Don't Miss Out On Help
Many books and articles for families dealing with mental illness suggest that support groups are a great source of help. I avoided going to support groups because I was afraid and had misconceptions about what goes on in these groups. Once I got over my apprehension, they became one of the best sources of help for me. Mental illness support groups sponsored by these organization are an invaluable source of information, coping tips, and mutual encouragement.

Local Support Through National Organizations

Many national organizations have newsletters that contain coping tips, information on mental illness, medications, research, and advocacy. I have listed links will take you directly to sources of help in your geographical area.

National Alliance For The Mentally Ill (NAMI)

NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support, and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illness. They have a wealth of information on mental illness including a list of state affiliates and their Family-To-Family Education Program.

 

Local Mental Health Associations

Your local Mental Health Association can provide you with information on activities, conferences, and support groups in your area. Here you will find a search engine that will give you the contact information for your local MHA office.

 

Chapter Directory for NDMDA

The National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association has a listing of local chapters.

On-Line Support Groups

On-line forums and discussion groups are a great source of comfort, support, and information from people who are living with the mental illness of a spouse or partner.

Bipolar: BPSO

Mailing list for significant others of people with bipolar disorder. Along with their mailing list, BPSO is a great place to find other information that is helpful to partners, families, and friends.

 

Bipolar: Winds of Change

Support for people with bipolar disorder and their significant others.

 

Schizophrenia Home Page

This is a very supportive and caring group and a great resource for anyone dealing with this very difficult disease.

 

OCD: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Bulletin Board for people who suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder and their families.

 

OCD Significant Others Page

This is warm and friendly new site for anyone in a relationship with someone suffering from OCD. You will find a bulletin board, chat room, and other resources for family and friends.

 

Massachusetts General Hospital Forum

You will find numerous mental illness forums including one for caregivers.

 

Mental Health Net Forum

You will find an on-line discussion forum for families and friends living with someone who has a mental illness. Look in the Miscellaneous Groups category. You will need to sign in as a guest if you are not a member.

 

Support-group.com

This site contains bulletin boards for a large number of illnesses and conditions including bipolar disorder, OCD, and schizophrenia.

Ask The Expert

If you have a specific question that you are having trouble getting answered, you may find these "Ask The Expert" links helpful. You can contact a mental health professional on-line or view many of the questions others in similar situations have asked.

Ask The Expert - Mental Health Source

Dr. Ron Pies answers your questions each week and posts the answers each Monday. Questions from the previous 3 years are archived. A new "Ask The Expert" area has been added called Ask The Bipolar Expert hosted by Dr. Charles Bowden.

 

ABC's Of "Internet Therapy" - Metanoia

A comprehensive, independent guide to the psychotherapists and counselors who provide services over the internet; compiled by consumers, for consumers.

These books speak directly to family members. You will find great information and advice in these resources.

Helping Someone With Mental Illness by Rosalynn Carter Helping Yourself Help Others by Rosalynn Carter How To Live With a Mentally Ill Person by Christine Adamec How You Can Survive When They're Depressed by Anne Sheffield OCD: A Survival Guide For Family and Friends by Roy C. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - New Help For The Family by Herbert L. Gravitz Surviving Schizophrenia: A Manual For Families Consumers and Providers by E. Fuller Torrey Souls Are Made Of Endurance by Steward D. Govig The Skipping Stone by Mona Wasow What to Do When Someone You Love Is Depressed by Mitch & Susan Golant When Madness Comes Home by Victoria Secunda When Someone You Love Has a Mental Illness by Rebecca Woolis When Someone You Love Is Depressed: How To Help Your Loved One Without Losing Yourself by Laura Epstein Rosen