When I first began writing articles to promote inclusion for the special needs community, I had those with intellectual or physical struggles as my focus. However, as I am introduced to so many topics of concern within this arena, I have learned that a “special need” is an umbrella term for so many human struggles.
I was recently introduced to the topic of mental health and the representatives of a national non-profit, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). As they explained their goals of being a part of the preventative awareness of mental health illnesses gripping our country, I was awakened to the realization that special needs also includes spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental well-being. As I listened to one of the representatives, Graham Wiseman, share his story of losing his son to suicide and turning that deep pain into a passion by going into our local elementary and high school classrooms to educate about suicide prevention, I asked to schedule a time for me to visit one of their offices located at Todos Santos Plaza in Concord, California. I was in awe at the various education courses they offered to families and individuals struggling with the effects of depression, bi-polar disorder, PTSD, schizophrenia, and other disorders. Taught by trained volunteers, these workshops are offered at no cost to those who feel lost and alone as they face medical paths and an influx of adjustments for their loved ones.
Founded in Madison, Wisconsin by Harriet Shetler and Beverly Young, whose sons were diagnosed with schizophrenia, they joined forces and began to seek out others who were going through similar experiences. The high number of attendees at this first meeting eventually led to the formation of NAMI in 1979. NAMI is part of the many small steps to help grow the awareness by providing education, resources and connecting families to support one another. It offsets the state of our world, which has reached a whole new level of strife that stems from the many special needs of individuals not being met at local and federal levels. The void that exists, as homelessness, suicides, mass shootings and incarcerations without rehabilitation, continue to grow, is being diligently filled through the caring efforts of this organization.
It begins with teaching about the signs of a potential mental health issue along with advocacy and a genuine heart to fill the voids that so many people try to mask out of fear of stigmas. The missing link to heal an ailment begins in our homes and in our classrooms and NAMI has made this available within many communities.
Those interested can visit the website below to find out more. You may also sign up for their free programs that include: Family-to-Family, NAMI Basics, Mental Health Crash Course, and The Family Network. These courses and meetings offer crucial information. Most importantly, they offer access to a community of people who can relate to one another.
May is Mental Health Awareness month but every day is an opportunity to learn that we are never alone with our struggles. “May” the void of despair no longer exist as new strength is formed by from connecting with others. If you are struggling with how to start connecting those dots, NAMI’s doors are open for you become a part of their village. NAMI CC is here for you.
NAMI Contra Costa County: www.namicontracosta.org
2151 Salvio St., Ste. V, Concord, California, 94520 Office: (925) 942-0767 or (925) 465-3864
Email: info@namicontracosta.org
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