Examining Mental Health Advocacy Groups on the Internet

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This paper will examine three websites that advocate for and support individuals dealing with mental illness. What their organization is and how it came about will be examined. It will also look at their view of mental illness and physiatrics medications. Finally what and how they advocate for will be looked at. NAMI Basics of the Organization NAMI describes themselves “as the most formidable grassroots mental healthy advocacy organization”. This organization was formed in 1979. The basis of their believe and drive is that mental health effects everyone. The mission of NAMI is to eradicate mental health illness and to improve the quality of life for those suffering with a mental health illness. NAMI offers support, education, awareness, advocacy, and research. NAMI appears to have been created by family and those dealing with mental health illnesses. Members are those who are dedicated to improving the lives; anyone who wants to join can. This can consist of individuals who know someone who is affected by a mental health illness, someone struggling with one on, a family member, or anyone that wants to be supportive. NAMI’s encourages all to be involved to help and volunteer to create awareness, support, educate, and advocate. Views on “Mental Illness” and Medications NAMI beliefs “mental illness” is a medical condition just like diabetes or a heart problem. Instead of affecting bodily functions a mental illness “disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functions.” Mental illness is not due to a weakness, a bad upbringing or caused by the individual. Both a mental illness and another medical diagnoses can make it harder for an individual to deal with daily life and by seeking treatm... ... middle of paper ... ... options and therapist should have full discloser regarding medications (pros and cons) with clients. When working with individuals with a mental illness, safety should always be foremost in the therapist mind. If not being on medications or stopping using medications put someone at a greater risk for hurting themselves or others medications should more than likely be part of the treatment plan. With this definition in mind the issue of collaborating between those struggling with a mental illness and professionals I feel is the most important issue brought up in these websites. If therapist do not view themselves as the “expert” and instead listen to their clients and their individual experiences, the client’s treatment plan will be the one best suited for them. Clients are the expert of the illness they are dealing with and therapist inform their understanding.

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