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If I have a mental illness, does that mean I’m
weird or some sort of freak?
Mental disorders are common all over the world.
An estimated 22% of Americans ages 18 and older
– about 1 in 5 adults – suffer from a
diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.
I feel alone with this illness. Are there
others with the illness I can talk to?
Self-help groups, drop-in centers and clubhouses
are available to offer support. Friendships can
form in these places. For more information on
clubhouses and drop-ins refer to chapter 4. For
more information on support groups see chapter
11.
If I have a mental illness, can I lead a normal
life?
Leading a healthy life involves positive social
activities, maintaining friendships,
successfully working and having loving
supportive relationships. There are plenty of
opportunities for persons with mental illness to
work and to have loving relationships. For
instance, nonprofit organizations, churches, and
food banks often look for volunteers.
Volunteering is a good way to get back in the
job market.
Where does a person with a mental illness go for
help?
Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority
assists adults with serious mental illness,
children with serious emotional problems, adults
& children with developmental disabilities, and
people who are in crisis because of their mental
illness. Oakland County Community Mental Health
Authority has a Customer Service Department
available to individuals in need of assistance
in navigating the mental health systems (800)
341-2003. The Customer Services Department can
also provide you with community resources if you
do not meet eligibility for services through the
public community mental health system.
What about medication? How do I know what
medication I should take?
Together, you and your doctor will decide if you
would benefit from medication and if so, which
medication will best meet your needs.
What about the side effects from medication?
There may be side effects associated with
medication. It is the responsibility of the
prescribing physician (i.e. psychiatrist,
medical doctor etc.) to go over any possible
side effects with you. Don’t be afraid to ask
questions about what you can do to relieve any
possible side effects of medication.
How does my physical health affect my mental
health?
There is a strong link between physical and
mental health. It is important to seek the
supports you need to maintain well being in both
these areas.
What can I do to improve/stabilize my mental
health?
It is important for you to maintain an ongoing
relationship with support persons such as your
psychiatrist, therapist, and supports
coordinator/case manager by keeping
appointments, following treatment
recommendations, and reporting any changes,
difficulties, and/or side effects as they occur.
How do I help someone who is not following their
treatment for mental illness?
Governor Jennifer Granholm has signed a new law,
known as Kevin’s Law, which is designed to allow
court-ordered “assisted outpatient treatment”
for people with mental illness who are “least
able to help themselves or most likely to
present a risk to others.” The goal of this law
is to assist the individual in living and
functioning in the community. A staff person at
Common Ground Sanctuary will talk to you about
this decision and can help you with options.
Contact Common Ground Sanctuary for assistance
at (800) 231-1127.
How does a person with low income, who does not
qualify for Medicaid, get psychiatric medication
he/she can’t afford?
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance
recently launched a Michigan Chapter which
brings together America’s pharmaceutical
companies, doctors and other health care
providers, patient advocates and community
leaders to help patients find the public or
private patient assistance program that is right
for them. To find out if you qualify, call toll
free to speak with a trained specialist who will
guide you through the application process (888)
477-2669.
What are the eligibility requirements for an
individual to receive services from the public
community mental health system?
Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority
assists
adults with
serious and persistent mental illness,
children
with serious emotional problems,
adults and
children with developmental disabilities,
and people who are in crisis because of mental
illness. The Authority uses service providers in
the community to provide appropriate services.
For phone numbers to a service provider closest
to you, please call
Common Ground Sanctuary at (800) 231-1127.
What happens if services are denied in the
public mental health system?
If you are told
you are not eligible for services from the
public mental health system and you disagree
with this assessment, you have the right to a
Second Opinion by the Medical Director. To
access this option you can call (248) 858-1222
or call Customer Services at (800) 341-2003 to
answer any of your questions.
What can I do if I’m not happy with the services
that are provided in the public mental health
system?
If you are
unhappy with the treatment you are receiving
from the public mental health system, or you
don’t agree with a decision your treatment team
makes, you can file a Grievance with your
Service Provider (Easter Seals-Michigan,
Training and Treatment Innovation Inc.,
Community Network Services, Common Ground
Sanctuary), or you can contact Customer Services
at (800) 341-2003. If you feel that your rights
have been violated as described in the “Your
Rights” Booklet, you may call the Office of
Recipient Rights at (877) 744-4878 to file a
complaint.
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