Guide to Mental Health Professionals

NEW: Guide to Local Support Groups and Internet Resources

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Following a Natural Disaster or Other Trauma

Family Support Services

Respite Services for Youth

Services for Adults

Information and Referral Services

Community Education

Starlight Peer Advocacy Center for Empowerment (SPACE)

The Story of the Bell

Links to Related Sites

Do you want to learn strategies to avoid or lessen the effects of stress on your life?

Are you recovering from an addiction and find yourself in dangerous situations?

Do you have a difficulty dealing with certain emotions and/or have a mental illness?

Do you want to discover what you know about how to keep yourself feeling well?

Do you want to understand what causes you to feel overwhelmed and find healthy ways to interrupt a downward spiral?

What is WRAP?

The Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) (http://www.mentalhealthrecovery.com/aboutwrap.php) was developed by Mary Ellen Copeland, MS, MA, author of numerous self-help psychology books. Copeland explains: "WRAP is a structured system for monitoring uncomfortable and distressing symptoms and, through planned responses, reducing, modifying or eliminating those symptoms." When we feel "well" and/or are in recovery many of us know, or with help can figure out, what causes us stress: a large bill, not enough sunshine, not enough sleep, too much work, certain relatives, an exam, being in a caretaking role, and so forth. We may even know what can help us feel better, or how we can avoid becoming overwhelmed. This is the time to plan how we can respond to those stresses to avoid "burn-out" and/or lessen our risk for serious illness.

What if I don't see a therapist or have a diagnosis,
but I would like some help in dealing with stress?

Anyone who wants to live healthier and/or learn to take better care of themselves can benefit from doing aWRAP. Even though this program was designed for people with psychiatric symptoms, it can certainly be used by people with different kinds of health problems, or people who just want to stay healthy. We all experience stress in our lives. Sometimes when we are experiencing it, we don't think so clearly about what we need to do to take care of ourselves. We may forget to eat, or eat too much. We might sleep too little or too much. We may isolate ourselves from friends and loved ones because we feel "bad." This can make things worse for us, and make it more difficult to focus or function in our lives. WRAP can help us to recognize what we need to stay healthy and lessen the risk of emotional and/or physical collapse.

WRAP is not about someone else telling you what you need to do: it is to help you figure out what you need to do to help yourself feel better. You can safely use this plan along with any other health care you're receiving. It is not a replacement for medications or psychotherapy. If you are using medications, do not stop using them without consulting your physician. The information in your Wellness Recovery Action Plan is yours alone; you can share as much or as little as you like. You will have possession of it at all times, and strict confidentiality is assured.

How much does this work group cost?

All services are free. However, if you are interested in purchasing the materials to work with on your own, you will be charged a small fee.

How do I join a Wellness Recovery Action Plan work group?

The work groups are offered at 301 South Geneva Street. The group meets Thursdays at 4pm. Call (607) 273-9250 to register for the group. There is a maximum of ten participants per session. The work group provides a confidential and supportive environment for working on your WRAP and other helpful tools for maintaining mental health.