Informing, Educating, and Supporting people with mental illness and their families

Find Help.  Find Hope.
 ​
NAMI’s Statement On Recent Racist Incidents And Mental Health Resources For African Americans 5/29/2020

“The effect of racism and racial trauma on mental health is real and cannot be ignored. The disparity in access to mental health care in communities of color cannot be ignored. The inequality and lack of cultural competency in mental health treatment cannot be ignored.

“Our nation’s African American community is going through an extremely painful experience, pain that has been inflicted upon this community repeatedly throughout history and is magnified by mass media and repeated deaths. We stand with all the families, friends and communities who have lost loved ones senselessly due to racism. And, with more than 100,000 lives lost to the coronavirus pandemic - disproportionately from minority communities - these recent deaths add gasoline to the fire of injustice.

“While there is much we need to do to address racism in our country, we must not forget the importance of mental health as we do so. Racism is a public health crisis.

“As the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization, it is our responsibility to serve all. While as an organization we are still early in our intentional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion journey and have much to do, we have renewed our commitment to our values. We continue to strive to deliver help and hope to all who need it.

“NAMI stands in solidarity with everyone impacted across the country. You are not alone.”

NAMI CEO, Daniel H. Gillison, Jr.

Click here to go to statement and Mental Health Resources list

Covid-19

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak we have temporarily halted all in-person support groups and classes.  We will continue our to offer support in a modified format using online tools, phone, and social media. We hope to be able to meet in person again in the near future and will continue to update you on this page as that develops.

New-Virtual Zoom Support Groups.
Until we are able to meet in person please continue to check our calendar and Support Groups page for dates and times for Support Groups and events, as well as information about how to register and participate. 

Resources

California Peer-Run Warm Line 
  • call or text 855-845-7415 - for non-emergency calls
  • M-F: 7am-11pm, Sat: 7am-3pm, Sun: 7am-9pm
  • www.mentalhealthsf.org

​NAMI resources related to COVID-19Local Resources – Click here
Crisis Resources – Click here
​
Please email (info@namisb.org) or call us at (909) 654-4134 with any additional questions you may have. We will continue to do our best to support our community and respond to emails and calls in a timely manner. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP COPE WITH EMOTIONAL
​DISTRESS DURING INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS

 1. Manage Your Stress
  • Stay informed. Refer to credible sources for updates on the local situation.
  • Stay focused on your personal strengths.
  • Maintain a routine.
  • Make time to relax and rest AND walk, exercise, do mindful breathing, do something healthy and positive that helps you build endorphins and relieve stress.
2. Be Informed and Inform Your Family
  • Become familiar with local medical and mental health resources in your community.
  • Avoid sharing unconfirmed news about the infectious disease to avoid creating unnecessary fear and panic.
  • Give honest age-appropriate information to children and remember to stay calm; children often feel what you feel.
3. Connect with Your Community
  • Keep contact with family and friends.
  • Join community and/or faith groups.
  • Accept help from family, friends, co-workers and clergy.
  • Reach out to neighbors and friends with special needs who may need your help.​
4. Reach Out and Help
  • If you know someone affected by the outbreak, call them to see how they are doing, and remember to keep their confidentiality. 
  • Consider an act of kindness for those who have been asked to practice social distancing, such as having a meal delivered or offering to drop off homework at their doorstep.
5. Be Sensitive
  • Avoid blaming anyone or assuming someone has the disease because of the way they look or where they or their families come from.
  • An infectious disease is not connected to any racial or ethnic group; speak up in kindness when you hear false rumors or negative stereotypes that foster racism and xenophobia.
6. Don’t accept everything you read or hear.
  • Look beyond the numbers and arm yourself with information. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information and frequent updates on the COVID-19’s spread, severity, risk assessment, etc
  • ​Link to CDC​
Consider seeking professional help if you or a loved one is having difficulty coping

Recent News:

May 29 2020
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) released  statement from CEO Daniel H. Gillison, Jr., regarding recent racist incidents across the country and their impact on mental health:
Click here for the full statement.   

March 2020
New-Virtual Zoom Support Groups.
Check our calendar and Support Groups page for dates and times as well as information about how to participate. 

March 18, 2020 
NAMI SBA temporarily halts all in-person classes and support groups until further notice due to the Corona Virus guidelines to help mitigate and contain the spread.

Oct. 7, 2019
California launches first statewide, free non-emergency, warm-line
  • call or text -855-845-7415
  • M-F: 7am-11pm, Sat: 7am-3pm, Sun: 7am-9pm

NAMI San Bernardino upcoming events