Melvin: 'I saw the position for a part-time director at NAMI covering the Knox/Licking Counties in a job ad'

You might remember reading Dodie Melvin's column in the newspaper.

Maybe you're familiar with her earlier career or active social life.

One of Dodie Melvin's most memorable jobs was as an executive assistant in the Dairy Science Department at Ohio State University. (Yes, that's an entire department). The experience of working with students, faculty, and many others from all walks of life made her a perfect fit to transition into a post-retirement role as director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in 2003.

Melvin's life outside of work was equally active. She spent time with her husband, four grown children, eight grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren immediately after retiring 23 years ago. She traveled with her husband before his death in 1993.

Melvin, 95, knew she was destined for more – something fulfilling.

"I saw the position for a part-time director at NAMI covering the Knox/Licking Counties in a job ad," Melvin said. "I didn't have a degree in psychology or social work, but I knew I loved helping people. Thankfully, the Knox County Mental Health Association (the name before it became associated with NAMI) saw that as well and gave me a chance."

NAMI is a national organization that was founded around a kitchen table in 1979, according to its website. The organization now has over 600 affiliates and 49 state organizations that work in various communities. NAMI does not offer professional counseling, but they have numerous classes for families and individuals.

"NAMI has support groups for families and members, and we have support groups for individuals dealing with a mental illness," Melvin said. "We don't offer counsel, but we offer resources and listening. In a support group, people help each other as well. That's very important in a group for people with a mental illness; they lean on each other and learn from each other. I always had access to professional counselors if needed."

Melvin previously worked as a columnist at Mount Vernon News, where she advised readers about dealing with emotional issues and other life challenges; that was above and beyond her duties at NAMI. 

"Sometimes, after people read the column, they would call and say, 'I liked it,'" Melvin said. "The most profound thing that happened was my son, who works in IT, stopped at [a] McDonald's drive-thru and used his credit card. And the girl at the window saw his name was Melvin. And she said, 'Are you related to Dodie Melvin?' and he responded, 'That's my mother.' She went on to tell him she loved my column. I enjoyed that."

Melvin retired from NAMI in August. She is aware that the holidays bring on a certain amount of depression for some people. Also, it's winter, so there are more gray skies than sun. Melvin suggests that people who feel the effects of depression should call 1-800-720-9616 or go to the state's Department of Mental Health and Addiction website at mha.ohio.gov. It's imperative not to feel fear or embarrassment.

"I tell those who have a fear of seeking mental health [help] not to be embarrassed because it's perfectly okay to have a mental illness," Melvin said. "It's no different than having a heart ailment."