NAMI Blog

Mental illness is unpredictable by nature and crises can, do and will happen. Although crises can’t always be prevented, it is possible to be prepared. 

Sometimes our life experiences and emotions create the sense that we are "not enough." But we are in fact "enough." Learn techniques to show self-compassion and overcome this difficult feeling.

The fact is: how we talk about, write about and report on suicide matters. For someone already considering suicide, it’s possible to change their thoughts into action by exposing them to detailed suicide-related content, including graphic depictions or explanations of the death or revealing the method used. 

"Sure, I’d make an effort to get to know others and I’d even spend time with classmates or co-workers, but I still felt lonely. That’s because loneliness isn't about the number of relationships you have, but the quality of them."

Until early-psychosis CSC programs are available in every community, NAMI wants young people and their families to know what to do while we push for them to exist everywhere. We can’t afford to wait.

Health care providers need to know if a person has a substance use disorder in order to treat all health conditions appropriately. Read a powerful testimony about how lack of integrated care can lead to tragic outcomes.

Even for a teen without health insurance, there are ways to access treatment. Here are a few suggestions to get started.

"People want one solution to feel better: one medication, one single action to solve all their problems. The fact is, that’s not how life works. We have to try all kinds of solutions; some will work, some won’t, and some might for a period of time and then stop."

Learn about Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, a diagnosis that only presents in children aged 7-18. Primary symptoms include chronic, severe irritability and anger.

Most parents experience at least some moments of concern for their children’s mental health during the puberty ages of 11 to 14. But, should you?