Advocacy

People with mental illness may have a hard time getting the things they need from the mental health service system and the community. Family members can help their ill relatives by serving as advocates in a number of different ways. You can join advocacy organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or the Mental Health Association (MHA). Both of these organizations work to educate the public about mental illnesses and to advocate for better treatment. You can also help your relative get assistance from treatment providers and others in the community.