Throughout the country and world there are individuals who are diagnosed with different mental illnesses on a daily basis. These illnesses do not discriminate against a certain age, race, gender or socioeconomic status. The mental illness plays a huge role in causing the individual to lose the capability of being able to use his or her mind properly. The individuals cannot function at a what-is-considered a “normal” way. Their process of thinking, their mood and daily activities are affected.
Mental illnesses are found in different degrees of severity. Some individuals may have a mental illness but can still go on with their lives. There are others though who cannot function independently due to the illness.
Even though mental illness seems as if it is a major burden on the livelihood of a person, these individuals continue to have a positive outlook on life. The reason there continues to be hope for the individuals who are suffering and their families is because though not always curable, mental illnesses can be treated to help relieve the symptoms that are being experienced.
The types of treatments available are either through medication or through therapy. The therapy can be cognitive therapy, group therapy, faith-based therapy or any other type of therapy the doctor feels will help the individual. Though two may have the same mental illness, the treatment route that is taken will vary depending on the person’s personality.
On top of all the medical efforts put into place, there is also a program that is founded upon caring for, supporting, and any other action that will benefit those who are suffering with mental illnesses. The National Alliance of Mental Illness is a non-profit organization that works to enrich the lives of those diagnosed with a mental illness. It helps to bring in funds for research, education and an assortment of activities.
The National Alliance of Mental Illness, also known as NAMI, was originally founded in 1979. The thought behind the founding of this organization is that in every community, you will find someone who is suffering with mental illness. These individuals and their families had no one to go to for support. For an illness that is so wide-spread, it would seem appropriate to have an organization that is there to help. That was the reasoning behind the origin of NAMI, which eventually spread throughout the whole country.
Being a non-profit organization, NAMI is solely funded by private donations. Controversy stems from the fact that pharmaceutical companies make up a majority of the organization’s donations. Reports accuse the organization for promoting the medications the pharmaceutical companies produce in return for the donations.
Without NAMI many individuals feel as if they would have no hope. NAMI helps bring communities together to support a good cause. With so many individuals suffering from mental illness, the support NAMI provides keeps the hope alive for a better life for them.
