NAMI WC has support groups for people who live with a mental health condition and family members and friends who live in support of someone with a mental health condition. Group leaders have personal experience with a mental health condition and are trained in group facilitation.
NAMI support groups are not condition-specific, meaning that people who attend may have varying diagnoses, including but not limited to: anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, personality disorders, eating disorders, PTSD, psychosis, or addiction.
Support groups are currently offered only online (through Zoom) and are open to participants located in any state. NAMI WC serves Washtenaw County communities, including the cities of Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Milan, Saline, and Ypsilanti.
Support Group Description: This group is now open to anyone with a mental health condition aged 18 and above. “It is not easy to talk about what’s really going on with you,” said Pat, a group leader. “The NAMI Connection format helps smooth the way, especially for newcomers, with the structure of an agenda, group guidelines, and principles of support.” Meetings are mainly devoted to discussion conducted with these guidelines and principles in mind, such as absolute confidentiality, respect for others, and aiming for better coping skills. Group member Anna finds the other participants supportive and resourceful. Merely attending meetings can have a therapeutic effect, she said. Support Group Description: This mental health support group is for parents of children aged 12 to 25 who have contemplated or attempted suicide. Rather than struggle alone with how to get help for your child and yourself, join this group and share effective strategies with others in the same situation. Support Group Description: This group is for adults who have a friend or family member with a mental health condition. Meetings revolve around topics of interest to people caring for others, including self-care. Caring for someone with a serious mental health condition can feel lonely and dispiriting. However, said a group member, “coming to meetings empowers me. I feel so much less alone and am inspired by the courage of group members.” Participants trade strategies and learn from one another. Meetings end “with everyone sharing something they are going to do for themselves that they enjoy,” Chuck, a group leader, said. Support Group Description: This group is for adults who have a friend or family member with a mental health condition. Meetings revolve around topics of interest to people caring for others, including self-care. Caring for someone with a serious mental health condition can feel lonely and dispiriting. However, said a group member, “coming to meetings empowers me. I feel so much less alone and am inspired by the courage of group members.” Participants trade strategies and learn from one another. Meetings end “with everyone sharing something they are going to do for themselves that they enjoy,” Chuck, a group leader, said. Support Group Description: This group is for adults who have a friend or family member with a mental health condition. Meetings revolve around topics of interest to people caring for others, including self-care. Caring for someone with a serious mental health condition can feel lonely and dispiriting. However, said a group member, “coming to meetings empowers me. I feel so much less alone and am inspired by the courage of group members.” Participants trade strategies and learn from one another. Meetings end “with everyone sharing something they are going to do for themselves that they enjoy,” Chuck, a group leader, said. NAMI Faith Group combines scripture lessons, educational topics, and sharing time to promote support and spirituality in mental health. They believe that a person’s faith can play a positive role in their mental health experience. The group is open to adults living with mental health challenges, and to anyone who wants to learn how to better support those living with a condition. There is no fee or registration required. Attendance is on a drop-in basis and each meeting will have a new lesson. NAMI Faith Group is inclusive and welcomes all religions and all people.
Groups For People Who Live with a Mental Health Condition
Every 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 7-8:30 PM
Online through Zoom
To register visit: https://namiwc.org/about/mental-health-support-groups/connection-support-group-registration/. Please remember to indicate which Wednesday session you plan on attending (see registration form for details).
Groups For People Who Live in Support of a Someone who has a Mental Health Condition
Every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month from 7-8:30 PM
Online through Zoom
For more information and to register, email Alison at alisonpaine21@hotmail.com.
Every 1st Tuesday of the Month from 7-8:30 PM*
Online through Zoom
To learn more and register for the next Tuesday group visit: https://namiwc.org/tuesday-family-and-friends-registration/
Every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7-8:30 PM
Hybrid: in-person and online through Zoom
To learn more and register for the next Wednesday group visit: https://namiwc.org/about/mental-health-support-groups/wed-friends-and-family-support-group/
Every 4th Monday of the month from 6:30-8 PM
Online through Zoom
To learn more and register for the Monday group please visit https://namiwc.org/about/mental-health-support-groups/family-friends-online-support-group-registration/
Groups For Both People Who Live with and in Support of a Someone who has a Mental Health Condition
Every 2nd Tues. 7-8:30 PM & 4th Tues. 7:30-9 PM of the month
2nd Tuesday – Online through Zoom 4th Tuesday – Hybrid – Online through Zoom and in-person at Saline First United Methodist Church, 1200 N. Ann Arbor St.
To register for the group please visit https://namiwc.org/about/mental-health-support-groups/nami-faith-support-group-registration-2/