|
|
|
|||||||||
|
SUPPORT AND ADVOCACY GROUPS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS Support groups can be very helpful to people who are experiencing a life crisis. Find out if there are support groups in your community. The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) has affiliates throughout the country. Also, groups like the Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association, Alanon and others have support groups specifically for families and friends of people with mental illness or substance abuse disorders. Support groups can provide support, education, information and advocacy. Support groups can be very helpful, because they provide the perspective of someone who has been there. Unless a person has lived with a family member who has a mental illness, it is hard for most people to understand the daily challenges the family faces. It is comforting to know that other people have dealt with the same issues and know what you are going through. In addition to the personal support, you can also learn the "tricks of the trade" from other’s experiences. The human service system can be complicated and confusing to those who are new. In a support group, you can learn about housing, available social services, medications, and financial supports for your family member. You can also talk about the day to day problems your relative is having such as sleeping and eating problems, lack of friends and loneliness, and how to deal with bizarre or frightening behavior. To learn about support groups, link on to the Colorado web site: http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/ohr/mhs/index.html Go to the listing of "Support Services For People With Mental Illness Directory 2001"and you will find a listing of support groups throughout the state. |
||||||||
|
The information and content provided on the CHN site are offered for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical, psychiatric, psychological or behavioral health care advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or behavioral health condition. CHNPartnerships.com | Our Privacy Statement | Terms of Use | Contact Us |
|||||||||