NAMI Minnesota

In the summer and fall, NAMI Minnesota is hitting the road to hear from advocates like you! We’ll also provide a presentation on what happened during this year’s legislative session.

Come to the listening session closest to you to tell the Policy Team about your experiences with mental illnesses and mental healthcare and help shape our policy goals:

Grand Rapids: Tuesday, September 17th, 6:30–8:30 pm at Kiesler Wellness Center (3130 SE 2nd Ave., Grand Rapids)
Mankato: Tuesday, July 30th, 6:00–7:30 pm, exact location TBA
Northfield: Wednesday, July 31st, 6:00–8:00 pm at Northfield Public Library (210 Washington St, Northfield)
Saint Cloud: Saturday, September 7th, 1:00-3:00, Great River Regional Library (1300 W. St. Germain St., St. Cloud
Twin Cities: Saturday, July 13th, 1:00-3:00 at the NAMI Minnesota office (1919 University Ave. West, Suite 400, Saint Paul)
Winona: Wednesday, July 17th, 2:00-4:00 at Hiawatha Valley Mental Health Center (420 E Sarnia St, Winona)
We will also be scheduling stops in Alexandria and Duluth! Look for details on NAMI Minnesota’s website, social media, and email blasts.

Please contact with any questions: [email protected]

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NAMI Minnesota supports public policies that reduce mental health inequities for LGBTQ+ people, like enforcing non-discrimination protections in health care and removing barriers to accessing appropriate mental health care.

Today is National PTSD Awareness Day, so NAMI Minnesota is taking this opportunity to highlight resources about navigating posttraumatic stress disorder: Learn ways you can manage your self-care if you’re experiencing PTSD, plus ways to help friends, family, and other community members who may be living with PTSD.

Traumatic events—such as an accident, assault, military combat or natural disaster—can have lasting effects on a person’s mental health. While many people will have short term responses to life-threatening events, some will develop longer term symptoms that can lead to a diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD symptoms often co-exist with other conditions such as substance use disorders, depression and anxiety. A comprehensive medical evaluation resulting in an individualized treatment plan is optimal.

Symptoms of PTSD usually begin within three months after experiencing or being exposed to a traumatic event. Occasionally, symptoms may emerge years afterward. For a diagnosis of PTSD, symptoms must last more than one month. Symptoms of depression, anxiety or substance use often accompany PTSD.

Though PTSD cannot be cured, it can be treated and managed in several ways:
🌻 Psychotherapy, such as cognitive processing therapy or group therapy
🎒 Medications
✊🏿 Self-management strategies, such as self-soothing and mindfulness, are helpful to ground a person and bring her back to reality after a flashback
🐶 Service animals, especially dogs, can help soothe some of the symptoms of PTSD

Young children can also develop PTSD, and the symptoms are different from those of adults. (This recent recognition by the field is a major step forward and research is ongoing.) Young children lack the ability to convey some aspects of their experience. Behavior (e.g. clinging to parents) is often a better clue than words, and developmental achievements in an impacted child might slip back (e.g. reversion to not being toilet trained in a 4-year-old).



Learn more: https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/mental-health-conditions/posttraumatic-stress-disorder/

It’s time for the 7th Annual Mental Health Awareness event at the Minnesota State Fair on August 26, 2024. Join us from 8 AM to 5 PM at Dan Patch Park for a day of education, entertainment, and community engagement focused on mental health awareness.

Mental Health Awareness at the Minnesota State Fair - Eden Prairie Local News It’s time for the 7th Annual Mental Health Awareness event at the Minnesota State Fair on August 26, 2024. Join us from 8 AM to 5 PM at Dan Patch Park for a day of education, entertainment, and community engagement focused on mental health awareness. Event Highlights Live Music: Enjoy performance...

Around 30% of people with depression have what’s known as treatment-resistant depression, meaning multiple kinds of medication or therapy have failed to improve their symptoms. However, in the not-too-distant future, a screening assessment for depression could include a quick brain scan to identify the best treatment.

Six distinct types of depression identified in Stanford Medicine-led study Brain imaging, known as functional MRI, combined with machine learning can predict a treatment response based on one’s depression “biotype.”

NAMI Pride is not just this month, but every month. It is this year, this decade, and this lifetime! . Mental health for all means just that, mental health for all! No matter what you identify as you are deserving of care! 56% of LGBTQ young people who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it.

🛑 LGB youth are nearly 4x more likely to attempt su***de than heterosexual youth. Transgender adults are nearly 9x more likely to attempt su***de at some point in their lifetime compared to the general population. 41% of LGBTQ young people seriously considered attempting su***de in the past year. Transgender and nonbinary young people who reported that the people they live with respect their pronouns also reported lower rates of attempting su***de.

🚩61% of LGBT people ages 18–29 report symptoms of anxiety compared to about 35% of their non-LGBT counterparts.

☔ Half of LGBT people ages 18–29 report symptoms of depression compared to about 29% of their non-LGBT counterparts. 76% of LGB adolescents reported feeling sad or hopeless almost every day for two or more weeks in a row during the previous year.

🎒 86% of LGBTQ youth in 2019 reported being harassed or assaulted at school. Roughly half of transgender and nonbinary young people found their school to be gender-affirming, and those who did reported lower rates of attempting su***de. A majority of LGBTQ young people reported being verbally harassed at school because people thought they were LGBTQ.

🌈 LGB adults are nearly twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a substance use disorder.

🏘️ LGBTQI youth and young adults have a 120% higher risk of experiencing homelessness — often the result of family rejection or discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation. Fewer than 40% of LGBTQ young people found their home to be LGBTQ-affirming.

Living with bipolar disorder already feels like a demanding job, requiring constant attention and effort to manage symptoms effectively. Yet when a neurological disease like migraine enters the picture, the complexity of managing daily life and mental health takes on a new dimension.

On top of dealing with significant mood and energy shifts — sometimes so extreme and prolonged to disrupt daily life — a migraine attack introduces a whole range of symptoms. These can include intolerable pain, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, brain fog, and fatigue — all of which can also be debilitating.

Unfortunately for people with bipolar, living with comorbid migraine is surprisingly common. Depending on which research study you look at, somewhere between 29 and 39 percent of people with bipolar also live with migraine.

Bipolar Disorder and Migraine: What to Know | bpHope.com Some health disorders appear at higher rates among those with bipolar — and migraine is one of them. Luckily, certain treatments can help both. Getty

NAMI Minnesota is partnering with Play It Forward Group to bring together golf enthusiasts in the name of Mental Health for All. Play It Forward Cup is two-person team best ball tournament. Winning teams receive lucrative payouts. ⛳
https://www.playitforwardcup.com/event-details-registration/2024-play-it-forward-cup

Every $50 allows us to teach three people the three steps to help prevent su***de!

$200 to support NAMI Minnesota’s helpline services! Our helpline serves as a lifeline for individuals and families, offering greatly needed compassionate support and information.

$500 to create more in-person and online support groups! Peer-led support groups connect people navigating similar journeys. Participants learn from one another and find hope. We offer 60 support groups for people living with a mental illness, families, people living with anxiety disorders, people from the LGBTQA+ and BIPOC communities.

$1,000 help us expand our classes for families, general public, professionals, students, and people from diverse communities.

Donate: https://namimn.org/get-involved/donate_now/

Today, as we face an unprecedented mental health crisis that is particularly impacting our children and youth, your donation is needed more than ever.

NAMI Minnesota has consistently offered hope and guidance to those seeking to understand mental illnesses and navigate the complexities of our mental health system. However, our resources are not enough anymore: demand for our services has never been higher. People are currently facing enormous challenges. Isolation, economic strain, and limited access to mental health resources leads to increased mental health symptoms, substance misuse, and often people not getting help until there is a crisis.

We are asking you to make a donation today so we can continue providing vital support and resources to people living with a mental illness and their families to be able to thrive.

Like many nonprofits, we are seeing a decrease in donations. We need to raise $250,000 by June 30th to close the gap. With your generous gift, NAMI Minnesota can continue its work.

Your act of generosity will make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans impacted by mental illnesses through:
- Accessing support groups virtually and online to build community
- Learning su***de prevention techniques
- Providing bereavement materials to a family that has lost a loved one
- Helping people navigate the mental health system
- Creating positive changes in the mental health system

Make your gift now so we can provide the help and support people need. Your donation, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference.

With gratitude,

Sue Abderholden,

https://namimn.org/get-involved/donate_now/

Minnesota Housing has been targeted in a scam about open waitlists for people seeking housing or Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers.

The entity is posing as Minnesota Housing on Facebook using alternate identities including “Minnesota Housing Authority” and “Minnesota Housing Development Authority” and should not be trusted. This is part of a national scam that has affected numerous other state housing finance agencies.

Please be aware that Minnesota Housing does not manage housing waitlists and does not issue housing vouchers. According to Metro HRA, there no open Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers waiting lists at this time.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) teaches adults how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18. Learn common signs and symptoms in this age group including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance use challenges and ADHD.

We will talk about how to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis and how to connect them with help. Trauma, self-care and the impact of social media and bullying are discussed.

Learners complete a two-hour, self-paced online course and then participate in a six-hour instructor-led training. YMHFA meets the requirements for su***de prevention training for professional teacher licensing in Minnesota.

ONLINE OPTION:
Friday, July 19, 2024: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

IN PERSON OPTION:
Thursday, August 8, 2024: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: NAMI Minnesota, 1919 University Ave W, #400, St. Paul, MN 55104

Class cost is covered by the Manitou Fund.

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) - NAMI Minnesota For teachers, coaches, parents, adults who work with youth, youth group leaders, camp counselors and school staff.

The Minnesota State Advisory Council on Mental Health, the Subcommittee on Children’s Mental Health, and NAMI Minnesota are thrilled to announce the 7th Annual Mental Health Awareness event at the Minnesota State Fair on August 26, 2024. Join us from 8 AM to 5 PM at Dan Patch Park for a day of education, entertainment, and community engagement focused on mental health awareness.

Event Highlights
🎶 Live Music: Enjoy performances by a diverse lineup of talented artists:
🥁 Red Tree Drum Group: Kick off the event with an energizing opening drum circle at 8:30 AM.
✊🏿 Annie Mack: Blues and roots singer-songwriter performing at 9:45 AM.
🎵 Eli Gardiner: Americana musician taking the stage at 11:30 AM.
🎤 Abraham Westlund: Engaging performance at 1:15 PM.
🌻 Elska: Indie pop artist performing at 3:00 PM.
💟 Mississippi Ojibwe: Concluding the event with a closing drum circle at 4:30 PM.


Activities
🌟 Educational Booths: Information on mental health services and supports in Minnesota.
⏭️ Inspirational Speakers: Insights from mental health advocates and community leaders.
👕 Merchandise: Event T-shirts are available for purchase and must be pre-ordered. All proceeds support the event. Order T-shirts here: mentalhealthatthefair.org/tshirts

Join Us
This event is an opportunity to celebrate mental health, learn about available resources, and connect with a supportive community. We invite everyone to participate in this day of awareness and support.

For more details, please visit mentalhealthatthefair.org or contact us at [email protected].


About the Organizers:
The Minnesota State Advisory Council on Mental Health, the Subcommittee on Children’s Mental Health, and NAMI-MN are dedicated to improving mental health services and awareness throughout Minnesota.

At a recent visit to a Minnesota dairy farm, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan took time to highlight the mental health needs of farmers. KAALTV reported:

"Mental health access is a nationwide issue, even at farms right here in southeast Minnesota. That’s why Lt. Gov. Flanagan is in Eyota, and she’s sending a message to farmers across the state: You are not alone. 'Farmers are navigating though the challenges of running a farm. It can be incredibly difficult, so we have a hotline that is specific for farmers with people on the other end of the line who really understand what our farmers are facing,' the Lt. Gov. said."

Lt. Gov. Flanagan visits MN dairy farm, stresses importance of farmers' mental health Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan was not only at Gar-Lin Dairy Farm to celebrate all things dairy, but she also wanted to send a message about the importance of supporting our farmers.

When talking about mental illnesses use words of empathy and care:

- Normalize conversations about mental health and mental illnesses
- It’s important to learn the signs and symptoms of mental illnesses
- Use person-first language like “they are living with a mental illness” or “they are experiencing signs of depression”
- Say and be clear about what you mean instead of using language that minimizes the seriousness of mental illnesses

Recovery is possible!

Learn more: https://namimn.org/safe-and-effective-messaging-for-mental-health-and-su***de/

Anxiety can present itself in so many ways, that is why NAMI Minnesota offers Open Doors Anxiety & Panic Support Groups. NAMI Minnesota Open Doors Support Groups are free, peer-led support groups for any adult (18+) who is living with an anxiety or panic disorder. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences, build understanding and awareness, and connect with others. The groups are led by trained leaders with lived experience. Meetings are 90 minutes long. Groups meet online via HeyPeers.

Register: https://www.heypeers.com/meetings/30452/details

Social media can offer both connections and a safe space for young people, especially for LGBTQ+ teens. But it can also encourage harmful behaviors and take the place of sleep, exercise and other social activities.

Are smartphones and social media harming teen mental health? Here's why experts are split A number of states are moving to regulate social media use among children and teens. New York is the latest state with a new law that would allow parents to block their children from getting posts suggested by a platform’s algorithm. This comes amid a larger conversation about social media and sma...

Supportive environments, strong social bonds and better coping mechanisms can empower people with bipolar disorder to find their way to recovery.

Nearly 1 in 4 People With Bipolar Disorder Achieve Complete Mental Health THURSDAY, June 13, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Bipolar disorder doesn’t have to be a lifelong challenge, a new study says.Nearly 1 in 4 people with bipolar disorde

Listen to your inner voice, you can get through this!

NAMI Minnesota is a pillar of the non-profit mental health community, but the truth is our fiscal year ends on June 30 and that there is a gap in funding. As the dollars have gone down, the need continues to grow for the people we serve.

***We need to raise $250,000***

1,000 people giving $250 by June 30 gets us there!

Fill the gap for NAMI Minnesota Make your gift now so we can provide the help and support people need     HELP FILL THE GAP NAMI Minnesota is a pillar of the non-profit mental health community, but the truth is our fiscal year ends

Men are still far less likely to receive mental health treatment compared to women, and the su***de rate among men is around 3.6 times higher than that of women.

Supporting men's mental health: A guide for women | News Clinical therapist talks about women’s crucial role in supporting men’s mental health

Happy World Music Day! 🎶 It’s time that our society harnesses the power of music and embraces it within the mental health community. The next time you listen to music, reflect upon how it is emotionally affecting your mind and body. Think to yourself —how does this make me feel?

How we talk about and report on mental health and su***de matters. When talking about su***de focus on hope and prevention:

- Feature positive imagery of hope, resilience, and recovery.
- Use headlines and language that promote help-seeking behavior

Learn more: https://namimn.org/safe-and-effective-messaging-for-mental-health-and-su***de/

NAMI Minnesota applauds the Surgeon General’s call for warning labels on social media platforms. Executive Director Sue Abderholden says, “He has really, for over a year, talked about the impact of the pandemic and social media on our youth’s mental health. We all know the problems, the good and the bad, with social media, but I still think it’s important for people to know that there are problems with social media and what to do.” The Surgeon General reports the mental health crisis among young people is an emergency, and social media has emerged as an important contributor. It’s estimated that social media use among kids is nearly 95%—nearly universal.

NAMI MN Supports Social Media Warning Labels NAMI Minnesota (National Alliance on Mental Illness) applauds the Surgeon General's call for warning labels on...

This July, we are thrilled to announce a series of empowering and educational classes to celebrate BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month. Invictus Foundation, Cake Therapy Foundation, and NAMI Minnesota are collaborating to bring you a month full of insightful sessions focused on mental health within the BIPOC community. Here’s a look at what’s coming up: https://namimn.org/celebrate-bipoc-mental-health-awareness-month-with-invictus-foundation-cake-therapy-foundation-and-nami-minnesota/

Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly affect your sleep quality and duration.💤

If you’re struggling, remember, you’re not alone and seek help. According to NAMI Minnesota , prioritizing mental health is key to better sleep and overall well-being.

Summer Solstice! Today is the longest day of the year, filled with sunshine, warmth, and... joy?

If you notice periods of depression that seem to accompany seasonal changes during the year, you may suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This condition is characterized by recurrent episodes of depression – usually in late fall and winter – alternating with periods of normal or high mood the rest of the year.

In about 1/10th of cases, annual relapse occurs in the summer rather than winter, possibly in response to high heat and humidity. During that period, the depression is more likely to be characterized by insomnia, decreased appetite, weight loss, and agitation or anxiety. Patients with such “reverse SAD” often find relief with summer trips. Generally, normal air conditioning is not sufficient to relieve this depression, and an antidepressant may be needed.

We are looking for volunteer speakers to help with our Ending the Silence Program! Ending the Silence is a class for high school students that talks about mental health, mental illness, su***de prevention and where to get help.
https://namimn.org/looking-for-volunteers-in-the-metro-area-to-teach-youth-about-mental-health/

How we talk about and report on mental health and su***de matters. Safe and effective messaging guidelines are based upon decades of research that shows unsafe messaging can prevent people from seeking help and can lead to su***de contagion. When talking about mental health issues or su***de, it’s important to empower people rather than discourage them.

When talking about mental health, always promote help-seeking:

You are not alone
It’s ok to ask for help – it’s available and a sign of strength
Treatment works
There is hope
Check in on your loved ones
Be inclusive- mental health affects us all
If someone discusses their personal struggles/experiences, it’s important to say they were able to work through tough times because they reached out for help

Learn more: https://namimn.org/safe-and-effective-messaging-for-mental-health-and-su***de/