For the Parents and Loved Ones of those Suffer…NAMI, MY Mother, and Not Being a Victim

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THIS IS A GUEST POST BY MY BRAVE, WONDERFUL, LOVING, KIND, ACCEPTING, SUPPORTIVE LOVE A MOM WHO REFUSED TO BE A VICTIM-AND GOT INVOLVED IN CHANGING THE WAY WE DEAL WITH THE MENTALLY ILL WE LOVE-LOVE YOU MOM!

The T.V. anchor did not have all the facts, but the father was stabbed and the son shot himself.  His son was 24.  Even before they said he had been taken for help the day before, but there were no beds to keep him, mental illness was in my mind and some tears took over.  I felt for the victims… both father and son and all who know them. I am a true believer in the need for NAMI and other groups who give education and support for the love ones who care for a mentally ill family member. Organizations like NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) have support programs for the mentally ill as well.

Most of the Family to Family course centers on information about various brain disorders so we have a base of understanding, then the sharing can begin. The caring, concerns and extraordinary situations these love ones find themselves in smacks of courage, strength and human goodness.  They come often with heavy hearts full of worry and guilt, but, hopefully, leave with new knowledge and resources for their love one.  Most of all they realize why they cannot feel guilty, are able to feel heard and understood by people who have walked in their shoes. Many go on to advocacy for better mental health facilities and treatment. There are not enough facilities and health care workers in most states.

If you have a NAMI program in your area, please do yourself a favor and call to find out more information about when the next class will begin and make a commitment to attend.  You won’t be sorry.

2 thoughts on “For the Parents and Loved Ones of those Suffer…NAMI, MY Mother, and Not Being a Victim”

  1. I was sad to hear about this young man not getting the help he needed just days prior to this incident because of lack of beds in the mental health facility. I hope there will be a serious effort to provide better care for those with mental illness very soon. The stats on violent deaths in this country alone are worrisome.

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