Support Resources for Patients and Families

The process of living and coping with a mental illness can not only be a source of stress and anxiety for the diagnosed individual, but for family members as well. The caring staff at University Hospitals seeks to provide the resources and support necessary to help individuals and families cope with the challenges associated with mental illnesses. Individuals and families can find helpful information from the following organizations:

LifeAct

Through education and community partnerships, LifeAct seeks to prevent suicide and promote community awareness concerning adolescent depression. The organization’s research based program Recognizing Adolescent Depression and Suicide Prevention has been viewed by over 70,000 students in 105 Northeast Ohio high schools.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

For over 30 years, NAMI has been an active grassroots based voice for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Through awareness initiatives, educational programs and advocacy efforts, NAMI seeks to increase national awareness concerning mental illnesses, as well as the availability of treatments and support services for mental health patients and their families.

Mental Health America

As the nation’s largest non-profit mental health organization, Mental Health America is dedicated to increasing the prevention and diagnosis of mental illnesses, as well as improving the treatment, and support services available to individuals and their families. The mission of Mental Health America is accomplished through advocacy, education, research and service initiatives through their nationwide network of 320 affiliates.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance is a patient-managed organization that seeks to provide individuals coping with mood disorders, including depression and bi-polar disorder, the latest research based information and peer-support services to help them successfully treat their condition and live more productive lives.

National Council for Community and Behavioral Health Care

Featuring a network of over 1,700 behavioral healthcare providers, the National Council for Community and Behavioral Health Care seeks to build stronger communities through education and advocacy. Its education efforts include building public awareness of behavioral health disorders, as well as healthcare provider training. Concerning advocacy, the organization seeks to ensure that public policy initiatives support and strengthen behavioral health treatments.

NARSAD (The Brain and Behavior Research Fund)

Fully funded by private donations, NARSAD is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to mental health research. Its award-winning research is overseen by a team of nationally and internationally recognized researchers dedicated to finding not only better diagnostic and treatment services, but cures for numerous mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, as well as childhood disorders such as autism and ADHD.