By Remy Sisk • Photo: Pexels.com (Tima Miroshnichenko & Bradley Hook)
With the days getting shorter, the sun setting earlier, the weather getting colder and the stresses of the season on the horizon, it’s no surprise that there is more conversation around the topic of mental illness this time of year. However, it cannot be forgotten that it is indeed a year-round struggle for many, and Nancy S. Brooks, the executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Louisville, is here to help the community find resources and support for mental health.
Brooks shares that 746,000 people in Kentucky are currently living with a diagnosed mental illness, but a great many of those who make up that number are facing barriers to proper care and support, which is where NAMI comes in. The nonprofit, which is a nationwide grassroots organization, offers a host of programming opportunities, focusing on treatment, support and education.
Some of the offerings from NAMI Louisville include free support groups, free education classes on mental illness and its systems of care, outreach assistance to connect those in need with proper care, QPR suicide prevention and mental health first aid training, stigma-free workshops and training sessions to local businesses, and community support via Wellness Wheels, a mobile resource that reaches students and families in areas where mental health resources are scarce.
“NAMI Louisville has helped countless families, individuals and employees learn more about mental illness and how they can best manage and treat the signs and symptoms of this common illness,” Brooks shares. “Nearly 25 percent of our population seeks professional care for their mental health each year, a number that is increasing annually and especially in certain demographic sectors. It is time for our community to put more attention on mental illness and ease the access to treatment.”
Accessing treatment or even understanding treatment options is a struggle that many face regularly, but NAMI Louisville is working fervently to raise the necessary awareness and more importantly provide the needed resources. “By providing free or low-cost programs that are inclusive and available with both in-person and online options, we are bridging gaps in the current system of care for those with mental health conditions,” she says. “As a leading advocate in this field, NAMI aims to target areas where changes are needed and focus our efforts on making sure that everyone in need is able to receive the care they need.”
In this effort, one of NAMI’s priorities is providing education around early recognition and treatment, as understanding the signs of mental illness early on can dramatically reduce the potential for more serious issues down the road. “50 percent of all mental health conditions show their first signs and symptoms by the age of 14,” Brooks explains. “Therefore, early intervention is key in making sure that our young people get the treatment they need before they fall prey to negative outcomes such as dropping out of school, substance abuse, incarceration or homelessness. NAMI Louisville is essential in this process because we are actively educating school staff, families and youth about mental illness signs and symptoms and providing appropriate resources giving families access to the care they need to help their children navigate their mental health journey.”
For those in the community who are currently grappling with mental illness or become more aware of it during the holidays, Brooks ensures that NAMI is able to provide the first step toward proper support and care. There are support group meetings twice a week, one in-person and online, that anyone is welcome to jump into at any time. The organization also regularly sends out tools via its social media and newsletter, and those interested in learning more can connect via NAMILouisville.org. “We then work with each person who reaches out,” Brooks says, “to make sure they find help or have access to the service they need to regain their mental wellness and navigate the holiday season in a way that is healthy for them by avoiding pitfalls and using positive coping skills.”
And that commitment to support continues throughout the year. NAMI and its team are dedicated to doing all they can for those in need of help. Brooks emphasizes that if someone reaches out, NAMI will answer. “The best thing to do is call or email us and we will get back to you in a timely manner and begin working with you to find the best local and regional resources for your needs,” she maintains. “One of our mantras is that, ‘You are not alone!’ NAMI Louisville will be on your team and help you find the services you need for yourself or your family members. Together, we will do all we can to make this difficult illness less disruptive and painful and work with you to get you on the best track for recovery.”
To get more involved with NAMI as a volunteer or to make a donation, visit NAMILouisville.org.
If you or a loved one is seeking mental health support, call NAMI at 502.588.2008 or visit NAMILouisville.org to send an email.
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