NAMI Lehigh Valley

11/15/2025

NAMI Lehigh Valley will be at the Special Needs Expo tomorrow from 10–1. Mental health is often an overlooked part of the special needs community and we’re here to help families navigate the emotional stress, anxiety, and behavioral health challenges that can come with caring for a loved one with special needs. Stop by to learn about the free support groups and resources NAMI offers for individuals and caregivers.

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11/13/2025

Kindness doesn’t have to cost a thing. Today is a perfect reminder that small, intentional actions can make a big difference for someone else… or even yourself.

Here are some simple ideas:
✅Give someone a genuine compliment. It could brighten their whole day.
✅Let a driver merge in front of you with a smile.
✅Post a gratitude shout-out on social media to someone who makes your life better.
✅Do something intentional to make someone smile, even a little note, a kind text, or a friendly wave counts.
✅Treat yourself kindly today. Take a short walk, enjoy a favorite song, or just pause to breathe.

Kindness is contagious! Bonus: even small acts of kindness can lift spirits and support mental health...yours and others’.

11/13/2025

Join Us TONIGHT on Zoom for our Peer Support Group

Our peer groups are free, confidential, and welcoming spaces where you can connect with others who truly understand. 💙

🔗 Join here: https://zoom.us/j/984334883

⏰ Please be on time. Access will close 5 minutes after the group begins, out of respect for everyone’s experience.

You’re not alone. We hope to see you tonight.

11/12/2025

Join us TONIGHT for the Family Support Group from 7:00-8:30PM at St. Timothy Evangelical Lutheran Church - 140 South Ott Street, Allentown.

Our groups are free, confidential, and welcoming spaces where you can connect with others who truly understand. 💙

⏰ Please be on time to be respectful of everyone's time and experience.

You’re not alone. We hope to see you tonight.

11/11/2025

Today, on Veterans Day, we honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of all who have served in the armed forces.

We also recognize that many veterans face unique mental health challenges, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Asking for help is a sign of strength, and no one should navigate these struggles alone.

NAMI Lehigh Valley is here to support veterans and their families with resources, education, and peer connection. If you or a loved one is struggling, reach out. Support is available.

11/09/2025

Times are tough, and many people in our community are facing food insecurity. Programs like Meals on Wheels provide nutritious meals to homebound seniors and others who may struggle to access food.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, there are resources available:

💙Meals on Wheels: Delivers meals directly to your door — a lifeline for many.

💙Second Harvest Food Finder: Locate food pantries and community meal programs near you. Find your local resources here: https://shfblv.org/find-food/

No one should go hungry. Reach out, get the support you need, and share these resources with friends or family who may benefit.

11/08/2025

Need to talk? Someone’s available 24/7. 💙

No judgment, just a caring voice on the other end. Call a warmline today.

11/05/2025

Join us TONIGHT for the Family Support Group from 7:00-8:30PM at NAMI LV Office - 802 W Broad Street, Bethlehem. Come connect with others who understand!

11/03/2025

Mental health challenges often show early warning signs: changes in sleep, appetite, mood, or social behavior. Recognizing these signs early can help you guide a loved one toward support before things escalate.

If you see changes in a friend or family member:
✅Reach out and listen without judgment
✅Encourage them to connect with a mental health professional
✅Know local resources — NAMI can help with guidance and referrals

Want to learn more? Visit https://nami-lv.org/

11/02/2025

Important Update: Changes to SNAP Benefits Starting September 1, 2025

The federal government’s new rules mean that some Pennsylvanians will need to meet work requirements to keep or become eligible for SNAP (food assistance) benefits.

These rules apply to adults who:
Are between 18–54 years old,
Don’t have a dependent child under 18, and
Are considered physically and mentally able to work.

However, individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) may be exempt from these work requirements. If you or someone you support receives SNAP or Medical Assistance and is living with a serious mental illness, make sure to complete the SNAP Medical Exemption Form (PA 1921) and submit it to your local County Assistance Office (CAO) by email, mail, or fax.

📝 Download the form here:
https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dhs/documents/services/assistance/documents/abawd/pa-1921-snap-medical-exemption-form.pdf

Learn more about SNAP work requirements and exemptions:
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/snap/snap-work-requirements-abawds

SNAP Work Requirements (ABAWDS)

10/31/2025

Halloween isn’t just about costumes and candy. It can affect mental health in both positive and negative ways. For some, the spooky sights and scary themes can trigger trauma or phobias like samhainophobia (fear of Halloween).

On the flip side, Halloween can offer social connection, creative expression, and a safe way to explore fears. For those who struggle, coping strategies like focusing on non-scary traditions or seeking social support can help manage stress. Interestingly, some people with anxiety are drawn to Halloween—it can even provide a controlled “simulation of fear” that feels empowering.

Learn more about the psychology behind Halloween and anxiety here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/modern-mentality/202210/why-do-people-anxiety-love-halloween

Many who live with anxiety are drawn to Halloween. Here are 7 reasons to help you solve the mystery of why people who run anxious still run towards all things spooky.