Andy Katz: NCAA Reporter/Analyst/Host, Marathon Runner, and Mental Health Advocate Andy reached out to NAMI-UW in preparation for his most recent marathon, the Chicago Marathon, completed on October 8th, 2023. In combination with his passion for sports and community outreach, Andy has become increasingly passionate about mental health in recent years, prompting his drive to partner with NAMI-UW and our Green Bandana Project. With his partnership, Katz promised to run his race with a green bandana tied to his running belt in support of UW/s Green Bandana Project. The Green Bandana Project is a wonderful tribute to those at any step in their own mental health journeys, a sign that no one is ever alone in their experiences. By tying a bandana to their backpacks, students aim to spread awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding anxiety and other mental health issues. In looking towards Andy’s story, he shared with us that his first experience with severe anxiety began around 1995, approximately five years following his graduation from UW-Madison. For over four years, he found himself in and out of doctors’ offices, thinking his symptoms and thoughts of mortality were associated with a potential heart or brain issue. He went through a number of MRIs, CAT scans, even wearing a heart monitor under his shirt while covering a game, checking with the team’s Atlethic Trainer at half time to see if where was anything wrong. But alas, his physical health was perfectly fine. Everything Andy had been experiencing had been panic related. While Andy shared that his experience with anxiety began primarily in his 20s, he has witnessed friends and family experience its effects for decades, explaining that “It’s time to normalize the condition”. In seeing that the reduction of stigma has come a long way, Andy is the first to recognize that there is a long way to go— especially in the world of sports— “In my sports world, it’s common to say a player has a sprained ankle, but we don’t say player X had to miss a practice or a game due to anxiety or any other mental health crisis — be it long term or acute”. There is such a discrepancy between what is seen as an ‘acceptable’ reason for missing any sort of sports performance, and Andy hopes to be a part of the group to change that. “The pandemic created a full blown crisis and schools desperately need to hire mental health professionals in droves at all institutions” Andy shared. “We need to be each other’s ally and try to de-stress the world around us”. Our world is one of many problems, big or small as they may be. While a perfect world may relieve each and every one of us from these stressors, a more appropriate reality is to learn how to communicate about and cope with them in our own time. Each of us has our own path to follow, and with support systems along the way those stepping stones may appear to be even just a bit more attainable. You are appreciated, you are worthy, and you are loved— remember that. Thank you for being here.
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By Katherine Zimmerman, NAMI-UW President (2022-24) We want to give a massive THANK YOU to all of our campus community that joined us at our first general member meeting last night! Not only did we smash NAMI-UW’s previous attendance records with a total of over 100 students, we had a turnout big enough to require us to move to another room! (That’s a good problem to have if you ask me)! We are so thankful for the support last night, and appreciate all of your willingness to take an interest in our club and participate in our Stand Up For Survivors Activity. We know that it can be a heavy topic to discuss, and we truly acknowledge your efforts to look towards the conversation as one of reducing stigma and bringing mental health conversations into a new light. As always, we are here for you with any questions, suggestions, or considerations you may have. Do not hesitate to reach out to us at any time! It is with mixed emotions that we bid farewell to two of our executive board members who are graduating this year. We are going to miss their invaluable contributions to our community and the warmth and positivity they brought to our events and meetings. As they embark on new journeys and experiences after graduation, we want to wish them all the best and offer our heartfelt congratulations. We are confident that they will go on to do great things and make a positive impact wherever they go. Thank you for all the effort each of you have put into our community. Your dedication, hard work, and leadership have helped shape NAMI-UW into the vibrant and supportive community that it is today. We are grateful for your contributions and will always remember them as an integral part of our community. Thank you for everything, and we wish you all the success in your future endeavors! ISABELLA REILLEY: 2022-23 Workshop Coordinator. Bella is graduating this year with a major in Health Promotion & Health Equity and certificate in Athletic Healthcare! She joined NAMI because she believes that all health starts with mental health; "So many individuals have been affected by mental health conditions, I strive to reduce its stigma while increasing awareness and resources." ZACH GOETZ: 2022-23 Fundraiser Coordinator & Treasurer. Zach is graduating this year with a major in Economics and certificates in Data Science and Business Administration! Outside of class he loves being in nature, reading, and being active. Witnessing his loved ones struggle with mental illness inspired him to get involved with NAMI. He is passionate about advocating for mental health support and reducing the stigma.
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April 2024
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