National Federation of Families

11/27/2025

11/25/2025

NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has launched a new national helpline to support the pressing and often unmet needs of millions of people in the U.S. who are for loved ones with a serious mental illness.

This new resource offers compassionate, lived-experience guidance to those who may be noticing mental health concerns in loved ones.

This new resource offers compassionate, lived-experience guidance to those who may be noticing mental health concerns in loved ones. Arlington, Va. — NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has launched a new national helpline to support the pressing and often unmet needs of millions of peo...

11/25/2025

The research is clear: Deten­tion and harsh­er sen­tences for youth do not reduce crime. Instead, they cut young peo­ple off from sup­port­ive rela­tion­ships. Sup­port, not pun­ish­ment, helps youth thrive and keeps com­mu­ni­ties safer.

"When young people’s poten­tial, tal­ents and skills are ful­ly real­ized, our fam­i­lies and com­mu­ni­ties are stronger and safer."

Learn more in this blog post from Annie E. Casey Foundation:

The research is clear: When youth get guidance and opportunity instead of punishment, they grow — and communities become safer.

11/24/2025

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, we encourage families to join us in celebrating with gratitude. Share these activities with your children and loved ones to promote happiness, strengthen relationships, and enhance overall wellbeing. 🦃👏🌽🌰🍗💕🍁🍂🥕🥧

We share gratitude exercises for your private practice or for teaching others!

11/21/2025

During our conference, PANS/PANDA (Pediatric Acute Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome/Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Strep) came up, and it was new to many of our attendees. To shed further light on the topic, we wanted to share additional information so others can familiarize themselves with this disorder—which is medical in nature but presents with acute mental health symptoms. Below is a link to a recent article about the diagnosis.

We encourage families to contact the Pandas Physicians Network - PPN for further information and support.

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250828-strep-throat-how-a-common-infection-can-rewire-childrens-brains

Find additional resources in the comments.

Strep throat is a common childhood illness, but in a few children this bacteria infection can lead to alarming, lasting changes in behaviour.

11/20/2025

November 20th is National Rural Health Day! With over 60 million Americans living in rural areas, we join affiliates and colleagues today in honoring the vital contributions and unique experiences of rural communities. Today, we celebrate their resourcefulness and resilience.

While celebrating the strengths of rural communities, we also recognize the challenges they face. Limited access to care, isolation, climate and agricultural stress, and lack of privacy are all factors that can affect mental health in rural communities.

To address these challenges, we would like to highlight Mental Health America's Rural Mental Health Resource Center which features resources on treatment and support options, addressing stigma, promoting belonging and connection, farming and agriculture, and youth-specific content.

Learn more at:

60 million Americans live in rural areas. Living in a rural area – places not near cities and with small populations and large, open land areas – presents different advantages and disadvantages when it comes to caring for your mental health.

11/19/2025

November marks National Runaway Prevention Month highlighting the unique needs of and experiencing . Unhoused young people often face complex challenges, including heightened risks related to behavioral health, exploitation, and disconnection from supportive adults.

Providers can strengthen engagement by building trusting, youth-centered relationships, offering flexible service options, and using trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate approaches.

Find resources, training, and best practices to help communities better support youth on their path to safety, stability, and long-term well-being here:

Each year, approximately 4.2 million young people experience some form of homelessness. This is unacceptable and we’re working to create a better future for youth everywhere.

11/18/2025

The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is sharing a new resource intended to support individuals whose loved ones have survived an .

The purpose of this guide is to "help the helpers." It includes supportive and educational materials for , , or other loved ones in the aftermath of someone close to them experiencing and surviving an overdose.



Learn more:https://www.hca.wa.gov/assets/program/82-0675-post-overdose-toolkit-friends-family.pdf

11/17/2025

If you weren't able to join us for the virtual conference last week, we invite you to check out the conference playlist with 30 recorded sessions to explore at your convenience. Thank you again to our 2025 sponsors, a terrific group of presenters, and the volunteers who supported the success of this year's event! 💚



https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFI0b3cFUjH2RPQUoPUpKBD0WvWzoxLDM

11/14/2025

Pilot study suggests tool developed at Cincinnati Children’s is easy to use during primary care visits:

A team of , , and at Cincinnati Children’s has created the Mood Action Plan (MAP)—a new tool pediatricians can use in clinic to help recognize and self-manage and symptoms through personalized “mood plans.”

A team of pediatricians, psychologists, and psychiatrists at Cincinnati Children’s has created the Mood Action Plan (MAP)—a new tool pediatricians can use in clinic to help adolescents recognize and self-manage depression and anxiety symptoms through personalized “mood plans.”

11/13/2025

Key Takeaways as the Holiday Season approaches:
1. SPEND - time not money
2. SAY NO - decide what's important to you and let the rest go
3. LOOK - at the faces of loved ones instead of a screen
4. CARE - maintain your mental and physical health (as a family)
5. PLAN - have a plan for yourself and/or loved ones in case challenges arise

Advertorial Tips for Parents to Minimize Stress and Maximize Joy During the Holidays Nov 10, 2025 Nov 10, 2025 Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email LightField Studios Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save (Fam...

11/13/2025

A growing body of evidence links heavy teen with poorer outcomes, including sleep disruption and depressive symptoms, with new work highlighting bidirectional risks. Pediatric guidance continues to urge structured, balanced media use as navigate these challenges.

National survey spotlights fears of tech overuseNEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new report from BODA Therapy finds that more than 78% of parents say their teens would or might benefit from mental-health support, and more than two-thirds have noticed increased anxiety or sadness over th...