The onset of mental illness can stress even the strongest of families. And the debilitating stigma of mental illness can further complicate recovery because it isolates those who are struggling with questions and conflicting emotions at a time when they are most in need of support. We aim to provide information and encouragement to help bring families the resources they need to navigate their loved one’s journey to a happier, healthier life.

Mental illness impacts the lives of 60 million Americans: at least one in four adults and one in 10 children. Research has proven that sharing experiences, and knowing how to help and respond to a loved one who suffers from mental illness, reduces isolation and stress and improves the chances of recovery.

What we know about mental illnesses:

• They are medical conditions that disrupt a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, ability to relate to others and daily functioning.
• Just as diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas, mental illnesses are medical conditions that often result in a diminished capacity for coping with the ordinary demands of life.
• They can affect persons of any age, race, religion or income.
• Mental illnesses are not the result of personal weakness, lack of character or poor upbringing.
• There is hope! Mental illnesses are treatable. Most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness experience relief from their symptoms by actively participating in treatment.

Families Supporting Families is a free community support group for families and friends who have been impacted by a loved one’s mental illness. The Families Supporting Families support group can help alleviate stresses by providing an opportunity to share personal experiences and to learn more about mental illness from mental health professionals. The support groups are facilitated by a Forest View Hospital clinician.

Families Supporting Families meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room (enter in the south side of the building under the green Partial Hospitalization awning).

Support Groups

AA Meeting: Self-Led
Sundays: 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

For more information, please call 616-942-9610

Forest View Hospital’s professional staff are ready to help find the best treatment options for you or your loved one. Call 800-949-8439 for a no-cost, confidential assessment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need immediate medical assistance, contact 911 or seek the nearest emergency room.