Community Voices

Answers from community members about the need for more mental health education for our youth.

We asked participants at our Youth Symposium 2021 what gives them hope for the future. Here is what they shared.

We asked presenters for our Youth Symposium 2021, “What would you say is the biggest challenge we face working to improve youth and student mental health?”

For a 30-Second Survey, we asked: What would you say to encourage someone to attend a NAMI support group for the first time? Here’s a selection of responses.

For a 30-Second Survey, we asked: What have you learned during the pandemic? Have you discovered something that has changed your life for the better? Here is a selection of answers from community members.

For a 30-Second Survey, we asked: If you or someone you love has lived with an eating disorder, what has helped in your recovery? Here is a selection of answers from community members.

For a 30-Second Survey, we asked: Since the pandemic started, what have been pros and cons in terms of accessing behavioral health care? Here is a sample of answers from our community members.

NAMI California’s CEO, Jessica Cruz, has an op-ed in Capitol Weekly, “Exercise Key to Fight COVID-19’s Toll on Mental, Behavioral Health.”

Exploring the power of music and how it can make us feel good and calm us.

NAMI California board member Dr. Jei Africa shares insights in our Team NAMI California Q&A about mental health care, inspiration, challenges, and hope.

We asked our community members to share challenges about diversity and mental health.

The mother of a son with serious mental illness discusses how systemic racism impacts those in the criminal justice system.

For this year’s Bebe Moore Campbell Minority Mental Health Month, we want to elevate the voices of our members from diverse communities.

Post by NAMI California COO Steven Kite on celebrating pride and the fight to help individuals living with mental illness and their families.

Today we live in fear that something bad could happen. That it is lurking behind every corner and countertop. Something that could invade us, kill us, or alter our lives forever. Some of us have felt this way for decades. Way before a pandemic made us all afraid.

We need to do more to address issues of racial discrimination and injustice. Too often, African Americans are criminalized for living with mental illnesses, which we know are medical conditions. I’m proud that our Contra Costa NAMI California affiliate is involved in several campaigns. Below, I use one as an example to share how we are engaging the community and making progress.