NAMI Temecula Valley Monthly Speaker Meeting

Winter Mental Health 101: Recognizing the Signs, Responding to Crisis & Protecting Your Mental Health

This presentation, “Winter Mental Health 101: Recognizing the Signs, Navigating Crisis & Protecting Your Mental Health,” will provide practical guidance for recognizing when someone may be struggling with their mental health and understanding how to respond with compassion and support. The discussion will explore ways parents, caregivers, and loved ones can de-escalate difficult situations, communicate effectively during a mental health crisis, and recognize when professional or additional support may be needed. The presentation will also address Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the impact that shorter days, reduced sunlight, and the winter season can have on mental well-being, along with practical strategies for maintaining mental health throughout the colder, darker months.

About the Speaker

Danielle Paisley is a UCLA nursing alumna, mental health advocate, speaker, and 2026 NAMI National Young Leader of the Year award recipient. Her work focuses on suicide prevention, mental health education, and reducing stigma among young people and families. She has helped lead mental health initiatives at UCLA in collaboration with campus leaders, psychiatric clinicians, and community organizations, and has experience across child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric psychiatric settings. Danielle is passionate about helping individuals and families recognize signs of mental health distress, respond compassionately during difficult moments, and feel more confident connecting with appropriate support and resources.