To the Editor,
As a resident of Fairfield County, and a board member of NAMI SouthwestCT, I wanted to take the time to inform our community about NAMI. NAMI stands for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI offers a wide range of educational programs and resources to help people better understand mental health conditions. They provide a platform for individuals and families to connect with others who have experienced similar challenges. Confidential support groups, helplines, and online communities are all available to offer emotional and practical support. NAMI is also actively involved in advocating for better mental health policies, services, and funding at the local, state, and national levels. They work to reduce stigma and improve access to mental health care.
NAMI’s Family Support Group meetings are held weekly throughout Fairfield County covering various needs. For those with a loved one going through a crisis, or simply dealing with the day-to-day challenges of living with someone with a mental health condition, the support group meetings can be a safe place to share your story, seek wisdom and allow others to come alongside you in your pain. NAMI-CAN is a support group for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents under the age of 21. NAMI Connection is a peer-led group providing support for people who personally struggle with mental health conditions.
The various support group meeting times and locations as well as other resources are described in detail on the namisouthwestct.org website.
From a personal standpoint, I can speak to the fact that NAMI has been a wondeful resource for our family.
Laurel Scarlata
NAMI Southwest Board member
