Struggling with mental health issues? You are not alone!

NAMI Topeka is Topeka’s voice on mental illness and mental health: People working together to improve lives and outcomes through education, advocacy, and support. For those struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, bipolar, PTSD, etc., it’s important to know: you are not alone.

NAMI Topeka is the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.  NAMI Topeka offers peer support, advocacy and education programs for people with mental illnesses and those who love them.

In Topeka and across the nation, NAMI education programs ensure hundreds of thousands of families, individuals and educators get the support and information they need.

The toll-free national NAMI helpline responds personally to hundreds of thousands of requests each year, providing free information and support—a much-needed lifeline for many.

Public awareness events and activities, including Mental Illness Awareness Week and NAMIWalks, successfully fight stigma and encourage understanding. NAMI works with reporters on a daily basis to make sure our country understands how important mental health is.

 

What people are saying

“I’ve learned how to communicate with my parents about what’s going on with me”

“I am now aware that I’m not alone. I’d like to become more involved in NAMI and advocacy”

“NAMI Peer-to-Peer gave me hope when I was close to giving up. I realized that things can and do get better and that my mental health condition doesn’t define me. I learned how to speak up for myself, build a strong support network, and make plans for my future. I felt welcome and like I was among friends. Most importantly, I felt heard and understood”

“It was really nice being with people who understood”

“I’ve really learned how to cope with my triggers better, and I’m now on the path to truly loving myself”

“I felt safe in this class. I’ve been able to talk about things I haven’t been comfortable expressing elsewhere”

 

Nami Topeka hosts several local support groups to meet various local needs. These groups allow everyone to be heard and gain coping skills. They will help you gain hope and develop relationships, encourage empathy, productive discussion and a sense of community.

 

Family 2 Family

Family 2 Family workshop is held twice a year. It is a free workshop for families, friends and caregivers of adults, over 18, who live with mental illness. It is a 9-week workshop that meets on 9 consecutive Monday evenings.  It covers:

Class 1.    Introduction to NAMI Family 2 Family

Class 2.    Understanding Mental Health Conditions & Preparing for Crisis

Class 3.    Getting a Mental Health Diagnosis and Sharing stories

Class 4.    Overview of Mental Health Conditions

Class 5.    Treatment Options

Class 6.    Communications Skills & Problem Solving

Class 7.    Collaboration, Empathy & Recovery

Class 8.    Self-Care & Moving Forward

Class 9.    Celebration

The next class is February 13 – April 10, 2023, 6pm – 8:30 pm at Countryside UM Church   3221 SW Burlingame Rd., Room #4. Parking is in north lot; enter thru north door. Bottled water, snacks, workbooks provided.

To register, contact Marilyn Rowland at  mrowland533110@yahoo.com or 785-806-3049.

 

Peer to Peer Class

Peer to Peer is a free eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery.

Taught by trained leaders with lived experience, this program includes activities, discussions, and informative videos. It is a safe, confidential space providing an opportunity for mutual support and growth. With experience compassion and understanding from people who relate to your experiences, it is a place to learn more about recovery in an accepting environment.

NAMI Peer-to-Peer helps you:

• Set a vision and goals for the future
• Partner with health care providers
• Develop confidence for making decisions
• Practice relaxation and stress reduction tools
• Share your story
• Strengthen relationships
• Enhance communication skills
• Learn about mental health treatment options

The next class will be held at the Topeka Public Library, 2nd Floor, Wednesday’s March 15th – May 3rd 2pm-4:30pm.

To register or for information, contact Jessica Harvey at jessica@namikansas.org or you can register online at https://720.nami.org/register/35171/details

 

NAMI Family Support Group

This is a free peer-led support group for adults with a loved one experiencing mental health conditions. Led by NAMI trained facilitators, it is an opportunity to talk, listen, and vent in a friendly space. You may gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences. Everyone has an opportunity to be heard and get what they need.

“Sometimes there is trauma in a person’s background,” said Kay Logan, group facilitator. “Maybe there are bi-polar issues for others. Even sleeping can be a problem for some. There is a need to be able to share about issues, or just to vent, and relieve anxiety. This is a friendly place, no judgement or embarrassment – just try it once, and maybe just listen the first time.”

The group meets the 2nd Monday of each month at Faith Lutheran Church, 1716 SW Gage, from 6-7:30pm. For more information contact Kay Logan at 785-408-1089 or KayMLogan6@gmail.com, or Susan Barnes at 785-220-6671 or Sedebarnes@hotmail.com.

 

Partner & Spouse Support Group

A free online peer-led group to support spouses, domestic partners, and significant others of a loved one with a mental illness. You can join with others in a safe environment on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month, at 7pm on Zoom.   Register at https://720.nami.org/register/19632/details.

 

NAMI Connection Recovery support Group

A free peer-led support Group for anyone 18 and over dealing with mental health challenges. Held at Topeka Public Library the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month from 1pm to 3:30pm. This group is a good entry point to see what NAMI is all about. Contact Terry Moser at drterrencemoser@gmail.com or Penny Kryfka at pennykryfka@yahoo.com.

 

For more information you can reach NAMI Topeka at 785-580-3021 or topekanami@gmail.com. You can also check out the website at www.namikansas.org, or follow them at NAMITopeka19 on Facebook.