NAMI San Diego offers support groups for those affected by serious mental illnesses, presented by trained facilitators who have “been there.”
FOR PERSONS WHO LIVE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS: NAMI Connection is a 90-minute support group run by persons who live with mental illness for other persons who live with mental illness. The program includes NAMI-trained peer facilitators and employs principles of support designed to empower its members. This program focuses on allowing all participants to share their experiences and learn from each other in a safe and confidential environment. NAMI Connection is not illness-specific, and welcomes persons with all psychiatric diagnoses.
FOR FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF THOSE WHO LIVE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS: NAMI Family Support Groups are for relatives, caregivers, and others involved with individuals with mental illness. The support groups are run by local affiliates and have facilitators trained by NAMI in order to provide a structure which encourages full group participation. Support groups provide a caring atmosphere for individuals to share their common experiences and assist individuals in developing the skills for understanding and the strengths needed to cope.