National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northeast Iowa offering Family Support Group each month in Decorah
Mental illness can affect persons of any age, race, religion or income. Despite what the popular throught may be, mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing.
When someone is struggling with a mental health condition, it affects their whole family, not just the person who received the diagnosis. Family members and caregivers can often feel overwhelmed or powerless as they try to learn more about the illness, treatment options, and how they might be able to help.
If these feelings sound familiar to anyone looking for some extra support, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Northeast Iowa’s Family Support Group might be the place to find that support and learn to overcome or manage those feelings of being overwhelmed or powerless. NAMI is dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults diagnosed with mental illnesses, as well as their families.
The Northeast Iowa chapter of NAMI, serving Winneshiek, Howard, Clayton, Fayette and Allamakee counties in northeast Iowa, will be holding monthly support groups, led by trained peers, for family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness.
This support group is uniquely designed and follows a structured model, while allowing participants to share their experiences in a safe and confidential setting. It encourages empathy, productive discussion and a sense of community. Through hearing others’ experiences, those attending may be able to discover their inner strength and learn how to identify local resources and how to use them. Perhaps most importantly, they may realize they are not alone in this journey.
The Family Support Groups are being held the second Monday of each month, from 5:30-6:45 p.m., in the Spectrum building located at 607 Washington Street in Decorah. For questions or more information, about the group or the meetings call 563-293-6264 or email namineiowa@gmail.com.
Cancellations will be posted on www.namineiowa.org. For more information about NAMI, visit nami.org and namiiowa.org.
