COLLEGE STATION, Texas — November is National Caregivers Month, which is a time to recognize family caregivers across the country.
New research reveals the number of unpaid family caregivers in the U.S. increased by 9.5 million between 2015 and 2020 to 53 million.
NAMI--also known as the National Alliance on Mental Illness--is looking to acknowledge caregivers and recognize their sacrifices this month.
"A caregiver could be a mom or dad, a family member, even children can be caregivers to someone else, " explained Community Outreach Specialist, Amber Robertson.
Along with the rest of the country, the Brazos Valley has also seen an increase in family caregivers over the years.
"They look different every single week depending on the support, and so over a month, we may see 50 people we might see 100 people," Robertson noted.
NAMI has made themselves a free resource for those looking for support.
"We offer a safe space. Let's start there. We offer them a space where they can be vulnerable. They can cry, they can work with our peer support specialist which is at no charge, and set appointments with her," Robertson said.
However, Robertson herself is no stranger to the mental health battle that caregivers can experience.
"As a former caregiver, learning what your triggers are going to make knowing when to say 'okay, I need a moment I need a minute' and addressing it acknowledging it and not being angry with the person that you're supporting," she said. "But being angry with the illness is where the frustration comes in."
This non-profit is looking to break down the mental health stigma for a group that often gets overlooked when discussing groups that need mental health help.
"People who are caregivers or family caregivers are thrown a curveball; they are not given a manual on how to be you know a caregiver. So, I think if we removed the stigma of requirement, whether that be a parent or a child or sibling, or spouse, we can start to heal and be more accepting community," Robertson said.
Click here for more information on NAMI Brazos Valley and the services they offer.
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