NAMI Johnson County IA

Why I'm Not Making Any New Year's Resolutions

Why I'm Not Making Any New Year's Resolutions I just can't shake that need to please, stay productive and be perfect.

It’s important for people living with mental health conditions to know that they are not alone. Sharing your lived experience with mental health challenges can help in your own recovery as well as provide encouragement and support to others with similar experiences.

“You don’t have to struggle in silence. You can be un-silent. You can live well with a mental health condition, as long as you open up to somebody about it.” - Demi Lovato

Mental Health for All — and Always

namijc.org

My Eating Disorder Raged For Years. I Recently Relapsed — Here's How I Found My Way Back.

My Eating Disorder Raged For Years. I Recently Relapsed — Here's How I Found My Way Back. "For as long as I could remember, people told me I would look and feel better if I lost weight. ... By the time I was 10, I ritually put myself on weird diets."

Join our NAMI Johnson County Connection Recovery Support Group, meeting every Tuesday night from 5:30 to 7:00 pm via Zoom!

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders who've been there. NAMI’s support groups are unique because they follow a structured model to ensure you and others in the group have an opportunity to be heard and to get what you need.
- Free of cost to participants
- Designed for adults (18+) with mental health conditions
- Led by people with mental health conditions
- 90 minutes long and meets weekly
- No specific medical therapy or treatment is endorsed
- Confidential

NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group, In Partnership with R Place Peer Recovery Center

Tuesday Nights 5:30-7:00 PM (CDT)
Via Zoom

Meeting ID: 541 968 849
Password: Connection
Dial: 1-312-626-6799 via phone, then follow the prompts.

For More Information
Call (319)-354-3455
Or
Email [email protected]
Or
Scan the provided QR code

Mental Health for All — and Always

namijc.org

“Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all.” - Bill Clinton

Mental Health for All — and Always

namijc.org

Building a Supportive Community on Social Media Helps Me Heal

Building a Supportive Community on Social Media Helps Me Heal I hope that in some small way, I have changed the mental health conversation and inspired others to do so as well.

Never forget how important you are. You matter.

Please join us for a lunch & learn on Wednesday January 18th with Dr. Niciu as he talks about different mood disorders and different kinds of therapy to cope.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqcOCvqzkuH9JjkQjafAON5Fj0q293EicZ

See you Wednesday!

Become a Volunteer at Compeer!

Are you interested in becoming a friend and making a positive impact in the life of another?

Scan the provided QR code for more information!

Mental Wellness Starts with Friendship. Compeer seeks to create supportive friendships between trained volunteers and community members who receive mental health treatment to reduce social isolation and promote community engagement.

As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to:
- Reduce the loneliness and isolation often experienced by people living with mental illness and mental health conditions.
- Develop a one-on-one friendship through which you will gain new skills, share your interests, and engage with your local community.
- Become a part of the Compeer family and join us for events, training, and more.

compeerjohnsoncountyiowa.org

Mental Health for All — and Always

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!

In honor of MLK Day, try and take some time today to learn the history of Martin Luther King, Jr., reflect on the principles of racial equality and equity, register to vote, or think about volunteering at a local organization to build your community.

NAMIJC & RPlace will be closed today.

"Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in." - MLK Jr.

Mental Health for All — and Always

namijc.org

New Year’s Resolutions For Mental Wellness
- Join a group or volunteer
- Improve sleep habits
- Get active & go outdoors
- Learn how to meditate
- Commit to a gratitude practice
- Keep a journal or planner
- Read more books
- Learn how to ask for help

Mental Health for All — and Always

namijc.org

R Place Peer Recovery Center Presents Wrap: Wellness Recovery Action Plan

Held every Monday by Mike & Tosin

702 S. Gilbert St
Suite III
Iowa City, IA 52240

Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) is a simple and powerful process for creating the life and wellness you want. With WRAP, you can:

- Discover simple, safe, and effective tools to create and maintain wellness
- Develop a daily plan to stay on track with your life and wellness goals
- Identify what throws you off track and develop a plan to keep moving forward
- Gain support and stay in control even in a crisis

The WRAP process supports you to identify the tools that keep you well and create action plans to put them into practice in your everyday life. All along the way, WRAP helps you incorporate key recovery concepts and wellness tools into your plans and your life.

Mental Health for All — and Always

namijc.org

How to Cope with Insensitive Comments about Your Mental Health | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

How to Cope with Insensitive Comments about Your Mental Health | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness There are some tools we can use to cope and to help people empathize.

Save the Date!

NAMIWalks Johnson County Kickoff Luncheon

Date: March 2nd, 2023
Time: 11:30am - 1pm
Radisson Hotel & Conference
1220 1st Ave
Coralville, IA 52241

This kick-off event is FREE to anyone who wants to create a NAMIWalks fundraising team. Attendees will learn about the event and the many opportunities to participate, have fun, and give back. Lunch will be provided!

Mental Health for All — and Always

namijc.org

Howie Mandel Details His Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: ‘People Need to Know They Are Not Alone’

Howie Mandel Details His Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: ‘People Need to Know They Are Not Alone’ Howie Mandel says OCD can be "debilitating." Here's how he manages his, plus his inspired thoughts on the growing mental health conversation.

Why Mourning for the Self Is a Necessary Part of Healing

Why Mourning for the Self Is a Necessary Part of Healing Mourning for the self is healing in action.

Polk County Iowa Parent Navigator Support Group 💙💚

Has your family or child been involved with juvenile courts or DHS/ HHS? Join NAMI facilitators, who have personally navigated these systems, for a FREE and safe place for support. We welcome all parents, guardians, and caregivers who have navigated (or are currently navigating) juvenile courts to this support group.

Meeting time: Sundays 3:30-5:00 pm via Zoom Starting in January

For more info or to register contact: [email protected]

Mental Health for All — and Always

namijc.org

LAST CHANCE TO VOTE!!!

https://rewards.thegazette.com/nonprofits/33

Voting is still open for the Gazette Gives Back Advertising program and we are grateful that we were 1 of the 41 non profits that were chosen for this opportunity.

Please use the link below to vote for NAMI Johnson County IA
https://rewards.thegazette.com/nonprofits/33
Share this news with your friends, family, teacher, etc!

Big THANK YOU & S/O to The Gazette and program sponsor Collins Community Credit Union for providing Eastern Iowa nonprofits with this amazing opportunity.

VOTE NOW!

NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery.

Taught by trained leaders with lived experience, this program includes activities, discussions, and informative videos. However, as with all NAMI programs, it does not include recommendations for treatment approaches.

What You’ll Gain
NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a safe, confidential space. The course provides an opportunity for mutual support and growth. Experience compassion and understanding from people who relate to your experiences. This is a place to learn more about recovery in an accepting environment. NAMI Peer-to-Peer helps you:
- Set a vision and goals for the future
- Partner with healthcare providers
- Develop confidence in making decisions
- Practice relaxation and stress reduction tools
- Share your story
- Strengthen relationships
- Enhance communication skills
- Learn about mental health treatment options

What People Are Saying
“I am now aware that I’m not alone. I’d like to become more involved with NAMI and advocacy.”

“I’ve really learned how to cope with my triggers better, and I’m now on the path to truly loving myself.”

“NAMI Peer-to-Peer gave me hope when I was close to giving up. I realized that things can and do get better and that my mental health condition doesn’t define me. I learned how to speak up for myself, build a strong support network and make plans for my future. I felt welcome and like I was among friends. Most importantly, I felt heard and understood.”

“I’ve learned how to communicate with my parents about what’s going on with me.”

“It was really nice being with people who understood.”

Mental Health for All — and Always

Local man uses Christmas display to raise money for su***de prevention after losing loved one

🤍💙🤍💙

Local man uses Christmas display to raise money for su***de prevention after losing loved one A Christmas light display in Fairfax is raising both awareness and funds for su***de prevention.

1 WEEK LEFT OF VOING!!

https://rewards.thegazette.com/nonprofits/33

Voting is still open for the Gazette Gives Back Advertising program and we are grateful that we were 1 of the 41 non profits that were chosen for this opportunity.

Please use the link below to vote for NAMI Johnson County IA

https://rewards.thegazette.com/nonprofits/33

Share this news with your friends, family, teacher, etc!
Big THANK YOU & S/O to The Gazette and program sponsor Collins Community Credit Union for providing Eastern Iowa nonprofits with this amazing opportunity.

VOTE NOW!

WE'RE CLOSED!

With the winter storm and the upcoming holiday's. NAMI JC will be closed for the following days:

Dec 22nd - Jan 3rd

Please reach out to us if you need anything.

Happy holidays to all!

I’m 34 and not where my friends are

I’m 34 and not where my friends are Hannah Furst is 34, and she doesn't feel like she's ready to settle down or have kids. Here’s how she stopped comparing herself to others.

Mental health needs swell across Iowa universities

Mental health needs swell across Iowa universities Going back to fiscal 2018, University of Iowa Student Health psychiatry visits are up 40 percent, even though total enrollment is down 8 percent over the same period.

NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery.

Taught by trained leaders with lived experience, this program includes activities, discussions, and informative videos. However, as with all NAMI programs, it does not include recommendations for treatment approaches.

What You’ll Gain
NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a safe, confidential space. The course provides an opportunity for mutual support and growth. Experience compassion and understanding from people who relate to your experiences. This is a place to learn more about recovery in an accepting environment. NAMI Peer-to-Peer helps you:
- Set a vision and goals for the future
- Partner with healthcare providers
- Develop confidence in making decisions
- Practice relaxation and stress reduction tools
- Share your story
- Strengthen relationships
- Enhance communication skills
- Learn about mental health treatment options

What People Are Saying
“I am now aware that I’m not alone. I’d like to become more involved with NAMI and advocacy.”

“I’ve really learned how to cope with my triggers better, and I’m now on the path to truly loving myself.”

“NAMI Peer-to-Peer gave me hope when I was close to giving up. I realized that things can and do get better and that my mental health condition doesn’t define me. I learned how to speak up for myself, build a strong support network and make plans for my future. I felt welcome and like I was among friends. Most importantly, I felt heard and understood.”

“I’ve learned how to communicate with my parents about what’s going on with me.”

“It was really nice being with people who understood.”

Mental Health for All — and Always

NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery.

Taught by trained leaders with lived experience, this program includes activities, discussions, and informative videos. However, as with all NAMI programs, it does not include recommendations for treatment approaches.

What You’ll Gain
NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a safe, confidential space. The course provides an opportunity for mutual support and growth. Experience compassion and understanding from people who relate to your experiences. This is a place to learn more about recovery in an accepting environment. NAMI Peer-to-Peer helps you:
- Set a vision and goals for the future
- Partner with healthcare providers
- Develop confidence in making decisions
- Practice relaxation and stress reduction tools
- Share your story
- Strengthen relationships
- Enhance communication skills
- Learn about mental health treatment options

What People Are Saying
“I am now aware that I’m not alone. I’d like to become more involved with NAMI and advocacy.”

“I’ve really learned how to cope with my triggers better, and I’m now on the path to truly loving myself.”

“NAMI Peer-to-Peer gave me hope when I was close to giving up. I realized that things can and do get better and that my mental health condition doesn’t define me. I learned how to speak up for myself, build a strong support network and make plans for my future. I felt welcome and like I was among friends. Most importantly, I felt heard and understood.”

“I’ve learned how to communicate with my parents about what’s going on with me.”

“It was really nice being with people who understood.”

Mental Health for All — and Always