My Experience with NAMI WC

I still clearly remember learning about NAMI while at Chelsea Hospital’s Behavioral Health Unit for severe depression and suicidal ideation. Two people from NAMI Washtenaw came in to speak to the patients. One of the people lived with a mental health condition herself, and the other person lived in support of a family member who lived with a mental health condition. I thought it was so brave and nice of them to share their personal experiences with us. They also told us about the NAMI WC educational classes and support groups that are offered at no cost to the participants.   

For the rest of my stay in the hospital, I thought a lot about NAMI WC and the speakers who shared their mental health stories. I felt hopeful and excited to sign up for their Peer-To Peer educational class, which I did the day after being discharged from the hospital.   

NAMI’s Peer-To-Peer class is for those who live with a mental health condition. It is led by trained facilitators who also live with a mental health condition.  During the class, I met many people that could relate to what I was going through, and this helped me not to feel so alone. To say I learned a lot about mental health, and about myself, is an understatement. I gained so many coping skills, learned information about mental health, and started thinking about how to reduce the stigma attached to mental health.  On the third week of the eight-week class, we had an opportunity to share our personal journey with the class. I wrote mine out and read it. I get nervous when speaking and worry about forgetting something, so it helps me to write things out. So many people complimented my story and suggested I put it in the NAMI WC newsletter, which I did. 

After completing the Peer-To-Peer class, I decided that I wanted to begin volunteering and officially started in 2021. I wrote articles for the newsletter, went to outreach events, helped with advocacy, and got involved with Ending the Silence, which educates schools about the early signs of mental health challenges, how to get help, and coping strategies.  

In June of 2023, I joined NAMI WC’s staff as an Outreach Coordinator, which I absolutely love doing. I work with the most wonderful people, who I think of as my NAMI Family. Whether I’m having a difficult time or doing well, I know I can count on them. 

When I think back to first hearing about NAMI WC many years back, and think about where I am now, it’s hard to believe. NAMI WC has impacted my life in such a positive way. When doing outreach events and sharing my story with different audiences, I feel extremely empowered afterward. I am truly grateful for the staff, volunteers, and the whole community that make NAMI WC what it is.   

Please remember: You are not alone, and it is OK to ask for help. In fact, asking for help takes so much strength and courage and is something to be proud of.

Interested in volunteering with NAMI WC’s hospital outreach program? Apply here.