NAMI Sonoma County

The words of Martin Luther King Jr. remind us to keep pushing forward and to break boundaries. #MLK - To learn more about the intersection of mental health and the Black community visit nami.org/AfricanAmerican

Our services will be closed for the holidays starting on December 24 (at 1 PM). We'll see you on Monday, January 4, 2021! Please have a happy and safe holiday.

What is the difference between mental health, mental illness, mental wellbeing, & mental fitness? Learn the difference and more with Mental Health Coalition's Roadmap to Mental Health.

Check out this great video from our very own Youth Mental Health Program Coordinator, Julia Barragan, and our friends at Redwood Credit Union! This video about coping with stress is designed to help youth and their support networks understand their emotions so they can make good choices and communicate well with others.

Mental health affects everyone in their own way. We're here to help and support you -- just contact the Warmline at 866-960-6264 or [email protected]. #NotAlone

NAMI has resources that can help you manage mental health issues related to the pandemic this winter: - Call the National Helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI on weekdays, 7 AM to 3 PM PST. - Text NAMI to 741741 or email [email protected]. - Visit nami.org... NAMI Sonoma County is closed for the holidays from 12/24/2020 (at 1 PM) to 1/4/2021, but you can also visit namisoco.org for local resources.

What's new for mental health in Sonoma County? Read our January 2021 newsletter! https://mailchi.mp//stay-in-touch-nami-sonoma-county-news-

The funding while just a portion of what was sought by experts is the largest amount behavioral health has received in a single spending bill in recent memory, and represents growing awareness of the mental toll the pandemic is taking on the country, mental health advocates said.

Support our friends at Humanidad Therapy & Education Services!

"At a time when the ongoing pandemic is straining mental health, many people are going without care altogether. Experts say the pandemic is worsening a shortage of mental health care providers that far predates the current crisis."

It's not complicated: mental health is a part of your physical health! Just as you would seek -- and give -- help for a broken bone, please give the same care to mental health. This is how we end the stigma!

Haven't turned in your ballot yet? Learn about Measure O -- which will provide critical funding for mental health and substance abuse services across the county. Think of your loved one or neighbor with a mental illness and consider where they could be without these essential programs. Learn why it's the ONLY tax measure endorsed by the Press Democrat this year: https://www.pressdemocrat.com//pd-editorial-measure-o-ta/

Halloween is a fun and spooky time for everyone to enjoy and dress up as their favorite character -- be it a ghost, a vampire, or even a famous figure! But please remember -- mental illness is not a costume. Speaking out and being mindful of others' experiences, and being respectful of people with serious illnesses is an important part of ending the stigma.

Tune in to KPCA 103.3 FM today at 1 PM for the "Women on the Front Line" Radio Broadcast! During the first half of the show, Tricia will interview Mary-Frances Walsh, MHS, Executive Director of NAMI Sonoma County, about mental health services in Sonoma County and Measure O. https://petalumacommunityaccess.org/kpca/

Today, please be mindful of your thoughts and feelings -- they are valid.

The death of a loved one by suicide presents unique problems in grieving. Along with the shock and sorrow that accompany the sudden loss of someone vitally important to us, there is often a greater sense of bewilderment, helplessness, guilt and even anger towards a person who has taken their own life. Buckelew Programs is offering a bereavement support group for survivors of suicide on the second Wednesday of each month. To participate, call 415.492.0614 or email [email protected].

Join an upcoming webinar on depression -- facts, how COVID-19 has affected it, and how families can seek treatment. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=372528360784877&id=103808424323540

The law, passed by the House and Senate before being signed by the President, officially establishes a 9-8-8 number for mental health emergencies. The number is expected to be up and running by mid-2022. https://www.npr.org//new-law-creates-988-hotline-for-menta

Experts say the advent of fall and winter after half a year of pandemic may compound stress and affect mental health. We’re moving from sprint mode to marathon mode ... since stressors tend to pile up over time, we’ll be going into winter feeling depleted and exhausted. Fortunately, there are some ways to cope. https://www.nytimes.com//fam/fall-covid-mental-health.html

Measure O could be critical to continuing to fund necessary mental health resources in the county. Do your research and cast your vote! We say #YesOnOForSonomaCounty!

In economically challenging times, that is when the government is needed to step up, said Barbie Robinson, Director of County Health Services. People say now is not the time. Now is the time. We are going to continue to be frustrated with the lack of response without more resources. Read more about the support for Measure O: https://www.petaluma360.com//measure-o-seen-as-mental-hea/

The recently passed law expands coverage for mental health and substance abuse treatments.

"Sonoma County’s unmet needs for mental health care are everywhere ... The time has come to take on the problem." Measure O is the ONLY local tax measure to receive an endorsement from the Press Democrat this year. NAMI Sonoma County also supports Measure O, which would provide $25 million in funding for essential mental health and homelessness services in the County. There's a lot at stake on November 3 -- including money for mental health care.