NAMI Haywood
We are volunteers dedicated to the mission of providing our community:
Advocacy
Education
Support
Awareness
for individuals and their families living with mental illness.
NAMI Connections Support Groups
JACKSON COUNTY
1st & 3rd Thursday of the month
5:30 - 7pm
Sylva Public Library (2nd floor study room)
310 Keener St | Sylva, NC 28776
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HAYWOOD COUNTY
3rd Tuesday of the month
6:30pm
NAMI Connections Support Group is a Peer-based mental health support group that meets for 90 minutes. Open to any adult who has experienced symptoms of a mental health condition and/or wants to learn more about NAMI. Our groups are designed to connect, encourage, and support participants using a structured support group model. We invite you to join us!
Call: 828.307.3344 for more information.
NAMI's PRINCIPLES OF SUPPORT: 1. We will see the person first, not the illness. 2. We recognize that mental illnesses are medical illnesses that may have environmental triggers. 3. We understand that mental illnesses can be traumatic events. 4. We aim for better coping skills. 5. We find strength in sharing experiences. 6. We reject stigma and do not tolerate discrimination. 7. We won't judge anyone's pain as less than our own. 8. We forgive ourselves and reject guilt. 9. We embrace humor as healthy. 10. We accept we cannot solve all problems. 11. We expect a better future that is ours to shape. 12. We will never give up hope.
Awareness & Education
NAMI In Our Own Voice Presentations (IOOV)
NAMI In Our Own Voice presentations change attitudes, assumptions and ideas about people with mental health conditions. These free, 40-, 60- or 90-minute presentations provide a personal perspective of mental health conditions, as leaders with lived experience talk openly about what it's like to have a mental health condition.
This presentation provides:
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An opportunity to hear open and honest perspectives on a highly misunderstood topic
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A chance to ask leaders questions, allowing for a deeper understanding of mental health conditions and dispelling of stereotypes and misconceptions
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The understanding that people with mental health conditions have lives enriched by hopes, dreams and goals
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Information on how to learn more about mental health and get involved with the mental health community
NAMI Ending The Silence Presentation (ETS)
NAMI Ending the Silence is a mental awareness program designed to supports youth, their families, and teachers. This is an engaging 50-minute presentation that helps audiences learn more about the warning signs of mental health conditions, facts and statistics, and how to seek help.
There is a lead presenter who shares information on mental health and a young adult living with a mental health condition who shares their journey of recovery.
Audience members can ask questions and gain understanding of an often misunderstood topic. Through dialogue, we can help grow the movement to end stigma.
Research has shown that this program changes middle and high school students' knowledge and attitudes toward mental health conditions and toward seeking help.
