Nonprofit Spotlight: NAMI Greater Indianapolis

BY ANGIE ARLINGTON

NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.

NAMI Greater Indianapolis is dedicated to improving the lives of persons and families affected by mental illness through education, support, and advocacy.

“We help families and individuals overcome challenges such as stigma and barriers to mental health care through advocating and education,” Devin Stonerock states.

“We offer many free classes and support groups. Our website has mental health resources and more for individuals and family members.”

What is NAMI’s Familyto-Family Program?

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a free, 8-week course for family caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses. The program covers:

• Current information about schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder (manic depression), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and co-occurring brain and addictive disorders

• Up-to-date information about medications, side effects, and strategies for medication adherence

• Current research related to the biology of brain disorders and the most effective treatments to promote recovery

• Gaining empathy by understanding the subjective, lived experience of a person with mental illness

• Special workshops for problem solving, listening, and communication techniques

• Strategies for handling crises and relapse

• Care for the caregiver: coping with worry, stress, and emotional overload

• Guidance on locating community supports and services

• Information on advocacy initiatives to improve and expand services

NAMI Peer-to-Peer

NAMI Peer-to-Peer is a free, eightsession 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.

NAMI Peer-to-Peer helps you:

• Set a vision and goals for the future

• Partner with health care providers

• Develop confidence for making decisions

• Practice relaxation and stress reduction tools

• Share your story

• Strengthen relationships

• Enhance communication skills

• Learn about mental health treatment options

NAMI Basics

NAMI Basics is a free, 6-session education program for parents, guardians and other families who

provide care for youth (age 22 or younger) experiencing mental health symptoms. Offered in a group setting, it allows families to connect and support one another.

The course is taught by a trained team with lived experience — they understand what you’re going through.

NAMI Basics covers:

• Solving problems and communicating effectively

• Taking care of yourself and managing stress

• Accepting that mental health conditions are no one’s fault

• Building confidence and stamina to support your child with compassion

• Advocating for your child’s rights in school and health care

• Learning about types of mental health care professionals, treatment options, and therapies

• Preparing for and responding to crises

• Navigating public mental health, school, and juvenile justice systems

NAMI Ending the Silence

NAMI Ending the Silence is an engaging presentation that teaches audience members the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take if you or a loved one are showing symptoms.

Presentations include two leaders: one shares information, and the other — a young adult — shares their lived experience with recovery. Audience members can ask questions and engage in open dialogue, helping break the stigma around mental illness.

NAMI Homefront

NAMI Homefront is a free, 6-session educational program for families, caregivers and friends of military service members and veterans with mental health conditions.

Designed specifically for military families, the program is taught by trained family members of those who have served. NAMI Homefront teaches how to:

• Care for yourself and manage stress

• Support your family member with compassion

• Stay informed on current mental health research and conditions like PTSD, TBI, anxiety, depression and substance use

• Understand treatment options and therapies

• Navigate the impact of mental illness on the whole family

• Manage a crisis, solve problems, and communicate effectively

“We love Huntington! Just what our son needed to stay on track in school and maintain good grades! Shannon is absolutely amazing, understands our son’s needs and adjusts accordingly. All the tutors are great! Thank you!!!”

MAYA.F

“My daughter’s regular Tutor, Patti, is amazing. My daughter appreciates how she explains things so clearly and in a way that she understands. My daughter’s confidence in math has increased since going to Huntington. I also appreciate how communicative and flexible the center is.”

CLAIRE L.