NAMI Rappahannock

03/30/2026

Today is World Bipolar Day.

We recognize it with honesty, because awareness without truth isn't awareness.

20-60% of people living with bipolar disorder attempt su***de at least once in their lifetime.*

That number is not meant to frighten. It's meant to move us to action.

Bipolar disorder is real. It is serious. And it is treatable.

Caregivers, if you or someone you love is living with bipolar disorder: you are not alone, effective treatment exists, support groups can help, and recovery is possible.

NAMI Rappahannock is here. Reach out anytime at namirapp.org

*Source: Dome P, Rihmer Z, Gonda X. Su***de Risk in Bipolar Disorder: A Brief Review. Medicina (Kaunas). 2019;55(8):403.

03/25/2026

Introducing Critical Heal, a support group unlike any other.

🔷 Dungeons and Dragons (D&D)-based
🔷Mental health focused
🔷 Judgment-free zone
🔷 Easy to learn, no experience needed
🔷 Ages 18+

Whether you are a seasoned adventurer or have never touched a D20, this space welcomes you. Use the power of collaborative storytelling to process, connect, and heal.

Interested? Reach out to us to learn more and get started.
Contact us at programs@namirapp.org or visit namirapp.org/support-groups to learn more

You don't have to go on this quest alone.

03/20/2026

Ride the wave 🌊

Did you know that emotions only last about 90 seconds in the body?

When a feeling hits, fear, anger, grief, or overwhelm, it is a physical wave of neurochemicals. In just 90 seconds, if you let it move through you without feeding it with more thoughts, it begins to pass.

The suffering we feel often comes from the stories we tell ourselves after those 90 seconds.

Next time you are in an emotional moment, try this:
1. Name the feeling.
2. Breathe through it.
3. Ride the wave, and don't fight it.

You are stronger than any 90-second storm.

Need more tools for emotional wellness?
Find free support and resources at namirapp.org

03/17/2026

You don't have to navigate this alone.

NAMI Rappahannock is proud to partner with the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board (RACSB) to offer our NAMI Family Support Group, a free, peer-led space for those supporting a loved one age 18 or older living with mental illness.

1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month
3:00 to 4:00 PM, Virtual

This group is for caregivers, family members, and loved ones navigating the challenges that come with supporting someone through mental illness.

No experience needed. No judgment. Just people who understand.

Learn more and register at namirapp.org

03/16/2026

It's National Brain Awareness Week.

Your brain is extraordinary. It processes 70,000 thoughts per day, controls every heartbeat, and holds every memory you have ever made.

And just like your heart or lungs, your brain can experience illness. That's not weakness. That's biology.

This week, we celebrate brain science, raise awareness about neurological and mental health conditions, and remind our community:

The brain can heal and change. Talking about brain health reduces stigma. Support and treatment make a difference.

Let's build a community that cares for whole-person health, including what's happening between our ears.

Learn more about mental health support in Planning District 16 (PD16) at namirapp.org

03/10/2026

3 in 4 mental health conditions first appear by age 24.

Read that again.

75% of all mental health conditions emerge before a young person turns 25, many as early as childhood or adolescence.

Early recognition matters. Early support saves lives.

If you are a parent, teacher, coach, or mentor, knowing the signs can make all the difference.

Signs to watch for in young people:
🔹 Sudden changes in mood or behavior.
🔹 Withdrawing from friends and activities.
🔹 Declining grades or performance.
🔹 Changes in sleep or eating habits.
🔹 Talking about hopelessness or worthlessness.

You don't have to have all the answers. Just be someone who opens the door 💙

Free resources and support at namirapp.org

03/06/2026

Read this slowly. Let it sink in.

Mental health journeys are not linear, and that's okay. Healing isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up for yourself, again and again.

You are worth showing up for.

Share this with someone who needs to hear it today.
Find free mental health resources at namirapp.org

03/02/2026

Looking for a safe, supportive space to connect? 💙

Our LGBTQIA+ Support Group meets virtually on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month from 6–7 PM.

This is a welcoming space to share experiences, find connection, and build community.

🔗 Join here: https://meet.google.com/baf-rdqw-pdx

Questions? Contact Eric Whitlock at ewhitlock@ferrum.edu

You don’t have to do this alone.

02/10/2026

Your daily dose of motivation awaits via NAMI’s Hopeful Notes. Get a small dose of hope delivered to your inbox three times a week.

Subscribe today: mailchi.mp/nami/hopefulnotes

01/27/2026

01/27/2026

Depression is not laziness. 💙
It’s a health condition, and you are not alone.

Free support is available: namirapp.org/supportgroups

01/25/2026

If you ever need a little extra motivation, NAMI’s Hopeful Notes can help. Get a small dose of hope delivered to your inbox three times a week.

Subscribe today: mailchi.mp/nami/hopefulnotes