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So far Cindy Forehand has created 24 blog entries.

NAMI Homefront Online

2021-04-03T08:16:46-04:00

NAMI Homefront Online! April 2021

NAMI Homefront is a free, 6-session program for family, friends and significant others of military Service Members and Veterans. The class helps families understand what the Service Member/ Veteran is experiencing related to trauma, combat stress, civilian life transition, PTSD and other mental health conditions.

We’re pleased to announce that REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for the following sessions*:

Eastern Evening: Wednesdays, April 14 – May 19
Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm ET (5:30pm CT, 4:30pm MT, 3:30pm PT)

Eastern Day: Tuesdays, April 13 – May 18
Tuesdays, 10:00 am – 12:00pm ET (8:00 am MT, 9:00 am CT, 7:00 am PT)

Mountain: Tuesdays, April 13 – May 18

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 pm MT (5:30pm PT, 7:30pm CT, 8:30pm ET)

*Please note the TIME ZONE listed for each class time

The program is designed to help family members understand and support their Service Member/Veteran while maintaining their own well-being. NAMI Homefront leaders have personal experience with mental health conditions impacting their Service Member/ Veteran. The class is free but you are expected to attend all six sessions. You must have access to a laptop, PC or tablet with a stable internet connection to participate. To hear audio, you will need to call in via telephone. We recommend you use a headset or headphones.

An application process is required to ensure this program is a good fit. Space is limited. To register, click here.

Learn more about NAMI Homefront, and other NAMI programs, online at www.nami.org. If you have any questions or concerns, please email namieducation@nami.org.

The NAMI Homefront Team
Email: namieducation@nami.org
Phone: 703-524-7600

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NAMI Homefront Online2021-04-03T08:16:46-04:00

Tallahassee Support Group For Maternal Mental Health

2021-04-03T08:14:42-04:00

Lifting Mothers with a Circle of Support: Tallahassee Support Group for Maternal Mental Health

The transition into motherhood is an experience unlike any other.  One of the most significant life changes experienced by a woman is the birth of a child.  While this life stage can bring joy for a mother and family, there are times when a mom can also experience a maternal mental health disorder such as increased anxiety, depression, fear, or a loss of personal identity.

According to Postpartum Support International, 15 to 20 percent of women experience symptoms of depression or anxiety before or after the birth of a child.  Maternal mental health disorders do not discriminate and can affect any new mother, regardless of age, race, income, ethnicity, culture, or education. These conditions can be isolating and debilitating, and if left untreated can adversely affect the mother’s health and her family. However, we know that when we talk openly about the importance of maternal mental health, and services and support options are provided, the road to healing is possible.

To support mothers in the postpartum period, Tallahassee is now home to the Circle of Support, an in-person, peer-to-peer support group for mothers experiencing a range of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.  The program is held bi-monthly on the first and third Thursday of each month from 10-11:30 am and centrally located in midtown on the campus of Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church.  The program is open to all moms following the birth of a child.  Participation in the support group is free as is childcare.  To ensure attendance, registration for mother and childcare is required.  Due to following social distancing protocols, space is limited.

The Circle of Support is facilitated by a mental health professional trained in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and offers peer-to-peer dialogue and a safe outlet for women during the postpartum period.  Further, the group provides a non-judging environment that offers universality, cohesiveness, and installation of hope from peers.  Most importantly, the group provides a connection for women when they feel most disconnected.  

Often new mothers suffer in silence and feel disconnected when experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Such a disconnect can reinforce isolation and often contribute to a mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety. Additionally, once a woman is in such a state, it is difficult to practice self-care and engage in healthy coping skills.  A support program such as the Circle of Support is an outlet for addressing these issues with activities and peer sharing and can often be a first step in healing for a mother in need.

Supporting mental health is and must be a collaborative community effort.  Thank you to Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church for believing in, and understanding the importance of, our community’s mental health, specifically maternal mental and family health by providing space and support for this program.

For more information about the Circle of Support, contact Danielle B. Foster, MSW and Group facilitator at danielle@daniellebfoster.com.  To register for the bi-monthly program, visit, www.saintpaulsumc.org/circleofsupport/

Danielle B. Foster is an MSW, Mom, Circle of Support Group Facilitator, Maternal Mental Health Advocate and Provider, Postpartum Support International Trained Provider, and speaker.   Danielle experienced postpartum depression 16 years ago following the birth of her first and only child and has been committed to championing maternal mental health support for moms in our area for almost a decade. She can be reached at danielle@daniellebfoster.com.
Tallahassee Support Group For Maternal Mental Health2021-04-03T08:14:42-04:00

NAMI Tallahassee Announces Family To Family Class

2021-03-03T12:39:11-05:00

SAVE THE DATE: NAMI Family To Family classes begin April 7 – only a few spaces left, go to www.Nami-Tallahassee.org for information.

NAMI TALLAHASSEE ANNOUNCES SPRING FAMILY TO FAMILY CLASS – REGISTRATION IS OPEN

NAMI’s Family to Family class will be offered beginning in April via the Zoom platform. The eight sessions will begin Wednesday, April 7th, and conclude Wednesday, May 26th, meeting once a week beginning at 6:00 p.m. Each session will run approximately two to two and a half hours.

Family to Family is NAMI’s longest running signature program, and one on which all other programs are based. Deemed an evidence-based best practice by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Family to Family has been updated with all new videos and activities. The class is offered at no charge to families and close friends of anyone living with mental health conditions and is intended for adults 18+. Mature teens may be accepted into the class on a limited basis.

All materials are provided and can be picked up at the NAMI Tallahassee office at a time to be determined. Participants from outside Leon County may receive their materials via U.S. mail. NAMI Family to Family on Zoom is limited to 15 participants in order to foster the interactions between participants that is so important to the experience. Registration is open, and interested persons should know that the class fills quickly. Go to www.nami-tallahassee.org for more information about Family to Family and to register. Once attendance is confirmed, a registrant will receive the Zoom link invitation.

Questions?
Email us at admin@nami-tallahassee.org or call our Help Line at 850-841-3386.

 

NAMI Tallahassee Announces Family To Family Class2021-03-03T12:39:11-05:00

Learn How to Foster Mental Health Resiliency

2021-03-03T11:48:02-05:00

LEON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

THE BIG READ, NAMI TALLAHASSEE, AND LAB GIRL

 

 

The Leon County Public Library has invited a panel of mental health providers and representatives from non-profit organizations in the community to discuss mental health treatment, resources, and services in Leon County. Partners include Capital Regional Medical Center, Apalachee Center and 211 Big Bend. The discussion will be Thursday, March 4, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Other topics will include how to support family members and how Covid-19 has impacted mental health and mental health services in the community. 

To join the Zoom webinar: https://zoom.us/j/92259252443

 About our panelists:

  • Helena Reid is finishing up her master’s degree in social work at FSU. She has worked as a hotline counselor at 2-1-1- Big Bend for over 2 years and it led her to pursue a degree in social work. There is nothing she would rather do for a career.
  •  Kelli Mercer grew up in Louisville, KY and attended Western Kentucky University where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Music. She moved to Tallahassee in 2002 where she received her Masters degree in Music Therapy from Florida State University.  Kelli has worked in healthcare since 2004, with over 10 years in the behavioral health field.  Kelli is a NAMI Tallahassee Board Member and the Program Director for Capital Regional Behavioral Health Center.  As an HCA hospital, Capital Regional Medical Center serves as an affiliate office of the Jason Foundation, Inc.  In conjunction with her role at the hospital, Kelli began working with the Jason Foundation four years ago.  The Jason Foundation, Inc. (JFI) is dedicated to the prevention of the “Silent Epidemic” of youth suicide through educational and awareness programs that equip young people, educators/youth workers and parents with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth.  She is passionate about connecting those in need with resources to help improve their health and overall quality of life. 
  • Laura Ireland is a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist with the Community Action Team at Apalachee Center in Leon county. She has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and has been certified as a peer specialist since 2019. She has worked as a peer specialist for over four years and served several different demographics, the most recent being children with severe and persistent mental illnesses.
  • Dr. Mark Reeves is Director of Psychological Services at Apalachee Center, Inc. He provides psychotherapy, trains student therapists, educates the public, and serves on the Mental Health Council of the Big Bend.

 

Learn How to Foster Mental Health Resiliency2021-03-03T11:48:02-05:00

About Us:

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Tallahassee is a grassroots, nonprofit, education, self-help support and advocacy organization for individuals living with mental health conditions and their families. We provide free mental health information and related services in Leon County and throughout the Big Bend area of Florida.

Helpful Links

Local Resources Crisis Page

Contact Information

Mailing Address NAMI Tallahassee P.O. Box 14842 Tallahassee, FL 32317 Physical Address By Appointment Only 1713 Mahan Drive, Lower Level Suite B, Tallahassee, FL 32308 Phone: 850-841-3386 Email: admin@nami-tallahassee.org
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