NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)¶
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the largest grassroots mental health organization in the United States. NAMI provides education, support groups, and advocacy for individuals living with mental illness and their families. The NAMI Helpline (800-950-6264) offers information, referrals, and support Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 10 PM Eastern Time. You can also text "HELPLINE" to 62640 or email helpline@nami.org.
NAMI is relevant to family caregivers in two ways. First, many caregivers provide care for a loved one with a mental health condition — depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, or PTSD. NAMI's programs address this directly through NAMI Family-to-Family (a free, evidence-based education course for families of people with mental illness) and NAMI Family Support Groups (peer-led support groups that meet regularly in communities nationwide). Second, caregivers themselves experience elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion1, and NAMI's resources can support their own mental health.
When you call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264, expect to speak with a trained volunteer who can answer questions about mental health conditions, provide referrals to local NAMI affiliates and support groups, help you navigate the mental health system, and connect you with crisis resources if needed. For more immediate crisis support, NAMI will refer you to the 988 Lifeline or Crisis Text Line.
NAMI operates through a network of over 600 local affiliates across the country. These affiliates run in-person support groups, educational programs, and community events. The NAMI website at nami.org includes an affiliate finder, a resource library, and online discussion communities.
NAMI addresses zone P6 (Emotional Wellbeing) directly, with a focus on the mental-health condition. It is relevant both for caregivers managing a loved one's mental illness and for caregivers experiencing their own mental health challenges as a result of caregiving demands.