Mental Illness: Family Support Group

CRESCO - Mental illness can affect persons of any age, race, religion or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing. When someone you care about is struggling with a mental health condition, it affects the whole family not just the person with 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 to help.

If these feelings sound familiar and you’re looking for some extra support, NAMI Northeast Iowa’s Family Support Group might be the place for you. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is dedicated to improving the lives of children and adults with mental illnesses and their families. The Northeast Iowa chapter, serving Winneshiek, Howard, Clayton, Fayette, and Allamakee counties, 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, you can discover your inner strength and learn how to identify local resources and how to use them. Perhaps most importantly, you will realize you are not alone in this journey.

The Family Support Groups will be held the second Monday of each month, from 5:30-6:45 p.m., in the Spectrum building at 607 Washington Street in Decorah.

For questions or more information, 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.