Press Releases

Why Routines Produce Good Habits

Summertime offers a free flowing approach to the long summer days for families with children. Challenges may also arise for parents who struggle with extended daycare, the additional expense of meals, and occupying their children’s time. By the time August rolls around, we welcome the routines set at the beginning of a school year. Not […]

Understanding Severe Mental Illness to Rebuild Lives

On July 6, The Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act was passed in the House of Representative. The bill will help to address gaps in the nation’s mental health system by providing more hospital beds for people living with a mental illness who will need short-term hospitalization. Introduced by Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA), a […]

Changing the perception of mental illness

Raised in nearby Pacoima, Luis Cervantes knows too well the needs of the community. So when he was approached in 2013 to join the El Centro de Amistad board of directors, he recognized this was an opportunity to alter the way people perceive mental illness and “to destigmatize the community that we serve,” Luis says, […]

5 tips to tackle mental illness

Here are five tips to tackle mental illness: 1. Figure out what lifts your spirits and make a list you can refer to when you start to feel down. Some things you might include: funny websites, movies that make you laugh, looking at pictures of good times, playing with a pet, taking a bath, hiking, […]

Life with a Mental Illness—Through someone’s eyes

“An overwhelming sense of sadness about life and about all that you are and all you do.” “All you want is to go home and just curl up and fall asleep forever.” “Being constantly aware of every single sound, sight, smell, taste, and texture.” “You have no inhibitions, and consequences don’t apply to what you […]