I haven’t always struggled with seasonal change, it wasn’t until the age of 35 in late autumn that I had my first struggle with seasonal change and I attributed much of this to my loss of work during winter months. I was self-employed as a home remodeling contractor and my workload peaked during spring, summer and [...]
Men and Mental Health used to sound like an oxymoron. When I grew up it was “boys don’t cry,” or “suck it up,” or my favorite “stop acting like a little girl,” as if girls were the only ones who experienced different emotions. Now, I’ll agree that showing your emotions is a sign of weakness to predators [...]
I often reflect back on my initial diagnosis, relapse and how far I’ve come beating a path to recovery. We all know the stigma associated with mental health. Being a man, particularly in Marine Corps during my initial diagnosis, carries a little extra weight. I’m the oldest son, biggest brother and head of the household. I grew up playing and [...]
An oversimplification of my journey through mental health would be to say that every defining moment has been shaped by some form of avoidance or denial. When I was very young my parents got divorced, my mother sent me to a children’s counselor and I, as an eloquent 7 year old, insisted that I [...]
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) today released the following statement from CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., regarding recent racist incidents across the country and their impact on mental health: “The effect of racism and racial trauma on mental health is real and cannot be ignored. The disparity in access to mental health [...]
The loneliness of indefinite isolation. The anxiety of possible contagion. The stress of financial uncertainty. With no return to normality in sight, mental health professionals say the new coronavirus is taking a toll on the collective mental health of those across the nation, including Berks County... Read More
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) through a generous grant from an anonymous donor is providing full scholarships to at least 25 NAMI members wishing to participate in the 2020 NAMI National Convention (NAMICon) who would be unable to attend due to travel costs or financial hardship... READ MORE
We know many of our community members are concerned about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This time can be especially stressful for those living with mental health conditions, as well as their family members and loved ones. Consider these tips from NAMI: READ MORE
Public Statement of Support for Statewide Initiative 'Reach Out PA: Your Mental Health Matters' On Thursday, Jan. 2, Governor Tom Wolf announced a focused multi-agency effort and anti-stigma campaign, ‘Reach Out PA: Your Mental Health Matters,’ aimed at expanding resources and the state’s comprehensive support of mental health and related health care priorities in [...]
8/16/2019 Yesterday, President Trump revisited his statements about reopening mental “institutions” and perpetuated false stereotypes. Two weeks ago, the president also called people with mental illness "monsters." In response, National Alliance on Mental Illness Acting CEO Angela Kimball released the following statement: “The president should be talking about better care and earlier access to [...]
