"As the parent of an adult who developed bipolar at 22, having access to support groups and information through groups like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) helped our family understand the illness. With support and knowledge from NAMI, I was able to help my adult son obtain services and take measures that prevented my now 7-year-old grandson from going into the Child Welfare System. My son is now 27 and I can unequivocally say that mental health issues impact the whole family and it takes the guidance, support, and efforts of the entire family to prevent bad things from happening during a crisis. I pray that individuals who develop mental health issues have the family and community supports needed to help them and their children live safe, healthy, and productive lives."
Family Voices United member, Wendi, shares her thoughts on mental health supports and how to better support children, youth, and families.