Happy summer! In this newsletter, you will find upcoming NAMI affiliate events, local mental health news, and support group highlights, including our LGBTQ+ support group and groups now meeting in person! Plus, download a printable mental health coloring sheet! |
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NAMI Washington developed a coloring book designed to help young people express and explore their feelings in a fun, creative and empowering way, and to foster dialogue between children and the safe adults in their lives. The project was illustrated by Honor Heindl, a clinical social worker. You can come pick one up for your kiddo (or yourself!) at NAMI of Washington County! And click here to download a printable page from the coloring book, with a mental health word search. |
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NAMI's Mental Health Education Program for Teens In 2021, NAMI found that 87% of parents or caregivers agree that mental health should be taught in schools. NAMI's Ending the Silence education program will help fill that need! At NAMI of Washington County, we offer these ETS classes for free for middle school and high school-aged students. If you would like to request an ETS class, you can do that here. And now, ETS is available on a virtual platform, if it's not possible to schedule an in-person event! The online version of NAMI Ending the Silence includes a 25-minute video created by an award-winning digital content agency; a library of 12 personal stories told by a diverse group of young adults; additional videos covering important topics like treatment, self-harm and coping skills; and takeaway resources for teachers and teens. The videos are all offered with Spanish subtitles, and one testimonial is delivered by a native Spanish speaker. If you are interested in the virtual program, you can read more about it here. |
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Speaking of youth mental health... This month, the Oregon Health Authority released a report, showing that climate change is impacting the mental health of youth. To conduct the study, OHA partnered with the University of Oregon's suicide prevention unit to host virtual focus groups with people ages 15-25, and interviewed professionals working in mental health, education and public health. Many feelings came up from the groups, including experiencing hopelessness, despair, anxiety, frustration, and burnout. With so much information coming through online all the time, and so many extreme weather events and climate-related disasters happening constantly, it's understandable that many young people are feeling weighed down and overwhelmed. Many are also feeling helpless, since they are too young to vote on climate policies and issues, and they feel angry that not enough is being done by adults to protect their future. Here are 3 strategies that youth and key participants identified for nurturing hope and resilience: - Create space for youth to come together and share their feelings about climate
- Engage together in making social change
- Nurture a stronger relationship with nature and our physical environment
To increase youth's sense of hope, belonging and agency, the OHA report recommends sharing decision-making power with younger generations, when it comes to climate and mental health policy. The report also suggests increasing funds for mental health services to provide for schools and communities in need. We agree! This upcoming school year, NAMI of Washington County is partnering with the Beaverton School District to make presentations about mental health to parents and school-age youth. These presentations will include providing information about youth mental health, as well as having a parent tell their story and a young person talk about their experiences with mental health issues as a school-age person. We will tell you more details in next month's newsletter! |
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Peer Support Group Highlights June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month! |
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This group is a welcoming place for all who identify anywhere along the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Conversations include any mental health concerns, challenges of being part of the queer community, everyday struggles, and most importantly laughter. Our goal is to provide a safe space to spend time together. This group meets Tuesdays from 7-8 pm. Click the button below to join this group. | | |
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Are you looking to hangout with other members of the LGBTQ+ community, in a relaxed, creative atmosphere? At the new LGBTQ+ Art Space, you can work on some crafts, like knitting, crocheting, coloring, or painting, while also gaining support and making connections. Please come enjoy yourself and create something with a supportive community. And you don't have to make any art - you can just come hangout! This group meets in person the last Saturday of each month (which means this Saturday, June 25!) at 4pm at NAMI of Washington County. | | |
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In-Person Groups are Back! |
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Some support groups are now meeting in person again, including Parent Support, Connections, Hearing Voices, and Restorative Yoga. |
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All in-person groups meet at NAMI of Washington County located at 18680 SW Shaw St. Aloha, OR 97007 |
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| | In-Person Parent Support Group
NAMI Washington County Parent Support Groups are peer-led support groups for parents and caregivers of children/adolescents who have experienced symptoms of challenging mental health issues. Every group is offered free of charge. All of these groups are facilitated by individuals who are parents or caregivers with lived experience.
This group meets in person the 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month at 6:30pm.
To register: Email christina@washconami.org
or call (503) 356-6835
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| | In-Person NAMI Connections Support Group NAMI Connections is a free, peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced mental health challenges. The groups are led by trained facilitators who've been there. This group meets from 2-3pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. For any questions about this group please call us at (503) 356-6835 | | |
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