National Federation of Families

01/12/2026

are invited to take part in the challenge as well by identifying three goals they want to accomplish together during the year. After selecting one goal, families are encouraged to work together to create a step-by-step plan that supports , , and shared .

This month’s Mental Health Minute focuses on optimism. As part of the Frenship ISD Strategic Plan Initiative, the Mental Health Minute seeks to promote awareness of mental health and wellness across the district.

01/09/2026

More than 80% of Americans who need treatment don't receive it, national data from the SAMHSA shows.

Stevens' approach to patient care has won her awards and nominations in medicine, community service, and humanism. Instead of seeing patients in binaries — or , with a positive or negative drug test — she measures progress on a spectrum.

Learn more in this article from NPR:

The experiences of one doctor in Louisiana reveal the tensions around trying to get people to engage in addiction treatment, even if they're not ready to stop using drugs.

01/08/2026

Wisdom for kids and grownups alike!

01/08/2026

This week, a judge approved a final settlement agreement that will ensure New York children who rely on Medicaid will receive the intensive mental and behavioral health services they need–in their own homes and communities, not in institutions.

Learn more:

A federal judge on Tuesday approved a settlement that will overhaul New York's broken children's mental health system, after many were left waiting for care, at times, for years.

01/07/2026

Don't miss our newsletter "Bringing Family Lived Experience to You" of 2026 focused on hope in the new year, Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, and planning for CMHAW in May! https://conta.cc/4poYLcj

Email from National Federation of Families Everything you need to know to keep the faith. Bringing Family Lived Experience To You  January 1st, 2026 | Volume 4, Issue 3 NFF News and Highlights Childr

01/06/2026

About 38% of Americans plan to make a mental health-related resolution for 2026, up 5% from a year ago, according to a new poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

"Even small, intentional changes can have a meaningful and lasting impact on overall well-being."

Read the full article for more details:

More than a third of Americans plan to focus on their mental health as part of their New Year's resolutions, a new survey says.

01/05/2026

A September review of 71 studies with a total of nearly 100,000 participants found that heavy consumption of short-form video was associated with poorer cognition and academic performance, especially in regard to attention spans and impulse control, based on a combination of behavioral tests and self-reported data.

Research on the long-term impacts of short-form video consumption is still lacking, but recent studies show concerning associations with cognition and mental health.

01/05/2026

Awareness comes before action—and that’s why mapping our caregiving journey matters. When we pause to reflect on where we’ve been, what we’ve faced, and what has helped us cope, we begin to see patterns rather than just problems. Mapping our journey helps us identify early signs of stress, recognize protective factors like connection and hope, and name the moments when support made a difference. This kind of reflection strengthens our ability to prevent burnout before it takes hold.

As unpaid family caregivers, mapping our journey also reminds us that we are not failing—we are adapting. By tracing the twists, detours, and milestones along the way, we can better understand our needs, set boundaries sooner, and make more intentional choices about rest, support, and self-care. In prevention work, small insights lead to big impact, and mapping our path helps us build resilience over time. When we understand our journey, we are better equipped to protect our well-being and continue showing up with strength and compassion.

01/05/2026

A new su***de prevention resource from focused on adults.

Spot the signs, save a life. Learn the warning signs of su***de and share this graphic to help others recognize them.

If you see these signs in someone, urge them to contact a mental health professional or the 988 Lifeline at 988Lifeline.org

01/05/2026

En la línea 988 de prevención del suicidio y crisis, entendemos que los retos de la vida a veces pueden ser difíciles. Independientemente de que se enfrente a problemas de salud mental…

01/05/2026

The National Institute of Health-funded Monitoring the Future survey, which has tracked student behaviors and attitudes for more than 50 years, found that the falloff in drug use reported in 2021 has not reversed.

The number of American teenagers using alcohol and drugs maintains a trend of historic lows for the fifth consecutive year.

12/31/2025

Having weathered a year of unexpected change and challenges, we're reminded of hope, strength, and resilience.

To every person, family, and organization in our network:

We wish you peace, joy, and all the good things life has to offer—things that make your heart feel lighter and days that are a little brighter. We hope the coming year brings kindness, ease, and happiness.

Here’s to new beginnings in 2026 and a year that gives back to you in all the ways you deserve.