Support group for relatives of the mentally ill in NYC?

March 19, 2006 8:09 PM

Support groups for relatives of mentally ill/suicidal in NYC?

Without going into too much detail, a parent (with a history of drug abuse) recently attempted to commit suicide and was subsequently hospitalized.

Are there any support groups for people in a similar position in Manhattan or Brooklyn?

posted by anonymous to Health & Fitness (3 answers total)

Start with NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness). They have over 1,000 local and state groups across the U.S., most of which are volunteer operated, and which maintain contacts and advocacy groups for relatives of the mentally ill. Also, seek referrals to local resources from the social workers of the treating institution, and also try groups such as Al-Anon for support of addiction issues.

Finding support isn't always a straightforward process. Many of the best resources are volunteer led, and don't have significant funding for advertising and outreach. You have to ask for help to find these groups, and often, you have to keep asking, and keep trying to find people with whom you can connect emotionally and practically. Keep at it.

Keep trying.
posted by paulsc at 9:05 PM on March 19, 2006

I'd start, with the local NAMI chapter, here is the link to their support groups page for the NYC-metro. Here is the link to Here is the link to the ny-metro main page. IF nothing else they can pint you in the right direction if you don't see exactly what you need.
posted by edgeways at 9:06 PM on March 19, 2006

jinx
posted by edgeways at 9:06 PM on March 19, 2006