National Alliance on Mental Illness September Newsletter
September 18, 2023
September Is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
—a time to raise awareness and discuss this highly stigmatized topic. In addition to shifting public perception, we use this month to spread hope and vital information to people affected by suicide. Our goal is ensuring that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.
"We can all benefit from honest and open conversations about mental health and suicide. Just one conversation can change a life. You can make a difference by being there to listen and support someone who may be struggling to get help and access treatment. 9-8-8 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline that is available 24/7 for individuals and family members. NAMI Vermont's Support Groups are another great resource to help individuals connect with someone who understands, who has been there." said Laurie Emerson, Executive Director.
Join us this month in sharing information and resources to put an end to the stigma around suicide so that people experiencing suicidal thoughts aren't afraid to seek help.
Free Documentary Screenings of Anxious Nation Statewide
NAMI Vermont, with the support of other state community organizations, is bringing the documentary (2022) to communities statewide beginning September 21. In the film, Academy Award-winning director Vanessa Roth and first-time co-director Laura Morton thoughtfully unfold the epidemic of anxiety and explore why we are such an anxious nation. We will host five screenings of Anxious Nation throughout Vermont this fall. These screenings are free to the public thanks to a grant from the Vermont Community Foundation.
The events will feature a screening of the documentary followed by a facilitated Q&A session and/or panel discussions. NAMI Vermont and partnering organizations will provide free mental health and suicide prevention resources. Screenings are made possible with the support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and United Way Mental Health Initiative.
Burlington Pride Festival
We had an AMAZING day at the Burlington Pride Festival at the Burlington waterfront on Sunday! A little rain didn't stop people from showing up to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and have a day filled with fun. It was a great chance to meet new people, make connections, visit vendors, and enjoy the festivities organized by .
New and Returning Connection Recovery Support Groups
We have two new options available for peers living with mental health challenges. Get support from others who can relate to your situation in a safe, peer-led environment. If you have questions about our support groups, please contact program@namivt.org.
VIRTUAL SOUTHERN VERMONT CONNECTION SUPPORT GROUP
2nd and 4th Mondays
7–8:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
RUTLAND CONNECTION SUPPORT GROUP
***First meeting: October 1
1st and 3rd Sundays
4:30–6 p.m.
Rutland Mental Health Services
78 South Main Street, Rutland, VT 05701
Carriage House Conference Room (on Engrem Ave.)
! We have an exciting lineup of speakers and workshops ready for this year's in-person conference on November 15 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in South Burlington. The event will feature keynote presentations from Dr. Xavier Amador and Dr. Paul Foxman, plus many other skilled speakers and opportunities to learn and network. Visit our website to to see the full agenda and complete the online registration.锘�
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or exhibiting at this year's conference, please reach out to Cathy LaClair, Events & Fundraising Coordinator: 802-876-7949 x103 or claclair@namivt.org.
New Mental Illness & Recovery Workshops Scheduled
NAMI Vermont has scheduled two free, day-long to take place later this fall. These workshops are open to any community members who want to learn more about mental health conditions, treatment options, coping strategies, and resources available. Registration required.
October 21, 2023
9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Howard Center—Mt. Mansfield Room
208 Flynn Ave., Burlington, VT 05401
December 2, 2023
9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Nurturing Tranquility
55 Seymour Lane, Newport, VT 05855
Fall 2023 Virtual Family-to-Family Classes
Register now to reserve your spot in one of two upcoming virtual . Family-to-Family is an 8-week educational program for family members or close friends of individuals with mental health conditions to learn more about mental illness, problem-solving and communication skills, coping strategies, ways to take care of themselves, and more. Attendance is expected at all eight classes in order to gain the most benefit from the course. The class is FREE. .
VIRTUAL - Hosted by the NAMI Southern Vermont Affiliate
Thursdays, 6:30–9 p.m.
September 28–November 16, 2023
Zoom information available after registration
REGISTRATION CLOSES SEPTEMBER 21
VIRTUAL - Hosted by the NAMI Central Vermont Affiliate
Tuesdays, 6–8:30 p.m.
October 3–November 21, 2023
Zoom information available after registration
REGISTRATION CLOSES SEPTEMBER 28
Vermont Suicide Prevention Symposium 2023
Join us at the ! This event brings together national, regional, and Vermont stakeholders to facilitate collaborations and strengthen suicide prevention. The full-day symposium offers three amazing Keynote Presentations that will inspire professionals and laymen alike. Topics will be explored in depth during eight workshops held throughout the day in four specific disciplines.
September Is Recovery Month
, which started in 1989, is an observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.
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