The National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) California State Conference provided inspiration, helpful advice, updates from mental health leaders and much more.

TMS was there to learn what leaders in mental health are working on. We pride ourselves in keeping updated on innovations and initiatives in Orange County and across the state. NAMI is an excellent organization whose mission is to educate, support, advocare, listen and lead to improve the lives of people with mental illness and their loved ones.  NAMI Orange County (namioc.org) If you ever need to reach out for support for a non-emergency call, they provide classes, resources, and more.

A Better Way TMS wanted to share some of the inspirational stories shared by speakers like Percy Miller aka Master P who is a rapper, record executive, actor and entrepreneur. As a child, he lived in poverty in the projects in New Orleans and heard negative comments through his childhood. He carried his basketball with him and dribbled and practiced every moment he could. People told him he wasn’t going to make it to college or the NBA, but he did. Injury set him back and he didn’t want to return home without success. He persevered found a way to build his empire and became a father to 9 children.  He shared that it’s important to focus on what you have and not what you don’t have. Be thankful for what you have and don’t look across the street at the neighbors. Start talking about positive thoughts and focus on that.

After losing his daughter to an accidental drug overdose in May 2022, he shared that he couldn’t help his daughter, but he swore to help others. His faith and communicating helps him. He said, “Talk about it.  Sometimes you gotta let it go to be able to move on.” He had been dealing with his daughter’s substance abuse for over 9 years and was afraid to talk about it. “Don’t let it destroy your life and blow up and when it’s too late then you beat yourself up. Start communicating and tell people you love them when they walk out the door”,  was one of many pearls of wisdom he shared. His experience, insight and inspiration had the audience nodding their heads, ahhing, clapping and sometimes shouting “Amen!”. He asked us to think what would happen if one person holds out their hand to someone that needs help, imagine the change that can happen. He challenged us to be that change in the world.

A funny short film, “Bug Therapy” was played and we all laughed and identified with the characters. The story is about a mosquito who faints at the sight of blood, trying to get the  courage to attend group therapy, led by Dr. Pill (McGraw), to overcome her phobia. She learns that everyone faces mental health struggles Bug Therapy (Short 2021) – IMDb The writers, Michael Jann and Michele Jourdan shared some insight into the making of this short film and the dedication, meeting after meeting with studio executives and  fundraising it takes to get a project to completion. It takes about $10,000 per minute to produce. Michael Jann shared about an alarming late night call from his son that led him to call NAMI hotline. The person on the phone at 3 a.m. helped him process the situation and gave him resources to begin supporting his son’s mental illness challenges.

A Better Way TMS is here to help whether you are feeling sad, depressed or anxious. Talking to a medical professional who specializes in mental health is a great first step. We can be part of your community of people who help you feel better. Remember it’s okay not to feel okay so call and schedule your free consultation and let’s start talking.