Lesson 5: Coping with Depression
For Your Benefit
Three national (US) organizations for those with mental illness and their loved ones include:
The National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association is a grass-roots organization based largely on local support groups from all over. On a national level, they work to educate the public, advocate for mental health law reform, and push for new research. At their national conferences, you will truly discover you are not alone, and hear some of the leading authorities speak. Many of the local chapters, as well as hosting support groups, also educate and advocate. Check out NDMDA's online directory for a chapter near you.
The National Mental Health Association is an advocacy and education powerhouse on the state and national levels. The MHA also sponsors support groups. Check out their online affiliate directory for the MHA nearest you. They also host an annual conference.
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill used to be largely for the parents or family members of those with mental illness. These days, they are reaching out to include consumers (patients), as well. Check out their online directory for a NAMI affiliate near you. A state or local NAMI will put you in touch with a nearby support group, even if it is not one of their own. Last year's NAMI conference in Washington DC included sending out grass-roots delegations to Capitol Hill to lobby individual members of Congress for mental health parity, plus several days of seminars, luncheons, dinners, entertainment, and poster sessions.
Please try to get involved with one of these organizations, or any of a number of others I neglected to mention. At first, you may rely on the organization for support. Later, you may want to take on a more active role as a grass-roots leader or advocate. All have training programs to help you help others, which ultimately can be the best therapy. Finally, make a point to attend one of their national conferences.
