Three words that come to mind when dealing with mental illness, mental health, and mental well-being: Hope, Kindness, and Patience. 

The intersection of Hope, Kindness, and Patience are words entwined with the heart, I believe, and are words everyone can relate to because everyone has a heart.  

“Hope” can be described as “motivation and faith that positive change is coming and every problem has a solution.”

“Kindness” can increase your sense of connectivity with others, decrease loneliness, combat low mood, and improve relationships.

“Patience” can be defined as the ability to endure difficult circumstances.

We all have challenging times in our lives. We may feel that our situation is unique, or worse than anyone has ever faced. Personally, dealing with a mental illness, or dealing with the mental illness of a loved one or a friend, can leave you feeling hopeless”.  This is where the benefit of connecting with a NAMI support group can help you to find Hope, discover the power of Kindness, and how “Patience” is quite often the best solution to a pressing issue or situation.

 I have repeatedly seen or heard how the Hope, Kindness, and Patience experienced in NAMI Family Support Groups, Connection Peer Support Groups, and the Family-to-Family Education Program have improved lives. The connection of “lived experiences” shared in a safe environment is incomparable.

Think about Hope, Kindness, and Patience and how they relate to you and play a role in your life. Think about Connecting with others who are in similar situations. It’s difficult for others who are not dealing with mental illness or do not understand mental illness to understand what you are experiencing. Don’t let the “stigma” of mental illness stop you from seeking support. NAMI understands. We’ve been there. Our support and education programs help us find hope, kindness, patience, and understanding.