April 23, 2020 at 4:32 p.m.
NAMI offers Zoom support meetings during COVD-19 shutdown
Members can connect online free of charge
NAMI offers Zoom support meetings during COVD-19 shutdown
By Stephanie Kuski-
While the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northern Lakes Drop-In Center had to close its doors at Trinity Lutheran Church for the duration of the COVID-19 shutdown, the local nonprofit is still offering services free of charge to individuals living with mental illness and their families.
Every Thursday at 1 p.m., NAMI is offering peer-to-peer support for those dealing with mental illness through "Coffee Chats" held via Zoom.
In addition, NAMI will also host a family-to-family Zoom session for families of those living with mental illness. This session will be held the first Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m.
NAMI Northern Lakes Center is a peer-run drop-in center servicing Oneida, Vilas and Forest Counties which offers support, education and advocacy free of charge for individuals living with mental illness and their families.
"NAMI was founded to serve people with mental illnesses and their family members," the group's executive director Mick Fiocchi explained. "It is the foundational principle of this organization that families affected by mental illness need support, and we as an organization provide support for those folks."
Fiocchi described these Zoom sessions as "a more informal way for people to get together," in which members can call in or video chat to receive support in a remote group setting.
"These sort of 'technology conferences' are better than nothing, but they're not as good as in-person meetings," Fiocchi commented, "especially for something as personal as dealing with your own mental health issues or those of a loved one."
Although the situation is far from ideal, Fiocchi encourages meaningful participation from NAMI members during this time of social isolation. At the very least, participants can hear the voices of the facilitator and peers, and Fiocchi said those without internet access can still access the meetings via phone.
He said the peer support meetings are informal but structured, with certified peer specialists facilitating discussions and offering support.
In addition, Fiocchi said his nearly all-volunteer staff has been methodically staying in touch with members via phone and email to ensure their needs are met and concerns handled during this worldwide pandemic.
"The Center is not the staff, it's not the building - it's the relationships that we've created since we opened our doors two and a half years ago," Fiocchi said. "We're trying to maintain those relationships during this shutdown."
Fiocchi said all counseling services in the area have made accommodations so that individuals can get the support they need during this time. In addition, he said individuals can set up in person meetings with counselors if they feel they are coming into an emergency situation.
"Isolation for any human being is bad for your health," Fiocchi commented, "and if you're dealing with a brain disorder, it's even worse."
To ease some of the anxiety in the air during these uncertain times, NAMI Wisconsin offers advice for good mental health:
• Stick to a normal routine as much as possible.
• Spend virtual time online with supportive people.
• Try something new you've always wanted to do.
• Get outside for fresh air every day.
• Eat, drink and exercise to maintain health.
For those interested in connecting to NAMI's Zoom meetings, contact Linda Jacobson, Wisconsin certified peer specialist, at (715) 420-1700.
Refer to NAMI Northern Lake's Facebook page and website for updated information, or email questions to [email protected].
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