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 […]
Texas Winter Storm Recovery
While sunshine and warmth have returned to Texas, the physical and mental health toll of last week’s storms on our community did not melt away with the snow. If you or your family are feeling stressed or anxious, it is vitally important you know three things: It’s normal to not […]
NAMI Welcomes Dulce Gruwell
NAMI Central Texas, the local affiliate of the National Alliance of Mental Illness, has announced the hiring of Dulce Gruwell to serve as the organization’s first Peer Program Coordinator. “We are thrilled to welcome Dulce to the NAMI Central Texas family,” said Executive Director Karen Ranus. “Her professional experience paired […]
Mental Health Champions: How Karen Ranus and NAMI Central Texas Are Supporting People Living With Mental Illness and Their Families
Authority Magazine – Yitzi Weiner Asa part of my series about “Mental Health Champions” helping to promote mental wellness, I had the pleasure to interview Karen Ranus. Karen Ranus is the Executive Director of the Central Texas affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Central Texas). She sits […]