Mental illness family support groups available

CENTREVILLE - The National Alliance on Mental Illness has recently started Family Support Groups in Queen Anne's and Kent counties. These groups are peer-led groups for family members, caregivers, and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness. Support group members gain insight from the challenges and successes of other group members facing similar circumstances.

Family members or friends of someone with mental illness find from the support group that they are not alone and that they can find the support they need from the group. The family support group is unique because it follows a structured model, ensuring everyone the opportunity to be heard and to get information and the support that they need. The support groups are free, confidential, and led by people who have loved ones with mental illness.

One group member said, "The most beneficial thing for me to learn was that I am not alone. I found the NAMI Family Support Group at the time I really needed it!"

NAMI offers its Family Support Program the first and third Monday of the month in Centreville and the first and third Tuesday of the month in Chestertown from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 443-480-0565 or email namikentandqueen annes@gmail.com.