When the cars are towed and everyone is safe at home, it’s easy to assume the negative impact of a car crash is over. However, it’s usually just beginning, especially for children. Kids who are in a car accident may show signs of mental health issues, and it’s important to...

Every time we experience a tragedy like this, people with mental illness are drawn into the conversation. The truth is that the vast majority of violence is not perpetrated by people with mental illness. Statements to the contrary only serve to perpetuate stigma and distract from the real issues. NAMI...

“Take a deep breath.” This is probably a phrase you’ve heard directed at someone who’s angry, overwhelmed, shocked, or, in laymen’s terms, “freaking out.” While it may come across as simple advice, utilizing mindful and properly executed breathing techniques have been scientifically proven to help to ease your anxiety. Here...

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Homefront program produces significant benefits for both in-person and online participants, according to a study published in Psychiatric Services, a journal of the American Psychiatric Association. NAMI Homefront is an adaptation of the evidence-based NAMI Family-to-Family program designed to address the unique needs of family, caregivers and friends...

The 2019 NAMI National Convention, June 19 -22 in Seattle, is in the book and it was “PHE NAMI NAL!” Why? There’s too much to list! NAMI National Convention Highlights General sessions where the more than 2,000 in attendance all gathered to hear the same speaker. More breakout sessions than...

People struggle with mental health and feel like they're powerless against their own minds. They may think that the only solution is to try to fake happiness and peace of mind or find a shortcut through things like overeating and taking drugs. However, there are ways to put your troubles...

The Spring session of the Illinois General Assembly, which ended on June 2, was absolutely wonderful regarding mental health issues.  The legislators didn’t fix everything, but they passed a number of new laws that will make significant improvements in Illinois’s mental health system. Here are a few of the highlights:...

While keeping in good physical shape is important for self-care, it is also important to take care of your mental health and wellness. The pace and stresses of modern life can take their toll on both your mind and body. As with physical health, your overall mental health can suffer...

The movement of “trigger warnings” and so-called “safe spaces” that are primarily on college campuses are supposed to protect people from being uncomfortable/offended/traumatized from content, a phrase, or even a simple word. Could it be doing the exact opposite?  Is this the new world of the “Trophy Generation”?  It’s time...

Most people think healthy eating is all about losing unwanted weight, but did you know that a proper diet helps sustain your mental health? Your body and mind are intimately connected, and they need to work in synchronization all the time in order to achieve overall wellness. We’ve compiled a...

For over 25 years, Brent Sopel, former 2010 Stanley Cup Champion and Chicago Blackhawk defenseman, hid behind hockey.  It was a place he could be who he wanted to be without anyone knowing the pain that lay deep.  When the last puck was dropped on his NHL career, he was faced with...

Steve Milazzo and his identical twin, Nick, led seemingly normal lives. They were each other’s shadows throughout childhood and adolescence. They were inseparable, until their lives were turned upside down for these two twins. This is the story of Steve and Nick Milazzo. Unfortunately, alone is exactly how I felt...

NAMI FaithNet is an interfaith resource network of NAMI members, friends, clergy and congregations of all faith traditions who wish to encourage faith communities who are welcoming and supportive of persons and families living with mental illness.

Dr. Norman Segal, a popular and well established pediatrician in the Chicago Northwest suburbs, presented a talk at the Des Plaines Public Library on February 13, 2019 to a capacity crowd.  Tackling the subject of ADHD is no easy jest, however Dr. Segal gave the audience insight that left them...