The 16th annual NAMIWalks Maryland is Saturday, June 2nd at the Baltimore Inner Harbor. NAMIWalks is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health awareness and fundraising event. We hope you will join us in the fight against stigma by walking with us!

Why We Walk

There are many reasons to join NAMIWalks – to raise awareness and vital funds, to challenge stigma, and to have fun! Walk for yourself, a loved one, or a friend. Above all, when you walk with us, you ensure that NAMI’s programs are available to provide hope and understanding to individuals and families impacted by mental health conditions in the Baltimore Metropolitan area!

Lace Up Your Walking Shoes

Ready to take the first step? Register your team to join the 2018 NAMIWalks today. Gather your friends, family, and neighbors to walk alongside you.

Please be sure to designate that you’re walking to support the Metropolitan Baltimore affiliate. When you do, you will help to expand our Signature education and support programs throughout the Baltimore community.

Become a Sponsor

There are many ways for corporations and organizations to partner with NAMIWalks Maryland to help build better lives for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions. See the 2018 NAMIWalks Sponsorship Brochure for more information.

If you have questions about NAMIWalks, please contact Administrative Coordinator, Suzie Brashler, or call our HelpLine at 410-435-2600.

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NAMI’s education and support programs for individuals and families will be offered this summer. NAMI’s programs will help you expand your understanding of mental health and navigate resources for recovery. All programs are peer-led by trained volunteers with lived experience of a mental health condition, either as a peer or family caregiver.

Class and support group begin in May. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. To reserve your space in an upcoming program, please contact the NAMI Metro Baltimore HelpLine at (410) 435-2600.

Upcoming Schedule

NAMI Family-to-Family

NAMI Family-to-Family is 12-week education program for family members and caregivers of a loved one living with a mental health condition. It is a designated evidence-based program that includes presentations, discussion and interactive exercises. Learn more.

When: Wednesdays, May 30th-August 22nd, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Christian Temple Church, Fellowship Hall, 5820 Edmondson Ave, Catonsville, MD 21228

Caregiver Circle

Caregiver Circle is a free, peer-based, mutual support program for caregivers to loved ones living with a co-occurring mental health and substance use condition. Trained facilitators offer support and practical knowledge to participants as they guide productive discussion. Learn more.

When: Saturdays, June 2nd-July 14th, 10:00am-11:30am
Where: Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 2424 McElderry Street, Baltimore, MD 21205

NAMI Basics

NAMI Basics is a free, 6-session education program for parents and family caregivers of children and teens who are experiencing mental health issues. You’ll learn the facts about mental health conditions and how best to support your child at home, at school and when they’re getting medical care.

When: Saturdays, June 9th, 16th, and 23rd, 9:00am-2:00pm
Where: MedStar Harbor Hospital, Baum Conference Center, Conference Room A
3001 S. Hanover Street, Baltimore, MD 21225

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Winter is here and with it comes snow, ice, and cold weather. NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore observes the closing policy of Baltimore County Public Schools, including delays, closures and cancellation of weekend and evening activities.

NAMI Metro Baltimore will share all weather delays and cancellations for our office and programs at www.namibaltimore.org. Announcements will additionally be shared on the NAMI Metro Baltimore Facebook and Twitter accounts.

While we never like to close or cancel our programs, the safety of our participants, volunteers, and staff are our top priority.

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NAMI programs provide outstanding education, support, and resources to individuals and families who are affected by mental health conditions. NAMI’s education programs can help you to better understand mental illness and recovery, and to advocate for yourself or a loved one.

NAMI Basics and NAMI Peer-to-Peer will be offered in January 2018. Advanced registration is required to participate, and all classes are provided at no cost. Classes will fill quickly – to reserve your space please contact the NAMI Metro Baltimore HelpLine at (410) 435-2600.

See the full program schedule and detailed program descriptions below to find the program that is right for you.

NAMI Basics

When: Saturdays, 9am-2pm
Start Date: January 6th
End Date: January 20th

Where: Christian Temple
5820 Edmondson Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228

NAMI Basics is a free education program for parents and family caregivers of children and teens who are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness or whom have already been diagnosed. The course is taught by a trained team with lived experience—they know what you’re going through because they’ve been there. The program provides critical strategies for taking care of your child and learning the ropes of recovery. Learn more.

NAMI Peer-to-Peer

When: Saturdays, 10am-12pm
Start Date: January 13th
End Date: March 17th

Where: Clay Pots
1635 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21223

NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, 10-session educational program for adults with mental illness who are looking to better understand their condition and journey toward recovery. Taught by a trained team of people who’ve been there, the program includes presentations, discussion and interactive exercises. Learn more.

 

 

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Caregiver Circle is a free, peer-based, mutual support program for caregivers to loved ones living with a co-occurring mental health and substance use condition. Trained facilitators offer support and practical knowledge to participants as they guide productive discussion. The program will help participants strengthen family support by providing resources, connection with others with similar experiences, and hope for recovery.

Caregiver Circle meet for seven, 1-hour sessions. Topics addressed will include self-care, treatment compliance, and managing relapses. This program was developed by the Metro Baltimore affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Upcoming Program Schedule

Saturdays, 10:00am-11:00am
July 8th-August 19th

Location
Christian Temple
5820 Edmondson Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228
Free on-site parking is available in the lower lot.

Space is limited and advanced registration is required to participate. To join the Caregiver Circle program, please contact our HelpLine at (410) 435-2600. To learn more about Caregiver Circle, please contact Director of Signature Programs, Clarrissa Taylor Jackson.

 

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Date and Time
Thursday, May 4th
9:00am-3:00pm

Location
Christian Temple
5820 Edmondson Avenue
Catonsville, MD 21228

Register to Attend

NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore’s Mental Health Education Conference for Faith Leaders will provide current information about mental health and trauma in greater Baltimore, as well as present strategies to empower religious organizations to help end the stigma surrounding mental health conditions and treatment.

This one-day conference will grant ministers, rabbis, imams, youth and lay leaders responsible for congregational life the opportunity to hear from local experts about the “State of Mental Health in Greater Baltimore.” Conference attendees will also be able to hear of the challenges and successes from individuals living in recovery in their place of worship, speak with mental health experts, and learn from faith leaders who operate mental health ministries.

Conference workshop topics include:

• Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness and Trauma

• Virtual Voices – An experiential workshop *Space is limited*

• In Our Own Voice Presentations

• Approaches to Establishing a Mental Health Ministry

Registration Information

Conference registration is $25, and includes continental breakfast, boxed lunch, and all conference materials. Space is limited. Register here.

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Get involved with grassroots advocacy to support access to behavioral health services throughout Maryland!

Date and Time
February 28th, 7:30am-12:00pm

Location
142 House Office Building
Annapolis, MD

Register to Participate

Meet with your elected officials and share your story to advocate for policies that will improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by mental health conditions. Sharing your personal experiences is our most effective advocacy tool! NAMI Maryland will host a breakfast legislative briefing before attending meetings with your representatives.

Group meetings with legislators will be scheduled on your behalf by the NAMI Metro Baltimore office. Find your legislators.

Prepare for Advocacy Day

NAMI Smarts for Advocacy Training

Date and Time
Tuesday, February 7th, 7:00-8:30pm

Location
NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore
6600 York Road, Suite 204
Baltimore, MD 21212

Register to Participate

NAMI Smarts for Advocacy is a hands-on advocacy training program that helps people living with mental illness, friends and family transform their passion and lived experience into skillful grassroots advocacy.

NAMI Smarts for Advocacy will help you tell a compelling story that is inspiring and makes an “ask” in 90 seconds.Participants routinely share that they’ve never been able to condense their story or made a clear “ask,” but with NAMI Smarts, they are now able to.

This training is offered at no cost to participants. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Please contact Director of Volunteers, Johanna Murphy, with questions about the training.

Advocacy Training Webinar

NAMI Maryland will host two Advocacy Training webinars to provide an overview of how to effectively tell your story. The training webinar will also review talking points and key issues in the 2017 legislative session. Two sessions will be held and registration is required.

• Monday, February 20th, 5pm – Register
• Wednesday, February 22nd, 12pm – Register

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In the event of inclement weather, NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore observes the closing policies of Baltimore County Schools. NAMI Metro will share program and schedule updates, including delays and cancellations, on our website, Facebook, and Twitter.

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Bipolar Faith: A Black Woman’s Journey with Depression and Faith

Listen Here

In a new memoir, Monica Coleman reflects on the legacies of slavery, poverty, war, and alcoholism, and how these conditions can mask a history of mental illness. At once spiritual autobiography and memoir of madness, Bipolar Faith is the book Dr. Coleman was hoping to find when she was diagnosed with bipolar II, which is characterized by periods of deep depressions balanced by periods of productivity and energy. Moreover, she found precious few memoirs that engage religion and faith in truly constructive ways.

While the taboo around depression in the African-American faith community is diminishing, “I think there are people suffering from depression and bipolar disease who are also striving to maintain their faith. There are few guides or safe places where they can discuss their feelings,” says Coleman. This book is for them and for their allies.

Monica A. Coleman, MDiv, Ph.D., teaches theology and African-American religions at Claremont School of Theology (CST), in Claremont, CA. At CST, she was recently promoted to the position of full professor — making her the first African-American woman full professor at CST. Dr. Coleman is an ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a sought-after speaker and preacher.

Presented in partnership with the Enoch Pratt Free Library.

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Although nutrition is still considered a “young” science, it is one that resonates with many. Interest in nutrition and how eating impacts our health is of great interest to people of varying ages and health histories. While much attention within nutrition remains on physical health, the influence on mental health is equally valuable.

Nutrition is the sum of its parts. What we eat over time, and other lifestyle factors such as stress management, exercise, and sleep all play a role in our physical and mental health. One of the best ways to improve our health through nutrition is adopting a big picture perspective, and keeping our focus broad. Taking into consideration how our overall lifestyle contributes to health, and then taking steps to make the best changes for our personal goals.

As you’re making changes to your nutrition, consider the idea of being inclusive rather than exclusive with regards to nutrition, by adding in rather than taking away. Try new foods, look for new sources of inspiration such as cookbooks or magazines, find a helpful meal planning system, and strive to make eating enjoyable. Eating at regular intervals keeps our energy levels in balance, and in turn helps our focus and attention. Mood can change when we are overly hungry, too full, or ignoring our physical cues altogether. Cultivate mindfulness when eating, and tune in to how you feel physically and emotionally. Make note of what foods and combinations of foods feel energizing, and what leaves you sluggish.

While there are many nutrients associated with improving mental health and mood, such as omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and the B vitamins folate and B12, it is the overall intake and lifestyle that has the greatest impact. If we’re eating a variety of foods, and enjoying what we eat, we are more likely to meet our various nutrient needs. In addition, if we are caring for ourselves through adequate sleep, moving our bodies, and managing our stress, we are in a better position to make healthful decisions about food.

Research does not always indicate a cause and effect, but can often make associations with nutrient intake and changes in specific symptoms. For example, omega-3 fatty acids have been widely studied for their anti-inflammatory properties, and their link to decreasing depression symptoms. Vitamin B12 supports neurologic function, and may benefit mood. Folate, also a B vitamin, is associated with depression if levels are too low. If you have concerns about a specific nutrient playing a role in improving your mental health, such as taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements for symptoms of depression, talk with your health care providers. Including a Registered Dietitian (RD) as part of your health care team could help clarify these concerns, and provide individualized information about your health and overall nutrition needs.

Making changes to our eating habits is a process that takes time and perseverance. Paying attention to your body, and your needs is one aspect of care that can translate to good health, both physically and mentally.

About the Contributor

Samantha Lewandowski is the Nutritional Care Coordinator of Outpatient Services at Sheppard Pratt’s Center for Eating Disorders. A registered dietician, she received her BS in Nutrition from the University of Delaware and her Masters in Health Promotion Management from The American University. Her previous experience includes providing clinical nutrition services at a long term care and rehab facility and providing health promotion services for an employee wellness program. Samantha joined the Center for Eating Disorders staff in 2006, and her main role is working one-on-one with patients in the outpatient setting.

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