Frequently Asked Questions

• I need help coping with some of my loved ones symptoms. Can NAMI offer advice or help?
• My family member is missing and may be homeless. How can I find them?
• My friend/family member doesn’t want medication or therapy. What can I do?
• My teenager is acting differently. Could it be the beginning of a mental illness?
• Can people recover from mental illness? Is there a cure?
• Does NAMI have brochures on mental health conditions?
• What does NAMI stand for and what is its mission?
• What job or volunteer opportunities does NAMI have available?
• Where do I find the contact information for my NAMI Affiliate?
• Are gifts to NAMI tax-deductible?
• I don’t want to make a gift online. What are the other ways I can donate to NAMI?
• Who contributes funding to NAMI?
• How do I file a complaint against a mental health care facility or professional?
• My boss is treating me unfairly because of my mental illness. What are my rights?
• My friend has a mental health condition. He was arrested and is in jail. How can we help him?
• A friend of mine told me it’s best to get all my prescriptions at one pharmacy instead of two or three. Is this true?
• Can I drink alcohol while taking antidepressants?
• How can I learn more about my medication’s dosage and side effects?
• I am having trouble remembering to take my medications. Is there anything I can do to help me remember?
• I forgot to get new prescriptions the last time I went to my doctor and I am out of refills on my old prescriptions. Now it's Saturday and I can't reach my doctor's office to call in new prescriptions for me? What should I do?
• I have been taking my antidepressant medication for a while now. I feel great. All of my symptoms seem to be gone. Is it okay for me to stop taking my medication?
• I have heard that there may be negative effects associated with stopping antidepressants. Is this true?
• I have recently started a new drug. I have been having trouble sitting still and must constantly be moving. Could this be a side effect of my new medication?
• I heard that medication can cause sexual side effects. Are these effects permanent? Should I stop taking my medicine?
• I occasionally see what looks like medicine in the stool. Should I be concerned that I am not getting the whole dose of medication since the tablet is not dissolving?
• I recently heard that one of my medications can cause a side effect called tardive dyskinesia and it can become permanent. What is this?
• I was recently prescribed an antidepressant. The information sheet from the pharmacy said the medication may increase suicidal thoughts. Is this true?
• I was told by my doctor that I need to take the medication for the rest of my life. Is it absolutely true that I will have to take the medication for the rest of my life?
• I would like to have children. However, I am worried about stopping my antidepressant. Do you have any advice?
• My doctor recently started me on an antidepressant medication. A friend of mine had been on the same medication and told me that it caused her to gain weight. I really do not want to gain any weight, and I want to stop taking the medication. What should I do?
• My doctor recently started me on lithium and told me there are lots of drug interactions with this medication. My pharmacist is very good at telling me about interactions with prescription medications but how do I know which non-prescription or over-the-counter medications to avoid?
• My psychiatrist recently gave me a prescription for a new medication. When I went to my pharmacy the pharmacist said it would cost over $300 a month. There is no way I can afford that. What can I do?
• My son has bipolar disorder and is mostly depressed. He did not tolerate Lamictal (lamotrigine) or Seroquel (quetiapine). What are some other options for treatment?
• Part of my mental illness makes me hear voices. I started to take an antipsychotic to help with my symptoms. The medication helps, but sometimes I still hear the voices. Does this mean the medication is not working anymore?
• Someone I really care about has mental illness but repeatedly stops taking his medication and his symptoms come back. Sometimes my friend has to be hospitalized. How can I help him?
• What are the long-term effects of taking medication for mental illness? Will the medicine damage my brain, liver, kidney or other organs?
• What does it take to get a medication to the American public?
• What is the best plan for getting rid of old or leftover medications (ones that are not prescribed for me)?
• Where can I turn to get help paying for my medication?
• Why do psychiatric medications cost so much?
• Will I become addicted to the medication?
• Do I have to pay dues separately to my local NAMI Affiliate, NAMI State Organization and the national NAMI office?
• How can I become a NAMI member? What are the benefits of membership?
• How do I renew my membership?
• How much are dues and how do I become a member?
• I purchased a membership at my local NAMI Affiliate but don’t see it in my online account. What do I do?
• I recently moved. How do I change my address? How can I update my contact information or delete my name from NAMI's mailing list?
• What is the difference between membership and a donation? Does my donation automatically qualify for membership?
• I am interested in advertising and sponsorship opportunities for next year. Whom should I contact?
• What should I wear at the convention?
• Where do i get advice or assistance at the convention with my questions?
• Can I be connected with other NAMI on Campus club leaders?
• Do I need to become a NAMI member and pay dues?
• How are on-campus clubs connected to the larger NAMI community?
• How often does my club have to meet?
• There is no NAMI on Campus at my university. How do I start a NAMI on Campus club?
• What are NAMI State Organizations and NAMI Affiliates?
• What do NAMI on Campus clubs do?
• What should we talk about?
• Can I receive disability for my mental health condition? I need help understanding health insurance, Medicaid and Medicare.
• Can NAMI help me find a group home or residential treatment?
• Can NAMI recommend a doctor or mental health facility?
• How can I get help for my substance abuse issue and mental health condition?
• What’s the next step after getting a diagnosis?