Help Me Harlan

Support is available to help "scared sister" deal with bipolar brother

Harlan Cohen

Dear Harlan,
My compliments to you in the fine response you made to "Scared Sister," the sibling considering avoiding her bipolar brother indefinitely. It was right on target. I say this as a family member and as an active advocate for people who live with mental illnesses and for their families. I have two adult children, one who has lived with mental illness since adolescence.

The good news is that we know that these are treatable illnesses and that there is a lot of help available. It's important that we discuss these matters openly and that informed media make helpful and informative suggestions that help individuals and destroy the myths and stigma so long associated with mental illness.
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill has more than 1,200 affiliates with a grassroots mission of self-help, support, education, advocacy and support for more research. We offer many family-to-family and peer-to-peer education courses for folks like "Sister" and her family. The following are the NAMI resources: Web site, www.nami.org, and NAMI HelpLine, (800) 950-6264 Longtime NAMI Board Member

Dear NAMI Board Member,
Thank you for the note. Your letter is just one of many replies referring "Scared Sister" and other families in need of help and support to NAMI.

There are just so many people with family and friends suffering from mental illnesses who could use a support system while approaching a loved one's illness. One of the most rewarding parts of writing this column is having the opportunity to highlight resources that can help such people find answers, or at the least, support. The following is another example of how NAMI continues to have a dramatic impact.

Dear Harlan,
Thank you for your good advice to "Scared Sister." My son has bipolar disorder, and I know how difficult and frustrating the disease can be for the patient's family and friends.

My family found a life-changing source of help that is available to anyone dealing with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression and other mental illnesses. NAMI offers a community for people dealing with such illness in their own families. NAMI volunteers are trained to teach a course called "Family-to-Family," which provides information about brain disorders and treatments and also teaches coping skills for families. The course is offered in most states and is free of charge. It helped me to understand my son's illness and how to help him (and myself) through the most difficult times we've ever faced. I can't tell you how wonderful it is when you're desperate and confused to find people who understand and can help.
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