Families & Mental Illness

Hi! Welcome to iVillage:)

I am very sorry to hear about the many challenges you're facing. Please don't give up! There is help available to you. Since you live in Illinois, you can access the mental health system locally through the county. Look under county services in the phone directory. They can get you to treatment through counselors & psychiatrists. From there, meds can be covered if financial assistance is needed. Many of the drug companies have assistance programs that provide free or @ the very least, meds @ low cost. The county mental health where I live provides free meds for those who qualify. In the past, when I didn't have health insurance or a prescription plan, my dr. provided meds through samples he rec'd from the drug company representatives.

If you qualify, apply for state assistance, such as a Medicaid health card. You need to feel better & deserve to feel better. Though it may be hard to do, obtaining government assistance is ok. It's no shame on your part that the system hasn't worked for you. There may be the possibility that you are disabled & the government can provide benefits for you. Once again, you can receive guidance through the local welfare office.

Many in our community visit NAMI.org. They have meetings nationwide on the latest treatments & advances made in mental health care. They hold support groups that help families in coping w/mentally ill loved ones. If you access their website, you can find local meetings, classes & even agencies in your area that may provide help for you.

We do discuss bipolar on this board. However, we have loved ones who suffer w/mental illness. We are learning how to cope w/many issues that affect us. I feel you would be more comfortable on the Bipolar Board. The leader & those who post are bipolar sufferers. They know first hand what you're dealing with & can offer you advice & support. Please visit this link: http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhbipolar GL & GBU! We care about you & want you to live the best that you can. (((hugs))) jan

 

  

 

>>Did you happen to see the doc...., entitled Boy Interrupted?<<

I haven't, but I'm interested.