Blog
NAMI Contra Costa’s blog showcases written work by volunteers, interns, and community members. NAMI CC does not treat any of the articles written as official health or medical advice or information from either NAMI Contra Costa, NAMI California, or NAMI. All information written by the author, indicated as “written by,” are the author’s thoughts and opinions and is not representative of NAMI Contra Costa’s official stance on any topic. For official, health, or medical advice, please see your provider.
May 13th – Mental Health Minutes With Gigi
Watch day 13’s video from our limited run series, Mental Health Minutes With Gigi. Today, Gigi talks about her own journey into supporting and advocating for those with mental health challenges. Can you guess what Gigi’s early career was and how she ended up in her current position? Watch to find out!
May 12th – Mental Health Minutes With Gigi
Welcome to day 12 of our limited run series, Mental Health Minutes With Gigi. In this video, Gigi addresses the unique challenges of youth mental health, including rising rates of youth suicide, and the ways we can support young people, such as providing safe, non-judgmental spaces where they can connect and find support, and NAMI…
May 11th – Mental Health Minutes With Gigi
Welcome to day 11 of our limited run series, Mental Health Minutes With Gigi. In this video, Gigi discusses how the NAMI Basics program supports families with children under 18 experiencing symptoms of mental illness.
May 10th – Mental Health Minutes With Gigi
Welcome to day 10 of our limited run series, Mental Health Minutes With Gigi. In this video, Gigi shares about the mission and scope of NAMI Contra Costa and the programs we offer to support families and peers, including the NAMI Family to Family and Peer to Peer Programs.
May 9th – Mental Health Minutes With Gigi
Welcome to day 9 of our limited run series, Mental Health Minutes With Gigi. In this video, Gigi speaks about the limitations of standardized systems and how cultural brokers, spirituality, and advocacy for inclusive, holistic treatment plans and psychiatric assessments and how NAMI Contra Costa supports individuals across the above mentioned domains.
May 8th – Mental Health Minutes With Gigi
Welcome to day 8 of our limited run series, Mental Health Minutes With Gigi. In this video, Gigi talks about the importance, history, and actions that NAMI CC is taking to promote mental health awareness and social justice advocacy, including the symbolism of the green and black ribbon we proudly display everywhere.
May 7th – Mental Health Minutes With Gigi
Welcome to day 7 of our limited run series, Mental Health Minutes With Gigi. In this 5-minute video, Gigi discusses the expansions needed to existing legislation, such as SB 43 and 5150 codes, to better support individuals with mental illness.
May 6th – Mental Health Matters With Gigi
Welcome to day 6 of our limited run series, Mental Health Matters With Gigi. In this short video, Gigi addresses the challenges of navigating service access, particularly for those with mental illness and those over the age of 26 and the barriers to receiving coordinated care. Gigi also talks about the unique role that NAMI…
May 5th – Mental Health Minutes With Gigi
Welcome to day 5 of our limited run series, Mental Health Minutes With Gigi. In this video, Gigi speaks about the benefits and limitations of “standardized” treatment approaches, systemic challenges, and the future of community-defined approaches as a part of a holistic care plan for culturally and ethnically diverse populations.
May 4th – Mental Health Minutes With Gigi
Welcome to day 4 of our limited run series, Mental Health Minutes With Gigi. In this video, Gigi discusses the intersection of mental health and housing and its centrality to supporting recovery-focused care for individuals who are unsheltered and struggling with severe mental illness. Additionally, Gigi talks about the benefits and limitations of CARE Court…
May 3rd – Mental Health Minutes With Gigi
Welcome to day 3 of our limited run series, Mental Health Minutes with Gigi. In this video, Gigi talks about the importance of diagnosing and treating mental health conditions early and supporting families who are often in cycles of crisis. These types of interventions are especially supportive for transitional age youth who are vulnerable to…
May 2nd – Mental Health Matters With Gigi
Welcome to day 2 of our limited run series, Mental Health Minutes with Gigi. In this video, Gigi discusses the importance of understanding and de-stigmatizing bipolar disorders so that individuals with this condition can receive appropriate treatment early.