Living With Mental Illness
NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a free, peer-led support group for any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. You will gain insight from hearing the challenges and successes of others, and the groups are led by trained leaders who've been there.
NAMI’s support groups are unique because they follow a structured model to ensure you and others in the group have an opportunity to be heard and to get what you need.
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Free of cost to participants
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Designed for adults (18+) with mental health conditions
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Led by people with mental health conditions
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90 minutes long and meets weekly, every other week or monthly (varies by location)
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No specific medical therapy or treatment is endorsed
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Confidential
What You’ll Gain
By sharing your experiences in a safe and confidential setting, you can gain hope and feel a sense of connection. The group encourages empathy, productive discussion and a sense of community. You'll benefit from other's experiences, discover your inner strength and empower yourself by sharing your own experiences in a non-judgmental space.
NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group will help you:
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Aim for better coping skills
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Find strength in sharing experiences
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Not judge anyone's pain
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Forgive ourselves and reject guilt
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Embrace humor as healthy
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Accept that we cannot solve every problem
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Understand that mental health conditions are no one's fault and can be traumatic experiences
What People Are Saying
“… People can solve problems [at a NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group]. It isn't just a bunch of sad stories; people are coming up with solutions and stuff to do for the next week. One of our group attendees is taking her meds and getting herself to her counselor and is just about able to go back to her career in great part due to Connection.”
"NAMI Connection has enabled me to take a good look at my illness and see that I am not alone. The program has given me additional tools to not only accept my illness, but to help others along the way."
Find A Support Group
Find the NAMI Connection support group nearest to you. If a support group isn’t available, contact your local NAMI Affiliate about starting one.
The Spanish version of NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group, NAMI Conexión, is available in a limited number of states.
NAMI In Our Own Voice presentations change attitudes, assumptions and ideas about people with mental health conditions. These free, 40-, 60- or 90-minute presentations provide a personal perspective of mental health conditions, as leaders with lived experience talk openly about what it's like to have a mental health condition.
This presentation provides:
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An opportunity to hear open and honest perspectives on a highly misunderstood topic
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A chance to ask leaders questions, allowing for a deeper understanding of mental health conditions and dispelling of stereotypes and misconceptions
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The understanding that people with mental health conditions have lives enriched by hopes, dreams and goals
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Information on how to learn more about mental health and get involved with the mental health community
What People Are Saying
“Amazing presentation with amazing presenters! You 100% erased any stigma I used to associate with mental illness.” -Audience member
“Several of the mental health staff stated that they saw recovery as a real option—for the first time ever.” -Audience member
“Presenting this program is the single most effective thing I am doing to maintain my mental health. Time after time, I see the audience respond with curiosity and interest. I know I am changing the face of mental illness and that I have transformed my pain into the power to make a difference.” -IOOV Program Leader
Schedule Or Attend A Presentation
If you would like to host or attend a NAMI In Our Own Voice presentation, contact your local NAMI Affiliate. If the presentation isn’t available, ask to bring it to your community.
A Spanish-language version of NAMI In Our Own Voice, En Nuestra Propia Voz de NAMI, is available in a limited number of states.
NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery.
Taught by trained leaders with lived experience, this program includes activities, discussions and informative videos. However, as with all NAMI programs, it does not include recommendations for treatment approaches.
What You’ll Gain
NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a safe, confidential space. The course provides an opportunity for mutual support and growth. Experience compassion and understanding from people who relate to your experiences. This is a place to learn more about recovery in an accepting environment.
NAMI Peer-to-Peer helps you:
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Set a vision and goals for the future
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Partner with health care providers
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Develop confidence for making decisions
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Practice relaxation and stress reduction tools
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Share your story
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Strengthen relationships
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Enhance communication skills
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Learn about mental health treatment options
What People Are Saying
“I am now aware that I’m not alone. I’d like to become more involved with NAMI and advocacy.”
“I’ve really learned how to cope with my triggers better, and I’m now on the path to truly loving myself.”
“NAMI Peer-to-Peer gave me hope when I was close to giving up. I realized that things can and do get better and that my mental health condition doesn’t define me. I learned how to speak up for myself, build a strong support network and make plans for my future. I felt welcome and like I was among friends. Most importantly, I felt heard and understood.”
“I’ve learned how to communicate with my parents about what’s going on with me.”
“It was really nice being with people who understood.”
Sign Up For A Class
Find the NAMI Peer-to-Peer class nearest to you. If a class isn’t available, contact your local NAMI about starting one.
The Spanish version of NAMI Peer-to-Peer, De Persona a Persona de NAMI, is available in a limited number of states.