Could viruses and infectious diseases cause mental health disorders? Scientific author and researcher, Harriet A. Washington, argues there is a compelling link. Her latest book, Infectious Madness: The Surprising Science of How We “Catch” a Mental Illness, offers a groundbreaking look at germ theory and mental illness. On Tuesday, April 26^th, NAMI Metro Baltimore and the Enoch Pratt Free Library welcomed Washington to Baltimore to discuss this cutting-edge research.

In the Writers LIVE Lecture, Washington presented case studies of mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anorexia, that were likely caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses. Cases included links between bacteria in cat litter, paresis, and influenza and psychiatric symptoms.  She further demonstrated that attributions of mental illness to genetics can also be explained by infectious causes. Washington highlights that in identical twins there is only a 40% chance that both individuals will develop schizophrenia.

Harriet Washington addressed more than 50 Baltimore community members. Among the audience were researchers Dr. Robert Yolken of Johns Hopkins University and Dr. E. Fuller Torrey of the Stanley Medical Research Institute, whose work informed Washington’s book.

Washington concludes that this paradigm shift is critical to developing new approaches to not only treatment but also prevention. You can read more about her work here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore has launched a new NAMI Family Support Group in partnership with Bon Secours Baltimore Health System.  Support group meetings are held at the psychiatric unit of Bon Secours Hospital, located in the West Baltimore community. The free weekly support group serves family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness.

Family members often play a significant role in helping and supporting a loved one who develops a mental health condition. It is important to know you are not alone. The Family Support Group offers the opportunity to connect with others facing similar circumstances and to learn from shared wisdom.

NAMI’s support groups are unique because they follow a structured model to ensure that all participants have the opportunity to be heard and get what they need. Support groups are facilitated by trained family members who understand the impact of mental illness first-hand. Group leaders encourage empathy, guide productive discussion, and foster a sense of community.

The support group helps family members gain a deeper understanding of mental illness and to develop coping and communication skills. Participants also learn how to identify and access community resources and supportive services.

To attend the support group:

Every Tuesday, 3:00-4:30pm
Bon Secours Hospital
2000 W. Baltimore Street, 5^th Floor
Street metered and garage parking is available.

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NAMI is excited to announce the release of its newest report, State Mental Health Legislation: Trends, Themes and Effective Practices. This is NAMI’s third annual state legislation report tracking state mental health budgets and identifying legislative trends across the country. In good news, the report found that several states passed innovative measures that can serve as models for development and change across the country.  In more alarming news, NAMI found that overall investment in state mental health budgets has been declining for the past three years. NAMI hopes this report will serve as an important tool for state leaders and advocates as we work together to improve mental health care in this country. For more information, visit nami.org.

Download the Report.

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I am frequently asked whether someone with a mental health disorder can get Social Security or SSI disability benefits.  The answer is YES, depending on the specific facts of each case.  First you need to understand the difference between Social Security disability and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) disability.  To get disability benefits under Social Security you must have worked long enough and paid into the Social Security system.  If you do not have enough work credits to qualify for Social Security then you can apply under the SSI disability program.  SSI is a needs based program which means that you must first meet the financial requirements for SSI.  Once you determine which program you are eligible for, then you must prove that you are disabled according to Social Security’s definition.

The key to getting these benefits is to prove that your limitations are severe enough to prevent you from doing any type of work.  Social Security has a very specific definition of disability.  I talk to many clients who believe that because they are unable to return to their specific job they will automatically be found disabled by the Social Security Administration.  This is not true.

The definition of disability that applies to Social Security/SSI claims is:

The inability to do any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.  To meet this definition you must have a severe impairment(s) that makes you unable to do your past relevant work or any other substantial gainful work that exists in the national economy.  20 C.F.R. §404.1505

What does this really mean?  Basically, your psychiatric condition must be so severe that it keeps you from doing any type of work on a full-time basis and has already lasted for 12 months or longer, or is expected to last that long.  The determination of disability is based on the information in your medical records, reports from your treating doctors about your mental limitations, reports from any Consultative Examinations scheduled by the Social Security Administration and your testimony at the hearing before an administrative law judge.  The Social Security administration will consider whether you are capable of returning to any of the jobs that you most recently held or any other type of work.  This determination of disability does not consider whether you could earn the same amount of money in other types of jobs.  This determination is based solely on your physical and/or mental capabilities.

For Social Security purposes your condition must be totally disabling for at least 12 consecutive months.  However, you can still receive benefits if your condition improves and you return to work.  This is called a “closed period” and means that you were unable to work on a full time basis for at least 12 months but have now recovered and can return to work.  For example, if you suffer a traumatic event and have a decline in your mental health condition you may need more intensive treatment for an extended period of time.  After that period of more intensive treatment you may be able to return to work.  You can still qualify for Social Security/SSI disability benefits if for that extended period that you could not work, as long as it lasted at least 12 consecutive months.  You would not receive ongoing monthly benefits, however, once you can return to work.

Medical evidence of your psychological limitations is the key to getting Social Security/SSI disability benefits for mental health problems.  If you have been unable to work for at least 12 months or anticipate that you will be unable to work for that long you may qualify for Social Security/SSI disability.  If this describes your situation you should apply for disability benefits right away.

Sharon Christie is a nurse and an attorney in Timonium, Maryland.  She handles only Social Security/SSI disability cases.  To receive a free copy of her Unofficial Guide to Social Security Disability Claims visit her website at www.SharonChristieLaw.com or call 410-823-8200.

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Reflecting on my time with NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore I like to think back to the questions I was first asked when I learned where I would spend my year as a Lutheran Volunteer Corps member. The assumptions made about the city were those you would expect from those who have never made it to Charm City, formed from equal parts ‘The Wire’ and ‘Hairspray.’ Nothing prepared me for the year that was ahead of me. While I knew the hyper stylized idea of Baltimore was far from reality, I was still unsure of what that truth would ultimately be. I had questions of how it would change me, of the challenges ahead of me, and how I would be able to serve well. While I was certainly excited, it was far easier to focus on the anxieties of transition, a feeling only magnified by an uncertainty of having no sense of connections or community in a new home.

Fast forward to a year after first setting foot in the office, I realize how that feeling of hesitation which surrounds a time of transition so closely ties to the work of NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore. Our programs serve those transitioning from a time of fear to hope, from questioning to understanding. Throughout my year I was able to see the transition from dark days to recovery and hope. A change of attitudes from ignorance and fear to understanding and empathy. As the work continues, these questions and insecurities will continued to be experienced for the first time or for what some might feel like the hundredth. For some they will be new and daunting, and for others revisiting them with a new sense of perspective as peer, family member, volunteer, or community member.

As I brag to all those who will listen about those who I had the pleasure to meet during my year with NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore, I focus on one particular aspect. Rather than seeking to provide a service limited to a singular interaction, the idea of true connection is uplifted. It is not enough for our volunteers, staff, or board to provide a program and move on, instead they seek a relationship which will strengthen and enrich all those involved. This belief and attitude is that which I will remember most fondly and continue to emulate in my future. It was always a joy to see how the NAMI effect spread from one interaction to families, neighborhoods, and then to the city. Now I am tasked with sharing these lessons and attitude to a community far separate from Baltimore.

As I prepare for the next season of life, I look forward to taking the lessons learned from so many. There is little I can say to express the pride and gratitude for the opportunity to have served with such an important organization made of such extraordinary people. Rest assured I look forward to hearing how NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore continues to expand and can hope to be so lucky as to return to Baltimore as soon as possible.

Alec Van Dyke served as the Communications Assistant at NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore through the Lutheran Volunteer Corps.  During his year of service, Alec expanded NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore’s services to include programs for youth, including piloting Breaking the Silence in Baltimore area schools. He begins a master’s program in Child Life at the University of Akron’s School of Speech Language and Pathology and Audiology this fall. 

 

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