Stay Connected During this Challenging Time with Online Support Meetings
Parents of teens and young adults who are dealing with mental health issues may be having a more difficult time than others during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Having everyone at home may lead to more family conflicts than usual. We’re seeing depression and anxiety rates increase dramatically," says Lisa Scimens, founder of the Oakland-based non-profit Family Sanity (www.familysanity.org).
Family Sanity along with Willows in the Wind and SF Parent Support have joined together to offer weekly parent support meetings LIVE, online via zoom.com. The parent lead groups are conducted by the organizations’ leaders or trained facilitators as well as certified parent coach, Sarah MacKay Lynch.
The three groups address the support and needs of parents of teens/young adults who
struggle with suffer from anxiety/depression and mental health conditions as well as
substance abuse and school refusal.
Information about how to join the groups here
Questions? Feel free to email Lisa@familysanity.org, or call
415-309-1001.
A New Creative Way to Support Family Sanity: Dancing Artist Designs
Starting Monday, June 1, there’s a new way to express your gratitude for our organization!
You may not know that our parent support group has been primarily funded thus far by the sale of paintings created by Family Sanity Founder, Lisa Scimens. Now, she has taken things a step further by using some of the designs from her paintings to create home décor items, accessories, and more, available for purchase through her online store.
Visit the online store Dancing Artist Designs, www.dancingartistdesigns.com, and make a purchase of the original, artist-designed products and the proceeds will benefit Family Sanity.
The items are all very affordable and great for refreshing a room. Consider buying one as a present for your family or a friend, or perhaps get yourself a small gift to brighten your spirits in these continuing days of COVID-19.
Of course, you can always support Family Sanity by DONATING HERE. Either way, your support will help to keep Family Sanity going!
Tips for Helping your Teen or Young Adult during Covid-19
--Encourage your teen/young adult to keep in regular contact with his mental health providers via telephone or online appointments.
--Make sure prescriptions are filled and up to date.
--Minimize access to "news" for it can be very stressful. Consider a "news fast".
--Keep routines going: get dressed everyday, exercise.
--Engage in family activities: eat at least one meal a day together; play board games or puzzles watch movies and tv as a family; go on walks with each other.
In the News...
“Go on Medi-Cal to get that”: Why Californians With Mental Illness Are Dropping Private Insurance To Get Taxpayer-Funded Treatment"
By Jocelyn Wiener, CalMatters
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
There’s an open secret among those who care for people with serious mental illnesses.
In dozens of interviews, families, attorneys, judges, therapists and public officials agree: People with serious mental illnesses often do better dropping private insurance and qualifying for taxpayer-funded treatment.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Family Sanity Parent Support Meetings
Evening "Zoom Room" Meeting for Parents of Young Adults 18+
Support group meeting for parents of young adults (18+), facilitated by Certified Parent Coach, Sarah MacKay Lynch. Third Tuesday of the month.
Next Zoom Meeting: Tuesday, August 18 at 7:30 PM.
Daytime Support Group Meeting for Parents of 18+
For parents of teens and young adults 18+
on the first Wednesdays of the month.
Next Zoom Meeting: Wednesday, Sept. 2 at noon.
For More Information, Please Contact: Lisa@familysanity.org.
SF Parent Support Virtual Support Group
More info on groups at namisf.org.
For a link to the meeting, please RSVP to natasha@namisf.org.