Mental health conditions can affect anyone, regardless of their background or life experiences. In the case of veterans, the challenges they face during and after their service can sometimes lead to mental health issues. NAMI North Texas recognizes the unique struggles that veterans and their families endure and is committed to providing support. The mental health organization is launching its fall Homefront Program on Thursday, October 12, a six-week program aimed at addressing the specific needs of family members, caregivers, and friends of veterans who are dealing with mental health conditions. For the convenience of veterans and their families, it is offered virtually only currently. To register for the no-cost class, visit naminorthtexas.org/class-schedule.

Understanding Veterans and Mental Health

The men and women who have served in our armed forces have made immense sacrifices for our country. While their service is greatly respected and honored, it's crucial to recognize that the challenges they face, both during and after their service, can take a toll on their mental health. Common mental health issues among veterans include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

The transition from military life to civilian life can be particularly challenging. Many veterans grapple with feelings of isolation, the loss of their military support network, and difficulty adjusting to a different way of life. These challenges can sometimes lead to mental health conditions that require support and understanding from loved ones.

The Role of Caregivers and Family

Family members, caregivers, and friends play a critical role in the recovery and well-being of veterans facing mental health challenges. They often provide emotional support, help with daily tasks, and serve as a lifeline during tough times. However, caregiving for a loved one with a mental health condition can be emotionally and mentally taxing.

NAMI North Texas' Homefront Program

Recognizing the significance of supporting those who care for veterans with mental health conditions, NAMI North Texas is launching its fall Homefront classes virtually. This program, which begins on Thursday, October 12, is designed to provide valuable resources and a supportive community for family members, caregivers, and friends of veterans. With a capacity of 20-25 participants, the six-week program aims to offer an intimate and focused learning environment.

One of the standout features of the Homefront Program is that it is taught by trained family members who have personal experience caring for veterans with mental health conditions. This peer-led approach brings a unique perspective to the program, as the instructors can offer firsthand insights and empathetic guidance.

Through a series of virtual classes, participants in the Homefront Program will learn valuable skills and strategies for supporting their loved ones. Topics covered include understanding mental health conditions, effective communication techniques, crisis intervention, and self-care practices for caregivers. These resources can help caregivers better understand their loved ones' experiences and provide them with the support they need.

Supporting veterans with mental health conditions is a vital mission, and it extends beyond just the individuals who have served. Family members, caregivers, and friends play a crucial role in the recovery and well-being of veterans. NAMI North Texas' Virtual Homefront Program, starting on Thursday, October 12, provides an excellent opportunity for these caregivers to receive the guidance, education, and support they need to navigate the challenges of caring for their loved ones.

By addressing the unique needs of family members and caregivers, NAMI North Texas is making a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of both veterans and their support networks. This initiative exemplifies the importance of community organizations like NAMI in ensuring that no one faces mental health challenges alone, particularly those who have served our country.

If you are seeking support or need information on how to better manage a mental health challenge in yourself or a loved one, you are not alone. Reach out to NAMI North Texas, a chartered affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which offers outstanding peer-led programs and provides no-cost education, skills training and support in Dallas, Collin, Denton, and Rockwall counties. Visit www.naminorthtexas.org  or call 214-341-7133 for more information. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts and in need immediate of help, please call or text 988 or chat online at www.988lifeline.org.

Dallas Pride is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sherrell Cross as the organization's new executive director. With a strong background in LGBTQ+ advocacy and leadership, Cross brings experience and passion to her new role in helping Dallas Pride pursue its mission of strengthening, supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community by creating events and initiatives that foster connections between members of the community, allies and supporters.

The Dallas Pride Board of Directors is confident that Cross’s vision and leadership will help the organization reach new heights in promoting LGBTQ+ rights and fostering unity within the community.

"We are delighted to welcome Sherrell Cross as our organization’s new executive director," said Frank Holland, president of the Dallas Pride Board of Directors. "Her deep commitment to our mission and her impressive track record make her the ideal leader to guide Dallas Pride into a bright and inclusive future."

Cross comes to Dallas Pride with an impressive track record of dedication to LGBTQ+ causes. She is a tireless advocate for equality and inclusion, and has served in key leadership roles within local LGBTQ+ organizations. With Real Live Connection, Cross was the assistant executive director for six years while she helped grow the organization within Dallas Pride’s Teen Pride Zone, increasing attendance and sponsorship growth each year. Cross has also served on the leadership board of Lambda Legal, volunteered with Promise House, hosted Thanksgiving meals for Real Live Connection, and partnered with Love 2 Give to lead water drives for the homeless during summer months. Her commitment to fostering diversity and creating safe, inclusive spaces aligns perfectly with the mission of Dallas Pride.

In her role as executive director, Sherrell will oversee all aspects of Dallas Pride's operations, including event planning, community outreach and fundraising. She will work closely with the board of directors and volunteers to continue the organization's tradition of hosting vibrant and impactful Pride events that celebrate diversity and promote acceptance. 

"I am honored to lead Dallas Pride and build upon the incredible work of this organization," Cross said. "Pride is not just a celebration; it's a vital platform for advancing LGBTQ+ rights and making our community's voices heard. I am excited to work alongside our dedicated team to create memorable and meaningful Pride experiences for all."

About Dallas Pride

Dallas Pride is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening, supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community by creating events and initiatives that foster connections between members of the community, its allies and its supporters.

Follow @DallasPrideOrg on Facebook, @DallasPrideOfficial on Instagram, @DallasPrideOrg on Twitter, or via the organization’s website, www.DallasPride.org, for all the tea.

Texas Woman’s University (TWU) broke ground on a $107 million, state-of-the-art health sciences center that will expand programming and training for students seeking health-related careers, increase the number of professionals in high-demand health fields and extend critical health services to rural, underserved areas of North Texas.

The 136,000-square-foot facility is being built on seven acres adjacent to Parliament Village, a TWU residential community, and will serve students in the allied health care fields — such as nursing, physical therapy and occupational therapy — with a special emphasis on preparing students to serve in rural settings. The building will include labs, classrooms, collaborative workspaces, outdoor clinic sites and a teaching kitchen, as well as community health care clinics and training spaces for students. The building project is scheduled for completion in summer 2025, with opening set for fall 2025.

The center will serve as a hub for community and rural health efforts, which will significantly increase health care education, research and service. The center also will spur collaborative programming among the university’s five colleges, with a specific goal to graduate 30% more nursing and health care professionals and support the state’s plan to produce more health professionals.

“This new facility will bring students and faculty from different professional perspectives together in spaces, labs and clinics specifically designed for collaboration and team building,” said Texas Woman’s Chancellor Carine Feyten. “This innovative educational experience will produce workforce-ready professionals who have a grounding in a patient-centered, whole-person approach to health and healing in a field not only desperate for more professionals but transformational leaders.”

The university also launched the public phase of a historic $125 million fundraising campaign, Dream Big, which will support TWU’s continued growth and leadership development in health and life sciences, financial and business services, entrepreneurship, technology and aviation. The campaign, scheduled to end in conjunction with the university’s 125th anniversary in 2026, is the university’s first-ever comprehensive fundraising effort.

To date, the university has raised more than $103 million in support of the campaign's three-pronged approach that will open doors of opportunity for students to fuel innovation and change, and cultivate and nurture leadership development.

“For decades, Texas Woman’s University has been a leader in producing graduates to meet the state’s high-demand workforce needs, and this new center will be a game changer for the overall health of North Texas,” said Stacie McDavid, chair of the TWU System Board of Regents. “Indeed, we are dreaming big, and our aim is to provide more healthcare opportunities for Texans, and to keep the state thriving and prosperous.”
With campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston, Texas Woman’s, the nation’s largest woman-focused university system, is committed to transformational learning, leadership development, service, discovery, and health and wellbeing in an inclusive environment. The university has built a reputation on its contributions in nursing, education, the healthcare professions, the arts and sciences, and business.

For more information, visit dreambig.twu.edu or connect with Texas Woman’s University on Facebook @TexasWomansUniversity, Instagram @txwomans, Twitter @txwomans, and LinkedIn @texaswomansuniversity . #DreamBigTWU, #TWU125

September is a month that holds significance for various reasons, from the changing seasons to cultural celebrations. However, it also serves as a time to shed light on a matter of utmost importance: suicide prevention. National Suicide Prevention Month, observed in September, aims to raise awareness about the critical issue of suicide and mental health, while emphasizing the vital role that organizations like NAMI North Texas play in offering support, education, and hope to individuals and families affected by mental health challenges.

Understanding the Crisis and the Warning Signs

Suicide is a global public health concern, claiming the lives of more than 800,000 individuals every year, according to the World Health Organization. The impact of suicide extends far beyond those who lose their lives; it leaves a lasting emotional toll on families, friends, and communities. By reaching out for help or checking in with family and friends, we can avoid devastating outcomes.

Recognizing signs of suicide is essential. Watch for expressions of hopelessness, increased drug and alcohol use, talking about being a burden, withdrawal from family and friends, impulsive and reckless behavior, and dramatic mood shifts. If someone shows these signs, it's time to worry. NAMI advises approaching them with empathy and openness. Choose a private setting, express your concern non-judgmentally, and listen actively. Ask direct questions about their feelings and offer reassurance. Encourage professional help, assist in finding resources, and stay connected.

Like any other health emergency, it’s important to address a mental health crisis like suicide quickly and effectively. Unlike other health emergencies, mental health crises don’t have instructions or resources on how to help or what to expect (like the Heimlich Maneuver or CPR). To help address the need, NAMI created Navigating a Mental Health Crisis: A NAMI Resource Guide for Those Experiencing a Mental Health Emergency, so people experiencing mental health emergencies and their loved ones can have the answers and information they need when they need it. Your support can make a difference in their journey to recovery.

National Suicide Prevention Month is a time to honor those who have been affected by suicide, as well as a platform to promote awareness, prevention, and support. The observance serves as a call to action, urging individuals, communities, and organizations to work collectively to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and to foster an environment of empathy, understanding, and hope.

NAMI North Texas’ Crucial Role

NAMI North Texas stands as a beacon of hope for individuals and families grappling with mental health challenges. Incorporated in 1982, NAMI North Texas has dedicated itself to providing support, raising awareness, and advocating for policies that prioritize mental health. Through education, advocacy, and a network of local chapters, NAMI has made substantial strides in reducing stigma and ensuring that mental health concerns are treated with the same importance as physical health.

One of NAMI's most significant achievements is its unwavering commitment to reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues. The organization actively promotes conversations that dispel myths, encourage empathy, and create an environment where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength rather than weakness. This approach aligns perfectly with the spirit of National Suicide Prevention Month, where honest discussions are essential to saving lives.

NAMI North Texas offers an extensive range of resources that empower individuals to take control of their mental health journey. From educational programs and support groups to helplines and crisis intervention, NAMI's offerings ensure that no one has to face mental health challenges alone. By fostering a sense of community, NAMI gives individuals and their loved ones the tools they need to navigate their struggles and seek help when necessary.

How You Can Get Involved

During National Suicide Prevention Month, there are numerous ways you can participate in raising awareness and promoting mental health:

1. Educate Yourself: Learn about the signs of mental distress and how to support those in need.
2. Start Conversations: Initiate discussions about mental health with friends, family, and colleagues to break down stigma.
3. Support Organizations: Contribute to and volunteer with organizations like NAMI North Texas that are dedicated to mental health advocacy and support.
4. Share Resources: Spread the word about available resources for those struggling with mental health challenges.

Remember, a small act of kindness, a listening ear, or a shared story of hope can make an immeasurable difference in someone's life.

If you are seeking support or need information on how to better manage a mental health challenge in yourself or a loved one, you are not alone. Reach out to NAMI North Texas, a chartered affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which offers outstanding peer-led programs and provides no-cost education, skills training and support in Dallas, Collin, Denton, and Rockwall counties. Visit www.naminorthtexas.org  or call 214-341-7133 for more information. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts and in need immediate of help, please call or text 988 or chat online at www.988lifeline.org.

In a fast-paced world full of daily challenges and stressors, it's easy to lose sight of the most critical aspect of our lives: our well-being. National Wellness Month, celebrated every August, serves as a timely reminder to prioritize self-care and mental health. In this busy modern era, where the pursuit of success and productivity often overshadows personal well-being, taking a step back to focus on self-care and mental health is not only essential but also vital for leading a fulfilling life.

The Concept of National Wellness Month:

National Wellness Month was established to create awareness and promote overall wellness across various dimensions of life - physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual. It aims to empower individuals to make positive changes in their lives, leading to improved health and well-being. This month-long observance encourages people to reflect on their habits, set achievable goals, and adopt healthy practices that contribute to a more balanced lifestyle.

Prioritizing Self-Care:

Self-care is the foundation of a healthy and happy life. It involves consciously engaging in activities that promote well-being and reduce stress. In our relentless pursuit of success and accomplishments, we often neglect our own needs, leading to burnout and physical and mental health issues. National Wellness Month encourages us to take a step back and invest time in self-care activities, such as regular exercise, sufficient sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in hobbies that bring joy.

Mental Health Matters:

In recent years, the importance of mental health has gained widespread recognition. National Wellness Month plays a crucial role in destigmatizing mental health issues and advocating for open discussions about mental well-being. Taking care of our mental health is as essential as looking after our physical health. It involves acknowledging and expressing emotions, seeking help when needed, and maintaining a positive mindset.

The Impact of Self-Care on Mental Health:

Self-care and mental health are intricately connected. When we neglect self-care, our mental health can suffer, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of overwhelm. Engaging in self-care practices not only provides an opportunity to relax and recharge but also improves our resilience and coping mechanisms when faced with challenges. Whether it's practicing mindfulness, spending time in nature, or simply engaging in activities we enjoy, these practices have a profound impact on our mental well-being.

Strategies for Enhancing Mental Health:

During National Wellness Month, it is essential to explore and implement strategies that enhance mental health and well-being:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote overall emotional well-being.

2. Physical Activity: Regular exercise releases endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones, which can significantly improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

3. Social Connections: Building and nurturing positive relationships with family, friends, and community members can provide a strong support system during difficult times.

4. Time Management: Effectively managing time and setting realistic goals can alleviate stress and prevent burnout.

5. Professional Support: Seeking help from mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, can be immensely beneficial in addressing mental health concerns.

National Wellness Month reminds us that self-care and mental health should be an ongoing priority, not just a fleeting focus. By embracing self-care practices and actively nurturing our mental well-being, we equip ourselves to lead more fulfilling lives, enhance our overall resilience, and effectively cope with life's inevitable challenges. Let us use this month as a springboard to build habits that promote wellness in every aspect of our lives, ensuring that self-care and mental health remain at the forefront throughout the year and beyond.

If you are seeking support or need information on how to better manage a mental health challenge in yourself or a loved one, you are not alone. Reach out to NAMI North Texas, a chartered affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), which offers  outstanding peer-led programs provide free education, skills training and support in Dallas, Collin, Denton, and Rockwall counties. Visit www.naminorthtexas.org  or call 214-341-7133 for more information.