Unfortunately, there isn’t a quick fix.
My occupation was in dealing with rehabilitation. I have countless psych friends and colleagues whom I consulted with, but they couldn’t help us to help our son because our son needed to tell us what he needed and wanted from us.
We provided support for his decisions, and yes, it has taken years. We spent a fortune on his tuition at his top 10 school, but we couldn’t allow him to finish there since that was too dangerous for him.
As parents, we have to combine what the counselors advise us and tell us, with what our adult children are expressing and requiring for help. Thank goodness for my inner voice that sensed he was in trouble.
NAMI works. They are currently deluged but are trying really hard to help everyone. We also needed to have our own discussions aside from his therapies:
NAMI Family Support Group is a peer-led support group for any adult with a loved one who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Gain insight from the challenges and successes of others facing similar experiences.
NAMI’s support groups are unique because they follow a structured model, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard and to get what they need.
** Free of cost to participants*
** Designed for adult loved ones of people with mental health conditions*
** Led by family members of people with mental health conditions*
** 60-90 minutes long and meets weekly, every other week or monthly (varies by location)*
** No specific medical therapy or treatment is endorsed*
** Confidential*
## What You’ll Gain
By sharing your experiences in a safe setting, you can gain hope and develop supportive relationships. This group allows your voice to be heard and provides an opportunity for your personal needs to be met. It encourages empathy, productive discussion and a sense of community. You’ll benefit from other’s experiences, discover your inner strength and empower yourself by sharing your own experiences in a non-judgmental space.
NAMI Family Support Group will help you:
- Aim for better coping skills
- Find strength in sharing experiences
- Not judge anyone’s pain
- Forgive ourselves and reject guilt
- Embrace humor as healthy
- Accept that we cannot solve every problem
- Understand that mental health conditions are no one’s fault and can be traumatic experiences.
Edited to add the link:
https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Support-Groups/NAMI-Family-Support-Group