NAMI Lake County OH’s mission is to support those in the community struggling with mental illness
By Mary Malik
Mental illness is defined as a medical condition that disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning. It is estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness, but recovery is possible through education and support from organizations like National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the largest grassroots mental health organization in the country.
“NAMI began in Madison, Wisconsin in 1969 at a kitchen table, as many grassroots organizations do, with two mothers of children experiencing schizophrenia looking for support,” NAMI MH/SUD program coordinator Joanna Mannon, says. “Today, 100 percent of the more than 600 NAMI locations have stuck closely to those grassroots beginnings.”
Joanna and I, along with NAMI Lake County, OH executive director Matt Selker and family program coordinator Ashlee Himes sat around another table at NAMI’s offices in Lake County to talk about their approach to support and education for those affected by mental health conditions.
“Lived experience drives everything we do,” Joanna says. “The education, empathy and support we provide are offered through the lens of lived experience, meaning everyone associated with NAMI Lake County, OH has either experienced a mental health condition themselves or has a loved one with a mental health condition. Clinicians certainly have a role in treatment and recovery, but peer support bridges a gap that clinical providers cannot.”
NAMI Lake County, OH believes that knowing you are not alone and that everyone in the room has walked the path you’re on are powerful and important for treatment and recovery. NAMI also believes effective advocacy requires going out into the community.
“We go into schools and educate kids on the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions and suicide and help parents navigate the school system for their child,” Ashlee says. “We want to be responsive to all of the mental health needs of this community.”
NAMI Lake County, OH also offers services for families and individuals dealing with a dual diagnosis of a mental health issue and addiction. Below is a brief outline of services.
Family to Family
This 8-week program significantly improves the coping and problem-solving abilities of those closest to someone with a mental health condition through education on mental health issues, medications, coping strategies, support and guidance. Taught by NAMI-trained family members, there are more than 300,000 graduates from this national program.
Return to Hope
This eight-week program aims to empower anyone affected by co-occurring diagnoses—a mental health condition along with addiction. The focus is sustainable recovery, empathy, boundaries, disease process and treatment.
Basics
The six-week program is for parents, caregivers and anyone providing care for youth ages 22 and younger experiencing mental health conditions. Basics is guided by parents and family members with lived experience offering support and information on advocating for a child’s rights, responding to crises and self-care.
Family Support Group
This peer-led program provides insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences with a loved one with a mental health condition. The program provides hope and the opportunity to develop supportive relationships.
Peer to Peer
This 8-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions is taught by trained mentors with lived experience and provides mutual support and growth while learning about recovery. Share your story, set goals and enhance communication skills.
Connection
Connection is peer-led for adults experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others in a respectful, encouraging and hopeful setting.
NAMI Lake Couty, OH Volunteers
NAMI Lake County, OH volunteers have experienced a mental health condition themselves or have a loved one who has. Volunteers are extensively trained and placed according to their unique gifts.
“As someone who has struggled with my mental health since high school, I felt a strong pull to work for NAMI, an organization with a sterling reputation for providing real, practical support and understanding to people living with serious mental illness,” volunteer Marianne says.
All programming at NAMI Lake County, OH is free to participants and there are ways you can help support their mission.
“We wouldn’t be here without the support we receive from United Way and Lake County ADAMHS Board,” Matt says. “And we also rely on donations from the public to continue to be responsive to the needs of the community. Participating in the annual NAMI Walks is one way to get involved and support NAMI’s mission.”
NAMIWalks Lake County, OH takes place on Saturday, October 7, at the Mentor Amphitheater - Civic Center Park, 8600 Munson Rd., in Mentor. To register your team, participate as a single or more information call 440-639-1200, check the website NAMIWalks.org or email Joanna Mannon joanna@namilake.org.
NAMI Lake County, OH is located at 1 Victoria Place, Ste. 100 in Painesville, OH 44077. For more information call 440-639-1200 or check the website NAMILakeCountyOhio.org.