Group offers education, support to mentally ill

Published 12:00 am Monday, October 8, 2012

This is part of a series of articles the Post is publishing in recognition of National Mental Illness Awareness Week, submitted by members of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Rowan.
There is no magic bullet, but there is support, understanding and education. We are the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Our meetings are the first and third Tuesday of the month 7-8 p.m., in the Fellowship Hall of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 1908 Statesville Blvd. Salisbury. All are welcomed and everything is confidential.
Our mission is to promote recovery and optimize the quality of life for those living with mental illness and help their family and friends understand what they are going through.
By joining NAMI or sending a donation to P.O. Box 604, Salisbury, N.C. 28145, you will help further our mission and ensure the continued success of the free classes and other programs we offer.
This year for our Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday, we are partnering with the W.G.(Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center. It will be held at the VA starting at 10:30 with a healing service in the chapel of Building 19; officiating is Chaplain Ryan Wagers.
The luncheon will start at 11:30 a.m. in Building 6, where we will be honoring outstanding individuals with an achievement award.
Our members are individuals, family and friends, mental health professionals, policy makers and others who are concerned and want to help. We are an active, caring and friendly group dedicated to support, education and advocacy on behalf of persons with mental illness.
Mental illness is not a choice. It is a devastating brain disorder which affects not only those that have it but the family, friends and loved ones who are living with the disorder. One in four people will develop a mental disorder. When the illness is first discovered, there are many questions and it can be overwhelming. Then comes the search for treatment and support, followed by many other hurdles.
You are not alone. NAMI(National Alliance on Mental Illness) is there to help and assist in every way we can. Remember that dealing with the unknown can be more difficult than dealing with the illness itself. Learn more about the types, symptoms and available treatments for mental illness.
Knowledge is power. Never give up! You are not alone!

NAMI of Rowan will hold a healing service and luncheon Friday in recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week, with particular emphasis on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“Focus and Prayers for Those Living With PTSD” will be held in Building 19 of the Hefner VA Medical Center, 1601 Brenner Ave.
It will begin with the healing service at 10:30 a.m., followed by a “Celebration of Success” luncheon at 11:30 a.m.
Speakers for the luncheon are psychologist Dr. Shanyn Aysta-Isaac, recovery coordinator at the Hefner VAMC, and Elizabeth Cook, editor of the Salisbury Post.
Donations of $10 are suggested for the meal. To make a reservation, call 704-640-8811.