3 Resources for Those Who Love Someone Living with Mental Illness
In crisis? Call or text 988.
This list is not exhaustive, nor does an organization or resource’s inclusion constitute a full endorsement of the views expressed or services provided.
The longer I have walked this road, the more I have sought out resources to help this journey feel less lonely. The following information is taken directly from each organization’s website, and I have included links so you can learn more about each organization’s offerings. These resources are meant to encourage, comfort, and support family members and caregivers with a loved one struggling with mental illness.
Hope for Brighter Tomorrows
Hope for Brighter Tomorrows is Kay Warren's mental health ministry. Kay and Rick Warren’s son, Matthew, died by suicide in 2013 after a lifelong struggle with serious mental illness. As a result, Kay first launched the Hope for Mental Health Community at Saddleback Church and has since expanded her mental health ministry to include BREATHE, which supports hurting parents through a variety of virtual and in-person events and other resources.
While geared toward parents of children of any age with serious mental illness, I have found such comfort in attending BREATHE calls. There are two types of BREATHE calls: the BREATHE Conversation Series features interviews with noted mental health professionals, advocates, theologians, and parents with lived experience, which provide helpful information and practical tools, and BREATHE Prayer & Support Calls provide soul care to parents through breathwork, devotionals, and prayer. Portions of these calls are shared via YouTube following the event. To find out more about upcoming calls and register, visit the BREATHE website.
NAMI
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. What originally began as a small group of families gathered around a kitchen table has since grown into 650 local affiliates and 49 state organizations. NAMI offers a wide variety of resources and support for those struggling with mental illness and their caregivers. NAMI affiliates also offer family support groups. For more information, visit the NAMI Family Support Group website.
Embracing Faith & Mental Illness
Founded by Maree Dee, Embracing Faith & Mental Illness is a Christ-centered online community for people who care for someone with a mental illness. Maree publishes a monthly newsletter specifically for those who support someone living with mental illness. She has also created a private Facebook group for people who care for someone with a mental illness and hosts a variety of Zoom calls from informal prayer gatherings to talks with guest speakers designed to offer support, education, discussion, and life-changing skills. For more information, visit the Embracing Faith & Mental Illness website.
Is there an organization or resource you think I should know about? I’d love to hear about it! Send me a message.
