Corpus Christi (KIII News) — Suicide is a perennial problem nationwide and it's growing. Experts say by the year 2020 someone will commit suicide every 20 seconds, but a national alliance is working to reverse that trend.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness has a chapter in Corpus Christi that is trying to save lives.
Many people have been affected by mental illness. In fact, statistics say you have been affected by it too.
NAMI is an organization dedicated to helping those who have been touched by a mental health disorder. This stands true for Diane and Jim Hall, who founded the Corpus Christi chapter.
"When I realized, mental illness is real -- it's a real illness, it's not somebody trying to get attention or misbehaving or acting out -- it's real," Jim said.
The couple has two children who both suffered with the mental illness. It drove them to help other individuals in the same situation.
"It was 15 years before the accurate correct diagnosis came, but in the meantime our child suffered," Jim said. "After that period of time and a suicide attempt did we and I come to realize that this illness is so real and I need to get involved with this, and Diane."
As a part of NAMI, the couple teaches parents, family members and friends on how to help loved ones living with mental illness.
"Their pain is so real. That's the hard part to understand and they really, really appreciate somebody to be with," Diane said.
Program Director Angela Horner knows that pain all too well.
"Something could've been done," Horner said.
She lost her nephew to suicide when he was just 25.
"He had the perfect life on the outside," Horner said.
Which is why she too is fighting the stigma on mental illness.
"He started to isolate and avoiding things he used to enjoy," Horner said. "People don't realize that it's a permanent solution to temporary pain."
Together, NAMI aims to open a dialogue about mental illness. Their most recent feat was getting citywide recognition and starting an awareness campaign.
"Every piece of evidence we've seen shows that early intervention makes all the difference in the world," Jim said.
NAMI hosts monthly classes and speaking series. They also offer 24/7 support to anyone in crisis.
"Never give up hope," Diane said. "That's one of the mantras of NAMI."
"It's okay to not be okay," Horner said.
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