You Are Not Alone — A New Way for Family Caregivers to Find Support
Caring for a loved one living with mental illness can be one of the most meaningful and most challenging journeys we’ll ever undertake. Between doctor appointments, medication management, navigating crises, and offering emotional support, it’s easy for caregivers to feel isolated, overwhelmed, and burned out. That’s why we’re excited to share a new resource from NAMI that was built just for you: the Family Caregiver HelpLine.
What is the Family Caregiver HelpLine?
The NAMI Family Caregiver HelpLine is a free, confidential support line explicitly designed for people caring for family members or loved ones with mental illness. It offers:
- Caregiver-led support — meaning help from people who have walked a similar path
- Practical tools and strategies — guidance that reflects real-life caregiving challenges, not just abstract advice.
- Trusted guidance and connection — a listening ear when caregiving feels lonely or overwhelming, and connection to a community that understands.
Whenever you feel like you’re carrying the weight alone, a quick call, text, email, or even a letter to the HelpLine can connect you with someone who truly gets it.
How to Reach the HelpLine
- Call: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) — then press “4” to connect with the Family Caregiver HelpLine.
- Text: Send the word “FAMILY” to 62640.
- Email: Reach out at helpline@nami.org.
- Mail: If you prefer letter-writing, you can send mail to NAMI HelpLine, 4301 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22203.
The HelpLine is available Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
“When you feel overwhelmed, NAMI’s Family Caregiver HelpLine will connect you with real people who’ve been through this journey and can help you find a path forward.”
Why This Matters for Caregivers
- You don’t have to carry it alone. Caring for someone with mental illness often means walking a path few people truly understand. The HelpLine gives you a safe space to share your fears, frustrations, wins, and worries with someone who “gets it.”
- You get practical, experience-based help. Sometimes the best advice isn’t clinical; it’s the kind that comes from lived experience: how to communicate with a provider, plan for a crisis, find local resources, care for yourself, and keep going.
- Your self-care matters. Many caregivers hesitate to reach out because they feel they “should manage.” NAMI’s trained volunteers often remind you that caring for yourself isn’t optional; it’s part of being a good caregiver.
- It builds community. Knowing there’s a network of people across the nation who understand your journey can bring hope, strength, and a sense of belonging.
Reach Out and Share With Others
If you’re a caregiver feeling isolated or unsure, consider calling, texting, or emailing the HelpLine this week. You don’t need to wait until things “get bad.” Even a short conversation might bring clarity, relief, or a sense of connection.
If you know other caregivers, friends, family, or neighbors, please share this resource. The greatest gift we can give one another is the knowledge that we don’t have to walk this alone.