Mind & Body
SHATTER THE STIGMA Changing the Face of Mental Illness
October 10 is World Mental Health Day, observed each year with the objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. Thrive magazine joins these efforts in this issue with several stories to increase awareness of mental health concerns. Locally, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI SWLA) serves our five-parish region by offering services to families and individuals directly affected by mental illness. Their mission is to improve the quality of life of all those affected by mental illness through education, advocacy, and support by assisting the community, local agencies, mental health rehabilitation services, and volunteer leaders in uniting together to obtain a better understanding of mental illness. According to NAMI SWLA, 3.6% of adults in Louisiana live with a serious mental illness. Thus far in 2019, NAMI SWLA has assisted over 1000 people through their outreach programs. Below is a list of NAMI SWLA’s services and programs: • Medication assistance sponsored through United Way. • Monthly support groups for both families and individuals. • Several educational programs designed to foster learning, healing, and empowerment among families and friends of persons with mental illness and individuals suffering from the disease. • NAMI on Campus – at both McNeese and SOWELA. For more information on mental health and NAMI’s services and programs, contact them at 337-433-0219, see their website, www.namiswla.org, email at info@namiswla.org, or visit them at 710 W. Prien Lake Rd. Suite 109, Lake Charles, LA 70601.
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Thrive Magazine for Better Living • October 2019