SUPPORT GROUPS and NAMI WEB-SITES

These references are not construed as providing medical/legal advice nor endorsements. These represent the positive experiences and practical knowledge collected and updated as data becomes available.

Quotes from Support Meetings

• "We get used to the drama." (When a loved one is in the house)
• "Was that a red flag? ... and we missed it?" (A suicide attempt)
• "We are parents forever." (When minors will soon age up)
• "The 'identified patient' moves around the family." (When caregivers need care)
• "A seizure is an injury to the brain." (Important to take meds)
• "We block our kids growth by not letting them struggle." (On parenting)
• "Mental Illness is NOT our identity." (On acceptance of illness)
• "The hospital becomes life, and he brings home other illnesses." (On error of self-diagnosis)
• "You wonder if your kid will ever be normal, and you already know the answer." (On parenting)

Effective Rules from Support Meetings

• Lack of sleep drives the more disturbing symptoms of mental illness.
• Keep family member in therapy and healthy.
• Advocate for them in the medical system as they are unable to be their own advocate.
• A non-relative male presence with authority helps calm a bipolar episode.
• Do NOT treat Bipolar disorder with anti-depressants alone, also need mood stabilizer.
• Family counseling helps debilitating relationships affected by mental illness.
• Al-Anon Trap: Do not over-react when facing exasperating denial, lies, theft, etc.
• Prepare for triggers that affect ordinary routines, such as birthdays, holidays, anniversaries of a loss, home remodeling, weddings, etc.
• If a mentally ill adult child moves back home, it is impossible to get them to move out again. Do not take the guilt-inducing hooks from loved ones. It is your safe harbor, and not theirs to usurp.

NAMI Newsletters, Websites, Support Groups

These NAMI support groups are for family caregivers. For support groups and resources for the loved one in need, click here: NAMI RESOURCES

- National Association for Mentally Ill

703/524-7600

Offers Class: "NAMI Family-to-Family" Education Program

Publishes: "NAMI Advocate" (quarterly 40 pages) - $35/year

Depends upon regular donation support

1111 Howe Ave, Suite 475, Sacramento CA 95825-8541

916/567-0163 or E-Mail

(Formerly CAMI - California Association for Mentally Ill)

NAMI California educates with its Newsletters, Bulletins, Brochures, Press Releases, "Alerts" and State Conferences

Publishes: "NAMI California CONNECTION" (quarterly 16 pages) - $45/year donor

Depends upon regular donation support

510/835-5010

With several Support Groups in the County

Publishes: "Families Advocate" (monthly 4 pages)- $50/year donor - Click Subscribe

c/o Mental Health Association of Alameda County

Depends upon annual donations and two fund-raising events

With several Support Groups in the county

With several Support Groups in the county

Offers Classes: "NAMI Family-to-Family" Education Program

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