NAMI Groups

[CaaP123]

Hi Everyone. I'm new to this group and feeling nervous and cautious about putting myself out there. But speaking of putting myself out there, has anyone ever participated in a NAMI "Connection Support Recovery" peer-led group? I'm thinking of trying one out but I wanted to see if other people have tried it and what they thought about it.

[AnxiousSilver]

"Hi Everyone. I'm new to this group and feeling nervous and cautious about putting myself out there."

Welcome.

I understand and felt the same way when I first joined here myself.

This group has a lot of good people and is a safe community.

[RupertBrown]

Not too sure what a NAMI group is, but I just wanted to say welcome! This forum and the encouragement and information I have gotten here has been remarkable. It has given me the tools, the strength and the knowledge to start making real changes in my life and seriously address my mental health. Here's hoping it can do the same for you!

[redrabbitniner]

Welcome! I’m newer to the group and really enjoying the support and fresh perspectives. Not familiar with the support group to speak of. Again welcome!

[AnxiousSilver]

"anyone ever participated in a NAMI "Connection Support Recovery" peer-led group? I'm thinking of trying one out but I wanted to see if other people have tried it and what they thought about it."

I haven't participated in Nami, but I was in a traditional support "sit down in a circle type" for apx 20 years. (unfortunately the pandemic kinda ruined it)

.

From my own experience, I can say that there are Pros and Cons of each.

Traditional:

Has more of that 1v1 type of feeling, because you're meeting people face to face, but only meets once a week.

You have apx 1-2 hours of a window each week for the meeting (it's usually 2 hours). Which may be good if you don't like sitting long meetings, but you're limited on how much each person talks.

.

Online:

More anonymous. (which depending on how you feel about that can be good or bad)

However, it's open 24/7/365.

In the end, there's really no right or wrong answer.

It just comes down to what you think that might prefer.

[AnxiousSilver]

I just looked on their website, but unfortunately there aren't any locations that are close to me.

Although if there was, I would still be here. (try to balance them both)

[CaaP123]

Haha thanks for the laugh about making sure not to post dangerous stuff, and thank you for the warm welcome!

[compasnet]

Caap123, welcome to the community. ...glad you're here with us!🙏. O can relate to feeling nervous about pushing yourself out here. "been there done that". 🙏. I've never been to that particular group but have much respect and admiration for NAMI and its abd awesome and effective work on behalf of and for people with mental health challenges!🙏 The group mention sounds interesting and good to me also. If/when you find out more, would you please share the info?

Thanks much

🙏

[designguy]

I have participated in a in-person NAMI group, this was a number of years ago pre-covid. I found it good in realizing how many people have issues and how common it is and also just how "healthy" and good I had it compared to some of the other people and their issues and circumstances. After awhile I got tired of it because I felt like all people wanted to do was vent which was fine but I'm personally more about resolving issues and would have preferred being in a group lead by a real therapist with helpful feedback. I think it helps to define for yourself what you are looking for in a group to see if it will fit you.

[CaaP123 in reply to designguy]

thank you! This is really helpful information. I think I will try out the virtual group and see what I think.

[designguy in reply to CaaP123]

You're welcome, hope it works for you.