NAMI Blog

"I felt like people were really finally seeing me — the real me."

"In my 17 years of nursing, I’ve become an advocate for those who are vulnerable to the discrimination against mental illness. I bear the scars of this epidemic in our society."

"I look at the girl I once was, who desperately wanted those around me to understand my struggles, but who was drowned in shame and stigma. I speak for her."

"I did not win this time, but perhaps I will tomorrow. I may not be recovered right now. I may not be in a normal state of mind, but I will be again."

"I wish all people with mental illness, whether we’re struggling or well, will be accepted, respected and fairly treated. It’s time for individual and social change that recognizes our humanity."

For Carrie, part of her bipolar disorder is not being able to tell when she's ramping towards a manic episode. Here's how she stays self-aware of her symptoms. 

Here are the five strategies that helped Matthew cope during the recovery stages of schizoaffective disorder. 

One of the biggest challenges of being a caregiver is prioritizing and taking care of your own needs. Here is how Izzy learned how to redifine his role as a caregiver allowing him more time and space for his own health and well-being.

It's really hard to move forward after going through a mental health crisis. To make it slightly easier, it may be helpful to come up with a plan. 

Learn from a trauma therapist, who also has lived experience, some of the important aspects of recovering after surviving a traumatic experience.