NAMI-GC College Outreach Program
Questions about NCCOP? Want to help? Contact nccop@namigc.org.
For more information, referrals, support, and education about serious mental illness, call NAMI of Greater Chicago at (312) 563-0445, or visit the NAMI of Greater Chicago website, namigc.org.
“Please remember that people are not their illness. I, Michael am NOT Post Tramaumatic Stress Disorder. I suffer from PTSD. I did not choose to have PTSD. As a loved one, please continue to be respectful as to continuing to remind others' they are not their illness.”
“It's not easy, but don't give up! Once you find the right people and resources for support, the struggle becomes so much easier.”
“There is hope. Once the correct diagnosis was made and medication was given, she is like her ‘normal’ self.”
“Attend all meetings with the consumer. Circulate all information available about the particular illness to family and friends so that they can be informed and knowledgeable. This will help deal with stigma.”
“One thing I had to keep in mind constantly was that my mom was sick, and the things she was doing and saying were not personally towards me. She didn't mean to hurt me! I had to keep that in the back of my mind. She was not choosing this. I had to learn to not be so defensive towards her.”
“Take a person's concerns and opinions seriously. Don't just write someone’s thoughts or feelings off because they have been diagnosed with a mental illness. You don't have to agree with them, but you do need to show respect. Also, know the mental health and social service systems and a person's rights within them!”
“Mental illness is not static you are going to have up's and down's. The tip is to make the up's and down's more manageable. Put a plan in place and surround the person with mental illness with support systems and plans of actions when they are up or down.”
“Please remember it is everyone's responsibility to respect themselves and each other. No name calling, even if you choose to be uneducated. No jokes—mental illness is not a laughing matter. And try some empathy; if you suffered, you would not want to suffer alone. Ask for help. With help, anything is possible, even hope.”
“Mental illness does not automatically equal dangerousness. When interacting with someone in a crisis, be sure to keep calm—overdoing the advice or making empty threats is rarely as effective as listening to a person's concerns.”
Want to add your own advice to parents and friends? Send an email to nccop@namigc.org.
Want to learn more about the signs and symptoms of mental illness? Go to Signs & Symptoms.
For listings of resources that may be able to help, please visit Campus & Community Resources.