I am a life preserver. I remember standing on the edge to the abyss alone. As my feet carefully slide along the edge, I see one. When this one agrees, I reach out with my emotional arm, grasp their elbow, and we lock arms. Together we inch our way back and down. Once on safe … Continue reading The Life Preserver by King Jesus
Author: Danei Edelen
Danei Edelen is a wife, mother, artist-in-residence at Edelen Acres, executive director of NAMI Northern Kentucky, and columnist for the Northern Kentucky Tribune. Danei won the 2020 Ohio News Media award for her original column related to mental health. Danei has 20 years of marketing experience working for technology companies like NCR, Nortel Networks, and Amdocs. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from Malone University and a Certificate in Market Research from Northern Kentucky University.
Why I work for NAMI
"Your journey, Danei, has been nothing short of miraculous."
The Next Chapter
"Praise God, we made it to here," I say as I kiss my husband thank you for my morning coffee at our beloved Edelen Acres.
Crabapple in bloom
Joey Herdina is one of the least of these. He need a new home in Northern Kentucky after the death of his father, Stephen.
“Everyman” Cliff Bauman publishes his 911 story
Like everyone on 911, I will always remember where I was when we watched the first tower fall. I was at Edelen Acres doing a training via Webex for someone on China, I believe. My husband, Dan called me to the basement to watch the first tower fall. We were all in shock. I was … Continue reading “Everyman” Cliff Bauman publishes his 911 story
Remembrance
By Danei Edelen Charles wasn’t the first person to speak up when entering a room, but often times he was the last to leave, ensuring everyone had a listening ear. One of the things I love about being a NAMI presenter, is that you get to hear the other presenters’ stories. When Charles and I … Continue reading Remembrance
Celebrating Life
By Danei Edelen Nothing says spring like the feeling of fresh air blowing through our house on a warm spring day like the afternoon after the Georgetown Community Day at Georgetown Elementary. After two years of isolation, I think everyone was looking for an excuse to get out of the house and be around people … Continue reading Celebrating Life
Finding your tribe
Like everyone, Russia's invasion of the Ukraine horrified me. Heartbreaking pictures of families fleeing for their lives, shattered my perception of our fragile façade of civility. Suddenly, I felt shells going off inside my weary soul. “Not again,” my heart cried. As the tanks roll across the landscape of the Ukraine, our fragile emotional worlds … Continue reading Finding your tribe
Why stigma is lethal
The first-time suicide impacted me directly was when a friend of mine took his life. As a kid, he always cracked jokes and pulled pranks, and I got to watch him grow into a wonderful, dedicated man. I can still remember standing at work, wearing my green suit, when I heard the news. I was … Continue reading Why stigma is lethal
Unpacking depression
“I was told, ‘If you are depressed, you have no excuse’” my friend, who battles depression, said to me recently. “That is just mental illness stigma,” I replied. What is mental health stigma? Mental health stigma refers to societal disapproval, or when society places shame on people who live with a mental illness or seek … Continue reading Unpacking depression
Mental Health Warrior 