NAMI Ruston

04/23/2026

🧠 Day 10: Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder is more than shyness—it’s an intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social situations.

🔍 What are the symptoms?
• Fear of speaking or performing in front of others
• Avoiding social situations or interactions
• Rapid heartbeat, sweating, or trembling in social settings
• Overthinking social interactions afterward
• Low self-confidence
• Fear of being judged or embarrassed

⚠️ What causes Social Anxiety Disorder?
It can develop from a mix of factors:
• Genetics and family history
• Brain sensitivity to stress and fear
• Negative social experiences (bullying, embarrassment)
• Learned behaviors over time

💡 Treatment options
The good news—Social Anxiety is treatable:
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Exposure therapy (gradual facing of fears)
• Medications (if needed, prescribed by a doctor)
• Social skills training and support groups
• Relaxation techniques (deep breathing, mindfulness)

💬 You’re not alone.
Facing social anxiety takes courage, and help is available. Small steps can lead to big progress.

04/22/2026

04/22/2026

🧠 Day 9: Understanding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects focus, impulse control, and activity levels. It’s not just a childhood condition—many adults live with ADHD too.

🔍 What are the symptoms?
• Difficulty paying attention or staying focused
• Easily distracted or forgetful
• Impulsivity (acting without thinking)
• Restlessness or constant movement
• Trouble organizing tasks or managing time
• Frequently losing items

⚠️ What causes ADHD?
ADHD develops from a combination of factors:
• Genetics and family history
• Brain structure and function differences
• Environmental factors (prenatal exposure, early development)

💡 Treatment options
The good news—ADHD is manageable:
• Behavioral therapy and coaching
• Medications (as prescribed by a doctor)
• Structure, routines, and organization tools
• Lifestyle habits (exercise, sleep, healthy diet)

💬 You’re not alone.
With the right support, individuals with ADHD can thrive and succeed in many areas of life.

04/22/2026

🌟 **Now Accepting Applications & Nominations: Executive Director (Volunteer Position)** 🌟

Are you passionate about mental health advocacy and ready to lead with purpose? We are seeking a dedicated **Executive Director** to help guide our organization in partnership with our Board President and Board of Directors.

✨ **About Us:**
We are a 39-year-old nonprofit mental health organization committed to making a difference through:
• Education
• Support
• Advocacy
• Public awareness

💼 **Position Details:**
This is an **unpaid, volunteer leadership role** ideal for someone driven by impact, community service, and advancing mental health initiatives.

📩 **Interested or have questions?**
You can apply, nominate someone, or request more information by contacting:

**Jeannetta Stephens-Jones, Ed.D.**
Board Director
jjones_aka@yahoo.com

**Jerrilene Washington, Ed.D.**
Executive Director washington.jerrilene1922@gmail.com

Join us in continuing a legacy of service and advocacy in mental health. Your leadership could make a lasting impact! 💙

04/21/2026

🧠 Day 8: Understanding Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental health disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is often misunderstood, but with the right support and treatment, individuals can manage symptoms and live meaningful lives.

🔍 What are the symptoms?
• Hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren’t there)
• Delusions (strong false beliefs)
• Disorganized thinking or speech
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Lack of motivation or reduced emotional expression
• Social withdrawal

⚠️ What causes Schizophrenia?
There is no single cause, but several factors may contribute:
• Genetics and family history
• Brain chemistry and structure differences
• Environmental factors (stress, trauma, substance use)
• Complications during pregnancy or birth
💡 Treatment options

The good news—Schizophrenia is manageable with proper care:
• Antipsychotic medications (prescribed by a doctor)
• Therapy and psychosocial support
• Case management and community support programs
• Life skills training and rehabilitation
• Support from family and caregivers

💬 You’re not alone.
With treatment and support, recovery is possible. Understanding and compassion can make a powerful difference.

04/20/2026

Day 7: 🧠 Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is more than just being neat or organized. It involves unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors that can interfere with daily life.

🔍 What are the symptoms?
• Intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions)
• Repetitive behaviors or rituals (compulsions) like excessive cleaning, checking, or counting
• Fear of contamination or harm
• Need for symmetry or things to feel “just right”
• Difficulty controlling thoughts or urges
• Anxiety if rituals are not completed

⚠️ What causes OCD?
There is no single cause, but contributing factors may include:
• Genetics or family history
• Brain structure and chemical imbalances
• Stressful or traumatic life events
• Learned behaviors over time

💡 Treatment options
The good news—OCD is treatable:
• Therapy (especially Exposure and Response Prevention – ERP)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Medications (such as SSRIs, prescribed by a doctor)
• Stress management techniques (mindfulness, relaxation exercises)
• Support groups and education

💬 You’re not alone.
OCD is manageable, and help is available. Seeking support is a strong and important step toward recovery.

04/20/2026

04/19/2026

Day 6: 🧠 Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It’s more than just stress—it can deeply impact daily life, emotions, and relationships.

🔍 What are the symptoms?
• Flashbacks or reliving the traumatic event
• Nightmares or trouble sleeping
• Avoiding places, people, or memories tied to the trauma
• Feeling on edge or easily startled
• Irritability or anger outbursts
• Emotional numbness or feeling disconnected

⚠️ What causes PTSD?
PTSD can result from experiencing or witnessing:
• Military combat or violence
• Physical or sexual assault
• Serious accidents or injuries
• Natural disasters (hurricanes, floods, etc.)
• Sudden loss of a loved one

💡 Treatment options
The good news—PTSD is treatable:
• Therapy (like trauma-focused therapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
• Medications (as prescribed by a healthcare provider)
• Support groups and peer support
• Stress management techniques (deep breathing, grounding, mindfulness)
• Healthy routines (sleep, exercise, and self-care)

💬 You’re not alone.
Healing takes time, but help is available. Reaching out is a powerful step toward recovery.

04/19/2026

Day 5: 🧠 Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is more than just everyday stress or worry. It involves persistent, excessive anxiety that can interfere with daily life.

🔍 What are the symptoms?
• Constant worrying or feeling on edge
• Difficulty concentrating
• Restlessness or feeling “keyed up”
• Trouble sleeping
• Muscle tension
• Fatigue or low energy

⚠️ What causes GAD?
There isn’t just one cause—GAD can develop from a mix of factors:
• Genetics (family history of anxiety)
• Brain chemistry and imbalances
• Stressful or traumatic life experiences
• Personality traits (like being highly sensitive or perfectionistic)

💡 Treatment options
The good news—GAD is treatable:
• Therapy (like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
• Medications (as prescribed by a doctor)
• Stress management techniques (exercise, deep breathing, mindfulness)
• Healthy lifestyle habits (sleep, nutrition, routine)

💬 You’re not alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out for help is a strong and important first step.

04/17/2026

🌟 Lincoln Parish Senior Expo 2026 Recap 🌟

What an amazing time at Senior Expo 2026! 🎉 It was a wonderful opportunity to connect, support, and uplift our community—especially our seniors 💙

A special THANK YOU to Dr. Jeanetta Jones and Mrs.Denise Grigsby for your incredible participation 🙌 Your dedication to promoting mental health education made a meaningful impact on so many lives 🧠✨

Because of leaders like you, we continue to break the stigma and spread awareness where it matters most 💪💙

04/17/2026

Day 4: Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is more than everyday stress or worry. It is a mental health condition characterized by persistent and excessive anxiety about various aspects of life, such as work, health, relationships, or daily responsibilities—even when there is little or no reason to worry.

Individuals with GAD often experience:
Constant worrying or overthinking
Difficulty controlling anxious thoughts
Restlessness or feeling “on edge”
Fatigue and trouble concentrating
Muscle tension and sleep problems
What makes GAD challenging is that the anxiety is ongoing and can interfere with daily functioning. Many people may not even realize they have it because the worry can feel “normal” to them.

The good news is that GAD is treatable. Common treatment options include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Medication prescribed by a healthcare provider
Stress management techniques such as mindfulness and exercise
Raising awareness about GAD is important.

Mental health matters just as much as physical health, and seeking help is a strong and positive step—not a weakness.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out to a mental health professional can make a meaningful difference.

04/15/2026

Day 3: Understanding Schizoaffective Disorder

Schizoaffective disorder is a complex mental health condition that combines sSchizoaffective disorder is a complex mental health condition that combines symptoms of schizophrenia (like hallucinations or delusions) with mood disorder symptoms such as depression or mania. This means a person may experience shifts in mood alongside changes in how they think, perceive reality, or process information.

Treatment is possible, and many people manage their symptoms with the right support. It often includes a combination of medication (such as antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, or antidepressants), therapy to build coping strategies, and a strong support system. Lifestyle habits like consistent sleep, stress management, and routine can also make a big difference.

Living with schizoaffective disorder can be challenging, but with proper care and understanding, people can lead meaningful, stable, and fulfilling lives. You are more than a diagnosis—and help is always available. 💚