NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group and Family Support Group available as local resources if needed

It can be hard to know how to best cope when individuals themselves or a loved one is living with a mental health condition. But NAMI can help. One function of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is support. NAMI provides two different support groups: one for those experiencing a mental health condition and one for their loved ones.

A NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a peer-led support group for any adult living in recovery from a mental health condition.  A National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. In both groups, participants gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences.

These National Alliance on Mental Illness support groups are unique because they follow a structured model, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard and get what they need. Both groups are free of cost. Specific medical therapy or treatment is not endorsed. Participants agree to confidentiality.

By sharing experiences in a safe setting, participants can gain hope and develop supportive relationships. These groups encourage empathy, productive discussion and a sense of community. Participants benefit from other’s experiences, discover inner strength, and are empowered by sharing experiences in a confidential, non-judgmental space.

A newly organized National Alliance on Mental Illness Connection Recovery Support group will meet Tuesdays each week from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Spectrum “Kitchen” in downtown Decorah at 200 Railroad Street. Facilitators are Anna Linnell and Farrah Fritz. They can be reached at 563-422-8852 or by email at connection.namineiowa@gmail.com. This support group is only for adult individuals living in recovery (not currently in crisis) from symptoms of a mental health condition.

A NAMI Family Support Group of NAMI Northeast Iowa also meets monthly the fourth Monday from 7-8:30 p.m. at the North Fayette Valley Community Coalition Youth Center on the North Fayette Valley East campus at 23689 Canoe Road, Elgin.

For support group updates and information about classes, go to www.namineiowa.org.