Hello NAMI Family,

 

As our North Texas community learns how to adapt to recent events and restrictions on social interaction as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, we would like provide you with some helpful resources and reminders on staying mentally and physically healthy. We will also take this opportunity to update you on NAMI North Texas programming. It is times like these that remind us of the importance of holistic self-care and maintaining a strong community of support. This is why we are doing our best to develop a virtual level of services that we hope will temporarily serve as a sufficient alternative to our in-person classes, support groups and events. Please watch your email, social media and check our website for the latest updates on NAMI North Texas programming and services.

 

Effective immediately, all NAMI North Texas education classes, support groups and special events are suspended until further notice.   This includes our NAMIWalks Kick-Off Event this coming Friday, March 20 ^th . We will reschedule it as soon as experts say it is safe to return to normal daily routines and the meeting spaces we use are available again for use. What about our walk in May? We are hoping for the best but making sure we are prepared by researching virtual alternatives as a back-up plan. Our HelpLine, of course, will always remain available to you during our hours of business, 9am – 5pm Monday through Friday. Just call 214-341-7133 for assistance. 

 

For those of you who rely on our peer and family support groups as part of your recovery process and support network, we are exploring virtual options and will let you know as soon as we have found something that will be easily accessible and maintain the privacy you value in our in-person groups. In the meantime, NAMI Texas is launching Virtual Support Groups this week for peers and family members. We encourage you to explore this opportunity while we develop local options to meet virtually.

 

Part of staying mentally and physically healthy is making sure you are properly informed of what is happening around you and to not let the media and social media create more anxiety than necessary. Although we have been strongly advised to practice social distancing and leave home only when necessary, many of us may find it isolating, compounding the struggles we already endure while recovering from mental illness. We encourage you to be good to yourselves and prioritize self care. Please take the time to review the resources we provide at the end of this message so you stay informed and vigilant as we get through this pandemic together.

 

Please stay safe and healthy!

 

Sincerely,

Athena Trentin, Ed.D.

Executive Director

NAMI North Texas

Stay Informed and Realistic

The following are links to the most up-to-date, factual information about the Coronavirus, its threat to our community and how our local, state and federal governments are addressing the pandemic. Knowledge is power!

 

DALLAS COUNTY

 

STATE OF TEXAS

 

U.S. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

 

INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES

 

Staying Healthy – Mental Health Resources

The links above all have information on how to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, passing it to others and staying physically healthy as we do our best to adapt to a new normal. What about our mental health? Below are resources that will help you with the anxiety and isolation that this pandemic may cause.

 

NAMI

 

NAMI TEXAS

 

ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES