Executive Director’s Report: The Impact of COVID-19
May 5, 2020Hello NAMI SWI Friends and Family …
As I write this article, my hope is that you are safe and staying well during this pandemic. Please know that you are on our hearts and minds, especially during this time of uncertainty. We at NAMI SWI are concerned for your mental health and ensuring that you are receiving the support that you need for continued recovery.
Where do we begin in discussing the impact that COVID-19 is having on individuals and families living with serious mental health issues.
more » Read MoreNAMI SWI COVID-19 Update
April 1, 2020
Dear NAMI Southwestern Illinois Friends:
Hello Everyone. Are you getting “cabin fever? I sure am. In adjusting to working at home, I have found there are positives and negatives to doing so. I’m sure you are having the same experience. Well NAMI SWI is here to offer support during this time of uncertainty.
We continue to answer calls on our Help Line. If you need referral information, or just need to talk to a “warm voice” during this time,
more » Read MoreNAMI SWI Coronavirus Update/Support Group Closures
March 16, 2020
Dear NAMI Southwestern Illinois Friends:
The leadership of NAMI SWI has been looking carefully at information about the spread of COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus. We want to ensure the safety, as much as we are able, of all the individuals and families who participate in our programs. Informational material about COVID-19 from the national office is available here.
We are in ongoing contact with the national NAMI office and NAMI Illinois regarding policies that may be implemented as well as other recommendations.
Free mental health hotline launched for Illinois residents
April 11, 2020
By Jakob Emerson
7 KHQA
https://khqa.com/news/state/free-mental-health-hotline-launched-for-illinois-residents
SPRINGFIELD – (WICS/WRSP) — In this stressful and unprecedented time, the toll on people’s mental health is immense. A new service named “call4calm” aims to change that.
The Illinois Department of Human Services launched the new text hotline.
Anyone experiencing mental health issues related to the COVID-19 crisis can text the service anytime.
more » Read MoreIllinois Lieutenant Governor speaks with students about mental health
Posted April 30, 2020, Updated May 1, 2020
23 WIFR
https://www.wifr.com/content/news/Illinois-Lieutenant-Governor-speaks-with-students-about-mental-health-570102421.html
ROCKFORD, Il. (WIFR) — Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton speaks virtually with students about their mental health amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
“As we begin the month of May tomorrow not only will Governor Pritzker’s stay at home order be extended with some modifications but we also kick off mental health awareness month,” said Stratton.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Illinois students across the state opened up about struggles they’re having that have stemmed from the pandemic.
more » Read MoreWhat Is The Role of Activity for Mental Health?
April 30, 2020
By Brad Bowins, M.D.
NAMI
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/April-2020/What-Is-The-Role-Of-Activity-For-Mental-Health
Mental illness exerts a heavy toll on society, but only receives a fraction of the funding that physical illness does. There is a universal need for beneficial and cost-effective interventions for mental illness. But what might qualify as an option?
One possible answer is activity! As a psychiatrist treating a wide range of conditions, I have seen first-hand the benefit of activity and routinely apply it to clients,
more » Read More