The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties is pleased to inform the public of the resumption of our Family Support Group program.  These peer-led groups are for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals living with mental health conditions.  The groups are offered to the public at no cost.  Support group members gain insight from the challenges and successes of other group members facing similar circumstances.

Participants in the support group learn that they are not alone, and that they can find the support they need from the group.  NAMI’sFamily Support Group is unique in that it follows a structured model, ensuring everyone the opportunity to be heard, and to get the information and the support that they need.  The support group is free, confidential, and led by people who themselves have loved ones with mental illness.

By sharing your experiences with a group in a safe and confidential setting, you gain hope and develop supportive relationships.  The group encourages empathy, productive discussion and a sense of community.  Members benefit through others’ experiences, discover inner strengths, and learn how to identify and use local resources.

One group member said, “The most beneficial thing for me to learn was that I am not alone.  I found the NAMI Family Support Group at the time I really needed it!”

A new NAMI Family Support Group is forming now.  It is open to family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals with a mental health condition. The group can be helpful for family members of young adults, but it is not geared towards family members of younger children. Starting on February 24, the group will meet online via Zoom from 7:00 – 8:30 pm on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.  For more information contact:  443-480-0565 or [email protected].

The ongoing stresses and anxieties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continue to severely affect not only those with a mental health condition, but also their loved ones. How can we help? NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Kent and Queen Anne’s Affiliate is offering Family to Family, a free NAMI 8-week course on Zoom, every Tuesday evening from March 2nd through April 20th, 2021, 6:30 to 9:00pm. This course will help with:

• Managing crises, solving problems and communicating effectively;
• Taking care of yourself and managing stress;
• Developing the confidence and stamina to provide support with compassion; and
• Finding and using local supports and services, and up-to-date information on mental health conditions and treatments.

An extensive set of educational materials will be provided for those who enroll in this free course.  The course is designed as an opportunity for family members and caretakers of those with a mental illness to learn more about mental health conditions and to better be able to care for their loved one, while keeping their own lives in balance.  Enrollment is now open; pre-registration is required, so please contact us at [email protected], or call 443-480-0565.

Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or coworkers. Despite mental illnesses’ reach and prevalence, stigma and misunderstanding are also, unfortunately, widespread.

That is why each year, during the first week of October, NAMI and participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness. Each year, we educate the public, fight stigma and provide support. And each year, our movement grows stronger.

We believe that mental health conditions are important to discuss year-round, but highlighting them during Mental Illness Awareness Week provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates across the country to come together as one unified voice. Since 1990, when Congress officially established the first full week of October as Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW), advocates have worked together to sponsor activities, large or small, to educate the public about mental illness.

MIAW 2020

The theme of this year’s Mental Illness Awareness Week is, “What People with Mental Illness Want You to Know.” Throughout the week, we will be raising the voices of those with lived experience to talk about some of the conditions and symptoms that are most misunderstood.

Mental Illness Awareness Week runs from October 4 – 10 and coincides with additional related events:

• Thursday Oct. 8: National Depression Screening Day
• Saturday Oct. 10: World Mental Health Day
• Saturday Oct. 10:NAMIWalks National Day of Hope

In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties would like to share some very helpful state and local resources.  Our local Help Line is 443-480-0565 – call for information and assistance.  If no answer, leave a voicemail during regular business hours and we will respond no later than the next day.  You can also call the NAMIMD help line at 410-884-8691.

NAMI MD is a great statewide resource for all of us, with a very helpful website:  https://namimd.org/.Information, resources and graphics to support Mental Illness Awareness Week can be downloaded here. Additional stats, infographics and resources can also be found on NAMI’s Mental Health by the Numbers web page.