Author: Jason Hopcus, CLC, MSLC

This time of year can prove to be challenging for those living with a mental illness, as well as their loved ones. In an effort to alleviate some of the pitfalls that come along with the holidays, we wanted to send a quick excerpt from the book When Someone You Love has a Mental Illness by Rebecca Woods on how to better prepare and hopefully avoid holiday heartache. Holidays tend to be especially stressful for families experiencing a mental illness. There are often implied, if not specific, expectations of certain types of behaviors (e.g., exchanging gifts, socializing), feelings (happiness), etc.Read More

Each year NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties participates in a significant amount of community outreach.  We enjoy sharing our time, talent and resources with other community partners to help further build awareness and reduce the stigma of mental illness.  For several years, we have helped sponsor Thanksgiving dinner for the clients, staff and community partners of The Center Point Program, an Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network program.   Some quick background on the important work they do: “The Center Point Program promotes ongoing recovery through the provision of advocacy, empowerment and social skill building.  The program provides an outlet for ongoing support andRead More

This time of year often inspires reflection about the successes gained, opportunities missed and the hope of another chance to begin anew in the New Year.  Slowing down in the midst of our normal busyness allows us to remember the reasons we do many of the things we do.  In doing so, I personally, am usually led back to gratitude.  Each month, the NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties Board of Directors meets and we begin our meeting with attention on the mission statement, “The mission of NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties is to build a community of recovery and hope by educating, supporting andRead More

NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties recently completed its first ever NAMI Basics class in Colorado.  We had 9 family participants led by 2 of our dedicated volunteer trainers.  Many thanks to all of them for their efforts in a successful completion. Devoting 6 weeks to gain invaluable information is quite an undertaking.  Julie was an attendee of this first class and she shared her initial review of this class in an earlier blog post.  Below are a few of her thoughts after the conclusion. “NAMI Basics…I can’t believe the 6 weeks is over!  My husband and I completed the course together.  WeRead More

“M-1” is a form approved by the Colorado Department of Behavioral Health that evaluators use to determine if an individual’s behavior is so risky that they need to be held in a hospital against their will. Mental health professionals and police officers often use the term “M-1” to talk about the entire evaluation process. In Colorado Police Officers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Social Workers, Doctors and Nurses are legally able to place a person on an M1 hold. The decision to hold someone is based both on observation and interview. Hopefully, it’s also based on information collected from family orRead More

Many of you know her as the smiling face that greets you or the voice that takes your call at Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network. Her upbeat attitude and inviting smile always ensures you feel welcome. Marilyn Grant is one of those people that just makes you feel right at home. NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties is fortunate to receive some of her generous spirit and infectious energy. As a valued member of our dedicated volunteer team, Marilyn’s ongoing commitment and support enhances our continued abilities at offering exceptional education, support and outreach within Arapahoe and Douglas Counties. Marilyn first became committedRead More

NAMI FaithNet is a group of dedicated volunteers within NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties that reaches out to area faith communities in an effort to make them aware of NAMI programs, as well as other area mental health resources. In doing so, we encourage them to participate in promoting mental health awareness. Currently, only two affiliates in the state of Colorado (NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties and NAMI Western Slope) have active FaithNet involvement in their communities. Tuesday, October 6, 2015, was a National Day of Prayer as part of National Mental Illness Awareness week. FaithNet of NAMI Arapahoe/Douglas Counties hosted an Open House/InformationRead More

This weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the NAMI Colorado Annual Conference. Denver Health graciously hosted the event at the Rita Bass Trauma Center, which nicely accommodated the growing attendance. As always, the NAMI Colorado team worked tirelessly to make sure this event happened seamlessly. Many thanks to everyone there for their dedicated efforts for a successful outcome. A highlight was the wonderful fellowship among affiliates and a great opportunity to share happenings within each community. It was a wonderful time to see friends, old and new, catching up with them and sharing synergies. This event is a greatRead More