of U.S. college students found that 17% percent had engaged in non-suicidal self-injury at some time in their lives. Another survey of high school students found that 20% of girls and 9 percent of boys had engaged in non-suicidal self-injury. These young people reported more emotional distress, more anger problems, lower self-esteem, more risky health behaviors, and more antisocial behaviors.

People who engaged in non-suicidal self-injury do so for many reasons, including to:

o        Escape from unbearable anguish

o        Change the behavior of others

o        Escape from a situation

o        Show desperation to others

o        “Get back at” other people or make them feel guilty

o        Gain relief of tension

o        Seek attention or help

For more information NCSS offers Mental Health First Aid Training to the community.  Visit ncssinc.org where the schedule will be listed under Upcoming Events on the homepage.