NAMI- Carroll County Iowa

04/01/2026

Join us for the 5th Annual St. Anthony Mental Health 5K—a community event dedicated to raising awareness, supporting local mental health services, and breaking the stigma around mental illness. This year, we honor the courage and resilience in every story.

03/22/2026

01/17/2026

How Physical Activity Supports Mental Wellness 💚

Physical activity isn’t just about physical health — it plays a powerful role in supporting mental wellness, too. Even small amounts of movement can make a meaningful difference in how we feel, think, and cope.

Here’s how moving your body can support your mental well-being:

✨ Boosts mood
Movement helps release endorphins — natural chemicals that can improve mood and reduce feelings of stress or sadness.

🧠 Reduces stress & anxiety
Physical activity can calm the nervous system, ease muscle tension, and give your mind a healthy break from worry.

💤 Improves sleep
Regular movement can help regulate sleep patterns, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling more rested.

💪 Builds confidence & resilience
Setting small movement goals and following through can increase self-esteem and reinforce a sense of accomplishment.

🤝 Encourages connection
Walking with a friend, joining a class, or exercising as a family can strengthen social bonds and reduce feelings of isolation.

🌱 Remember:
You don’t need intense workouts to see benefits. Gentle movement counts — stretching, walking, gardening, dancing, or playing with kids all matter.

💬 What’s one way you like to move your body to support your mental wellness?

— NAMI Carroll County

01/16/2026

🌊 Managing Overwhelming Emotions in a Healthy Way

Big emotions can feel intense, confusing, and exhausting.
When emotions overwhelm us, it doesn’t mean something is wrong — it means something inside us needs care.

💚 Healthy ways to manage overwhelming emotions:
• Pause and focus on slow, deep breathing
• Name the emotion you’re feeling (anger, sadness, anxiety, grief)
• Ground yourself by noticing what you can see, hear, or touch
• Give yourself permission to take a break
• Express feelings through writing, art, or movement
• Reach out to someone you trust for support

✨ Remember: Emotions are not emergencies. They rise, peak, and pass — even when they feel unbearable in the moment.

💬 Reflection:
What helps you feel calmer when emotions start to feel too heavy?

You’re not alone, and support is always available.

01/15/2026

🧠 Healthy Coping Skills vs. Unhealthy Coping Behaviors

We all cope with stress, emotions, and challenges — it’s human.
The difference isn’t whether we cope, but how we cope.

💚 Healthy coping skills help us process emotions and build resilience:
• Talking with someone you trust
• Taking breaks and resting when needed
• Movement, stretching, or time outdoors
• Deep breathing or grounding exercises
• Journaling or creative expression
• Asking for professional support

⚠️ Unhealthy coping behaviors may bring short-term relief but often create more stress over time:
• Avoiding or suppressing emotions
• Withdrawing from others
• Overusing substances, food, or screens
• Lashing out in anger or shutting down
• Ignoring physical or emotional needs

✨ Important reminder:
Unhealthy coping doesn’t mean failure — it means you’re trying to survive with the tools you have right now. And tools can be learned, replaced, and strengthened.

💬 Reflection question:
What’s one healthy coping skill you’d like to practice more often?

You’re not alone, and support is always available.

01/14/2026

🌱 How Small Daily Habits Build Long-Term Resilience

Resilience isn’t something we suddenly “have” one day.
It’s something we build — little by little — through everyday choices.

Small habits may not feel powerful in the moment, but over time, they create strength, stability, and confidence to face life’s challenges.

✨ Small habits that support resilience:
• Pausing to take a few deep breaths
• Getting consistent sleep when possible
• Moving your body in ways that feel good
• Noticing one thing you’re grateful for
• Checking in with your emotions without judgment
• Reaching out for support instead of carrying it alone

These small actions add up. They help your nervous system recover from stress, strengthen coping skills, and create a foundation for better mental wellness.

💬 Remember: You don’t have to change everything at once. Even one small habit practiced daily can make a meaningful difference over time.

👉 What’s one small habit that helps you feel more grounded or supported?
Share below — your experience may help someone else.