Rolling with the punches is an underdiscussed aspect of routine maintenance. This can mean consistently overcoming hurdles, barriers, challenges in managing our own mental and emotional needs, and for some, helping loved ones who struggle with mental illness.

Enter Alyssa, this week's guest. Alyssa Caroprese is a meteorologist with CBS6 in NY's Capital Region. She has a close loved one who lives with mental illness challenges. She describes adaptability and openness as qualities that help us cope with these challenges. Alyssa shares tools, programs, & approaches that have been beneficial in her experience:
 - Support groups/peer groups: many wonder whether a support group or peer group will help. Alyssa describes the sense of community, openness, and understanding she has gained through participating in support & peer groups.
 - Ongoing, evolving care: Some individuals with persistent mental illness challenges require care throughout their lives, and their needs evolve and change. Alyssa encourages folks not to downplay symptoms in emergency situations; communicate clearly and explicitly with any professionals involved in care for a loved one.
 - Handle with Care is a community-driven initiative that aims to help children who have experienced or witnessed trauma. It involves a communication system between law enforcement, schools, and mental health professionals to provide care and support to children. Because as we know, open communication is key. More often than not, using a team of people to help us get through hard times is the best bet.

Interested in hearing more about what NAMI is all about? Listen to last week's episode (#41) conversation with Matt Shapiro, Senior Director of Government and Community Affairs for NAMI-NYS. Or check out episode #37, "Thinking Big with Tom" where we talk with Tom Fryxell, VP of the Board of NAMI Capital Region. Two other folks doing the work to break down stigma and provide services to those impacted by mental illness.

NAMI NYS Annual Education Conference is this Fri and Sat! Nov 8&9 at the Desmond in Albany. Packed with speakers and vendors (like us!). Come on out and say hi!

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