[DaveyJones]

I just wanted to pass this along to all of you who do not use or know about NAMI--the National Alliance on Mental Illness. For those of you who can't find therapists, who can't pay for their meds, for those who need reality-based support groups, you need to check this out. Go to http://nami.org, and on the home page there is a US map...ckick your stae and you will get a list of chapters or affiliates in your state. There are over 1100 chapters, so chances are excellent there is one near you.

This is one of the best (if not THE best) resources out there for us. Use it, they can help!

DJ

[Azalysa]

Thanks for posting that Dave!!!

I need to check it out!!

[jmo531]

Thanks DJ.

I think info like this is important.

[bipolar_bear]

Thanks DJ. That is good info. to know. I will have to check out what is close to me.

[DaveyJones]

bump

[ErinBear]

Thanks - good information! I appreciate it :-)

Take care,
ErinBear

[CatWhispers]

With the problems I was having I called my local Nami. All they could do was give me the name of a lawyer who might be willing to talk to/help me. He was on vacation. That was it. Maybe it's just PA, which seems to have the worst of everything.

They could not help me with any counseling or support advice during this ordeal, could not help with me any advocacy. There was nothing else they could (or would) do.

I called the national nami helpline, and all they would do was give me a lawyer referral line. I said I needed some answers pretty quickly, and not all of it was legal. I said I also had no money, I'm on SSDI. Her answer? "Oh, that's not good." (That made me feel really hopeful).

But she did say that the number was not only a lawyer referral, that they also could answer some basic questions for me. She also gave me a 2nd number she said would do the same.

I called one number, and it was a lawyer referral line for the disabled. She took some info and said they'd mail me a list of lawyers in my area. I asked about talking to someone about the problems I was having and she caught an attitude. Said they only referred lawyers, and I should call Nami back and let them know that.

I tried to tell her I had a 2nd number and ask if she knew of that, but she cut me off and told me to call Nami and let them know not to send people there for other than a referral.

I hung up and tried the 2nd number. There was no answer at all, not even a recording.

I'm not sure what Nami does.

[DaveyJones]

I'm sorry that you weren't able to find the help you were looking for...

The chapter here offers about 10 different support groups each week for the various diagnoses...publishes a booklet with the contact info for every psychiatrist, psychologist, counseling agency, social service agency both public and private, every mental health facility and health facility in the area. They have handouts on most drugs that are prescribed for the treatment of mental illness. They have money available to help purchase "mental health" drugs...provide a "warm line" for people to call when they are feeling down or lonely...social activities...advocacy on mental health issues in the legislatures...raising awareness of mental health issues in the community through the use of speakers...

ALL of these things are done by people who suffer from mental illness themselves.

I made the post because I see a lot of people asking questions such as "Where can I get...." and "Who can help me with...." and I have found help for those or similar issues at my NAMI chapter, so I'm just trying to raise awareness of the organization.

DJ

[CatWhispers]

It seems to me that an organization like Nami should be more consistent in their involvement across the country. I wish the Nami here was more involved in the ways you express.

I am going to email their naitonal office and let them kjnow of the discrepancy in the support they offer.

I wanted to ask if you'd give your permission for me to copy what you wrote and send it as a quote with my email. I promise to leave out where I found it, and leave out any reference to you or your name or info here,. so they can't trace it back. I will just quote what you said. but will not do it without your permission.

And would ask if you'd be willing to just give the state. This is what I thought they would be, and was very disappointed in the response I got.