PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The National Alliance on Mental Illness is celebrating 39 years of providing mental health resources to Berkshire County.

The non-profit organization will mark the anniversary on Sept. 19 with an annual meeting and awards dinner at Proprietor’s Lodge from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The evening will feature dinner, live music, games, and special guest Ken Duckworth, the chief medical officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and author of “You Are Not Alone.”

“This is an annual event that we hold which recognizes mental health professionals or individuals within the community who are doing outstanding work to support mental health needs,” Berkshire County Executive Director Melissa Helm said.

The national organization’s goal is to improve the lives of people with mental illness through support, education, and advocacy.

Helm said Berkshire County chapter has undergone substantial growth in the last couple of years. She took office in November 2021 as the first full-time executive director.

“Having that switch from really our capacity for time and resources to serve the community has been huge for us,” she said.

“We’ve been able to double our operating budget from the one I started with, so from 2021 to 2022, and continue to grow it this year in 2023, which has allowed us to introduce new youth mental health programming.”

The organization has been running new partnerships with the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in which it brings high school-aged youth in for a mental health retreat day.

“So just giving them some time and space to really explore what works for them as far as positive self-care practices,” Helm said. “And that’s something completely new to us. We hadn’t worked within the school districts before. It’s a big passion project of mine.”

She pointed out that 50 percent of lifetime mental health conditions present themselves around this age and that 75 percent present by the age of 24.

“We’re really hitting a prime time when we’re serving those youth in high school who might just be getting ready to go off into college or take that next step in their adult lives, whatever that might look like,” she added.

“And just making sure that they have the tools to best take care of themselves.”

The organization has also grown its support groups, which have been run since its inception but were historically only support groups for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of a person living with a mental illness. Last year, peer support groups were introduced for people living with mental health conditions.

Helm pointed out that all of NAMI’s programming is free and available to anyone who needs it.

“We’re just continuing to explore the needs in the community and how we can help to meet those needs,” she said.

“Specifically something that we’ll be talking about at this year’s annual meeting is the progress being made towards crisis intervention training for police and first-responders and the new partnership with South Hadley Police Department, who we will be working closely with, and also the introduction of a new crisis intervention partners program that coincides with crisis intervention training.”

The goal of the crisis intervention partners program is to help other frontline professional organizations outside of, and including, first responders and law enforcement be able to better recognize a mental health crisis and the steps that they can take to help that individual in the moment and resources that can be used outside of just calling the police.

Helm also spoke to the landscape of mental health care coming out of the pandemic.

“It’s a challenging time to be in mental health care. It’s not unique to the Berkshires but certainly a challenge here that we don’t have enough mental health providers to go around,” she said.

“I think that’s a twofold result both of the pandemic exacerbating mental health conditions and also sort of the stigma being chipped away at. People are more open to talk about their experiences than they were in the past and just sort of more aware of what might be going on with them so that’s a really good thing that people are having more of an openness to seek help.”

As a community organization, NAMI is working to help create additional support for people who are on a waitlist for therapy or at any stage in their mental health journey.

NAMI is seeking nominations for two award categories: the Eunice E. Zorbo Citizen of the Year Award and the Silver Ribbon Award.

The Zorbo Award recognizes someone who has shown an understanding of mental illnesses and advocates for improvement in the treatment of those who live with mental illnesses and their caregivers and the Silver Ribbon Award recognizes an outstanding advocate in the mental health field.

The event, sponsored by Berkshire Bank, will also include a meet and greet and book signing with Duckworth.

Tickets are on sale for $35 while supplies last at namibc.org.

Tags: NAMI,   

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Dallas, Texas — In a fast-paced world full of daily challenges and stressors, it’s easy to lose sight of the most critical aspect of our lives: our well-being. National Wellness Month, celebrated every August, serves as a timely reminder to prioritize self-care and mental health. In this busy modern era, where the pursuit of success and productivity often overshadows personal well-being, taking a step back to focus on self-care and mental health is not only essential but also vital for leading a fulfilling life.

The Concept of National Wellness Month:

National Wellness Month was established to create awareness and promote overall wellness across various dimensions of life – physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual. It aims to empower individuals to make positive changes in their lives, leading to improved health and well-being. This month-long observance encourages people to reflect on their habits, set achievable goals, and adopt healthy practices that contribute to a more balanced lifestyle.

Prioritizing Self-Care:

Self-care is the foundation of a healthy and happy life. It involves consciously engaging in activities that promote well-being and reduce stress. In our relentless pursuit of success and accomplishments, we often neglect our own needs, leading to burnout and physical and mental health issues. National Wellness Month encourages us to take a step back and invest time in self-care activities, such as regular exercise, sufficient sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in hobbies that bring joy.

Mental Health Matters:

In recent years, the importance of mental health has gained widespread recognition. National Wellness Month plays a crucial role in destigmatizing mental health issues and advocating for open discussions about mental well-being. Taking care of our mental health is as essential as looking after our physical health. It involves acknowledging and expressing emotions, seeking help when needed, and maintaining a positive mindset.

The Impact of Self-Care on Mental Health:

Self-care and mental health are intricately connected. When we neglect self-care, our mental health can suffer, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of overwhelm. Engaging in self-care practices not only provides an opportunity to relax and recharge but also improves our resilience and coping mechanisms when faced with challenges. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, spending time in nature, or simply engaging in activities we enjoy, these practices have a profound impact on our mental well-being.

Strategies for Enhancing Mental Health:

During National Wellness Month, it is essential to explore and implement strategies that enhance mental health and well-being:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote overall emotional well-being.

2. Physical Activity: Regular exercise releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones, which can significantly improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

3. Social Connections: Building and nurturing positive relationships with family, friends, and community members can provide a strong support system during difficult times.

4. Time Management: Effectively managing time and setting realistic goals can alleviate stress and prevent burnout.

5. Professional Support: Seeking help from mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, can be immensely beneficial in addressing mental health concerns.

National Wellness Month reminds us that self-care and mental health should be an ongoing priority, not just a fleeting focus. By embracing self-care practices and actively nurturing our mental well-being, we equip ourselves to lead more fulfilling lives, enhance our overall resilience, and effectively cope with life’s inevitable challenges. Let us use this month as a springboard to build habits that promote wellness in every aspect of our lives, ensuring that self-care and mental health remain at the forefront throughout the year and beyond.

If you are seeking support or need information on how to better manage a mental health challenge in yourself or a loved one, you are not alone. Reach out to NAMI North Texas, a chartered affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which offers  outstanding peer-led programs provide free education, skills training and support in Dallas, Collin, Denton, and Rockwall counties. Visit www.naminorthtexas.org  or call 214-341-7133 for more information.

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ARLINGTON, Va., June 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — This July, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) honors the legacy of Bebe Moore Campbell, a trailblazer who tore down barriers to mental health care in underserved communities. Her work crossed boundaries of race, ethnicity and identity, helping to destigmatize people who seek mental health care.

The U.S. House of Representatives in 2008 designated July as “Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month” in recognition of Campbell’s endless drive to create positive change in communities of color. NAMI is celebrating and building on her impact all month with special programs and resources.

A Legacy of Humanity
Campbell recognized that mental health affects us all — and everyone should have the right to be heard and healed without shame or judgment. She worked to create safe spaces for people in communities of color to connect with others who share similar experiences and cultural backgrounds. These safe spaces provided a gateway to vital mental health resources and support networks.

“By emphasizing our shared humanity, we hope to shift attitudes toward empathy and compassion, regardless of race, culture or identity,” said NAMI CEO Daniel H. Gillison Jr. “We want everyone, especially the most vulnerable, to know that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

“This July and beyond, we’re not only honoring Bebe Moore Campbell’s legacy, but we’re also working to empower, uplift and elevate historically underrepresented communities in their mental health journeys, while eradicating stigma.”

Culturally Relevant Mental Health Resources: A Beacon of Hope
NAMI is building on Campbell’s work with culturally relevant mental health resources and providing support and education programs tailored to different cultures, languages and identities.

NAMI Sharing Hope and NAMI Compartiendo Esperanza are presentations created for Black/African Ancestry and Latino communities to safely explore conversations on mental health. Both are designed to promote mental health awareness, explore signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, and highlight how and where to find help.

A new page on NAMI’s website features ways to join the conversation, including resources and shareable content that celebrate #ShadesOfMentalHealth.

Amplifying Voices with “Strength Over Silence” Docuseries
“Strength Over Silence: Stories of Courage, Culture and Community” is a NAMI docuseries that highlights mental health perspectives of people across different backgrounds and communities. Through candid and courageous stories of lived experience, these mental health champions share their resilience and recovery, emphasizing the importance of culture and identity in the mental health movement.

Through these initiatives, NAMI is working to increase community-based engagement, offer mental health information, share resources and insights from people with lived experience, and increase access to culturally appropriate support.

If you or someone you love needs help, contact the NAMI HelpLine, Monday–Friday from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Eastern Time. Call 1-800-950-6264, text “HelpLine” to 62640, visit and chat online at nami.org/help, or email helpline@nami.org.

The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide resource staffed by trained peer-support specialists to answer questions, listen and offer support. They can provide practical next steps, as well as help identify the best local resource options for your individual concerns.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health advocacy organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Join the conversation at Facebook.com/nami | Instagram.com/namicommunicate | Twitter.com/namicommunicate | TikTok.com/@nami | LinkedIn.com/company/nami | YouTube.com/NAMIvideo

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SOURCE National Alliance on Mental Illness

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