Anne Slease, Director of Advocacy and Education at the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Delaware (NAMI Delaware) gave an overview of the non-profit that provides free programs for people dealing with mental illness, personally or as a family member or friend. We talked about the warning signs of mental health issues – substance abuse, changes in mood and/or changes in habits that affect your job, relationships and enjoyment of life, and noted that there’s never a reason not to call, everyone can find ways to feel better and get more enjoyment from life.
She discussed the programs for students, teachers and law enforcement and first responders to help them recognize and respond to problems or to see stress and burnout in themselves. Annie discussed her own family’s brush with mental health and how little they knew about the signs and help available. Keeping other families from going through the struggles with relationships and the legal and mental health systems thinking that they’re alone her mission, and the goal of NAMI Delaware.
NAMI is a national organization with chapters in every part of the state and country, all relying on donations and volunteers to keep their services going.
For more information about services, programs, referrals and fundraising and volunteering, call the HELPLINE at 888-427-2643. It is also all posted to their website, along with fundraising events such as their big Walk scheduled for May 7th, and volunteer opportunities at namidelaware.org.