Supporting a loved one living with a mental health condition can change every part of a person’s life, often leaving family members searching for guidance and people who understand what they are experiencing.
In National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Franklin County’s Family Support Group, participants come together to share experiences, learn from one another and navigate those challenges in a supportive environment.
The group is designed for adults caring for or supporting loved ones with mental health challenges, particularly adult family members living with mental illness. Peer-led and co-facilitated by Southeast Healthcare, the group encourages participants to support each other through practical insight and collective wisdom.
With funding from the Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County (ADAMH), the partnership between NAMI Franklin County and Southeast Healthcare helps ensure families have access to a supportive environment centered on education and hope.
Laurita Barber, NAMI Franklin County’s co-facilitator of the group, said many participants initially arrive feeling isolated in their experiences, only to realize through conversation and connection that others share similar challenges. That sense of understanding resonated with Amanda, who has been attending the support group for the past year.
“Mental illness is so stigmatized and can be very private,” Amanda said. “But the first thing I noticed when I joined this group is there is an entire community of people out there going through similar situations to one another.”
Amanda connected with the support group after a close family member of hers experienced a mental health crisis.
“My family and I had been noticing for quite a while that our loved one was struggling, but unfortunately, we didn’t know how to help him until it turned into a complete crisis,” Amanda shared. “I don’t think I realized how much I needed support while I was supporting him through that crisis. (The family support group) has just been a lifeline in this incredibly dark period of my life.”
From Shared Challenges to Collective Strength
Laurita and her Southeast Healthcare counterpart, Omenuko M. Davis, work to create an atmosphere that encourages participants to guide the conversations and explore topics most relevant to their own experiences and needs.
“We’re teaching our group attendees how to problem solve without us,” Omenuko said. “We hope participants are learning how to advocate for themselves, speak up about their needs and communicate more confidently. The goal is for them to leave the group feeling better equipped to access resources, navigate systems and support both themselves and their loved ones outside of the group setting.”
Group discussions cover a wide range of topics, including navigating housing options for adult children living with mental health concerns, understanding Medicare or Medicaid systems and learning how to prioritize personal well-being and establish healthy boundaries with loved ones.
“You want to give everything to that person you see struggling, and it's so easy to do that and lose yourself, so learning to set boundaries has been something I’ve found to be incredibly important through this group,” Amanda said.
Through advice and conversations around supporting loved ones living with mental illness, group participants gain a greater sense of hope for themselves, their family members and others navigating similar experiences.
Amanda’s involvement with the group continues to be an important part of her journey. As she looks ahead to continuing to navigate her family member’s illness, she values the opportunity to both give and receive support.
“I'm able to take the things I’ve been through and hopefully help others.”
If you are someone you know is interested in learning more about the NAMI Franklin County Family Support Group, learn more by visiting namifranklincounty.org/nami-family-support-group/.