We are programmed from a young age to equate productivity with value. While not a uniquely American value, our culture, especially as it relates to educational achievement and careers, celebrates those who invest long hours with no slowdown to achieving their goals. Elementary school attendance prizes come to mind as […]
Expert: Parents should watch for signs of anxiety, depression as students return to classroom
AUSTIN (Austin American-Statesman) — It took time for students to adjust to online learning. It’ll also take them time to adapt to learning in classrooms, according to expert on education counseling who is advising parents to be on the lookout for signs of anxiety and depression in their kids. Classrooms provide […]
We’ve Still Got This
A few weeks into nationwide closures due to the coronavirus pandemic, we invited Simon Niblock, LMFT, to host a session called “We’ve Got This: How to Manage Uncertainty in Challenging Times.” We couldn’t know how much we would need these strategies over the course of the next year. This session […]
Leading with Hope and Courage
by Karen Ranus, Executive Director, NAMI Central Texas While we realize the dreams of women pioneers daily, we pay special attention to the struggles, victories and legacies of the women who have come before us during Women’s History Month in March. NAMI’s history cannot be told without acknowledging the courage […]
10 Questions for Self-Care
Think of yourself as a battery – you need time to recharge. Be gentle with yourself; remember you deserve help and support. 1. Have you bathed today? If it’s been over 24 hours, try a quick shower or bath. 2. Have you eaten anything healthy in the past few hours? […]
ATX Together: Mental Health During a Year of Crisis
Crisis after crisis in 2020 and 2021 has eaten away at our community’s resilience. Deputy Director Dr. Quevarra Moten joined Judy Maggio (Austin PBS) and panelists Wendy Salazar (Integral Care) and Dr. Art Markman (Two Guys on Your Head) to talk about the effects of the last year on our […]
Mental Health: Hope and Recovery
Valerie Milburn and Helen Sneed came to NAMI for the same reason—a way to voice their difficult stories. Both Valerie and Helen live with — and nearly lost everything to — serious mental health challenges. By the time each found NAMI, they were well along their recovery journey and were […]
How to Start a Conversation about Mental Health
Talking to a friend or family member about mental health doesn’t have to be awkward or intrusive — you’re showing people that you care about their wellbeing. That gesture can be life-changing! Follow these steps to start the conversation. 1. Remember these mental health facts 1 in 5 Americans are impacted by […]
NAMI on Campus Saved My Life
by Mackenzie Ulam, volunteer and president of NAMI On Campus NAMI On Campus saved me my freshman year. Upon arriving at the University of Texas at Austin, I began having panic attacks for the first time and was soon diagnosed with 3 different anxiety disorders. I had known there was […]
Weathering the Storm: The impact of the winter storm on mental health
AUSTIN (KXAN) — For many Central Texans, the power is back on and water is flowing in their homes. For some, however, the emotional distress from February’s winter storm lingers. “I looked down at this chair that I keep by my door and it was white from the light of […]