National Alliance On Mental Illness (NAMI)

I had a valuable experience at work the other day.  We learned about NAMI, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for Americans affected by mental illness.


Working with the public means we never know what kinds of inner burdens are being carried by the people we interect with on the public desks. 


NAMI is dedicated to changing our perceptions of people with mental illness.  They offer wonderful programs, such as support groups for people who struggle with mental illness or wonder if they are mentally ill, as well as those who care for someone who has a mental illness.  They promote hope, reform and health through support, education, and advocacy.


The 2 presenters were NAMI/CCNS voluneers, and were living with different mental illnesses.  They were very willing to enlighten us in every way possible, and gave me some "scripts" and insights to use at the Reference Desk if necessary.


The most important thing I learned...which I learned far too late to help my family...is that if you must call the police because someone is  losing control, make sure you ask them to send a qualified individual who has had training in dealing with mental illness...and above all do not let the person know you called the police. This can, as we know, backfire disastrously. 


Our presenter illustrated this by relating a personal account. 


I am grateful that NAMI exists, because the public so desperately needs to learn these things, and to have its perceptions changed.


But I feel sad that this information is getting out so slowly.


I wish everyone would learn about NAMI and become part of the healing of our world.