FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS
The NAMI Metro Support group is facilitated by a layperson volunteer. This group is for families and is an informal resource that attempts to provide healing components to a variety of mental illness problem and challenges that family members face. An informal support outside of family, friends, or professionals often provides greater understanding, more similarity (from individuals experiencing similar life events), an opportunity for empathy and altruism, and a sense of identity for participants. Learning new ways to handle challenges, cope with changes, and maintain new behaviors are all important aspects of the support group experience.
A characteristic unique to support groups is the mutual support members are able to provide one another. This support and validation from other group members help facilitate personal growth and change in a way that individual therapy cannot. Although experts and professionals can provide support and positive direction, the mutual exchange of information between group members is a powerful experience that often induces lasting change. Meeting others who truly understand one’s experience has a very powerful effect. For many parents, siblings, family and other caregivers, participation in a support group is the first opportunity to learn that there are other parents who are experiencing the same challenges and frustrations.
NAMI Metro support uses an open format, which means that the groups are ongoing, and individuals have the option of attending when it is convenient for them. The open format allows individuals to feel some degree of anonymity, and to participate, as they are comfortable. For some people, simply attending meetings and listening to the experiences of others can be helpful. All meetings are free of charge. If you have questions, please call. Keep checking our website to get the detailed information on additional support groups.
NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. This group meets on a monthly basis. The hallmark of a NAMI support group is leveraging the collective knowledge and experience of the other participants.
Connection Peer-Led Recovery Support Groups
NAMI Metro conducts a free peer led recovery support group for people living with mental illness in which people learn from each others’ experiences, share coping strategies, and offer each other encouragement and understanding. This is a recovery support group program for adults living with mental illness. Your group will provide respect, understanding, encouragement and hope. This relaxed approach can support you as you share the challenges and success of coping with mental illness.
What Should You Expect?
- Meets twice each month for 90 minutes free of charge.
- Designed for adults (18 and over) living with mental illness.
- Facilitated by trained individuals who live in recovery from mental illness.
- Confidential – share as much or as little personal information as you want.
- Does not recommend or endorse any medications or other medical therapies.
- Guided by Principles of Support.
Why Attend a NAMI Metro Support Group? – An environment of sincere, uncritical acceptance
Meetings begin with a review of group guidelines and Principles of Support. Following this introduction, anyone that wishes to may share an update on current life success and/or challenges. The group works together to address the most pressing issues using a process called “group wisdom.” Themes that naturally arise during the group can become a focus of group work. As a participant your voice is heard. You may contribute to the discussion em pathetically, building a sense of community that is based on sincere, uncritical acceptance.
Tools for caring for your life – Practical, constructive solutions shared by the group, also called “group wisdom,” may help you find solutions to current life challenges. You may also learn about community resources from other participants. By sharing your experiences, you have the opportunity to gain hope and new friends in a safe and confidential setting.