Why I care:
I am thrilled the non-profit organization known as NAMI was chosen as our beneficiary because mental illness affects so many people and it is not talked about enough. Talking about it promotes awareness and that is what I strive to do. I want to make a difference by helping individuals and families who struggle with a variety of mental illnesses. I have gained unforgettable experiences where I helped children, teenagers, and adults battling mental illnesses. Watching them transform with the help of education and therapeutic techniques was a fulfilling experience. I have lost too many friends and family from suicide and want to help those who are struggling. I also want to support an amazing cause that will help bring my work family closer together and build a stronger team who can accomplish anything.
Why I care:
NAMI is an important part of my life. The people I've met through the organization are some of the strongest, most thoughtful Minnesotans in the whole state. When I heard that MNPI Supports was pairing up with NAMI, I knew I wanted to be involved. So many of us are affected by mental illness, directly and/or indirectly, and the number one salve to emotional pain is human companionship, so any organization that dedicates itself to removing the barriers that keep us from talking about mental illness is close to my heart. NAMI supports people with mental illness, but they also support those with loved ones with mental illness; their doors are always open.
Why I care:
I am so excited to be a part of this endeavor! According to Mental Health First Aid, USA, almost ½ of the adult population in the US will experience a personal mental health issue in their lifetime! What happens when this occurs? Where do we go? How can I help? That is my why, I want to help those in and out of crisis. I volunteer and mentor young women who have experienced trauma, substance abuse and some very serious mental health issues. I want to be equipped and knowledgeable to assist and lead them to resources where they can put the pieces of their life back together, grow and become independent in order to help others down the road. And it is not only adults, ½ of all mental illnesses begin by age 14! Those are staggering odds. Just imagine if we were able to assist these young people by simply knowing the resources to refer them to, being compassionate and supportive, and walking alongside them – what a difference we could all make!
* https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/2019/02/5-surprising-mental-health-statistics/
NAMI website: https://www.nami.org/
NAMI Minnesota: https://namimn.org/
NAMI Local Support Groups: https://www.nami.org/Local-NAMI?state=MN
MNPI Adminstrative Center: https://hub.med.umn.edu/administrative-services/administrative-centers/mnpi
UMN Employee Assistant Program (EAP): https://humanresources.umn.edu/benefits/employee-assistance
UMN Wellness Program: https://humanresources.umn.edu/wellbeingprogram
Taking Charge of you Health & Wellbeing: https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/
Center for Spirituality & Healing: https://www.csh.umn.edu/
https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/news/20180402/seeking-better-sleep-under-a-weighted-blanket