Mental Health and Stressors: Navigating Community Resources with NAMI

  

Do you or someone you know struggle with mental illness? Moreso, if you or someone you know does, do you know what resources are immediately available to you in your local community? If you don't, places like NAMI can help for free. NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the largest grassroot's mental health organization in the United States. A strong proponent of mental health advocacy and destigmatizing mental illness, NAMI's vision is, "A world where all people affected by mental illness live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by a community that cares."

In order to accomplish their hefty goals, NAMI focuses on several areas of involvement:

Education: 

In order to begin breaking down the barriers of mental health and stigma, NAMI focuses on educating local communities through local affiliates. These affiliates are equipped with volunteers and workers who all have lived experience with mental illness. They offer multiple classes, depending on what stressors or barriers you may be facing.

Advocacy:

Perhaps most important in effecting change in our day-to-day life are the policies that shape the care we receive. NAMI uses theirinfluence and large network of volunteers to help shape Public Policy and make it more inclusive for those who struggle with mental illness. Some examples of public policies that NAMI advocates for include:                    

• Affordable and comprehensive healthcare coverage for all people with mental health conditions
• Access to supports that promote wellness
• Incarcerated individuals deserving equal access to quality mental health treatment
• Promoting greater awareness of early identification of mental health conditions
• Public policy should be guided by credible, evidence-based research   
• No one should be subject to practices that can cause or worsen mental health symptoms

Communication:

To ensure that local communities are aware of the resources available to them, NAMI's toll-free HelpLine is open Monday through Friday, 10am to 10pm EST at 1-800-950-6264

Per their website, The NAMI HelpLine is a free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals, and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers, and the public. HelpLine staff and volunteers are experienced, well-trained, and able to provide guidance.   

• They understand, many from their own experiences, listen and offer support.
• They are informed on NAMI Programs, NAMI Support Groups, and how to locate your local NAMI Affiliate.
• They are trained to help identify the best resource options for your individual concern.
• They are knowledgeable and a source of accurate information about relevant topics.
• They care.

Leadership:

Participation in public awareness events and activities like Mental Illness Awareness Week and NAMIWalks place them at the forefront of public perception. These events help destigmatize mental health conditions and encourage understanding from the communities that are involved. Outreach with local affiliates and news stations keeps communities up to date and informed on how to best understand mental health and how important treatment is. 

Why is this important?:

• 1 in 5 adults in America experience mental illness
• One half of all chronic mental illness begin by age 14, three quarters by the age of 24
• 26% of homeless adults staying in shelters live with serious mental illness
• Nearly 60% of adults with mental illness didn't receive mental health services in the previous year.

If you or someone you know struggles with mental illness and needs immediate assistance, call 911 or the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273- 8255.

If you're uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can reach Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741-741 or you can chat online at crisistextline.org

To learn more about NAMI and find your local affiliate, click here.

To sign up as a volunteer or get involved with NAMI in other ways, click here.

Post by: Jimmy Lyons

Sources:

NAMI.org

Statistics provided by the National Institute of Mental Health www.nimh.nih.gov

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration