National Alliance on Mental Illness offers support, more in a variety of ways

One of the options available for mental health well-being is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI defines a mental illness as a “condition that affects a person’s thinking, feeling, behavior or mood.” NAMI also states that the first thing those who have or think they might have a mental illness need to know is that “you are not alone.”

According to NAMI, mental health conditions are more common than most realize because many individuals don’t like to or are scared to talk about them. However, statistics show just how common mental illness is; consider the following information from NAMI:

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year.
• 1 in 25 U.S. adults experiences serious mental illness each year.
• 1 in 6 U.S. youths age 6 to 17 experiences a mental health disorder each year.
• 50 percent of all lifetime mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75 percent by age 24.

Through support programs, classes and more, NAMI provides a variety of resources, trainings, information, programs, tools and more to help, such as:

• Warning Signs and Symptoms – There are many types of conditions classified as mental illness, and each illness has its own set of symptoms. Knowing the signs and symptoms is important as a self-help tool and as a way to help someone else in need.
• Mental Health Conditions – This section offers information such as an overview, treatment, support and discussion groups for a variety of conditions, including:
  • Anxiety disorders.
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Bipolar disorder.
  • Depression.
  • Eating disorders.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• NAMI Blog – Posts on a variety of topics related to mental illness and well-being. Readers have the option to search for a specific topic or search by categories or through the archives.
• Video Resource Library – Videos of inspirational stories, s, education shorts and more.
• Support Groups – Peer-led groups offering participants an opportunity to share their experiences and gain support from other attendees.
• Online discussion groups – Log in using email and password, or new users can create an account. See the NAMI Online Knowledge Center for information about the NAMI User Portal.
• NAMI HelpLine – Available 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday through Friday at 800-950-NAMI (6264) or via email at info@nami.org.
• Crisis Text Line – Text NAMI to 741741 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor to receive free, 24/7 crisis support via text message.
• Warning Signs of a Mental Health Crisis – Infographic quickly outlines warning signs and what to do in a mental health crisis
• Navigating a Mental Health Crisis: A NAMI Resource Guide for Those Experiencing a Mental Health Emergency – Guide outlines what can contribute to a crisis, warning signs that a crisis is emerging, strategies to de-escalate a crisis, available resources and more.

For family, significant others and friends

• NAMI Family-to-Family – A free, eight-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions and includes presentations, discussions and interactive exercises.

Indiana NAMI Organization and Affiliates resources

NAMI includes more than 600 NAMI state organizations and affiliates across the country, many of which offer a selection of free support and education programs.

Outlined below are a few of the NAMI resources in Indiana:

• NAMI Indiana, Indiana’s state organization
• Email: info@namiindiana.org
• Phone: 317-925-9399
• Classes and programs in Indiana

For employees at the West Lafayette, Fort Wayne and Northwest campuses, there are local NAMI affiliates for each region: 

West Lafayette

NAMI West Central Indiana, 765-423-6939, info@nami-wci.org

Purdue Fort Wayne

NAMI Fort Wayne, 260-447-8990, office@namifortwayne.org

Purdue Northwest

NAMI Lake County, 219-513-9457, nami@namilakecountyin.org 

Employees can also search for a local affiliate specific to their location by visiting Find Your Local NAMI.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING MENTAL HEALTH

Faculty and staff resources

As one of the five pillars of the Healthy Boiler Program, behavioral health plays a key role in overall employee well-being. Referred to by many names – behavioral health, mental health, emotional well-being and more -- one thing is certain, it’s important, and resources are available to faculty, staff and students at Purdue.

• The recent email -- Mental Health Impacts Overall Health -- provides a quick look at a variety of resources.
• The Mental Health Resources webpage also offers a list of resources offered via Purdue and the community.

To assist students

Faculty and staff who work with students or have a student at home can direct students to the resources below for behavioral health assistance. Note: LiveHealth Online Psychology and LiveHealth Online Psychiatry services are also available to Purdue students who are covered on a Purdue health plan. Mental health visits through LiveHealth Online are covered at 100 percent on the Purdue student health plan.   

Office of the Dean of Students

• Continuous Network of Support
• Services and information
• Presentations and trainings
• Student of Concern reporting link

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

• Therapy Services at CAPS
• Self-help resources
• Group Therapy
• CAPS YouTube channel
• NAMI On Campus – A free, virtual support group on campus.
• Thriving Campus – Service that provides students a way to search for mental health providers in many areas, locally and across the country WellTrack – interactive, self-help therapy app.