WHEN FAMILIES ARE STRUGGLING as a result of mental illness, it helps to hear how other families have dealt with similar circumstances.

The Family Advocate Program provides that crucial link for families in Riverside County. Program representatives who meet with families have been through the same experiences with family members of their own. They provide much-needed insight into what services are available and what to expect. "We are here to support and educate family members," said Claudia Espinoza, a Family Advocate for Adult Services, which is part of the Riverside County Department of Mental Health. "We've all had that experience of seeing someone diagnosed, so we know what they are going through."

Seeing a family member diagnosed with a mental illness is a traumatic event, Espinoza said. Family members often are bewildered and do not know where to turn for help. Others are troubled because loved ones sometimes do not acknowledge that they have a mental illness. "A lot of times, family members are left in the dark," Espinoza said. "We let people know what the illness is, how they can help their loved ones and what services are available. Above all, we stress that recovery is possible. The empathy part is huge, just being able to say 'I've been there and this is what helped me.'"

The Family Advocate Program deals with family members of adults ages 18-59. The Program is about 13 years old, and there is a separate Family Advocate for the western region, which serves Riverside, Corona, Norco and Moreno Valley; the mid-county region, which serves Perris, San Jacinto, Lake Elsinore, Hemet and Temecula; and the desert region, which serves Banning, Blythe, Indio, Coachella, Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs.

The Family Advocates Program collaborates with community based organizations, faith based groups and mental health providers across the County. Program workers connect family members to sources of individual support, family support groups and family education programs. They also provide links to community resources and referrals. Services are available in English and Spanish.

"Sometimes people feel that when the illness strikes, they lose the person," Espinoza said. "You're dealing with these new symptoms for the first time. Our loved ones frequently isolate themselves and don't want to talk to us. It's important for families to understand what the illness is all about. When you understand the symptoms, you understand what is really going on with that person."

The local chapters of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, provide a great support system for families. One example is the Family-to-Family Education Program, a 12-week program that has helped more than 1,000 families in Riverside County. Families can register for the program by calling (800) 330 - 4522 or contacting their local NAMI Affiliate.

"It's so rewarding when you hear a family say, "You really understand, and you know what I am going through.' The most important thing is, they know they are not alone," Espinoza said. "The education piece is so important for family members. It's one of the most important things we do."

Riverside County Department of Mental Health

www.rcdmh.org
www.networkofcare.org

For immediate assistance, call: CARES Line - 1.800.706.7500
Family Advocates Program - 800.330.4522
Substance Abuse Program 951.782.2400
Parent-to-Parent Telephone Support Line 888.358.3622
Parent Support Services - 951.358.3622
www.NAMI.org
NAMI Coachella Valley - 888.881.6264
NAMI Mt. San Jacinto - 951.765.1850
NAMI Temecula Valley - 951.672.2089
NAMI Western Riverside - 951.369.2721