Depression and NAMI

Since some of you have sent me personal messages asking about NAMI, I thought I'd tell you a bit about it.

NAMI stands for National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI was founded in 1979 and has affiliates in every state as well as in more than 1,100 local communities in the U.S.

NAMI's Mission Statement:

NAMI recognizes that the key concepts of recovery, resiliency and support are essential to improving the wellness and quality of life of all persons affected by mental illness. Mental illnesses should not be an obstacle to a full and meaningful life for persons who live with them. NAMI will advocate at all levels to ensure that all persons affected by mental illness receive the services that they need and deserve, in a timely fashion.

NAMI offers information on various mental health issues, helps form support groups, provides a helpline, and is strong in advacy on both the state and national levels. Some of the mental health conditions covered on the NAMI site include:

• depression
• schizophrenia
• borderline personality disorder
• bipolar disorder
• post-traumatic stress disorder

NAMI offers both memberships and volunteer opportunities. They also hold a national convention. This year, it's in SanFrancisco July 6 - 9.

If you want to learn more or become a member of NAMI, please visit their website, www.nami.org.

© Teri Robert, 2009.
Last updated February 28, 2009.