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The Handbook:
Table of Contents
Introduction
Brain Disorders
Coping in Crisis
Medications
Resources for Care
Effects on the Family
Public Health Services
Financial Resources
Working with the System
Appendices:
NAMI Phone Numbers
DuPage Health Services
Chicago Area Hospitals
Community Resources
Legal Resources
Books, Videos, Journals
Hospitalization Form
Judicial Admission Form
Declaration of Treatment
Drug Reimbursement
An Affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness
Since research has found mental illnesses to be caused by biochemical imbalances or structural differences in the brain and genetic components, the terms "brain disorder" and "mental illness" will be used interchangeably.
Purpose of the Handbook
This handbook provides information and assistance to those who encounter mental illness in their family. It describes symptoms of the various kinds of brain disorders; it tells about the help that is available to the mentally ill person and his/her family in the form of crisis intervention, hospitalization, services of mental health professionals, medications and treatment; and it discusses the impact of a brain disorder on the family and offers suggestions for coping with it. In addition, the available mental health services in DuPage County are described including housing, rehabilitation, case management, and vocational services. Also explained are Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicaid and Medicare. Appendices contain additional information.
In compiling this information, NAMI of DuPage County, Illinois (NAMI DuPage County), and the DuPage County Health Department are attempting to convey the message that if someone in your family has a brain disorder, you are not alone. As you will discover, there are organizations both public and private which stand ready to provide support to those who must cope with the tragedy of mental illness.
About NAMI of DuPage County, Illinois
NAMI, formerly the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has over 1500 local affiliates of family members and friends of persons with brain disorders. There are thirty-six such groups in Illinois. See Appendix A. NAMI of DuPage County provides support for the chronically mentally ill by:
- seeking and supporting effective professional treatment: psychiatric, medical, and psychosocial,
- seeking and promoting housing facilities,
- seeking and promoting vocational training,
- seeking and promoting research into causes and treatment,
- seeking and promoting public education to reduce and eliminate discrimination and the stigma of mental illness,
- seeking financial aid and funding for programs,
- promoting awareness of and involvement in pertinent legislation at all levels of government.
NAMI of DuPage County provides support for families of the chronically mentally ill by:
- promoting education and information about the illness, treatment, service providers, legal issues, legislation, and other relevant topics,
- promoting public education to enhance understanding of and respect for these families,
- promoting inclusion of families in the care and treatment of their family member,
- providing opportunities for interaction with others experiencing similar problems,
- providing opportunities to work directly as volunteers in programs designed to aid the mentally ill.
The Mission Statement of NAMI of DuPage County is to protect the rights and to promote and provide for the welfare of the mentally ill and their families through research, education, and support. We encourage you to attend our monthly meetings and become involved in our programs. For information, call the NAMI Office in DuPage County, Illinois at (630) 752-0066.
Phone numbers in this book without a listed area code are 630.
Other Illinois affiliates are listed in the back of this handbook. If there is not a group in your community and you wish to find others who share your concerns, contact the state organization for assistance at (217) 522-1403 or (800) 346-4572.
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