By: Hollis Conners

The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), a new student support group, is working to make itself better known around campus.

Supported by the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Hamilton County, the group is led by students and is intended to assist other students in coping with mental health issues. Students dealing with depression, anxiety or other mental illnesses can meet with NAMI for support and advice. The club also welcomes those experiencing roommate or school-related issues.

NAMI also serves as a bridge to the Health and Wellness Center or other services.

“We really just want to make students know that they have us as a resource,” NAMI President Nina Frondorf said. “We want everyone to know that we are here to talk. It doesn’t have to be a (regular) thing, but whenever we are needed we want to help.”

The group’s goal is to help with anything a student may come to them with.

“(We want) students to understand that there is no problem too small for us to help with,” Frondorf said. “We want to help out students in any way we can to make their lives less stressful and provide relief for any problems they may be suffering from.”

Along with trying to build campus awareness, NAMI will work with clubs such as Active Minds in hosting events and guest speakers on how to lower stress levels and deal with mental illnesses.

Any students interested in joining may attend the group’s meetings, which take place every other Tuesday from Nov. 26 to Dec. 10 in the Dorothy Day Center for Faith and Justice. Students wanting to show support can also follow the group on Twitter at @nami_xu and Facebook at NamiXuSupportGroup.

“We just want to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable to come talk to us about anything they need,” Frondorf said.

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NamiXuSupportGroup

Twitter: twitter.com/nami_xu