PSV Virginia News

CONTROVERSIES IN PSYCHIATRY
Summer 2021 Issue

Back to Home BACK TO HOME PAGE

Print page PRINT PAGE

NAMI Update

NAMI

For many, this past year represents a time of profound change, isolation, and loss. The loss of normal routines and connections left many feeling isolated and alone. Of those surveyed for the 2021 State of Mental Health in America report “seventy-percent reported that one of the top three things contributing to their mental health concerns was loneliness or isolation.” To meet the need for connection in a socially-distant world, NAMI Virginia and our fourteen affiliates launched online versions of our free, peer-led support groups and educational workshops for individuals and families affected by mental illness. 

Of note, new support groups were developed specifically for youth and young adults to grieve the loss of traditional celebrations like graduation and prom. Groups for people of color were promoted and created a safe space for communities to process, heal, and connect with others who understand their journey. NAMI Virginia added to our offerings self-care coffee breaks and monthly lunch and learns to provide parents and caregivers the chance to connect with and learn from others that are working to balance the chaos of virtual learning, remote work, and child care.

As 2021 continues on, as vaccines are delivered and we “return to a semblance of normal,” NAMI Virginia is taking a moment to reflect on where we’ve been and plot a path forward. If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it is that connection and community are vital to the ongoing wellness and resiliency of individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI Virginia remains committed to centering our efforts on strengthening connections and resiliency for individuals and families impacted by mental illness throughout Virginia.  

NAMI Virginia is proud to offer all of our peer-led support groups, workshops, and trainings at no cost to participants. Removing the financial barrier to accessing support is vital to strengthening and expanding our grassroots community support network. We are able to offer these services thanks to the generous support of donors, and our network continues to grow as NAMI ambassadors help individuals and families start conversations about mental health and find their way to NAMI to begin their journey towards recovery and resiliency. NAMIWalks is NAMI Virginia’s largest annual fundraising event. 

Please help us in our efforts by joining NAMIWalks Your Way: A United Day of Hope – a virtual 5k event that celebrates resiliency, community, and support, raises awareness on mental health, and helps fund our programming. In 2021 we will celebrate NAMIWalks on Saturday, October 9th - I hope you will join us! 

Steps YOU can take to strengthen your community and support #MentalHealthForAll: 

“NAMIWalks is about connecting with people who can support us and lift us up when we need help. It's about raising awareness and combating the stigma of mental illness. It's about combining our individual stories and using one collective voice that says loudly and clearly: Individuals with mental illness and their families are a valuable part of our community and we want equal treatment and access to appropriate care and supports.” - NAMIWalks Participant, Tyler from Virginia Beach 

Back to top

 

YOUR NEWSLETTER IS NOW AVAILABLE ON YOUR SMARTPHONE AND TABLET!

 

member app

 

JOIN PSV TODAY!

CLICK HERE



PLAN NOW!

Fall 2021 Meeting

PSV 2021
FALL MEETING

September 24-25, 2021
Hilton Norfolk The Main
Norfolk, VA

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT

APA Find a Psychiatrist

Are you accepting new patients?

Opt into APA’s Find A Psychiatrist database. To view the functionality or opt-in,
CLICK HERE

FYI: A link for this option has been added to the PSV website. Select the About button and then Find a Psychiatrist from the drop down.