We all have mental health, but my journey with loving someone with mental illness, if I am honest, probably began at birth. My Mom suffered from mental illness and self-medicated with alcohol. Fortunately for me, I lived in a community that valued education and I had incredible people who cared about me. So, despite having a dysfunctional home life, I was able to make my way. Fast forward to 2015.
My once happy, talkative, nerdy outgoing red headed son stopped talking right after the holidays during his senior year of high school. For several weeks he would only communicate through text messages. The odyssey of getting him help began. Inpatient hospitalization, outpatient programs and desperately trying to get him to talk to a therapist, along with an interview for a full ride scholarship to NIU. He got the scholarship, a psychiatrist, medication, and a therapist. Maybe it would be okay, the picture I had for his life could be put back together.
Home too soon from DeKalb, my dreams of the ideal college experience for my son evaporated. An engineering career, or any other quite frankly, seemed less and less likely with each job he had to leave due to his anxiety and depression. Finally, he seemed to be getting better. He was able to work in the service industry, then he even juggled two jobs before Covid. He continued to work, and then it got bad again … suicidal thoughts, another hospitalization, and the continued refusal to see a therapist other than to get out of the hospital. We were riding the roller coaster of things seeming to be going well, and then something else happening.
When my husband and I first began trying to help our son and ourselves, any type of programs were up North and in the Western suburbs. It was not feasible to attend weekly support over an hour away for two working parents. For my own well-being, I started to see a therapist. She mentioned that I should investigate NAMI, and a google search brought up NAMI Will-Grundy. Not only were there support groups in Joliet, but New Lenox, Lockport and on Zoom.
We started out slowly with a Zoom meeting and then signed up for the Family-to-Family Class where we met people who were experiencing similar challenges with their loved ones who were struggling with mental health issues. We were no longer alone.
NAMI Will-Grundy's mission is to provide education, support, advocacy, and public awareness, so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. Thanks to NAMI Will-Grundy, that’s exactly what we’re doing.
I am participating in NAMI Will-Grundy's Be ACTIVE 5K to help promote mental health and end stigma. Please support me while helping a great cause!
NAMI Will-Grundy is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so donations are tax deductible. Federal EIN: 90-0343172
