NAMI Nevada County

12/02/2025

The research underscores a shift in psychiatry: from viewing antidepressants as mere chemical boosters to seeing them as tools that restore the brain’s capacity for change. By bridging neurochemistry, metabolism and neural architecture, studies like this one deepen our understanding of depression as not only a disorder of mood but also of adaptability.

Read about the study via the link in the comments!

11/28/2025

Clozapine and Treatment-Resistant Psychosis – What Families Should Know

For some people living with severe brain disorders, standard antipsychotic medications simply aren’t enough. When symptoms continue despite multiple treatments, this is known as treatment-resistant psychosis (TRP). In these cases, Clozapine is often the most effective option—and sometimes the only medication that truly brings relief.

🔹 What is TRP?
TRP occurs when someone continues to experience hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, or disorganized thinking after trying at least two different antipsychotic medications at appropriate doses. This problem affects a significant number of people with disorders such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

🔹 Why Clozapine is unique
Clozapine is considered the gold-standard treatment for TRP because it works differently from other antipsychotics. Many families report dramatic improvement after years of suffering. It can reduce severe psychosis, lower su***de risk, and stabilize thinking even when nothing else has helped.

🔹 Monitoring and safety
Because Clozapine can temporarily reduce white blood cell counts, patients need regular blood tests—weekly at first, then less often. This monitoring keeps people safe and allows most individuals to stay on the medication long term without serious problems.

🔹 Why families should advocate early
Far too many people go years without being offered Clozapine, leading to unnecessary hospitalizations, homelessness, and repeated crises. When someone truly needs it, early access can improve quality of life, restore functioning, and reduce long-term disability.

Clozapine is not a last-resort medication—it’s an underused lifeline.

Brain disorders are medical conditions rooted in biology—not a choice.

Physician disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. All medication decisions must be made with a licensed physician.

📧 bmsbdac@gmail.com 🌐 brettstaples.org

Presented by the Brett M. Staples Brain Disorder Awareness Coalition

11/27/2025

Please remember with our families it’s so ok that what we do today reflects what we also need—not meeting others’ expectations but rather a time for kindness, acceptance, and gratitude. And those we love who maybe be struggling do not need judgment.

And for those who are no longer here, our heartfelt thoughts of compassion.

11/21/2025

We honor the lives lost to anti-trans violence — and stand with the trans community in the fight for safety, respect, and accessible mental health support.

Here are some NAMI resources for people in the trans community:

- Hope Starts With Us: Pride & LGBTQ+ Mental Health: nami.org/HSWU-PrideAndLGBTQ

- Identity & Cultural Dimensions: LGBTQ+: nami.org/lgbtq

- NAMI Blog: Using Our Voice to Protect the Mental Health of the LGBTQ+ Community: nami.org/blog-usingourvoice

- NAMI HelpLine Knowledge Article: Are there any mental health resources specifically for the LGBTQI community? nami.org/helpline-lgbtqresources-english | nami.org/helpline-lgbtqresources-espanol

- NAMI HelpLine Knowledge Article: How can I find an LGBTQI-affirming mental health provider? English: nami.org/helpline-lgbtqaffirming-english | Español: nami.org/helpline-lgbtqaffirming-spanish

11/16/2025

How Untreated Brain Disorders Impact Public Safety

Untreated brain disorders—such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression—can sometimes lead to behaviors that unintentionally put individuals or others at risk. Symptoms like impaired judgment, disorganized thinking, or lack of insight (anosognosia) may contribute to accidents, conflicts, or crises that could have been prevented with early intervention and proper care.

The focus must be on prevention: accessible treatment, supportive services, and crisis planning can dramatically reduce risks to both the individual and the community. It’s crucial to remember that these behaviors are not a choice—they stem from biological and neurological changes, not moral failings.

Early recognition, treatment, and support protect everyone and help people with brain disorders lead safer, healthier lives.

📧 bmsbdac@gmail.com 🌐 brettstaples.org

Presented by the Brett M. Staples Brain Disorder Awareness Coalition

11/16/2025

Caregiving is part of the heart of NAMI.  Thank you ❤️

Throughout National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the extraordinary individuals who care for loved ones living with severe mental illness.

These caregivers navigate broken systems, confront stigma, and fight for access to compassionate, effective treatment. Their resilience, love, and advocacy provide stability and hope when the world feels overwhelming.

To every caregiver: we see you, we thank you, and we stand beside you.

Your persistence saves lives. Your compassion drives change.
The National Shattering Silence Coalition is profoundly grateful for your dedication. Together, we continue working toward a system that values treatment over neglect and ensures no caregiver stands alone.

🩵 This month and every month, we honor you.

Resources for caregivers:

https://www.nationalshatteringsilencecoalition.org/resource-guides.html

Support our mission:
https://www.nationalshatteringsilencecoalition.org/donate.html

11/16/2025

If they have insight