Inform Yourself
Mental illness is the first leading cause of disability in the United States. A person is more likely to be disabled by a diagnosable mental illness than by cancer. Mental disorders fall along a continuum of severity. The most serious and disabling conditions affect five to ten million adults (2.6 – 5.4%) and three to five million children ages five to seventeen (5 – 9%) in the United States.  Without treatment the consequences of mental illness for the individual and society are staggering: unnecessary disability, unemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, inappropriate incarceration, suicide and wasted lives; The economic cost of untreated mental illness is more than 100 billion dollars each year in the United States.

NAMI-DE is succeeding in stimulating community dialogue on the topic of mental illness. This is being accomplished by increasing community awareness that mental illness is a treatable, biologically based disease. Mental illnesses strike individuals in the prime of their lives, often during adolescence and young adulthood. All ages are susceptible, but the young and the old are especially vulnerable.  Mental illnesses are biologically based brain disorders. They cannot be overcome through "will power" and are not related to a person's "character" or intelligence. NAMI-DE has provided numerous presentations to schools, organizations, churches, etc. in Delaware over the years to help increase awareness and fight the stigma of mental illness.  We have also collaborated with the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to initiate a radio, bus placard and billboard campaign to promote awareness that effective treatment is available.

Find Support

The "Warm Line" is handled through support services staff where they respectfully provide emotional support for families and loved ones dealing with serious brain disorders (mental illness). Problem solving and communication techniques are looked at with empathy - crisis and relapse periods are discussed, and care for the caregiver is encouraged.  Information about coping strategies and other helpful resources (groups, agencies, books, videos, websites, etc.) is shared.  The Warm Line is available during workday hours and is a free service offered by NAMI-DE.