|
The first step on the journey toward hope is to make the call! These people did!
Spreading the word does wonders to increase the awareness of the special needs of the people who live with mental illness and their families and loved ones whose lives are greatly impacted. The chain of lives that are impacted from one person's mental illness is large - the families and loved
ones of the mentally ill suffer greatly as well.
Frequently the families and loved ones become isolated and feel as if there is no place to turn or anyone who can possibly understand the issues we face. We are told to "kick our loved ones out," that they are "just no good," and that they just "need to grow up!"
Our loved ones are not "bad people" - they have a brain disorder which frequently leaves them with few coping skills and supports to function in the world today.
People would normally not consider it appropriate to give this type of advice to the family and loved ones of a person suffering from other debilitating diseases, nor is it usually appropriate with our loved ones. Finding the right healthcare providers, the right medications, and having our
loved ones be compliant with their medications are only a very few of the issues we face in trying to help them live a higher quality of life.
Housing is another huge issue. The families' and loved ones' ability to continue to provide housing frequently wears down - the stress we have carried for years can take a toll on our own health as well. Our own financial resources can be drained. Our loved ones are often faced with a limited
ability to live on their own, limited housing resources because of their limited incomes, long waiting lists on subsidized housing, poor credit, poor money management skills, and sometimes behaviors which result in problems maintaining housing. Transitional housing would be such a blessing for many!
Our loved ones do want to move forward in their lives - they just need additional support - support beyond which their families and loved ones can normally give.
|
"I love you for what you've done for my son. Please keep the faith that you are making a real difference. You have truly been an avenue to hope for our family!"
|
|
|
|
"NAMI MC has been a tremendous support system for me -- support from people who really know the trenches of dealing with our loved ones and the complicated issues, responsibilities, and decisions with which we are faced. My son is now 26 and has been affected with
bipolar disorder and ADD his entire life. I learned more in educational workshops and support groups presented by NAMI MC than I ever learned during my son's whole life!!! WOW!!! At last, I had gained a deeper understanding and felt more empathetic through knowledge. Such a gift..."
|
|
|
|
"I have attended NAMI MC for several months now and cannot adequately express what a wonderful help they have been to me already. Our daughter has been in and out of hospitals for nine years due to her symptoms of bipolar illness. This group is the first who really
seems to listen and understand what our family is going through and keep eye contact without hanging their heads in disgust or pity. They offer suggestions for dealing with our situation and I learn so much from listening to suggestions for other people in the group and their loved ones. NAMI MC has truly given our family hope and purpose!”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Thanks so much again for your time and effort. Educating the public about our needs does wonders and helps us to find answers for our loved ones - and for us."
|
The first step on the journey toward hope is to make the call!
281.367.2314 or 936.521.6448
|
