Finding a Therapist

Looking for a therapist, but don't know how to start?  The American Psychological Association (APA) has tips and pointers from Dr. Kathleen Nordal in their online article, "How to Find a Therapist". Dr. Nordal (the APA's Executive Director for Professional Practice) offers practical advice and questions to ask when considering a therapy program.

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For more information about mental health, wellness and recovery, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website!

Reaching Out

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There are many challenges to deal with when you or a loved one is living with a mental illness. NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania is committed to reaching out to consumers and family members throughout all stages of recovery. Through support groups, Family-to-Family education programs and awareness-raising events like the NAMI Walk, NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania is dedicated to providing support for those impacted by mental illness.

Want to be a part of this important work? There are many ways to get involved, support recovery and increase awareness of mental illness in southwestern Pa. Call us at 412-366-3788 to find out more!

Friday Five: Facts About Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

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- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that some people get after seeing or living through a dangerous event. When in danger, it’s natural to feel afraid, and the body makes changes (often referred to as a "fight-or-flight" response) to defend against the danger or to avoid it. With PTSD, this reaction lingers, leaving people with the disorder feeling stressed or frightened even when they’re no longer in danger.

- PTSD can happen after living through something upsetting or dangerous. This can include:
~ being a victim of or seeing violence
~ the death or serious illness of a loved one
~ war or combat
~ car accidents or plane crashes
~ hurricanes, tornadoes or fires
~ violent crimes (robberies or shootings)

- Symptoms of PTSD can include:
~ bad dreams
~ flashbacks
~ scary thoughts you can't control
~ staying away from places and things that remind you of what happened
~ feeling worried, guilty or sad
~ trouble sleeping
~ angry outbursts
~ thoughts of hurting yourself or others

- PTSD can happen to anyone at any age. Children get PTSD too, and may show other symptoms, including:
~ behaving like they did when they were younger
~ being unable to talk
~ complaining of stomach problems or headaches
~ refusing to go places or play with friends

- PTSD can be treated. Treatment may include "talk" therapy and/or medication, and can take 6 to 12 weeks or longer to complete. Treatment is not the same for everyone.

(This week's Friday Five facts are taken from the National Institute of Mental Health's Post Traumatic Stress Disorder booklet and definition sheet. For more information about PTSD and other mental illnesses, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website.)

Pets for Depression and Health

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Pets can be a wonderful source of unconditional love and companionship, but did you know that having a pet can increase your sense of well-being and help improve mild to moderate depression? 

In the WebMD article "Pets for Depression and Health", Kathleen Doheny explores the role a pet can play in improving mood, relieving loneliness and impacting overall health.

For more information and resources about depression and other mood disorders, visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website!

Exercise and Mental Wellness

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It's sometimes hard to get motivated to exercise, but here's news that might move you:  research indicates that exercise reduces anxiety and improves mood!

The Mayo Clinic's article, "Depression and anxiety: exercise eases symptoms" explores the benefits of exercise for mental health and includes realistic tips to keep you inspired.

Looking for an opportunity to get moving?  Why not join us for the 4th Annual NAMI Walk to raise awareness of mental illness in Southwestern Pennsylvania? Opportunities exist to form a Walk team, join an existing Walk team or walk as an individual. For more information, contact the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania office at 412-366-3788.

Visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website for more information on wellness and recovery!

Improving Emotional Health

Interested in boosting your ability to bounce back from stress and difficult situations? Curious about the factors that most impact mental and emotional health? Helpguide's article, "Improving Emotional Health: Strategies and Tips for Good Mental Health" offers physical, emotional and relational strategies for building resilience and stabilizing mood.

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For more online mental health information, be sure to visit the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania website!

Family-to-Family Update: North Hills Class Added!

Another Family-to-Family class will be starting this September - a North Hills class will be taking place at the NAMI Southwestern Pennsylvania office!

Details for the North Hills Family-to-Family class are as follows:

Location:  105 Braunlich Drive Suite 200  Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Class Starting Date: Sept. 14

Class Time: 6:30-9 p.m.

To register for this or any of the Family-to-Family classes, call 412-366-3788!