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Often times, the diagnosis of mental illness can leave the person receiving the diagnosis, as well their family members and other loved ones, with two major, overwhelming feelings: hopelessness and helplessness.

For over 20 years, The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill's New York City Metro Chapter has helped these consumers and loved ones become hopeful again about the future by helping them in their recovery from mental illness. This help comes in a variety of ways, all of which are totally free of charge. The telephones are open Monday through Thursday from 12-7 and Fridays from 12-6. The phone number is (212) 684-3264. The e-mail address is: helpline@naminyc.org.

1) Support Groups: NAMI–NYC Metro has over 20 support groups, some for consumers and others for their loved ones. It has been proven that the best support usually comes from others going through similar circumstances. There are special groups for various disorders, as well as groups specifically geared for teens.

2) Helpline: Consumers and/or loved ones (as well as providers) are welcome to call or e-mail the Helpline with any questions or concerns they have. Just some of the many topics we've received are: housing, entitlements, legal issues, vocational programs and support. The telephones are open Monday through Thursday from 12-7 and Fridays from 12-6.

3) Psychoeducation: NAMI-NYC Metro runs two educational courses, which run from 9-12 weeks in length. The course for mental health consumers is called Peer-to-Peer, and taught by trained mental health consumers. The other course is called Family-to-Family and taught by trained family members of people with mental illness. The curriculum covers the definition and characteristics of the various mental illnesses, advocacy, communication skills, self-care, medication review, problem solving workshops and a myriad of other topics.

4) The Kenneth Johnson Research Library: Located at NAMI–NYC Metro's office just two blocks from Penn Station, this unique library, which is open to the public, has the latest books, periodicals, newsletters and videos on mental health issues (call first to ensure the library is open).

5) Outreach Program: NAMI-NYC Metro provides speakers to medical schools, colleges, day treatment programs and many other locales to educate the public on mental health.

6) Mental Health Update: This is NAMI-NYC Metro's Cable TV show, which airs biweekly in Manhattan on Mondays at 8:00 p.m. on cable channels 34 (Time Warner) and 107 (RCN).

In addition, NAMI has a host of other programs to help consumers and their loved ones cope with this devastating illness and to advocate for the proper services that they deserve. And, as stated earlier, these programs are free.