Message from NAMI's CEO

We recognize that people affected by mental illness face additional challenges dealing with COVID-19. Now, more than ever, it’s important to remember that there is no health without mental health. During these difficult times, we encourage you to take care of yourselves and check in on loved ones. You are not alone, and we will get through this together.
—Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.

COVID-19 Resources and Information Guides

NAMI COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide

NAMI released the NAMI COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide to answer frequently asked questions regarding the intersection between Coronavirus, or COVID-19, and people affected by mental illness, their caregivers and loved ones. The guide features FAQs on a variety of topics from managing anxiety and social isolation to accessing health care and medications.

 

View Guide
 

La Guía COVID-19 de información y recursos está disponible en español. Tiene información sobre preguntas frecuentes y recursos para que encuentres apoyo para ti y tus seres queridos. Incluye temas relacionados a la salud mental, como encontrar comunidades de apoyo en línea, ayuda financiera, y más. Para acceder, presiona el botón descarga (en español).

Descarga

The Effects of COVID-19 Related Social Isolation on the Mental Health of Racialized Communities

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. systems addressing mental health services were already in crisis due to demand and insufficient services. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now facing a “loneliness epidemic” exaggerated by the isolation required by COVID-19 pandemic. While the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 are preventative and necessary, they have social consequences and have created many subsequent stressors that disproportionately impact underrepresented groups within the U.S. NAMI’s document on the effects of COVID-19 related social isolation on the mental health of underrepresented communities provides insights and recommendations.

Download

Public Service Announcements for AAPI families facing COVID-19 Discrimination

Along with economic, social and personal hardships many of us are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities are also facing racist attacks and discrimination. The Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race, a division of the American Psychological Association (APA), released two PSAs and corresponding flyers in many different Asian languages as well as in English. These resources provide ways to cope and helpful tips for AAPI families facing COVID-19 discrimination.

Important Updates

NAMI is here to help and will continually update our website as issues arise. NAMI strongly encourages people to not only check the CDC website daily for updates, but to also listen for updates from local news and public health care providers.

1/28/2021: Recording Available: NAMI Ask the Expert — Vaccine Science: A History of Distrust and Discrimination for People with Mental Illness

As COVID-19 vaccinations are becoming more available nationwide, NAMI recognizes that people with mental illness may have different concerns or questions regarding the vaccine.

This January, NAMI's Ask the Expert Webinar engaged a variety of field experts to open a conversation on the evolving science of vaccines, barriers to access, and the presence of medical skepticism in marginalized communities. Click here to view.

12/31/2020: Vaccine information added to the NAMI COVID-19 Information and Resource Guide

New section added "What do I need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine?"

To address questions, we have updated our COVID-19 guide with helpful information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

10/10/2020: NAMI Frontline Wellness

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on everyone’s mental health. But for those in jobs that are already demanding and stressful – like public safety and health care – the toll can be even heavier. To meet the needs of our frontline professionals, NAMI has developed the Frontline Wellness Initiative, with resources and support to help those who take care of us.

9/16/2020: Updates to the NAMI COVID-19 Information and Resource Guide

New section added "How can I support my child going back to school?"

Children across the country are heading back to school, both virtually and in person, under circumstances that can be challenging for students. Learn what you can do to support children's mental and emotional well-being during this time of continued uncertainty due to COVID-19.

New resource added under subsection “I’m having a lot of stress or anxiety because of COVID-19. What can I do?” [contained under “What are the health implications”]

NAMI has partnered with the CDC Foundation’s “How Right Now” initiative – HowRightNow.org – which offers resources in both English and Spanish to address feelings of grief, loss and worry by increasing coping skills and providing strategies for reducing negative behaviors. The site includes a video with NAMI board member Dr. Charma Dudley on how to have meaningful conversations about how we are feeling and ways to reduce stress.

4/23/2020: NAMI’s Ask the Expert Webinar: Supporting the Emotional Needs of Youth During COVID-19

Dr. Meghan Walls, a pediatric psychologist, provides an overview of the kinds of emotional reactions we can expect from children and youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch the replay.

4/17/2020: NAMI Releases Spanish-language COVID-19 Information and Resource Guide

The Spanish-language NAMI COVID-19 Information and Resource Guide is now available. We encourage NAMI State Organizations and Affiliates to share this with their local communities. This guide can help Hispanic and Latinx community members find COVID-19-related information and support for themselves and their loved ones. It addresses frequently asked questions and lists resources available in Spanish. The guide features a variety of topics, including managing anxiety, finding online communities, getting financial assistance, and more.

4/7/2020: NAMI's Ask the Expert Webinar: COVID-19 and Workplace Mental Health

Darcy Gruttadaro, Director of the Center for Workplace Mental Health, American Psychiatric Association Foundation, will share valuable information on maintaining our wellness, specifically in the workplace, as we adjust to changes in how we connect to our coworkers and work during this time. Watch the replay.

3/25/2020: NAMI's Stance on COVID-19 Discrimination

NAMI condemns all acts of discrimination directed against any specific community or population. The same way we fight discrimination against people with mental illness, we stand against racist acts against individuals of Chinese descent and any member of the Asian diaspora and Asian American communities.

We will reinforce this message across our entire Alliance, and to the public, by circulating fact-based information and dispelling any misinformation. We remain committed to serving all.

3/20/2020: NAMI Responds to COVID-19

NAMI encourages tips recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. In addition, NAMI released mental health tips to help people cope with an extended quarantine period at home.

In the Media

 

With generous support from our COVID-19 Support Fund Partners