In The News

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

Posted on October 31, 2024

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.

Congress (Finally) Talks Black Male Mental Health

Posted on May 13, 2024

The Sacramento Observer

What’s not shown is the pressure many players feel at carrying their entire families, their neighborhoods and, to some extent, the wider community on their backs and shoulders. Sen. Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.) asked Marcus Smith II, a first-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014, to discuss the toll that comes with success for many African American athletes. Other participants included Arthur Evans, CEO of the American Psychological Association; Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association; Daniel Gillison Jr., CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness; veteran Rep. Danny Davis; and Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford.

Watch CBS Mornings: Cheslie Kryst’s book debuts posthumously

Posted on April 22, 2024

CBS.com

Former Miss USA and Extra correspondent Cheslie Kryst shared her excitement about writing her first book, finishing the manuscript shortly before she died by suicide in 2022, at age 30. Her family says she battled severe depression for years. Now, her mother, April Simpkins, is honoring her daughter's wish by publishing her book. It's called "By the Time You Read This: The Space Between Cheslie's Smile and Mental Illness." April Simpkins joins us first on "CBS Mornings." For more information on Cheslie Kryst go to cheslieckrystfoundation.org