helpful resources for caregivers

If you are looking for a list of mental health conditions with descriptions and symptoms, you can refer to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, which is our nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. They even offer free classes and support groups for caregivers of loved ones with mental health conditions. Call the NAMI Help Line at 800-950-6264 or visit their website www.NAMI.org:

Has your loved one been diagnosed with a mental illness? Do you find yourself caring for them? Are you unsure how best to help? Do you know where to get help for yourself or for your loved one? Are you looking after yourself? Here's a great starting point provided by www.healthyplace.com if you are a new caregiver to someone with mental illness:

It's normal to find it difficult to talk to and support someone with mental health issues. This article found at www.mentalhealth.gov shares how talking to someone with mental health problems can be helpful, and also provides some great ways to communicate with them:

The demands of caregiving can be exhausting and overwhelming. Read about the steps you can take to rein in stress and regain a sense of balance, joy, and hope in your life found at www.helpguide.org:

Are you a caregiver to someone with mental illness and experiencing burnout? Here's some helpful tips from www.genomind.com, an organization that is leading the evolution of mental health care:

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones at 1-800-273-TALK.

The Lifeline and 988

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022. Read more at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org:

WWW.GoodRx.COM is a great resource if you are struggling with prescription costs. You can search for the medication you need, compare prices across pharmacies, and print out coupons to bring to your local pharmacy. Depending on your insurance plan specifics, you can save up to 80 percent on certain prescription drugs. Another tip: reach out to individual prescription company's and apply for discounted, and sometimes free, medication. 

WWW.WebMD.COM provides valuable physical and mental health information, tools for managing your health, and support to those who seek information. With the COVID-19 pandemic worsening mental health issues that have affected kids socially and developmentally, read their article on how parents should know whether a problem will work out on its own or whether it’s time to consult a therapist. 

WWW.SingleCare.com also provides an easy way to save on prescriptions. They work directly with pharmacies to negotiate up to 80% off prices, and pass the savings onto it's members (It's free to join). Simply look up your prescription, customize the dosage and quantity you need, then download, text or email yourself the provided coupon card to bring to your pharmacy. Click below for SingleCare's blog on how to choose the right antidepressant for you.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, also know as SAMHSA, is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. It's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. Learn more at www.samhsa.gov:

www.Healthline.com covers all facets of physical and mental health services and resources. If you need help with medications, support groups, housing, legal aid, among so many other services, Healthline offers straightforward, expert-reviewed, person-first experiences to help you make the best decisions for yourself and the people you love.

People experiencing mental illness and their families and friends are often unsure how to navigate the system, deal with financial and logistical issues and handle the emotional challenges of mental illness. “You Are Not Alone,” NAMI’s first ever book, is here to offer help. Written by Dr. Ken Duckworth with the expertise of a leading psychiatrist and the empathy of a family member affected by mental illness, this comprehensive guide includes stories from over 130 people who have been there — including people with mental illness and caregivers — and understand how challenging it can be to find the help you need, when you need it. 

If you are a caregiver who resides in the state of California and the person you care for receives medi-cal benefits, then you may qualify for In Home Supportive Services. This may include payment to you as the caregiver who provides care and services to your loved one, such as housecleaning, meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, personal care (such as bowel and bladder care, bathing, grooming and paramedical services), accompaniment to medical appointments, and protective supervision for the mentally impaired.

Bluestem Health is a trusted resource for these services. They accept insurance, Medicaid and Medicare, as well as offer a sliding fee discount program to make care affordable for those who need it. Their Patient Support Services Team will help you receive supplemental food services, apply for Economic or General Assistance programs, and even help with prescriptions and specialty areas such as managing your diabetes. Call (402) 476-1455 for more information, or start by learning more below:  

Sunnyside Community Services' Care NYC offers FREE support that can include respite, applying for medicaid and other benefits, counseling, education and caregiver skills. They service all five NYC boroughs. Call 718-906-0669 or learn more below: