
Support Group Materials
If you need support now, please call the NAMI Finger Lakes Help Line at 607-273-2462. Our Help Line is answered by local NAMI family members who have experience with loved ones living with mental illness..
Agenda
Welcome
Group Guidelines
Principles of Support
Check-in (up to 2 min.)
Group Discussion
End on Time
Guide For Check In
Share your name and briefly describe how we can support you today.
Group Guidelines
The Group Guidelines tell us how we are going to care for each other in the group. They provide the mutual consideration, acceptance and protection that are often hard to find in the real world. We will follow these guidelines at each meeting to create the sanctuary and safe place we need.
Start and stop on time
Time limit for Check In
Absolute confidentiality
Be respectful
Be mindful of others; no monopolizing or cross talk
Keep it in the here and now
Empathize with each other’s situation
Principles of Support
The Principles of Support represent what we are striving for as we struggle to come to terms with mental illness. This is our belief system regarding universal, necessary truths that guide and strengthen us when life deals us this particular challenge.
We will see the individual first, not the illness.
We recognize that mental illnesses are medical illnesses that may have environmental triggers.
We understand that mental illnesses are traumatic events.
We aim for better coping skills.
We find strength in sharing experiences.
We reject stigma and do not tolerate discrimination.
We won’t judge anyone’s pain as less than our own.
We forgive ourselves and reject guilt.
We embrace humor as healthy.
We accept we cannot solve all problems.
We expect a better future in a realistic way.
We will never give up hope.
STAGES OF EMOTIONAL RESPONSES
1.Dealing with Catastrophic Events
Crisis/Chaos/Shock
Denial: “normalizing”
Hoping Against Hope
NEEDS:
*Support *Comfort *Empathy for confusion
*Help finding resources *Crisis intervention
*Prognosis *Empathy for pain *NAMI
2. Learning to Cope
Anger/Guilt/Resentment
Recognition
Grief
NEEDS:
*Vent feelings *Keep hope *Education
*Self-care *Networking *Skill training
*Letting go *Co-op from System *NAMI
3. Moving into Advocacy
Understanding
Acceptance
Advocacy/Action
NEEDS:
*Activism *Restoring balance in life
*Responsiveness from System *NAMI