We know we’re stronger together, and that sharing our stories and hearing from others in support groups and in other supportive settings helps us feel less alone. For a 30-Second Survey, we asked: What would you say to encourage someone to attend a NAMI support group for the first time? Here’s a selection of responses.
“Welcome. You’re not alone.”
“It really helps to get to know others with similar issues. You can learn from others, help others, make friends, feel better about your situation, socialize, and gain confidence. ”
“Find NAMI, Find HOPE! 100%.”
“The support group led me to may classes that NAMI offered and changed our world. ”
“Being in a room with other people who have had similar experiences as you, when your ‘friends’ have not, is so different. They get it. They have experiences they can share that may make your life better or easier. There is so much support! ”
“You are not alone. Spend time with others who ‘get’ your challenges. Get and give support of peers. ”
“How much it helped me and my family when a loved one was suffering from depression.”
“This is an opportunity to realize that you are not alone in dealing with the mental health issues of your loved one. It is eye-opening to hear how many are going through similar circumstances and situations. It feels empowering to share and gather info from others, as well as assist in sorting out questions, concerns, solutions.”
“If you have a loved one living with a mental health condition, I want to encourage you to attend one of our NAMI Family support groups. It is so important that we have support for ourselves for ourselves so that we can better help support our loved ones that are many times struggling themselves. I believe you will also find that you are not alone once you attend one of our group because everyone there has a loved one living with a mental health condition. ”
“Support group is the best ‘soundboard’ to find your own guiding voice, in the ever-illusive path of mental illness. It’s humbling experience when you end up realizing that your presence helped someone, or someone’s word or a sentence opened a new door of ideas and hope for you. ”
“Attending support groups help me feel supported, heard, and not alone.”
“You’re sure to find a welcome without any judgement. ”
“It is a safe and nonjudgemental place where you can share or just listen to others who have most likely gone through some similar situations. It is wonderful sitting with others who really “Get you” and feeling so accepted and understood. ”
“Facing the challenges of serious mental illness can be very difficult. You don’t need to go through this alone, and you don’t have to.”
“There is nothing that comes close to the wealth of knowledge and understanding you will find in a NAMI support group. A stigma- and judgement-free zone led by others who share similar struggles and experiences.”
“Never feel embarrassed or alone again. We understand what you are going through and there IS hope.”
Find a support group from one of our local NAMI California affiliates.
Have something to add? Share your answer or answer our other survey questions!