Introducing NAMI SWI’s Newest Outreach Specialist In St. Clair County
January 15, 2021
My name is Victoria ‘Tori” Barnes. I am looking forward to continuing my journey with NAMI SWI as I jump in as Saint Clair County’s Outreach Specialist. NAMI has been a great source of support for many people, myself included, especially during this time of COVID-19 in the United States.
I am very passionate about mental health, for both professional and personal reasons. My main goal, just like NAMI’s, is to make sure there are free resources available for individuals and their family members who are affected by mental illness or mental health concerns.
more » Read MoreExecutive Director’s Report: A New Year, A Fresh Start
January 14, 2021
Greetings,
COVID-19 has dramatically changed the way we live out our mission to provide support, education and advocacy services to people who are living with a mental illness and to their families and loved ones who are impacted by their illness.
We have gone completely virtual during this pandemic. We have seen an increase in the number of people experiencing symptoms related to either their preexisting mental health condition, or people manifesting symptoms for the first time,
more » Read MoreNAMI SWI Starting to be Seen in Randolph County
The Outreach Specialist position has been a blessing in my life. I want to thank everyone who supports what NAMI SWI and the mental health resources are doing in Randolph County. If you are in Randolph County please reach out to the NAMI SWI number and ask for me- Rhonda Wilson. We are working hard to get the many agencies in Randolph County to work together. There are three main groups here that work to make it better – NAMI SWI,
more » Read MorePresident’s Corner: Happy New Year!
From the President’s Pen…
Last year has been challenging for all of us but we have persevered. I count it as a blessing and you should too. So many didn’t make it, but we are one of those who did. COVID 19 is still here but…so are you. How awesome to see another year!
For many who have lost a loved one, my prayers are with you. You are here to continue encouraging,
more » Read MoreIllinois dedicates $2M to Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide for veterans
Nov 10, 2020
KWQC
https://www.kwqc.com/2020/11/10/illinois-dedicates-2m-to-governors-challenge-to-prevent-suicide-for-veterans/
Officials with the state of Illinois announced on Monday that the state will be joining a multi-state effort in lowering suicide rates among veterans. This will be done through mental health offerings and preventative services.
Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced the state will join the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide. That is a national effort that champions mental health support and preventative services for veterans.
more » Read MoreCOVID-19 pandemic strains mental health infrastructure, leaving patients vulnerable
December 7, 2020
By Leah Hope
ABC7
https://abc7chicago.com/covid-pandemic-mental-health-suicide-prevention-therapy-chicago/8593857/
The COVID-19 pandemic has not just worsened existing mental health issues in individuals, like depression or anxiety, but has also strained the state of Illinois’ psychiatric infrastructure, leaving patients vulnerable.
Eric Cowgill manages his depression and addiction with a balance of therapy, medications and support. It kept him in check for years, until the pandemic.
“All of a sudden I was at this place where I needed more help,”
more » Read MoreA Word to the Wise: Caregiver Take Care
Nov 18, 2020
By Linda Snow-Griffin, Ph.D.
NAMI
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/November-2020/A-Word-to-the-Wise-Caregiver-Take-Care
What airline passenger truly loves flying in turbulent conditions? My husband, who is a private pilot, likes to remind me that turbulence is like driving on a bumpy country road. While this can seem reassuring, I still dislike the feeling of being out of control. Thoughts of “will I survive?” still freak me out until we get to a smoother air space.
Being out of control is just what I felt 19 years ago when my son told me he believed he had schizophrenia.
more » Read More