‘Joker’ is opening with mixed reactions and austerity that could sway the most sane audiences into a frenzy.  It has received all types of audience warnings that are ringing in the ears of movie patrons everywhere.  It’s tough enough to enjoy a summertime festival without looking over your shoulder in...

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that can severely impact your mental and physical health. Some sufferers can’t fall asleep, while others find they wake in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep. After poor sleep, you may find it hard to concentrate or focus, suffer from...

Today, in the Wall Street journal, there are reports that a team of researchers from top medical schools are moving closer to developing a blood test that promises to quickly and accurately help diagnose combat troops with post-traumatic stress disorder, even those who try to hide the effects, the team...

As we age, changes in physical health can affect our outlook on life and our ability to cope with problems. In fact, good mental health is known to decrease loneliness and maintain optimism in seniors. Below are three critical factors in the fight to preserve mental health for seniors. Stay...

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...