BRATTLEBORO — May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Vermont joins the nation in bringing the issue of mental health to the forefront.
According to the group, one in five Vermonters will experience a mental health condition in their life, and one in 25 adults lives with serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, major depression, or bipolar disorder.
Half of all lifetime mental health conditions begin by age 14 and 75 percent by age 24, but early intervention programs can help. The best treatments for serious mental illnesses today are highly effective; between 70 and 90 percent of individuals have significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life with the right treatments and support.
“Mental Health Awareness Month is a time for Vermonters to become inspired, informed, and involved to build awareness and better understand mental health,” said Laurie Emerson, executive director of the Alliance, in a news release. “Mental health affects everyone, however, stigma can prevent people from seeking help or talking to friends and family about their challenges - feeling even more isolated.”
Emerson said her group can help individuals and families bridge that gap through support groups and educational classes that are peer-run.
National Alliance on Mental Illness of Vermont offers free support groups and mental health education in communities all over the state. The NAMI Family Support Group is a monthly peer-led meeting for family members, partners, and friends of individuals living with a mental health condition and meets on the first Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in West Brattleboro.
The NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is a weekly peer-led support group for people living with a mental health condition and meets every Tuesday from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the United Counseling Service CRT Center, 316 Dewey St., Bennington.
Additionally, NAMI Vermont offers a free evidence-based Family-to-Family 12-week course for families, partners, and friends of individuals living with mental illness throughout the state beginning in March and September.
NAMI Vermont's newest program “In Our Own Voice” is a public education presentation in which peers share their stories of dark days and their road to recovery. To request an “In Our Own Voice” presentation in your community or to learn more about NAMI Vermont's programs, visit namivt.org/programs.