NAMI-GC College Outreach Program

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• Mental Illness: What You Can Do
  • FAQs
  • Signs & Symptoms
  • Friends & Family
    • What Family Should Keep in Mind
    • What Friends Should Keep in Mind
    • Coping Strategies for Parents
    • Coping Strategies for Friends
    • Confidentiality Rules & Concerns
    • Basic Facts & Treatment to Remember
  • Self Help
• Join Us: Peer Corps
• Support NCCOP
• About Us
• What Schools Can Do

• Crisis Contacts
• Campus & Community Resources
• Web Resources

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.

My friend has been diagnosed with a mental illness…now what?

First of all, know that you are not alone and that there is hope. It is important to remember that your friend is more than his or her diagnosis, and you should not treat him or her any differently. Just as with any physical illness, encouraging your friend to get professional help and to stick with a treatment plan that works can help boost his or her recovery.

Becoming more informed on mental illnesses, coping strategies, and what you can do is a great next step to being there for your friend. Just listening always works, too. For more information on what you can do and advice from college students who have friends with a mental illness, please go to Friends & Family.