The Family Times April 2018

No Stigma Network A Vision for Survivors! By Pam Teel

Shrabanee Shah of Millstone Township is a mother and has been the caregiver of a loved one who has dealt with psychiatric illness since the age of nine. She created the “No Stigma” Support Group with assistance from a good friend when she noticed that there was no appropriate support program available for her child after graduating from high school. To her, it almost seemed as if her child was being pulled into a “giant dark hole”. The support groups that were available did not meet his “young adult”needs. Other young adults seemed to have the same feeling: “We want a support group that is peer run, facilitated by a caregiver who understands where we are coming from and who can bring us back on track when we go off track. We want to be ourselves with our own body language, expressions, ideas, and thoughts, and don’t want to be limited in what we can say and how we say it.” Each of the young adults that Shrabanee spoke with had a desire to be independent and to live a healthy and productive life. They were either in school, in vocational training, working, or planning to go back to school. Each was remarkable in his or her own way and intent on being responsible for making his or her own life decisions. Shrabanee’s dream was to create a peer support group for young adults where an “I can” attitude is encouraged and supported. The group would supply support, education, outreach, and advocacy to assist the members in achieving their goals. Shrabanee was approached by three young ladies with similar ideas who suggested the support group be named “No Stigma” since “we are constantly being stamped for our illness and yet all we want is to have a normal life.” The “No Stigma” support group was established on November 4, 2009 as simply a self-help support group for young adults, ages 18 to30. Six years later, the simple support group became a New Jersey nonprofit corporation, 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization re-named “No Stigma Network, Inc.” NSN was designed for individuals who are ready to make a positive change in their lives. The group embraces a constructive approach to the concept of “Peer Support”, including self-help practices at their meetings such as stress reduction techniques, mindfulness, effective communication and problem solving skills, and a focus on wellness and empowerment. Each support group is led by an experienced facilitator who provides structure and guidance to the meetings. NSN promotes high standards for young adults with mental health challenges by: • Encouraging positive health and wellness practices • Supporting healthy financial responsibility • Maintaining a young adult support system where members are encouraged to discuss issues in a confidential, safe, and non-judgmental environment. • Involving members in outreach to the community to increase awareness of mental health challenges, and to inform the public about resources including NSN's programs NSN promotes education and awareness in its members through real world experiences. TheYoung Adults Advisory Committee, (YAAC), plans exciting educational trips and events for the group including picnics, seasonal parties, crafting workshops, and local outings. The YAAC is made up of four young adult members who have shown commitment to NSN’s mission and vision. YAAC is chaired by an NSN Executive Board member. TheYAAC provides an opportunity for the members to express their thoughts and views on NSN’s programs. YAAC members chose “survivors” as the most appropriate, meaningful and empowering name by which they would like to be called. In addition to the young adult support group, NSN also offers peer support for those over thirty. Recently NSN developed a support group for parents who are dealing with issues brought on by the mental health challenges of their adult children. The parents seek support, guidance, and information to strengthen their families’ ability to successfully cope and thrive with these challenges. All of NSN’s programs and activities are provided to its members free of cost. The facilitators, board members, and other support staff are all unpaid volunteers. NSN welcomes new volunteers (over 18) who are interested in working to further develop and support its programs. More information is available on NSN’s website: nostigmanetwork.com, and the Meetup site: Meetup.org/Freehold/ Wellness/Meetup/. You may contact NSN directly by email: nostigmanetwork@gmail.com.

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