TIPS FOR ANGER MANAGEMENT

Ask yourself these questions when you feel yourself on the verge of anger: Is this really what I want to do? Do I want to have this conversation or explosion now? Maybe I should wait until I feel better. Answering “no” could buy you a few precious seconds to consider your next move,” says Roy Perlis, MD, MSC, Medical Director of the Bipolar Clinical and Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.  Here are some suggestions from both doctors and patients to help you get a handle on your anger.

·         Remove yourself immediately from the situation. That’s appropriate especially if you’re a parent with a child or even a pet owner. At work, excuse yourself and go to the restroom.

·         The same goes for email. Don’t let loose too soon. Print is forever.

·         If you’re prone to anger outbursts you know it by now. “For some people, this feels like a panic attack, a rush of adrenalin, heart pounding, skin flushed,” says Perlis. Have a plan in place about how you intend to respond—and keep to it.

·         Explore relaxation techniques for managing anxiety, like visualization, listening to music, or maybe doing a task that distracts you.

·         Exercise daily.

Communicate with your doctor, advises Sharon Lyons. And be creative, like Jeff McDonald, who shouts the odd-sounding name of Providence Bruins hockey goalie, Finnish player, “Tuukka Rask!” Why? “It makes me laugh,” he says. 

Sign Up List Forming Now!

Mark your calendar for the annual NAMI Day bus trip to Olympia. This is an influential and effective way that advocates can participate at the state level to speak in one voice and make themselves heard. The bus trip is free, and takes place January 19th.  Meet up with many of the other affiliates across the state and visit with your elected 8^th & 16^th District state representatives in their offices at the state Capitol.   A sign up sheet will be available at our meeting, or make your reservation by calling Debbie 946-0637, Melody 545-0577, or Ginger 531-7217.

Need Assistance for the Homeless

Several dedicated advocates of NAMI Tri-Cities, as well as other community members, have lent their support to staff at Benton/Franklin Counties Community Action Council to increase housing for the homeless, mentally ill people in our area.

This overall effort has helped with an increase in housing units across the board. However, their work is never quite done.  As you know, it takes more than just bare walls to create a home, and many homeless, mentally ill clients arrive owning nothing more than the clothes they are wearing. 

If you have the desire to help with this effort, individually, or know of a faith-based, school, or civic group, there is a need for donations, as follows: 

Adult Bedroom Kit – $35.00

Housekeeping Kit  -  $12.00

Welcome Home Kit – $65.00

Personal Hygiene   -  $5.44 per unit

These are housekeeping items that can be used for those individuals that have little-to-nothing of financial or material value.  Anyone wishing to help can contact Debbie Biondolillo for more information 545-4042, ext. 283. 

Important Announcement Regarding Membership!

We wish to acknowledge each and every new member, however,  NAMI Tri-Cities cannot receive membership electronically.   Please mail it in, bring it with you, or get one at our monthly meeting.  The mailing address is printed on it and it can be downloaded from this website.

 We are unable to count your membership if you enroll on an internet website.

 Thank you for your consideration in this method of delivery of your membership.  

JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL NAMI TRI-CITIES’ HOLIDAY GIFT PARTY!

We will be meeting at 7:00 pm Tuesday, December 9th, in the Fellowship Hall at the Shalom United Church, 505 McMurray St. in Richland.  There will be a large number of gift bags to be filled with an array of small personal items to give to local consumers who are currently in the hospital, group home, or detox.  Many are without friends or family, and our wish is to let them know that they are thought of.  Refreshments will follow, bring one of your favorite.