In The News

What Does It Mean to Get the Holiday Blues?

Posted on November 19, 2024

Everyday Health

The holiday season can lead us to conjure up unreasonable expectations and extra stress if you try to make every aspect of the season picture-perfect, says Ken Duckworth, MD, the chief medical officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Is it anxiety or something else? What women should know.

Posted on November 16, 2024

Washington Post

Anxiety can also present with physical symptoms including diarrhea, numbness or tingling, muscle tension, a racing heart, lightheadedness and migraines, all of which can also be symptoms of other medical conditions.

There are also cultural and social forces at play, said Christine Crawford, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Boston University and associate medical director at the National Alliance on Mental Illness. “There’s a lot of pressure being placed upon the shoulders of women in today’s society.”

Understanding and Supporting Children’s Mental Health with Christine M. Crawford

Posted on October 31, 2024

Sandstone Care

In a discussion with Clint Mally on the Treatable podcast, Dr. Christine M. Crawford, Associate Medical Director at NAMI, shares invaluable insights on recognizing signs of mental health challenges in children and adolescents, the importance of early intervention, and effective communication strategies to help kids feel understood and supported.

Helping Kids With Anxiety: What to Do and Not Do

Posted on October 10, 2024

US News & World Report

“It’s helpful for us to know that any sort of change – a transition or stressor – could lead to kids exhibiting some symptoms of anxiety,” says Dr. Christine Crawford, Associate Medical Director at NAMI. She cites starting a new school, transitioning into a new grade, moving to a new community, a death in the family and divorce as examples in an article in US News & World Report.

Hannah Wesolowski on Efforts to Increase Access to Mental Health Care

Posted on September 14, 2024

C-SPAN Washington Journal

"We want people to get well and stay well. Mental health care should not be a luxury good, and the new Biden administration's rules on mental health parity will help address this issue." – NAMI's Chief Advocacy Officer, Hannah Wesolowski, during her appearance on C-SPAN's Washington Journal to discuss the new rule expanding access and lowering costs for mental health and substance use disorder care.

11 Tips to Successfully Get Out of a Mental Rut, According to Psychologists

Posted on September 5, 2024

Well+Good

"If you are a person experiencing recurring negative thoughts, remember methods that have previously helped you cope with or stabilize past negative experiences." — NAMI Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ken Duckworth.

Looking for advice on overcoming a mental rut? Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ken Duckworth, alongside other experts, shares 11 practical tips to help you work through it.

Can Anxiety Cause Weight Loss? Experts Explain

Posted on July 25, 2024

The Healthy

Anxiety and stress are common experiences in our lives, but when they persist, they can profoundly affect our mental and physical health. While “anxiety” and “stress” are terms often used interchangeably, they differ in their origins and impacts. Ken Duckworth, MD, author and chief medical officer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)...

Congressional Hearing in Harlem Tackles Black Men’s Mental Health

Posted on July 17, 2024

The Black Wall Street Times

On Friday, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Chair of the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, and Reverend Al Sharpton hosted a field hearing with top mental health leaders on Suicide and Mental Health of Black Men and Boys.

Mr. Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said, “We have to increase our hope, and to do that, we have to increase access to platforms like this that allow for an increase in discussion. It’s about collaboration, and we see through these forums help give hope.”

Preventing suicides by Black males is focus of Harlem congressional hearing

Posted on July 12, 2024

PIX11

It’s a difficult but important topic that often doesn’t get spoken about. However, on Friday, some leaders in Congress were on hand at a Harlem forum to listen to advocates give voice to the need for Black men and boys to have access to mental health resources.

“Only 33% of Black adults with mental health conditions actually receive treatment,” said Daniel Gillison Jr., the CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness during his testimony.

Mother of Former Miss USA turns pain into purpose

Posted on May 22, 2024

WILX

April Simpkins is the mother of the late Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst. Kryst battled persistent, depressive disorder for years and unfortunately died by suicide on January 30th, 2022 at the age of 30. The final chapter of (her new) book includes notes from April Simpkins. She details the pain she felt from the moment she realized her daughter was no longer with her but also how she is managing her grief and helping others to do the same. Simpkins is a national ambassador for NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Health.