One in four Mainers is affected by mental illness. So common, but so highly stigmatized, mental illness touches many lives in every community, including our own. It is an issue that is especially important to me because of how it has touched my family through my brother’s struggle with paranoid schizophrenia and processing challenges.
As a chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI Maine offers support, education, and advocacy to help so many Mainers build better lives. The origin of NAMI’s name reflects the philosophy of the organization. The first acronym – AMI – is also the French word for ‘friend.’ As advocates for those affected by mental illness, NAMI members are dedicated to raising awareness, promoting the importance of peer support, and creating better understanding. I know from the experience of my family how valued that compassion is.
NAMI Maine offers a variety of programs for those in need, for their families, and for the community members and agencies that endeavor to support anyone affected by mental illness. If you are someone you love needs support, please reach out without hesitation.