NAMI Ramsey County

11/19/2025

**Embracing Mental Health and Wellness: A Holistic Approach**

In today's fast-paced world, mental health and wellness have become increasingly important topics of discussion. Prioritizing our mental well-being is essential for leading a balanced and fulfilling life. Here are some key aspects to consider when focusing on mental health:

1. **Understanding Mental Health**: Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and it plays a crucial role in how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

2. **The Importance of Self-Care**: Self-care is not just a buzzword; it is vital for maintaining mental wellness. Engaging in activities that bring joy, relaxation, and fulfillment can significantly improve mental health. This might include exercise, meditation, journaling, or simply spending time in nature.

3. **Building Strong Connections**: Social support is a cornerstone of mental health. Surrounding ourselves with supportive friends and family can provide a sense of belonging and acceptance. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when needed; talking about your feelings can be incredibly therapeutic.

4. **Mindfulness and Stress Management**: Practicing mindfulness can help reduce anxiety and improve overall mental well-being. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can enhance our ability to cope with stress and promote a sense of calm.

5. **Seeking Professional Help**: There’s no shame in seeking help from a mental health professional. Therapy can provide valuable insights and coping strategies tailored to individual needs. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

6. **Creating Healthy Routines**: Establishing a daily routine that includes time for work, leisure, and self-care can provide structure and predictability. Balance is key; allow yourself time to recharge and engage in activities that nourish your soul.

7. **Educating Ourselves and Others**: Breaking the stigma surrounding mental health is crucial. Educating ourselves about mental health issues can foster empathy and understanding. Share your knowledge and experiences to help create a supportive environment for those struggling.

By prioritizing mental health and wellness, we can cultivate resilience, enhance our quality of life, and support those around us. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Let's create a culture that values and supports mental wellness for everyone.

11/06/2025

🌟 Join Us for NAMI Smarts for Advocacy Training! 🌟

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us for NAMI Smarts for Advocacy, our annual advocacy training designed to empower you in your advocacy journey!

🗓 Date: November 22
🕐 Time: 1 PM - 5 PM📍
Location: NAMI Minnesota Office
Address: 1919 University Ave W., St. Paul, MN 55104This Year’s Format:

Hybrid Training: Choose to join us in person or participate online from the comfort of your home!

What You'll Learn:
Participants will engage in four dynamic modules that cover:
Telling Your Story: Learn how to share your personal experiences effectively.

The History of the Mental Health System: Understand the evolution of mental health advocacy.

The Legislative Process: Gain insights into how laws are made and how you can influence change.
Contacting Your Policymaker: Discover effective strategies for reaching out to those in power.

Why Attend?

Empower Yourself: Gain valuable skills to advocate for mental health issues.
Connect with Others: Network with fellow advocates who share your passion.
Make an Impact: Equip yourself with the tools to bring about meaningful change in your community.

Don’t miss this opportunity to become a more effective advocate!🔗 Register now and secure your spot!For more information, visit our website or contact us at [contact information].We can’t wait to see you there! 💚

Register here to attend online.

Join us for this hybrid class to learn the basics of legislative advocacy and how to use your story to make change. Participants will work through four modules including how to tell your story, the history of the mental health system, the legislative process, and how to contact your policymaker.

11/06/2025

NAMI Smarts for Advocacy

Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (CT)
NAMI Minnesota • Saint Paul, MN

Join us for this hybrid class to learn the basics of legislative advocacy and how to use your story to make change.

11/05/2025

“A New Era in Clozapine Management” is a comprehensive training series to support safe, confident, and effective clozapine prescribing in the post-REMS era.

11/03/2025

10/02/2025

Upcoming Classes

New Classes added daily, check here
https://namimn.org/education-and-public-awareness/classes/https-namimn-org-education-and-public-awareness-classes-all-scheduled-classes/

For questions about accessibility or to request accommodations, please contact the Workshop Coordinator at workshopreg@namimn.org or 651-645-2948. At least one week advance notice of need for accommodations is helpful.

Those who are interested in becoming a Family-to-Family leader must have taken the Family-to-Family course first. There are three classes available online

10/01/2025

A Legacy of Hope: Honoring Sue Abderholden’s Retirement NAMI Minnesota recently honored Sue Abderholden with A Legacy of Hope at the Wilder Foundation, celebrating her 24 years of transformative leadership as Executive Director. The evening featured heartfelt tributes from Governor Tim Walz, colleagues, and family, highlighting Sue's tireless advocacy and lasting impact on Minnesota's mental health system. The celebration closed with gratitude and applause, along with an invitation for supporters to carry Sue's legacy forward by contributing to NAMI Minnesota's endowment and general fund:

Donate in Sue's honor to the NAMI Minnesota Endowment Fund https://www.pledge.to/sue-s-retirement-party-endowment-fund
Donate in Sue's honor to the GENERAL FUNDhttps://www.pledge.to/sue-abderholden-legacy-of-hope-general-fund

09/30/2025

Stop Linking Mental Illnesses to Violence: Lawmakers Should Focus on Facts, Not Fear In the wake of recent tragedies, some Minnesota lawmakers are turning the conversation toward mental health or addressing access to guns. But as Sue Abderholden, Executive Director of NAMI Minnesota, warns, linking mental illness to violence is misleading and harmful. Research shows that most people living with mental illnesses are not violent, and scapegoating them only fuels discrimination while ignoring real solutions. In a recent Start Tribune article, Sue is urging legislators to focus on evidence-based policies, from strengthening red flag laws to expanding mental health support, without equating mental illnesses with mass shootings.

Find all mentions of NAMI Minnesota in the news here https://namimn.org/advocacy-and-laws/nami-in-the-news/

Mentions of NAMI Minnesota in the news: Marcus Schmit named executive director of NAMI Minnesota September-24-2025 Pioneer Press Minnesota Hospital

09/29/2025

Donate or Host a Fundraiser

Please donate now to help us keep NAMI Minnesota programs free and accessible. You can text NAMIMN to 707070 or click below Donate or Host a Fundraiser

Are you interested in holding an event or having a fundraiser for NAMI Minnesota but need help? Call 651-645-2948, Ext: 104, or email directorofdevelopment@namimn.org.

Donate and Support NAMI Minnesota! A majority of NAMI Minnesota's budget comes from individual donations.

09/28/2025

Let’s Talk About Su***de

Let’s replace silence with support, discrimination with compassion, and fear with hope. It's time to stop shaming people and being dismissive of others' feelings. Everyone deserves to be heard and understood.

Remember, by fostering an environment of support and empathy, we can make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling. Together, we can create a safe space for open conversations about mental health and su***de prevention.

09/28/2025

Join a NAMI Minnesota Support Group

New facilitators are being trained to deliver NAMI Minnesota Support Groups for people living with a mental illness and their families. Watch the website for new groups!

Want to learn more? Watch this video
https://www.nami.org/video-resource-library/nami-support-groups-a-safe-space/

09/27/2025

We are in 9th place of 189 teams! Help push is up in the leader board. The walk is today and mental health advocacy needs your support now more than ever!

https://www.namiwalks.org/teams/75621/donate