NAMI Lorain County

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for residents affected by mental illness.

NAMI Lorain County is located right here in Lorain, serving not only our local community but all surrounding communities throughout the county.

Working in conjunction with other Lorain resources, including Gathering Hope House, The Nord Center, and the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services Board of Lorain County. NAMI's outreach provides valuable programs for members of our community.

NAMI's Mission is to improve the quality of life for people living with mental illness through providing their families and friends with educational opportunities, support groups, and advocacy in the public arena.

NAMI LISTENS & SUPPORTS

NAMI provides support groups for individuals and their loved ones led by trained individuals with shared experience.

NAMI ADVOCATES

NAMI shapes national public policy for people with mental illness and their families and provides volunteer leaders with the tools, resources, and skill necessary to save mental health in all states.

NAMI EDUCATES

NAMI's education programs ensure families, individuals, and educators get the support and information they need surrounding mental health.

NAMI FIGHTS STIGMA

NAMI encourages understanding and provides increased mental health awareness.

"Label jars... Not people." Reduce the Stigma—NAMI

courtesy of NAMI Lorain County

I'm Having a Lot of Stress or Anxiety Because of COVID-19. What Can I Do?

From NAMI's COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide

It’s common to feel stressed or anxious during this time. It may be especially hard for people who already manage feelings of anxiety or emotional distress.

Recognizing how you’re feeling can help you care for yourself, manage your stress and cope with difficult situations. Even when you don’t have full control of a situation, there are things you can do.

Manage how you consume information. Follow healthy routines as much as possible.

Be selective about how you consume news. It’s generally a good idea to stay engaged and informed. Having some limits on your news consumption can help:

•Watching or listening to the same news constantly can increase stress. Reading can be an easier medium to control how much and what kind of information you are absorbing.

•Set limits on when and for how long you consume news and information, including through social media. It may help you to choose a couple of fifteen-minute blocks each day when you will check news/social media and limit your news consumption to that time.

False information spreads very easily on social media and can have serious consequences for individual and public health. Always verify sources and make sure they are reputable, especially before sharing anything.

Your daily habits and routines can help you feel more in control of your own well-being. Even simple actions can make a difference:

•Make your bed

•Get dressed

•Connect with loved ones

•Move your body

•Make time for breaks

If possible, take regular short breaks during work or between shifts. During these breaks, go outside and engage in physical activity if you can.

Do meaningful things with your free time.

When you can, do things that you enjoy and that help you relax.

•Read or listen to an audiobook

•Learn a new skill

•Take an online course

•Journal or write

•Play puzzles or games

•Try something new

Find support over the phone

There are non-crisis emotional support telephone services called warmlines that are staffed by volunteers and provide nonjudgemental listening in times of need. Some are available 24/7 and provide no-questions-asked support when you need it most.

Lorain's warmline is provided by The Nord Center and is available daily from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

To be connected, please call 1-800-888-6161 and ask to be connected to The Warm Line.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis, 1-800-888-6161 also connects to services available 24/7.

Stay connected with others

Social distancing can change how you usually interact with people you care about. Doing this is essential to lessening the impact of COVID-19. There are many ways you can build a feeling of connection, even if you can't see people in-person or go places you usually would:

•Stay connected with close friends and family via phone, email, social media messaging, and video calls.

•Offer to help others if you can. Regularly call, text, or email with family and friends who may have more limited social contact - elderly people, those with disabilities, who live alone, who are quarantined, or are high-risk because of chronic health conditions.

•Share how you are feeling with people you trust.

•Ask for help when you need it. Someone is here for you.

You are NOT ALONE—NAMI Lorain County

photo courtesy of NAMI Lorain County