I found NAMI in 2004. I was so impressed by the information and support given from my very first phone call. At NAMI I found those that understand the situation and that have experienced the difficulties of mental illness, and they helped me understand the illness.

A huge asset of NAMI is that besides helping those with MI, we help those that are assisting their loved ones on this journey. It helps the afflicted but also those in the afflicter’s circle. Educating them eases their confusion and might also help to keep them from despair.

It’s time for me to help others now that I’m more experienced. I try to be a constant support in the many ways we can offer help. Whether that’s helping at health fairs, speaking at Crisis Intervention Training for law enforcement, fundraising or attending Family Support Group meetings. I know that we need “all hands” to successfully have our affiliate is able to comfort those in need.

Additionally, my eyes have been opened to the silence of this problem in the general public. Silence doesn’t help those that are suffering. We need to speak up for those who can’t. Most that are ill can’t take on this cause in a broader sense, so we need to step up for them. At NAMI we say that you are not alone. With the support we give, I hope we accomplish that goal.