About Mental Illness
NAMI Finger Lakes provides information about local resources for individuals living with mental health conditions and their families. In case of an emergency that requires police assistance, call 911 and ask for Emergency Responders with mental health experience. If you have a questions or suggestions concerning these resources contact us at support@namifingerlakes.org.
A mental illness is a medical condition that disrupts a person's thinking, feelings, mood, ability to relate to others, and daily functioning. Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are medical conditions that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life.
Serious mental illnesses include major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and borderline personality disorder. The good news about mental illness is that recovery is possible.
Mental illnesses can affect persons of any age, race, religion, or income. Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character, or poor upbringing. Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in an individual treatment plan.
NAMI’s Book- You Are Not Alone by Ken Duckworth is a great guide to Navigating Mental Health. It can be checked out of our lending library, purchased at Buffalo Books, or ordered online.
NAMI’s Podcast- Hope Starts with Us is another great resource for Navigating Mental Health.
Learn more at NAMI.ORG