I didn’t want May to end without calling attention to the fact that it is Mental Health Awareness Month. It is highly likely that you or someone you love will have to deal with a mental health challenge at some point in your life. One resource to keep in mind for support and information related to mental health issues is NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. One thing that really sets it apart is that it offers peer support. Rather than being medical professionals talking down to you, NAMI is made up of people just like you who have been there and done that and are there to share information and support. This is important because mental health issues can have an impact on the entire family and not just the individual. NAMI offers support for the families as well as the individuals. NAMI is focused on advocating for people with mental health challenges and for acceptance of mental health issues and on offering hope, education, and support to those dealing with struggles from mental health issues.
The national NAMI website ( https://nami.org/Home ) is a wealth of information on various mental health issues and has a feature to help you find your nearest local NAMI group anywhere in the country. Here in Kansas City, the local chapter can be found at https://namigreaterkc.org/ .
A diagnosis of a mental health issue, particularly when it’s a diagnosis of a severe or persistent issue, can leave a person feeling overwhelmed and at a loss. NAMI is a great place to get information and get connected with others so you don’t feel alone in your situation, and get empowered.
As always, I invite you to contact me if you would like to explore the possibility of working together. You can reach me at (816) 226-4678.
