Latest news with #NAMI
Associated Press
12 hours ago
- Health
- Associated Press
True-Life Account Of Surviving and Thriving With A Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder
Charleston, SC, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mental health continues to dominate conversations as a vital part of whole-body health. When diagnosed with a mental illness, patients can face an array of confusing treatment options that limit their ability to thrive. In this newly published memoir from Palmetto Publishing and author Deborah Francis, readers will get a personal look at how to handle a bipolar disorder (Type I or II) diagnosis. 'This memoir offers readers insight into the lifespan of someone who has journeyed 41 years with a bipolar disorder diagnosis,' said the author. 'It provides recovery from that experience as well as recovery from child sexual assault, suicide ideation, and the deaths of parents and siblings.' The author explains, 'The purpose is to provide a powerful example and provide the hope and promise that recovery is possible and hope is real through the depths of despair.' Discomfort in the Manic Mind: A Journey With Bipolar Disorder is available for purchase online at and Barnes and For more information about the author, please visit any of her social media platforms Facebook Instagram YouTube About the Author: Deborah Francis, formerly awarded 2009 Coordinator of the Year for NAMI NH's 'In Our Own Voice' Speakers Bureau, has dedicated her career to sharing her lived experience with bipolar disorder. Deb is tenured with over 22 years of experience publicly sharing her life journey through presentations. As a new author, she poetically writes in her memoir the experience throughout her lifespan of what it is like to live with mental illness. She details its complexity, including the stigma and challenges it brings to relationships, all while encouraging readers with her positive outlook and awe-inspiring life events. Media Contact: Deborah Francis, Available for interviews: Author, Deborah Francis Website: Attachment Leah Joseph Palmetto Publishing [email protected]
CNET
a day ago
- Health
- CNET
Extreme Heat Got You Down? Try These Mental Health Hacks to Cope
When the heat cranks up, the first things we usually worry about are sunburn and dehydration. But scorching temperatures don't just wear your body down, they can mess with your mental health, too. Studies have found that extreme heat can raise stress levels, disrupt sleep, and make anxiety or depression feel even worse. Much of the impact comes down to access. Those without reliable air conditioning, clean water or safe shelter are especially vulnerable, and heat-related stressors tend to pile up fast. Whether you're navigating a heat wave alone or caring for others, knowing how to protect your mental well-being is just as critical as staying physically cool. Simple actions like staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity and creating cooler rest zones can go a long way toward protecting your peace of mind during the hottest months. Mental health conditions may increase your risk for heat-related illness Your risk of heat-related illness can increase if you have a mental health condition. But it's not a simple line from point A (having a mental illness) to B (having a higher risk). It all comes down to what resources you have access to, your awareness of your condition and the medications you take. I spoke with Dr. Ken Duckworth, chief medical officer at National Alliance on Mental Illness. During our conversation, he stressed the importance of access: "People with mental health conditions are more likely to not have access to air conditioning, and isolation can result for people who feel like they can't move or leave." One mental health condition can make it harder for your body to deal with high temperatures. A review published in the Journal of Schizophrenia Research revealed that those with schizophrenia have more difficulty adapting to heat. This then contributes to the higher risk of hospitalization during extreme heat. "People who take medications for psychiatric needs have to be especially careful. It's not all medications, but some antipsychotic medications reduce the ability to control temperature," Duckworth said. If a person who takes one of these antipsychotic medications is in the heat, their body temperature is more likely to mimic outdoor temperature. Examples of antipsychotic medications are Risperdal and Seroquel. Add in that schizophrenia is disproportionately represented in homeless populations, and you can see how someone might be at greater risk. However, if someone with schizophrenia can access air conditioning and community support, they don't have an increased risk. Medications can also interact with the heat in other ways. Another example that Duckworth spoke about was lithium, the gold standard for treatment for bipolar disorder. Those who take lithium can experience higher rates of lithium toxicity in the heat because as dehydration sets in, lithium levels increase. "People with bipolar disorder who know to stay hydrated are not really at risk of becoming lithium toxic," Duckworth said. The risk increases if you aren't aware of how your medication can interact with heat. "People who haven't been told that by their doctor or don't remember are more likely not to recognize they need to get their lithium levels checked." Health risk in the extreme heat doesn't directly depend on whether you have a mental health condition. It depends if you have access to air conditioning, community and knowledge of your condition. How can heat affect your daily mental health? The impact of heat on mental health isn't limited to those with an established history. The temperature outside can negatively impact your mental wellness in subtle ways you might not notice. Studies have found that heat influences a person's mental health regardless of age, sex and geographical location. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry that analyzed medical records of more than 2.2 million adults from 2010 to 2019 found that mental health-related emergency room visits increased by 8% during the hottest summer days. Mixmike/Getty Images It's harder to sleep in the heat To have good mental health, you need to sleep well. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done in the heat, especially if you live without air conditioning or sleep beside a human furnace. Sleep deprivation can amplify symptoms of anxiety and depression. Poor sleep makes it harder to regulate emotions, perceive stimuli and cope with stress. Aside from AC, there are ways to sleep cooler on hot nights: Freeze your bedding or socks before you get in bed. Block out as much heat from your bedroom as possible during the day. Blackout curtains are a great option. Use fans in your bedroom to keep air circulating. You can even add a bowl of ice in front of the fan for extra cooling. Anxiety is worse in the heat When you're hot, cortisol (the stress hormone) levels in the body spike. Our body fights to regulate our internal temperature, which adds stress and inflammation. This can leave you feeling irritated and uncomfortable. It can also trigger feelings of anxiety. There's also a broader toll that extreme heat conditions have on mental health. Climate anxiety is a real thing. According to Duckworth, rates of anxiety are higher in younger people. He attributes heat and climate change as one logical explanation that rates of generalized anxiety disorder are on the rise. "It's a sense of something terrifying that's out of our control," he said. Heat doesn't just affect anxiety in the moment. For many, it's a lasting concern that becomes a source of enduring anxious feelings. It's hard to regulate your mood in the heat Several things contribute to depression symptoms associated with heat. First, heat suppresses the brain's serotonin circulation, the hormone essential for regulating mood. There are also things that happen during summer that can contribute to depressive episodes -- financial worry, body image issues, and disrupted eating and sleep schedules. Seasonal affective disorder is a mood disorder marked by depressive symptoms that occur during the same period each year. It's not a one-off thing; it has to be observed for multiple years and established as a pattern. When you hear seasonal affective disorder, you likely think of winter, but SAD isn't limited to cold months. It can happen in the summer as well. "The key to all mental health conditions in general and mood disorders, in particular, is to get a good understanding of the pattern, if there is one for you," Duckworth said. "Learn about yourself, understand your patterns and don't feel bad if your pattern happens to be when everyone else is going to the beach." Some mood disorders like bipolar disorder are also aggravated when there is more light. A systematic review of studies found that heat triggers bipolar episodes that require hospital stays at a higher rate than other temperatures. However, as Duckworth explained, light is just one variable and doesn't mean you'll have more episodes. Those with bipolar disorder can plan and anticipate to reduce their risk. Tips to manage your daily mental health in the heat Just because it's hot outside doesn't mean your mental health will suffer. Being intentional about nourishing your health and looking for triggers can help you manage your wellness and beat the heat. Many tactics used to protect your body also apply to your mental health. Use these practical tips to enjoy the summer while boosting your mental health. Know how heat impacts your condition: Knowledge is one of the most essential components in the fight against heat. Talk to your doctor about how the heat may impact you or your medications, then plan accordingly. Knowledge is one of the most essential components in the fight against heat. Talk to your doctor about how the heat may impact you or your medications, then plan accordingly. Pay attention to your water intake : Dehydration is more prevalent during heat waves. Those with mental health conditions must pay special attention to how much water they drink, as dehydration can exacerbate symptoms. It also can compromise brain functioning and hamper serotonin production. : Dehydration is more prevalent during heat waves. Those with mental health conditions must pay special attention to how much water they drink, as dehydration can exacerbate symptoms. It also can compromise brain functioning and hamper serotonin production. Keep taking your medication : Even though some psychiatric drugs can impact a person's ability to regulate body temperature, it's essential to keep taking your medication as prescribed. If you want to discontinue a prescription, you must speak with your doctor to establish a plan. : Even though some psychiatric drugs can impact a person's ability to regulate body temperature, it's essential to keep taking your medication as prescribed. If you want to discontinue a prescription, you must speak with your doctor to establish a plan. Take a cool shower or bath: Bathing in cool water can help you manage the heat. It's imperative if you don't have an air conditioner. Bathing in cool water can help you manage the heat. It's imperative if you don't have an air conditioner. Identify triggers: For those living with SAD or summertime blues, it's important to identify your triggers to establish coping mechanisms. Recognize the patterns you have and plan accordingly. FGHeat and mental health is everyone's problem Your mental wellness is more intertwined with the temperature outside than you may have expected. The relationship is two-fold. First, being in the heat can leave you feeling stressed and compromise your ability to regulate your mood. Second, having mental health conditions -- especially if you take medication for them -- can increase your risk for heat-related illnesses if you don't have resources and support. Those with mental health conditions like schizophrenia are overrepresented in at-risk and homeless populations. Change is a shared responsibility that we all should take seriously. To do your part, consider checking in on your neighbors and family members with mental health conditions to make sure they have access to water and fans and to reduce their social isolation. If your city has cooling centers, spread the word. Community support can be the key to making heat less dangerous to mental health.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NAMI Elects New Board Leadership to Advance National Mental Health Priorities
ARLINGTON, Va., June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation's leading grassroots mental health organization, today announced its newly elected 2025–2026 board of directors — a group of leaders with deep community ties and lived experience, committed to advancing mental health as a national priority. Their insight and leadership come at a pivotal time for the movement. "As we continue to face an urgent mental health crisis in the U.S., NAMI's new board brings the vision, leadership, and lived experience needed to meet this moment," said Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., CEO of NAMI. "Together, they represent a deep commitment to our mission and to the people and families we serve. Building on the strong foundation laid by our Immediate Past President Cathryn Nacario, this board is ready to carry our momentum forward, advance our strategic plan, and help ensure that everyone affected by mental illness has access to the care, support, and justice they deserve." The board elected Jeff Fladen, MSW, as president. Fladen is a longtime mental health advocate and former executive director of NAMI Tennessee, with experience spanning clinical care, nonprofit leadership, and policy advocacy. He has also served in roles including therapist, crisis counselor, case manager, and psychiatric program director. "I am honored to serve as NAMI's board president," Fladen said. "As someone with both personal and professional experience in mental health, I understand how essential NAMI's mission is to individuals, families, and communities. I look forward to working with our Dan Gillison, the board, and grassroots partners to continue building a movement that ensures help, hope, and equity for all people affected by mental illness." New board members were elected during NAMICon 2025, held virtually from June 10–13. They will serve three-year terms and may serve up to two consecutive terms. "While I'm excited about where the new board is headed — and look forward to working with our new President, Jeff Fladen, as he steps into this important leadership role — we wouldn't be here without the outstanding service and dedication of our outgoing members," said Gillison. "I know the board joins me in expressing our deepest thanks to Amy Brinkley, Dr. Sheldon Jacobs, Pooja Mehta, and Joe Gatto for their service, and in offering special appreciation to Cathryn Nacario for her steady leadership as board president during a time of meaningful growth for our organization." 2025–2026 NAMI Board of Directors Executive Committee President: Jeff Fladen, MSW (Tennessee) 1st Vice President: Devika Bhushan, M.D. (California) 2nd Vice President: Lakieshia Izzard, Ed.D., LPC, NCC, ACS, CSC (Georgia) Treasurer: Barbara Ricci, BA, MPA (New York City) Secretary: Mary Kay Battaglia (Wisconsin) Immediate Past President: Cathryn Nacario, BSN-RN, PHN, MHA (California) President Emerita: Shirley Holloway, Ph.D. (Alaska) Newly Elected Board Members (Term ending 2028) Rebecca Kiessling, CAE – NAMI Northern Virginia Kerry Graves – NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore (MD) Elise Banks-Lovely, M.S., LPC – NAMI Texas Linh Preston, MA, MPA – NAMI Indiana Benjamin McAfee – NAMI Hall County (GA) Jeremiah Rainville, CCHW, CPRS, CCSP, CAMHFA – Peer Leadership Council Elected Director Continuing Board Members (Term ending 2027) Ray Lay, CHW/CRS (Indiana) Glenda Wrenn Gordon, M.D., MSHP (Georgia) Babu George Mathew (Colorado) Barbara Ricci, BA, MPA (New York City) Mary Kay Battaglia (Wisconsin) Continuing Board Members (Term ending 2026) Devika Bhushan, M.D. (California) Victoria Harris, M.D., MPH (Washington) Sukhi Sahni, MSJ (Virginia) Dhanu Sannesy, BA (New York) Lakieshia Izzard, Ed.D., LPC, NCC, ACS, CSC (Georgia) Appointed Members Ruth-Ann Huvane – At-Large (California) Darien Wright, MBA, CPA – At-Large (Maryland) Open Board Seats Affiliate Presidents Council (APC) director – election forthcoming Two NextGen directors – election forthcoming The National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness Join the conversation: | | | | | | View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Sign in to access your portfolio
The Independent
20-06-2025
- The Independent
Traveller visits all 50 state capitals and identifies the worst two
YouTuber Joey Kinsley, known as 'Sir Yacht', completed a challenge to visit all 50 US state capitals in just 30 days, driving approximately 500 miles daily. Kinsley undertook this 'speed run' to raise money for The National Alliance on Mental Illness, describing it as his 'toughest ever challenge' that left him physically and mentally exhausted. Despite previous stunts like running a marathon without training, the state capital journey was uniquely demanding, causing him to hit a wall early in the trip. He encountered both positive and negative experiences, finding some capitals like Olympia, Washington, and Albany, New York, to be the worst two - labeling them underwhelming or 'sketchy'. Conversely, Kinsley praised the beauty of states like Montana, Oregon, and Hawaii, and highlighted the friendliness of locals in places such as Madison, Wisconsin, and Helena, Montana. Kinsley noted that people in underrepresented areas appreciated his visit, eager to share their local history and attractions, and expressed a desire to undertake similar journeys in the future, albeit at a slower pace.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
National Alliance on Mental Illness' Brown County office hosts annual mental health picnic
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Brown County has hosted a picnic at Bay Beach Amusement Park for over 20 years, bringing mental health awareness to the forefront. On Tuesday morning, the annual free community event returned, inviting mental health professionals, local leaders and those battling mental illnesses to gather for food and a day of fun. Wisconsin State Fair releases Cream Puff lineup with chocolate flavor & contests The event included grilled burgers, hot dogs and of course, brats, with plenty of home-baked desserts, as people who live with mental illnesses got a day to relax and enjoy themselves. In addition to the food, the picnic included complimentary ride tickets along with prizes, face painting and more activities for the whole community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
