The beginning of each new year presents a wonderful opportunity to develop your mind, body, and spirit. This month, we will share places and opportunities for you to do just that. Today we would like to introduce you to the National Alliance on Mental Health NYC Metro.

The holiday season and transition to a new year can often present unique challenges for all of us. If you are facing unique challenges and need mental health support, there is a great resource nearby. The National Alliance on Mental Illness New York City Metro (NAMI NYC Metro) helps families and individuals affected by mental illness build better lives through education, support, and advocacy. 

NAMI’s guiding principle is “families helping families.” John and his wife came to NAMI NYC Metro for guidance with his son’s psychosis. “My wife got us to Family-to-Family. Two years after our son’s hardships began, we came away saying, ‘Why didn’t we know about this?’ It was like a light coming on in our lives.” NAMI NYC Metro offers free classes throughout the year for family and friends and individuals living with mental illness. 

They provide nearly 30 ongoing support groups for people living with mental illness and for their family members. Groups are facilitated by trained peer volunteers. One member, Tanisha, said, “When I finally took the step to attend the Living With Bipolar Support Group, it was the best decision I have ever made in my recovery journey. It literally saved my life.” 

You can click here for a schedule of classes and support groups throughout the NYC area.

But NAMI NYC Metro is more than an education and support resource. They work tirelessly to advocate for those whom they serve. To this end, Karen A. said, “I felt like I had an entire army on my side of the table to fight for what my child needed. There are so many people who had been there.”

They work closely with NAMI National and NAMI-New York State to advocate for improved services for people with mental illness and their families. This includes fighting for health insurance parity, allocating more resources for research into neurobiological disorders, and comprehensive, accessible treatment options. 

NAMI NYC Metro holds awareness and fundraising events each year, including their fall Seeds of Hope Gala and NAMIWalks NYC. For news on these and other events, you can follow them on Instagram and Facebook. But they prosper in their mission through the year-round help from people like you. They welcome your time given as a volunteer and your financial support.

As one member said, “The NAMI community is powerful and inspiring. They back up their words with actions. That’s why I am proud to be a member.” Broadway Stages urges you to make this time a time of healing and growth. And that all starts with self-care. If you have mental health questions or need someone to talk to, you can email NAMI NYC Metro at helpline@naminyc.org or call 212-684-3264. If you are in crisis, call 888-NYC-WELL (692-9355) or simply dial 988.