NAMI Supports Veterans and Their Families’ Mental Health
By Lemuel E. Kimes
NAMI, Homefront Instructor
National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Kansas City (NAMIGKC)
I am a retired veteran after 21 years of service in the Navy. I personally understand many of the challenges a veteran might face after serving in the military. Sometimes the transition to civilian life, family relationships, substance use disorders or a mental health issue can interfere with a veteran’s quality of life. That’s where I come in; in my role as a National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMIGKC) Homefront Instructor, I help veterans and their families. I deploy appropriate services and support to help you navigate whatever challenge you might have.
If you are a veteran, a family member or friend of a veteran, NAMIGKC wants you to know about the types of support we offer veterans.
NAMIGKC Homefront is a free, 6-session educational program for families, caregivers and friends of military service members and veterans with mental health conditions.
Based on the nationally recognized NAMI Family-to-Family program, NAMI Homefront is designed to address the unique needs of family, caregivers and friends of those who have served or are currently serving our country. The program is taught by trained family members of service members and veterans with mental health conditions.
What You’ll Gain
Recovery is a journey, and there is hope for all people affected by mental health conditions. This in-person experience provides the opportunity for mutual support and shared positive impact. You will experience compassion and reinforcement from people who relate to your experiences.
NAMI Homefront teaches you how to:
- Care for yourself, including managing your stress.
- Support your family member with compassion.
- Identify and access federal, state and local services.
- Stay informed on the latest research and information on mental health, including posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression and
substance use.
- Understand current treatments and evidence-based therapies.
- Navigate the challenges and impact of mental health conditions on the entire family.
- Manage a crisis, solve problems and communicate effectively.
To get started: Go to www.NAMI.org > Click on Support & Education > click on NAMI Homefront. •
NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
